Fact or Fiction? A Master's Degree Is the Key to Career Success
In the midst of this crazy economythere has been a lot of talk about the merits of a master's degree.Some claim it is an absolute requirement for professionals who are committed to advance – going so far as to call a master's the "new bachelor's degree."Others consider a master’s degree little more than a very expensive wall decoration.
So, when does getting a master’s degree make sense? If you are a career professional who needs to develop a different skill set in order to break into a new industry, or if you would like to advance to a higher position in your current field, a master’s degreemay be just the ticket. However, for some careers, a master's is considered essential – even for “quick studies.”
Getting a master’s degree online can be a great way to do it – especially from a financial and time management standpoint. Online universities enable you to study on your own schedule, and costs overall are generally lower too. To research education programs that can best suit you visit College Grad’s website.
Some master's degrees, such as an MBA look great on any professional resume. Business school is a smart idea for a variety of careers because it can heighten your earning potential and impress potential employers. And, for business professionals, the benefits of earning a master’s degree are really substantial. Solid work experience and the education gained from getting an MBA is a powerful combination – one that can take you to the top of the ladder.
If you are in the technology or computer fields, a master’s degree can also meanhigher salaries and career advancement. Most technology master’s programs focus on blending management skills with technical proficiency.Information Technology (IT), Technology Management, Management Information Systems (MIS), and Information Security are just a few areas in which you could specialize.
In addition to the business and computer technology fields, there are many other interesting professions where a master's degree is not only valued, but can be a real benefit.Think about the advantages and disadvantages of furthering your education and do what will ultimately lead you to career success. In some cases, an advanced degree will help you reach your professional goals and full earning potential. But, remember – depending on the career you choose – that precious piece of paper is not always necessary to get ahead. Good luck!
Just think of it. Employers are probably receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of job applicationsfar more than what they used to get. Many employers use a college degreeas a means to make the first cut. If you’re a college grad, you already have a distinct advantage over other job seekers. However, you will still need to do your homework in order toset yourself apartfrom the rest. Here are some tips that can help improve your chances of landing a jobduring a recession.
Network. Network. Network - Whether you like it or not, if you are seeking a real job right now, you have totalk to people. And, more importantly, you have to listen to what they have to say. Take advantage of eventsthat are sponsored by clubs, associations, or groups on campus or around town.Seek out professionalsin the career that interests you and solicit their advice. You never know – they may be able to connect you to someone in your field who is hiring.
Swallow hard and work for free – You probably don’t have a spouse, kids or a mortgage just yet. Those big expenses often don’t allow job seekers to explore all their options. So, open yourself up to possibly moving in with your folksor friends and taking an unpaid position, as long as it is in an industry that truly interests you.Unpaid internshipssometimes turn into paid positions or lead to other opportunities. But most importantly, you will gain valuable experience in the field that interests you.
Embrace the Internet (if you haven’t already) - Search the Internet to find companies in your field that may be hiring. You can also use social networking sites likeFacebook and LinkedInto find people you may know who work at businesses that interest you. Also, identify acquaintances who may know someone who works at a company in your field and ask for an introduction. You should also research companies to prepare for interviews. And when you have an interview, spend some time on the company’s website researching the people you will meet and the company itself.
Write some blogs & read some too – A great way to brush up on an industry or possible careers is to read blogs. If you regularly read blogs and comment on them, you can begin to develop relationships with people in the industry that interests you. Believe it or not, bloggers often offer tremendous amounts of information and expertise that can help you gain a better understanding of their field. You should also start your ownblog about the career you hope to work in after graduation. Use it to post research or events. Add a link to articles or information and offer a personal commentary. And, be sure to include a link to your blog on your resume. It is a good way for employers to learn more about you before an interview.
Take a good look around - Some industries continue to hire even during a recession. Consider alternative careers. Watch employment trendsand think about other areas where your talents could be used. There is more than one way to put your skills to work.
Most importantly,be persistent. That job is out there, you just have tofind it.Good luck!
When your best water cooler buddy gets laid off, it can be really upsetting. The rumors start flying and then the grapevine confirms that, yes, a close co-worker has been laid off. You suddenly find yourself coping with an uncomfortable situation. On the one hand, you must provide support for your friend. On the other hand, you begin to wonder about the security of your own job.
