EOEJOURNAL 2015 NOV by EOE JOURNAL

eoe journal

Volume 25 Number 113 November 2015

Healthcareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Future: Nursing Education Find Your Fit with the Federal Government 10 Skills That Can Launch a Manufacturing Career Utility Jobs Training for Veterans October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

eoejournal Editorial Comment

any people spend 40 hours or more working in an office with their co-workers. With a statistic like that, it’s easy to understand that co-worker relationships are significant to creating a company culture that can impact the success of the organization. Additionally, research shows that workers are happier in their jobs when they have friendships with co-workers. Beyond having someone to eat lunch with, employees report that when they have friends at work, their job is more fun, worthwhile, and satisfying. Of course boundaries must also be set as to minimize any negative impact of workplace friendships. Here are some ways to create and maintain positive friendships at work: Remain appropriate. Try not to share too much about your personal life with your co-workers. Telling a colleague about how drunk you got over the weekend can be off-putting, so avoid those conversations at the office. Stay focused. Remember why you are there – to work. Your boss gives you deadlines for a reason, so it is crucial you don’t get distracted. Find appropriate times to socialize. Speak wisely. Don’t gossip and talk badly about other workers. Better to keep the conversations positive. In return, this will boost the workplace morale. Be mature. Everyone wants to believe they will never be involved in a workplace conflict, but it’s not realistic. While these situations happen, it is important you handle them maturely and with finesse. By keeping these points in mind, a co-worker friendship can be a truly enjoyable experience. Lisa Petty, Editor Equal Opportunity Employment Journal

The eoejournal is published bimonthly by EOEJournal, Inc. The ownership and management of EOEJ fully and actively supports equal opportunity for all people regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin or disability.

EOEJ does accept freelance editorial contributions for publishing. Submissions must be on the subject of jobs, job searching, employment opportunities and/or related subjects.

Advertising and Editorial offices are located at: 1550 E. Missouri Phoenix, Arizona 85014 Phone: 1-800-396-3373 Fax: 1-800-293-3408

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Table of Contents Utility Jobs Training

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Use LinkedIn for Your Dream Job Page 4 Improving Communication

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Workers with Disabilities Can Secure Financial Futures

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Recruiting Candidates with Disabilities

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Workplace Sensitivity

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Medical Massage Therapists

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Giving Yourself an Edge at Work

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Healthcare Change Through Nursing Education

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Becoming a Registered Nurse

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Your Nursing Career Plan

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Careers in Hospice Care

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Maintaining a Clean Workspace

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Environmental Engineering

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Launching a Manufacturing Career Page 26 Various Career Paths For Engineers

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Addicted to Internships

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Avoiding Salary Negotiation Mistakes

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Top Jobs in Public Health

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IT Career Cross-Roads Technical or Management?

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Landing Your First Job

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Fit in The Federal Government

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Connect in College Today

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Find Your Dream Job

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Should I Get a Master’s Degree?

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November 2015

equal opportunity employment journal

Utility Jobs Training to Open for Troops, Veterans, Spouses by Terri Moon CronkDoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, June 2015 — The Defense Department announced a partnership to launch employment training for transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses in highly skilled utility industry jobs. The Utility Industry Workforce Initiative is a public-private partnership comprising DoD, the departments of Energy, Veterans Affairs and Labor, and private-sector companies Edison Electric Institute, Center for Energy Workforce Development, Nuclear Energy Institute, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and American Gas Association, defense officials said. The initiative’s goal is to promote and design training and credentialing opportunities for applicants to enter the utility industry, officials noted.

Program Builds on White House Efforts

The announcement builds on the White House effort that began in April to help America’s veterans find high-quality jobs, with a goal to train 75,000 workers for the renewable energy industry by 2020. About 200,000 service members leave the military annually. The energy sector is projected to require an additional 1.5 million workers by 2030 to modernize the nation’s energy infrastructure, according to Quadrennial Energy Review.VA’s Veterans Economic Communities Initiative will work with local resources to connect transitioning service members, veterans, and their families on training and employment opportunities. DOL will match military occupation codes with credentialing opportunities in the utility sector, and expand training capacity in SkillBridge through the community college structure.