First of all, when a layoff is announced and you see a friend quietly packing his desk, don't hide behind your cubicle wall. The worst thing to do is nothing at all. React as quickly as you can or else you'll look like an insensitive jerk. Offer your co-worker a sympathetic ear, but whatever you do, don’t say things like "I'll probably be next" or "You're better off anyway...you’re getting off a sinking ship." These comments are negative and not helpful. More importantly, do not encourage defeatist or vengeful behavior. The best thing you can do is be honest. Simply saying, "I just heard the news and I don't know what to say" and listening while they vent is support enough.
But what about you? Sure, you still have your job but things won’t be the same. In fact, you, too, may become discouraged. You may even start to wonder when the next shoe will drop and if you'll be next. Very often the overall work environment changes too. Without your best office pal, it’s just not as fun as it used to be. So, what should you do?
First, you both need to change your mindset. Remember, your destiny is ultimately in your own hands. Whether you’re still employed or not, you should consider alternative ways to earn extra income. Freelance jobs are a great way to earn extra cash and gain greater financial freedom. The point is – always have your hand in another cookie jar. This helps soften the blow of being laid off. If you have a few jobs on the side and some extra income coming in, if you are suddenly laid off you’ll be less freaked out about how to make ends meet. And, in the end, you may be able to continue with your side projects, but at a full-time pace instead.
Another way to become empowered is to further educate yourself – even if you’re completely comfortable in your current job. If you continually and proactively sharpen your skills and expand them, you will be less likely to lose your job because you’ll be a more valuable employee. Not only that, if you do happen to get laid off, you will be considered more desirable if you can demonstrate you are up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technology.
Ultimately, you and your friend can turn the devastation of a lay off into a positive thing for both of you. Don’t let fear get the best of you. Rather, let it inspire you. Take classes. Volunteer in a completely different industry. Immerse yourself into an alternative job you wouldn’t ordinarily consider. Remember, a layoff isn’t the end of the world. It’s the start of a new one. Good luck!
When searching for a job, you need to cover all of your bases. Using a professional looking email is one of those tedious tasks that could make a big difference! Using words or phrases (other than your name) does not give off the sense that you are a professional and may lead to discrimination from the employer.
Play it safe and use email addresses with your name only. It may take some time to find an address that is just your name, but it is well worth it. Using your name gives the impression that you’re professional and you mean business. Here are some examples of common addresses you may want to try:
You can obtain free email addresses from websites like gmail.com, yahoo.com, msn.com or hotmail.com. Be careful which you choose, however, because domain names can also say something about you. If you really want to give off that professional vibe, pay for your own domain name ex: Seymour@seymourjobs.com.
Not only is your email address important, you email signature is important as well. The signature allows you to communicate important contact information, such as: name, job title, address, phone/fax and email. This can be very helpful with any follow up communication in the future. Once you’ve chosen your email address, use it consistently. Make sure you are not moving back and forth between your personal and professional emails. Pick one and use only that when communicating with employers/future employers.
Don’t let your unprofessional email address keep you from getting those jobs you’ve been tirelessly searching for. Cover all your bases and keep it professional! Good luck!
Filling Big Shoes? How to deal with a memorialized predecessor.
Assuming a new leadership role – such as department head, group manager or committee chair is tough enough. But, when you are succeeding Mr. or Ms. Wonderful, it can be a nightmare. Here are some tips to help you manage the tension between your predecessor's legacy and the task at hand.
Do Your Homework. Meet with the person you're replacing before you start the job to get a sense of his or her managerial style. This will help you better understand problem areas and uncover the cherished leader's secrets for handling difficult situations as well as the personalities in your new work environment. Also, speak with the folks who will be your peers and direct reports. Your questions won’t always be welcome, but you'll gain a great deal of insight from the answers you do get.
Contrast and Compare. Why were you selected as the replacement and what are you supposed to accomplish? Your new direct reports may think you should do nothing more than stay the course. But the people you'll be answering to might have something entirely different in mind. You may need to chart a new direction for your staff. It's also possible that the admiration your predecessor enjoyed caused management to overlook underlying performance issues – and now you are charged with taking them on. You must find a way to reconcile the tension between your predecessor's legacy and moving forward.
Make your mission known. Certainly, if you’ve been charged with shaking up the status quo, this will be tough to do. However, it is important to help your staff understand the challenges you've been mandated to address. Prepare yourself to hear the inevitable comment, "but she always did it this way." When it surfaces – and it definitely will – resist the temptation to back down and simply copy the behavior of the former boss. Instead, turn this temptation into an opportunity to help your new reports better understand your own leadership style.