‘SkillBridge’ Helps Transitioning Troops

The DoD SkillBridge authority promotes civilian job training available to transitioning military service members. “This announcement is just the latest example of how leveraging our new SkillBridge authority can help in easing the transition of our service members to civilian life -- while delivering real value to the American economy,” said Frank C. DiGiovanni, DoD’s director of force readiness and training. “As we have seen, [by] the private sector participating in SkillBridge, it just makes good business sense,” he added. SkillBridge will help link military occupations to utility jobs, and activeduty troops can receive entry-level utility training, such as apprenticeships or internships, in their last six months before separation. To qualify, the eight- to 12-week training must lead to a “high probability” of employment and must be provided at little or no cost to service members, officials said. Defense officials said the strategic plan will roll out later this year.

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November 2015

Use Your LinkedIn Profile to Get the Job of Your Dreams by Marene Lane

EnergySolutions is an international nuclear services company.

inding a job today requires using every resource at your disposal. This is especially true if you’re a recent grad with limited connections and are looking for not just any job but a job that you’ll really love. While a good, professionally done resume is still essential, having a LinkedIn profile expands your exposure and opens up opportunities you might otherwise miss. A compelling LinkedIn profile can help you connect with employers, colleagues and like-minded professionals in ways that a resume just can’t. How is a LinkedIn profile different from a resume? A resume is a very efficient way to lay out who you are and what you can do, but it provides limited ability for you to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Think of your resume as the price of entry that will get you in the front door. Your LinkedIn profile, on the other hand, allows

With over 2,000 world-class professionals, EnergySolutions is a global leader in the safe recycling, processing and disposal of nuclear material. EnergySolutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EnergySolutions is always looking for bright, energetic people to join our growing team. To view current open positions and apply online visit:

www.energysolutions.com

you to present your skills, your capabilities and your goals in a way that will help others connect with you. It will not only get you in the front door, but onto the elevator, past the receptionist and sitting across the desk from someone who can actually hire you. The LinkedIn profile has several parts, and all play an important role in establishing yourself as a target job candidate.

The Headline

This is your chance to summarize who you are and why someone should look at you more closely for their job opening. The headline is probably the most challenging part of the LinkedIn profile because you’re trying to capture all of your most important features in one phrase or sentence. Many people make the mistake of using their current or desired job title (VP, Sales & Marketing) as their headline, rather than using the feature to create a personal brand.

only here…

will you define the future of energy

bpa.gov/careers

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Think of yourself as a high-end, sought-after product and the headline as your slogan. A headline line, “Sales & Marketing Professional | Achieving corporate financial goals by building relationships, expanding networks and creating new opportunities” is a lot more attention-getting than just a job title.

The Summary

Here is where you tell your story the way you want it to be heard. Remember, though, that this is LinkedIn and not Facebook. You’re in professional mode here, not trying to make friends or entertain readers. Your goal is to get across what is unique about you, why you do what you do and what makes you so good at it. If you have a current resume, that’s a good basis for creating your LinkedIn summary. You can take the short, choppy phrases that are in your resume and expand them into full sentences that tell a story. For example, here is a resume summary for a Training and Education specialist: Training professional with a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and corporate experience. Demonstrated success integrating corporate policies and procedures into the design and implementation of comprehensive training programs for sales and marketing staff. Proven ability to facilitate learning by transforming complex subject matter into cohesive promotional and educational materials. In LinkedIn-speak, this summary might read: As a training and education professional my job is pretty simple - take really complicated, technical and, yes, boring subject matter and figure out how to explain it in ways that a normal person can understand. Fortunately, I enjoy a challenge and I love sorting through layers of data, technical terms and jargon to put together materials that will help my sales and marketing colleagues be more successful in their jobs. I’ve actually been told that my training seminars are fun, which is a great compliment, coming from a group that would rather do just about anything than sit through an all-day meeting! This description really brings the job candidate to life and makes it easy for the reader to view them as a viable employee. When writing a Summary, It isn’t necessary to say that you are looking for a job. Your focus should be on what excites and motivates you about your work and where your strengths like, not on what kind of work you’d rather be doing. Making yourself an appealing job candidate is what will interest a potential employer, not putting out an open invitation for a job, any job. You are discriminating, not desperate.