Get the right hands on deck. Retaining a staff member with a mediocre performance record is a common mistake. This is an area where your leadership can make a huge difference. Give your direct reports a chance to get on board and meet your expectations. But don't wait too long to make the necessary changes. At the end of the day, only those folks who are willing to work with you will help you accomplish your mandate.
So, thanks for the memories Mr. Wonderful. But, now it’s time for all of us to move on.
It is easier than ever to search for jobs from the convenience and privacy of your own home, but online job hunters must beware-- there are phishing sites eager to lure unsuspecting job hunters into their elaborate identity theft scams! Although some of the most popular job sites have become more aggressive at trying to filter the real ads from the scams, the shear amount of ads posted on a daily basis poses a problem. So, it is really up to the job hunter to know how to detect the red flags and learn how to protect themselves from the possibility of identity theft.
Don’t give out any private data. Many times phishing sites will claim that certain information is needed for payment, but legitimate employers will offer alternative methods of payment that do not require you to divulge any private data. If a job posting is asking for social security information, a copy of your drivers license, or PayPal account and personal bank information, the chances are high that it is not a legitimate ad. Similarly, do not list any of this information on any resume that you post online—provide a post office box rather than your actual street address and initials rather than full name.
Never pay for a job opportunity. Legitimate job offers should never require you to invest your own money in order to earn money with a job. It is very likely that these are scammers trying to get a quick buck from unsuspecting job hunters by promoting fake business opportunities.
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Although a job posting may look and seem legitimate, scammers have gotten increasingly more sophisticated in recent years. They have begun mirroring actual sites almost perfectly, even using company names and logos. Initiating personal contact with the company posting the job is a good way to safeguard you from responding to a job offer that is potentially a fraud. You can even Google the company website and search for complaints that were filed with the Better Business Bureau.
Steer clear of job postings that lack detailed information about the company and the position. Legitimate job offers usually target applicants with certain amounts of experience and provide a detailed description of the job offer. In any case, it is important never to divulge personal information, EVER! If no personal information was divulged the most harm that scammers can do is waste your time. Good luck!
While theoretically it makes sense and financially it sounds like a great idea... I'm sure that I'm not the only recent (jobless) college grad that has reservations about moving home. Lindsay offers some sage advice to keep in mind:
1. Communicate early and often. If you have a good enough relationship to move back home after graduation, you should have a good enough relationship to talk openly with your parent or parents about your expectations for living together again.
2. Use your parents’ financial support wisely. If your parents offer to help you financially, consider asking them for help purchasing items and services that will help your job search or career development.
3. Learn a new skill or two. If you view your time at home as an opportunity, you’ll take advantage of the skills your parents can teach you-things you probably overlooked when you were a kid.
Guess its time to expand my culinary repertoire beyond Ramen Noodles and instant mac & cheese!
Heads Up Gen Y: Part-Time Work & Volunteering Can Help You Find a Job!
There's been a lot of talk around Gen Y and the workforce lately. With jobs scarce, college graduates need to make the most of their available options.
Lindsay Pollack, bestselling author, speaker and consultant specializing in Generation Y career and workplace issues, recently sat down with Career TV to talk about how part-time work experience and volunteering can help Gen Y's land a job in this competitive market.
I came across a great article on Wallet Pop that offers career tips & strategies for those unfortunate college grads (like myself) that have yet to land a job. Blogger, Farnoosh Torabi, offers some 'no-frill' alternatives to grad school:
Be an intern
Volunteer
Move home with the folks
Go abroad
Keep your online profile updated
Enjoy the time off!
To supplement this list, Career Coach, Lee E. Miller says to look for jobs in growth fields that are "not as affected by the recession" for example: education, health care, "green" technology, government and accounting.
Another viable option is to work with a recruiter through a staffing or "temp" agency. Not only can a recruiter help you to get placed in a temp position but that temp job could potentially result in a permanent, full time position. Better yet, staffing companies like Spherion do not charge employees for using the service and all of the fees are paid by the hiring client company. College Recruiter provided some great insight on what entry level workers should know when working with a recruiter.
They’re under 30. They’re smart. They wear flip flops to work and listen to their iPods at the office. They want to work, but they want to have a life too.