Work History

Writing the rest of your LinkedIn profile should follow the same format as the Summary, incorporating descriptive language in a way that makes you and your accomplishments relatable to recruiters. Include the ways in which your work was instrumental to the success of former employers and things that you did that stand out in your mind as having been inspirational or transformational. If you’re a recent grad, the same approach applies for any internships, part-time jobs or school-related projects you have been involved in.

A Few Words on Key Words

Throughout your LinkedIn profile, make sure to include words that recruiters in your field will be searching on to find job candidates. If you’re not sure, check online job sites for the kind of job you want and make a list of skills, both hard (CPA, MBA, experience with SAP, payroll, budgeting) and soft (results-driven, proactive, strategic thinker) that keep coming up. These are the words you’ll want to be sure and include in your profile.

Next Steps

Your final LinkedIn profile should provide readers with a clear picture of who you are professionally, what motivates you and what strengths you bring to your job. Once you are happy with your profile, take advantage of the other resources that LinkedIn provides to connect with those who can help you move your career forward. Reach out to friends and colleagues, join and participate in groups related to your field, and upload a professional-looking photograph for your page. LinkedIn is all about networking and the greater your visibility on the site, the bigger your network gets and the better your chances are of finding yourself sitting across the desk from the person who has just the job you’re looking for. Article provided by Constant-Content.com

A job that matters at Spartanburg Medical Center You entered health care to make a difference. Spartanburg Medical Center, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, offers a cutting-edge, team environment where you can do just that. Having achieved top honors—including the Magnet designation for nursing excellence—we make it a priority to remain on the forefront of health care. Recognizing that top honors are a result of top professionals, we offer competitive salary and benefit packages, a nationally recognized child development program and more. Areas of availability: • Women’s & Children’s Care • Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute • Heart Center • Surgical Care • Emergency Center • Spartanburg Regional Hospice • Home Health For more information or to apply, please call a hospital recruiter at 800-288-7762 or visit SpartanburgRegional.com.

SpartanburgRegional.com.

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Florida Health Care Plans located in beautiful Daytona Beach, FL employs over 900 employees with varied skills and talents. FHCP offers challenging careers and an excellent benefit package. A listing of current job openings and access to online application processing can be found at www.fhcp.com.

equal opportunity employment journal

Florida Health Care Plans recognizes the value of diversity and we are proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and are committed to employ and advance in employment qualified Individuals with Disabilities and protected Veterans. 1340 Ridgewood Avenue • Holly Hill, FL 32117

www.fhcp.com

November 2015

Improving Communication in the Workplace by Joanna Pennby

Communication is critical in the workplace, and there are many ways we can all improve. This benefits our own careers as well as improving working relationships. In order to help us all improve, I interviewed Nancy Kaye from American Communication English on communication tips, cross cultural workplaces and why she is so passionate about communication. What are your tips and tactics for communication in the workplace? Benefis Health System is Montana’s premier health system and the largest health care community in the state. Please visit www.benefis.org for more information. Benefis Health System 1101 26th Street South Great Falls, MT 59405

Benefis Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer

OAK VALLEY HOSPITAL

350 South Oak Avenue • Oakdale, CA 95361 • EOE Current openings include full-time, part-time and per diem positions. If you would like to join our team, please email your resume to Brian Beck - VP Human Resources at bbeck@ovhd.com. For more information visit:

www.oakvalleycares.org

www.eoejournal.com

Practice Conscious Listening: At the start of our communication sessions with our clients we practice experiencing ACE Inner Tube Breathing™ which calms down, relaxes the mind and brings focus, stilling the inner chatter providing an open space to really hear the lessons. The practice prepares and supports our clients to know how to actively listen to the essence of what someone is conveying. Engage in Asking Questions: To receive feedback and clarification. Our clients are taught to digest what you think is being communicated to the other person. Pausing prior to responding is creating a safe space that gives you time for contemplating, comprehension and understanding. Truth and Authenticity: Learn to discern when the truth is shining in someone, and distinguish when there is incongruence in their communication. The following limiting idea comes up often with our global clients, and seems to be a stumbling block with interacting clearly with co-workers, especially with higher management. This is how we coach them. Label Lock: We all have unconscious assumptions about how other people judge us. The ‘generalized other’ is the psychologists term for this. When we fall into this mental trap the reduced negative image