If this sounds like you, you’re likely a member of Generation Y, a force of as many as 70 million born between 1980 and 1995, and a force to be reckoned with. But, if this resembles a co-worker or employee, take heed. Gen Y’ers are a creative, tech-savvy, independent bunch who embrace change and have financial smarts. They also have the reputation of being high maintenance. And one thing is for sure – they are here to stay. So, when it comes to working with Gen Y’ers, here are a few dos and don’ts:
Do:
Acknowledge generational differences at work and talk about them. Boomers and Gen Y’ers both want the world to stop for them, just for different reasons. Talking about them can help.
Let them initiate. Play to their creativity and revel in a fresh perspective. Give them a project with some guidelines and let them run with it. Remember, no risk, no reward.
Encourage professional development. Let them participate in seminars, workshops and conferences. Better yet, pay for them.
Be flexible – in terms of how, where and when they work.
Give them company. Make sure there is more than one person under 30 in the office. Sometimes it’s hard to relate to things like children, spouses, and health issues. Having a like-age colleague can help ease the tension.
Don’t:
Emphasize age. If you start a sentence with “Well, you’re so young…” they’ll run for the hills.
Set them apart from the rest. Putting Gen-Y’ers in their own little bubble and treating them differently will result in little progress. Give them a place at the table and incorporate them in decision-making.
Dismiss their concerns. Even small concerns can have a huge impact. Take them seriously.
Think they are different than everyone else. After all, everybody wants flexible hours, meaningful work, a nice office environment, and ongoing training. Gen-Y’ers might just be more vocal about it.
So, put on those flip flops, turn on those iPods, and turn to Gen-Y’er for new, more creative ways to work.
Break out the tissues. This post contains sensitive material.
Today someone got laid off. Or, in politically correct speak, their “position was eliminated.” Perhaps they knew it was coming. Perhaps not. But the worst of it is this: they had just embarked on a new career and had a bright, exciting future in front of them. Could this be you?
This is how it works. First you’ll hear rumors of layoffs. The rumors result in office-wide shock and paranoia. Your colleagues begin to console each other. A co-worker assures you that you “deserve to stay” because you are smarter, more skilled, more attractive and generally all-around cooler. You’re glad that all your hard work went noticed by your superiors, but worry that those who mandated the layoff at the national level don’t know you — you are just a name that fills a position — and the newest person on the team. What’s more, according to the rumor mill, the positions being eliminated may solely be decided by how recently people were hired.
So there you have it. You went through four years of college and graduated. You land the job, are praised for a job “well done” and then all the sudden, your high expectations are dashed and you are no longer employable.
Getting laid-off is a humbling experience, especially if you’ve never experienced real financial hardship or big disappointment. But there's plenty of time to fix things and get back on track. Look at the situation as an opportunity. Consider an unpaid internship or temp work while you search for another job. Think about moving to a place where there are more career opportunities in your field. What about graduate school? Perhaps this is best time for you to get that advanced degree.
But, while you spend hours looking for jobs, be sure to make time for yourself too. Hit the gym five times a week. Use your free time to blog more. Rent multiple seasons of your favorite TV melodrama.
A youthful outlook helps too. That great next job might not emerge next week or even next month, But, remember, time is on your side -- so take a deep breath. You’ll likely be working for decades!
It’s sad but true: job security is an oxymoron. The workplace is simply not as crowded as it used to be. But, if you are fortunate enough to have a job, especially one that you enjoy, now’s the time to keep yourself from becoming a statistic and take hold of your career.
First of all, this is no time to be invisible. If they don’t notice you, you’ll be one of the first people to receive a pink slip. Instead, adjust that attitude to fit the seriousness of the times, and safeguard your position. How?
Perform! Being a valuable contributor to an organization has never been more critical. Be a good employee. Be a team player. Be a top-producer.
Stay tuned in. Skip that $4 latte in favor of the office coffee klatch. Eat at your desk instead a grabbing a sandwich at the local café. Move your lunchtime workout to after work instead. The more you’re around the office the better plugged in you’ll be.
Talk up your contributions. Make sure you're adding value by going above and beyond your basic job responsibilities. Then make sure your boss knows it -- without being obnoxious. Document what you do, and how successful you are at it.
No whining. If your workload increases, deal with it. If you have to come in early, stay late or work a weekend, suck it up. This is not the time to be thinking about work-life balance. Remember, happy campers are less likely to get laid off than chronic complainers.
Never stop networking. The day you’re let go is not the day to start calling old colleagues and asking former bosses out to lunch. You should be doing that right now. How quickly you land a new job after a layoff often depends on how consistently you've networked.
In this economy, preparation is just as important for those who still have jobs as it is for those seeking them. So, stay focused on what you’re doing, but have an exit strategy in your back pocket. Good luck!
"Simple. It is those college graduates in the Class of 2009 who are willing to think outside of the box, be creative, be flexible and execute an effective job search strategy."
There are three ways to start doing that: 1. Look and go where the jobs are. 2. Think beyond your college major. 3. Remember your "on-land" job search strategy.
Does College Really Prepare You For The Real World?
Yikes! You’ve got the diploma in your hand and that first job lined up – and you begin to wonder if all those thousands of dollars spent on tuition and books truly readied you for the working world. After all, some say that the “real world” is cold and harsh, where second chances are rarely offered, deadlines are hardly ever extended, and the concept of “fairness” doesn’t exist. It is rumored to be a barren, desolate place where work days actually begin at eight in the morning and the coffee? Well, it just plain stinks.
So after enduring courses in astronomy, memorizing little known facts about ancient philosophers, and carefully planning your class schedules (some that no doubt included three day weekends and nothing before 11 am), was your college education relevant to what you’ll be doing and experiencing in the workplace going forward?
Many times students end up pursuing careers that are not even related to their majors. So if what you learned in college does not directly apply to the specific job you’ll be performing, don’t freak out – not all has been lost. The fact is much of what you learned in college outside of the classroom has prepared you quite well for navigating workplace culture — which is just as important as the work itself.
Take, for example, the time management skills you’ve acquired. While tending to your studies at school, you’ve had to complete projects and meet deadlines as you balanced a job, parties, and hang time at your favorite Internet café. You’ve learned to text during classes and listen to your Ipod while cramming for an exam in the library. This is called “multi-tasking” and it is something you’ll be required to do pretty much all day long. You also have acquired teamwork capabilities by working on group projects in college – as painful as some of them might have been. And, just think about that professional network you’ve built without even knowing it. Your connections with professors and other students can potentially be quite helpful when it comes to landing a job in the future. Yes, a little Facebook each day is a good thing…
Most importantly, your college experience has prepared you well for managing day-to-day responsibilities like being punctual, balancing a checking account, doing laundry and going grocery shopping on a budget. You’ve gained a sense of independence that will directly translate to your work experience where you will be expected to finish a task (without being micro-managed) and finish it well.
Yes, college educates you in ways that go beyond what you learned in the classroom. But are you really ready for the real world? The answer is yes. Definitely.
Congrats! You’ve started your first real job and you’re ready to sail right up that corporate ladder, right? Maybe… Maybe not. Unless you’re working out of your house, you are likely making real, honest-to-goodness, face-to-face contact with the other human beings that inhabit your office space. Uh, oh. That means you need “people skills.” A course in office etiquette was perhaps not a pre-requisite for graduation, but if you want to make it in the real world you’ll need to this first: Master the “don’ts” of the modern workplace.
When at work, don’t dress like a college student. And no, that doesn’t mean you have to break out the pantyhose and use starch on your shirts. However, it does mean you have to take some serious fashion cues from the hotshots where you work. Remember though – some things are inappropriate no matter what. Sagging pants and tube tops should be given to Goodwill. Or torched.
Don’t neglect your workspace. Make it homey. Display pictures of your family and friends on your desk but limit it to just a few – and make sure they are tasteful. Also, stay away from vulgar pictures or calendars. Not only are they are offensive, they often initiate visits from curious HR departments…
Don’t use a speaker phone unless the room you are in has a door and a roof.
Don’t send jokes or other junk email to your colleagues. People have enough trouble just managing the real work-related emails they get each day. Plus, if your email gets in the wrong hands you could be totally humiliated and, depending on the content, even fired!
Never barge into a colleagues’ cubicle! Knock on the desk or gently let the person know you are there. And, be sure not to hover over someone who is on the phone. That’s creepy. Leave and come back later.
Don’t play music at your desk during work. If you like to listen to music while you work, use earphones. You may enjoy rap but your cube-mate might prefer peace and quiet.
Don’t let your cell phone ring at work. They should be turned off or set on vibrate mode in an open office. Cell phone calls can be very disruptive to those around you. Besides, some ring tones are just plain obnoxious.