constantly comes up for you each time you endeavor to interact with your colleague or coworker. It could very well be an erroneous judgment, a limiting idea such as the “Big Bad Boss.” Your perception may be limited by your personal bias, life experiences, age, and so on. We all see the world as we know it through different filters. We then get bogged down by casting someone in a partial role that has to be incomplete. We are all humans with foibles and unique ways of understanding our particular role in our job and how it should be handled. And we think others should behave accordingly. Avoid Label Locking: Our clients are trained to become mindful of not labeling people as this or that. Labeling them puts them in a space that may not be true for them or for you. Label Lock Reversal: When you believe someone sees you in a certain negative way and you adopt and hold that thought for who you are. This is just as stagnant a view of your whole self possibilities, as when you believe someone else’s false opinion of you. Remember: You have total domain of how you view yourself. Unlock unwanted beliefs, phantoms and limitations. During the ACE Communication Workshops, we teach our clients the following tip. GOAL: I can communicate with ease with other people in my workplace with “PASS” To be; Precise, Articulate, Short & Slow.

NCH is an award-winning Healthcare system, with nationally recognized physicians, state-ofthe-art technology, and inpatient and outpatient services in a full range of medical specialties. We’re proud to have earned Magnet recognition for the third time in a row. It’s the highest level of recognition nursing services can receive. The Magnet program is recognized as the gold standard of nursing excellence. Magnet status is granted to hospitals that exhibit exemplary patient outcomes and satisfaction, have impressive nurse-patient ratios and attract and retain the best staff from all disciplines. To date, only 7% of healthcare organizations in the nation hold this prestigious designation. NCH is honored to be one of them.

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE 800 West Central Road • Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Learn more about us and our current career opportunities at:

www.nch.org • www.nch.org/careers We are an equal opportunity employer. Northwest Community Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, physical disabilities, religion, citizen status, ancestry, marital status, military status, unfavorable discharge from military, parental status, or sexual orientation.

November 2015 Many of us work in multi-cultural workplaces. How can native English speakers be more sensitive to those for whom English is a second language?

Embrace Diversity: We train our clients to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, which is an illustrative idiom that gives you the opportunity to role play and see the view from another’s perspective. Entertain the idea that it may be a struggle for them to come into a new country from a different culture and to try to communicate with a new language. They may be self conscious about their inability to communicate clearly. Learn about the other person’s culture, ceremonies, food and customs. Experience empathy. Locate something that resonates with your understanding and make it a discovery, perhaps you’ll make a friend. Compassionate Communication: Practice patience with them and try to understand the words and thoughts of multi cultural co-workers who are trying to communicate. Show understanding, by using friendly body language, share your smile, look directly into the person’s eyes, nod your head acknowledging that you are listening, use a warm voice, slow you speech down a bit, paraphrase what you think someone has said, these are all great stress busters. Treasure Hunt Adventure: You may discover a new way at looking at the world and gain a friend in the process. This is beyond a ‘win win’ situation. Everybody wins. Your company with the ever-evolving marketplace, your understanding of culture and the world at large. These are a few of the ways that we can bring about a society of conscious individuals transcending the differences and seeing the sameness and what you have in common with your colleagues.

Tell us a bit about your business. Why are you passionate about communication?

My passion is creative communication problem solving. I have a multi-faceted career background with a distillation of many diversified experiences. As a child I was interested in knowing more about the world’s philosophies and religions and how they were similar to each other. I sought out friends and went with them to see what their belief systems were. Having traveled extensively I have learned about

equal opportunity employment journal many cultures and countries. I am truly interested in other people and their cultures and different ways of doing and being. Founding an English as a Second Language School and having taught for many years, I feel the frustration of those who wish to be able to communicate well and who struggle to do that. I understand how it is for them to try to get from place to place, understand the culture and language. Those in a new country do experience culture shock. 20 years ago, I began to explore and develop interesting creative programs to put students at ease and help them learn to communicate better. We discover, discuss and listen to their goals. Our coaches assess each individual’s needs and we then create dynamic courses that deliver answers and produce great results for our clients. That is my passion. English has more words than any other language. When our international clients study with us they gain the benefit of vocabulary enrichment. This enhances their ability to learn to articulate their thoughts. We teach communication workshops to English as a first language clients as well ESOL speakers in companies and organizations to develop their ability to be confident communicators. The Confident Communicator Workshops cover many areas of communication capability. You cannot speak that which you do not know or share that which you do not feel. You cannot translate that which you do not have or give that which you do not possess. To give it and to share it, and for it to be effective, you first need to have it. Great communication starts with good mindful preparation. In our fast paced world we often do not take the time to be full communicators. We speak in shorthand and move swiftly flitting from idea to idea. Deepening our communication capability deepens our connections. My passion extends to all people to be able to become articulate confident communicators. I love helping others find and express their voice. “It warms our heart to know that we have been understood. The connection with other people is true communication in action. The thread of connection weaves itself with others and we become one in understanding.” ~ Namaste, Nancy Kaye Joanna Penn is the author of “How to Enjoy Your Job”. Free workbook available at http://www.HowToEnjoyYourJob.com