Don’t take off your shoes and roam the office in your socks, or worse – bare feet! You’re not in your living room! It looks unprofessional, and it stinks. Literally.
Don’t warm up your lunch anywhere but in the lunchroom. Last night’s Tandorri Chicken might be appetizing to you, but maybe not to your co-workers.
Lastly, don’t forget those office etiquette basics: Get to know everyone in your office by name. Be on time for work and meetings. Shake hands firmly when introduced. Keep voice mails short and to the point. Use proper spelling and capitalization in emails. Avoid office gossip and don’t date co-workers – especially your boss!
By now, if you’re thinking all of this is common sense, just wait. What is obvious to some is less obvious to others. Go ahead. Go to work. You’ll see what we mean. Good luck!
Spherion, a leading recruiting and staffing company, partnered with MonsterTRAK, Monster.com's college division, to visit a local college campus and find out how seniors are preparing themselves for the transition from campus life to the working world.
I'm going to be graduating soon and like most college seniors, I'm getting nervous about the looming transition from college to the real world. To try to prepare, I've been reading everything I can get my hands on to brace myself for this dog-eat-dog world that I'm about to be thrown into.
The article stated that about 1.5 million undergraduates will receive their bachelor’s degrees this year and those graduates will collide with 1.85 million workers with bachelor’s degrees or higher who are currently unemployed. Pretty scary, right?
The article goes on to say -- "While the recession accounts for a large part of the drop in college hiring and the rise in unemployment among workers with degrees, the numbers also reflect a long-term trend toward producing more college graduates than labor markets can absorb. This trend is exacerbated by an equally long-standing mismatch in the fields of study that students pursue and the skill sets that employers require."
This is the first time I've heard anything like this... I mean, the whole reason I went to college was to prepare for my future career. So my question is: As a soon-to-be grad, what should I be doing to make myself more marketable to employers?
Don't Call Me… I'll Call You: Why Recruiters Aren't Calling and How to Fix That!
You’ve got your resume ready; you’ve diligently sent it out to several recruiters and hold the phones… yep, nothing! You haven’t received one call back yet! What do you do? While you might think that you’ve been blackballed by Corporate America, there are a few things you should consider.
First, take a hard look at your resume and cover letter. Is it really relevant to the job posted – or are you just sending a blanket resume response to every job posted? Even if you know that your skills and experience are perfect for the advertised position, it’s very possible that you didn’t highlight those skills in your resume and cover letter.
Now, more than ever, with the overwhelming response in jobs, recruiters are using digital scanning tools to quickly sort through resumes for relevant keyword terms. To improve your resume’s search-ability, highlight your professional expertise with relevant synonyms throughout your resume. Be very specific—for instance, if you are fluent in more than one language, you may consider having the word multilingual appear in your resume, as well as the languages you are fluent in. Similarly is you have earned a B.A. degree, you may consider using the words Bachelor of Arts as well as the abbreviation in the education section of your resume.
So… what if your resume and cover letter are spot-on and you still haven’t gotten a single call back? In this day and age, even the best resumes can get overlooked. Recruiters get bombarded with resumes and calls from qualified candidates each and everyday. One advertised job can prompt hundreds of responses!
The real question is… How do you stand out from the crowd? In one word, network! A personal introduction to a recruiter is a great way to stand out from the faceless resumes that they receive on a daily basis.
Trust me, you will find a job. However, in today’s job market, you have to stay one step ahead of the competition. Get your resume and cover letter in tip-top shape, start making introductions and shaking some hands. In no time at all, your phone will be ringing. Good luck!
Workplace Romance: Does Cupid live in your cubicle?
It’s understandable why office romances flourish. Due to the lagging economy and the amount of time people are forced to spend working, where else is a couple able to meet? People who work together also live within a reasonable dating distance, and see each other on a daily basis. Also, dating co-workers seems safer, especially for women, because you have the opportunity to get to know one another. Consequently, more and more American’s are resorting to the fine art of multi-tasking and looking for love within the walls of the workplace.
Far from being harmful, many office romances can actually improve work performance. They add an enthusiasm and energy that translates into enhanced morale, communication, creativity and even productivity. Should these relationships evolve into long-term commitments, as often happens, companies will generally benefit from happier and more fulfilled employees. According to an online Spherion Workplace Snapshot survey that Harris Interactive conducted in January 2008, only 30 percent of 1,391 U.S. workers polled in 2008 think that dating a co-worker openly would hurt their job security or ability to advance, compared to 41 percent in 2007.
So it appears the key issue isn’t prohibiting workplace romances so much as managing them. It’s a good idea to first find out your company’s policy on inter-office dating. More often than not, supervisors are prohibited from having relationships with people who work under them. This is a breeding ground for sexual harassment claims. If you find yourself romantically involved with your supervisor, you should report the relationship immediately and request to be transferred to work with another supervisor.
Be up-front, open and honest Secrecy can spur rumors… and rumors trigger juicy gossip! By being upfront with your employers and co-workers with your relationship, not only will you will deter the water cooler chit-chat but it will also relieve the stress that comes with keeping a big secret.
Don’t be too open! Public displays of affection are strictly frowned upon in the work place. It is important to keep extracurricular activities out of the office. Just because you are honest about your relationship does not give you permission to host a public make-out session in the hallway. Keep it clean, professional and G-rated.
Inter-office relationships are an inevitable part of today’s workforce. If handled correctly, you can reduce your risk and focus on having a great time. Being in love is wonderful – take it from me. Once upon a time, I had an office romance. In fact, I married her... my wife, Emma Ploid. Good luck!
You log in to your Facebook account to find that somebody has sent you a friend request. Before accepting, you scan their profile. You don’t recognize them, but no matter – it’s probably just somebody you ran into at the party the other night. Their information bar even shows that you have a few mutual friends. You accept their request, and it begins. A frenemy has infiltrated your social network.
What, exactly, is a “frenemy”? Wikipedia defines it as an enemy disguised as a friend or as a partner who is simultaneously a competitor. More simply stated, it’s someone who poses as a friend, but has ulterior motives. Frenemies come in many forms, ranging from minor annoyances such as spammers and promoters to stalkers, hackers, and other, more serious threats.
The breed of frenemy of greatest concern to you falls in the intermediate range of this spectrum: employers. As you may know, most employers and HR Specialists are very much aware of the social networking boom and how it can benefit them by providing an open window into the lives of their employees. That unknown “friend” you just added may be a member of your employer’s human resources staff, a co-worker with an axe to grind, or even your boss himself. Worried yet?
Fortunately, the Facebook frenemy is easy to thwart, if you take the simple precautionary measures outlined below. First, do not, under any circumstances, accept a friend request from somebody you do not know personally. This is the simplest and most proactive means of closing the blinds to prying eyes. If, for some reason, you absolutely must bolster your friend count, do so from a separate account containing a minimum of personal information.
Second, check your Friends list for suspicious accounts. If a name seems unfamiliar, check that individual’s profile to see if he or she is actually a friend. If a quick review of their profile doesn’t ring any bells, delete them – it’s as simple as that. Unless you’re remarkably bad at recognizing people, you shouldn’t be stepping on any toes by doing this. Even if you accidentally delete somebody you know, they’ll surely be understanding and send you a message to ask what’s up. Third, and finally, be wary of suspicious activity on any friend’s profile. A flurry of bizarre status updates, comments, and messages from somebody you know may indicate the presence of a hacker in your midst. If this kind of behavior persists, alert your friend via an instant message, email, or phone call. If they’re just as confused as you are, it’s time to delete them until they shoo the hackers away or create a new account.
Armed with this knowledge, you should be able to dodge the frenemies working to keep you out of work (and worse). These precautions are not completely foolproof, so always keep a dose of vigilance and common sense at hand when dealing with Facebook and other social networking sites. Stay alert and stay smart, and you’ll be able to stay frenemy-free. Good luck!
Cinderella Syndrome: Why Career Success is not a Fairytale.
Many students making the transition from college-life to the real world have contracted a serious condition called “Cinderella Syndrome,” also commonly referred to as “princess syndrome.” Careerealism defines this fictitious disease as a sense of entitlement when it comes to achieving career success.
Cinderella Syndrome can lead people to believe its “unfair” as to why they have not been hired for a particular job, rather than understanding that someone may have been better suited for the position. This entitlement can also lead college students to believe that after graduating the right job will fall into their laps or better yet, that a company will actively recruit them directly out of school. Ring- Ring! Reality is calling…
Today’s job market is a fiercely competitive place and sitting back on the assumption that the right job will find you is not a strategy for career success! Career success is not a fairytale, it’s out there and it can happen to you! But the only real way to achieve it is through hard work and perseverance. You must actively take steps to achieve your goals, rather than waiting around for your fairy godmother to wave her magic wand.
Start by setting realistic goals for yourself. Give yourself a daily dose of success by creating attainable of goals of progress. You are never going to become CEO of a Fortune 500 company overnight; however you can start by taking a course in Management. By conquering small steps, you’ll give yourself a boost of confidence each time making progress towards taming the employment beast and becoming closer to achieving your goals.
Network, network, network! Many times in today’s workforce, it’s not what you know that separates you from the crowd… its who you know! If you’re currently interning or temping, make the most of your opportunities. Go beyond what your employer asks of you, and show your co-workers what you are made of! Be fearless in showing how much enthusiasm you have for your work. The connections you make with your colleagues could potentially lead to job offers, letters of recommendation or just some stellar professional advice.
And remember, being positive can be the ultimate determining factor in your success. So smile on… and you might happen to catch yourself a Prince Charming while working your way towards career success! Good luck!
How to Make Your College Experience Prepare You for the Working World
Summer is long gone, and for many of you, you are deeply entrenched in your fall semester of college. You finalized your schedules, paid your tuition, bought your textbooks, and are attending classes bright-eyed and bushy-tailed; ready to learn! Well, at least that’s what you tell your parents, anyway.
In reality, you’ll be swapping classes until mid-September, filing for loans, and lapsing into a coma the minute you sit down in your lecture hall Monday morning. Thus is college – a series of formative personal choices that usually result in profoundly unwise decisions, and hopefully, a bit of higher learning, too. Rest assured, my fellow collegiate, that most people tend to make it out of college alive, sane and sometimes, even with degrees!
The workplace, on the other hand, is a completely different, far less forgiving beast. Can’t stick to a schedule in a professional environment? You’re fired. Show up unprepared? You’re fired. Fall asleep during a board meeting? Guess what – you’re fired! No matter how impressive your academic achievements, there are some aspects of professional life that the typical college environment simply does not prepare you for. A little common sense and a bit of preparation, however, can make your college experience work for you once you have graduated into the working world.
A lot of people embark on their post secondary journey with absolutely no concept of how to keep a schedule and stick to it. Those who wish to graduate quickly learn how to do this. Calendars, PDA’s and laptops keep us focused and can often mean the difference between acing an assignment and being laughed out of class. If you can develop effective time management techniques by your second or third semester, you’ll have a marked advantage over your less-organized peers that will carry over into the workplace and beyond.
Organizational skills come naturally to most, but the finer points of business etiquette can take even the best and brightest by surprise. If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re mature and canny enough to know that presenting benchmark reports in cargo shorts and a Thundercats T-shirt is a definite no-no. You might not know much beyond that, though. Business classes are a good way to get a feel for professional attire, lingo, and composure, so taking a few, regardless of your major, will help you get your foot in the door and your head in the right place. Keep in mind, however, that corporate culture varies widely from field to field and office to office, so a little research on your part is advisable. If you’re lucky, it could transpire that a prospective employer is just as laid-back as you are… And quite possibly, an even bigger fan of Thundercats!
The most important skill to be taken from your college experience is, naturally, the most elusive and difficult to perfect – the nigh-inscrutable art of responsible independence. Most thirty-something’s haven’t even mastered this yet! In fact, most people, in general, haven’t either. College, careers, everything between, and everything beyond are what you make of them. What you learn and what you do in the educational world determines, to a large extent, how everything else down the line will pan out. Make the most of the opportunities available to you now and doors will open up in places you never imagined. Diligence and an open mind will lead to wonderful things, in business and in life. There’s no telling what the future holds!
Learn how to play your cards, and learn early… You’ll only increase your chances of a winning hand. And who knows – you might even land a gig that encourages you to wear your beloved Thundercats t-shirt!
So I got on this topic with one of the interns at my doctor's office the other day. We were talking about writing papers, class presentations and group projects, and how, as undergrads we always wondered how any of this would actually help us in the "real world."
And now I can see. No, nobody actually cares about the history of the field, and you will never end up talking about theory or obscure case studies in the work world.
But learning these things are valuable in a different way. You learn how to independently find information, you learn how to back up your arguments if you are proposing a new program at work, and you learn how to appropriately participate in meetings and such.
I wish I had realized these things when I was going through school the first time around, because I think it would have helped me shape my resume when I had no experience to speak of....
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