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equal opportunity employment journal

Celebrating 70 Years! 1945-2015

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The theme for this year — which marks 70 years since the first observance — is “My Disability is One Part of Who I Am.”

Holy Redeemer’s holistic approach to healing is unique among healthcare providers. Caring for the total person goes beyond the act of delivering excellent medical care. It involves meeting the emotional, spiritual and social services needs of those we serve.

My disability is one part of who I am. At work, it’s what people can do that matters. _______________

National Disability Employment Awareness Month — Celebrating 70 Years!

From maternity and neonatal services, to end-of-life care and every stage of life in between, Holy Redeemer’s services focus on your total well-being. 821 Huntingdon Pike Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 For more information or for current employment opportunities visit us at www.holyredeemer.com and apply online. Equal Opportunity Employer

If you’re looking for a challenging career, DentaQuest is looking for you. www.dentaquest.com

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Our Vision We value the inclusion of all each person brings to the company.

We have openings in: Client Services Finance

IT To apply visit www.dentaquest.com/careers

OFFICE OF DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

dol.gov/odep

Workers with Disabilities Can Reach a Secure Financial Future

Reasons to work for DentaQuest

Work-Life Balance Growing Company Community Service Oriented

Mission: To Improve the oral health of all.

by Phyllis Borzi

wenty-five years ago this month, Congress signed the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act into law. Since then, the department has worked to make these rights a reality by expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Office of Disability Employment Policy leads the department’s efforts under the ADA to promote policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities, but all of us have a role in making sure that everyone who wants a job can get one. At the Employee Benefits Security Administration, we also want to be sure when someone gets a job, they have the information and tools need to save for a secure retirement. EBSA’s Saving Matters Campaign is an important part of helping workers reach retirement with enough money to last through their golden years. Many workers enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their jobs at a high level but lack understanding of how to manage their finances. Both EBSA and ODEP want to help people with disabilities get the information they need to take charge of their finances and make informed choices. If workers are to achieve their financial goals, it is especially important that they take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans so their retirement savings have time to grow. By taking charge of their finances, workers can achieve both short and long terms goals. Retirement may seem like a long way off, but time is only your side if you start saving today.

One of the nation’s leading oral health companies

We recognize the strategic, economic, and customer value of a diverse a part of our everyday culture.

November 2015

Phyllis C. Borzi is the assistant secretary of labor for employee benefits security We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.

Opportunities for Behavioral HealthCare Professionals FIRELANDS COUNSELING AND RECOVERING SERVICES is an established, community-based behavioral healthcare provider offering a full range of outpatient and inpatient mental health and chemical dependency services at offices in Ohio. Our Program is well known for frequently implementing new services using contemporary approaches to treatment. For current job openings and to apply online, visit www.firelands.jobs.

1111 Hayes Ave. • Sandusky, OH 44870

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Strategic Connections:

Recruiting Candidates with Disabilities

any individuals with disabilities possess precisely these attributes. Yet, as a whole, individuals with disabilities represent one of the largest untapped pools of skills and talent in the U.S. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, just over 60 percent of men ages 16 to 65 who have disabilities were working in 2000, compared to 80 percent of men in that age group without disabilities. For women in the same age group, the numbers were 51.4 and 67.3 percent, respectively. Individuals with disabilities have the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to succeed in today’s rapidly changing workplace. From company headquarters to the factory floor, technology continues to drastically alter the way individuals work, helping to level the playing field for individuals with disabilities and expand opportunities for employers to benefit from their capabilities.

WANTED: Qualified, dedicated problem solvers with a demonstrated ability to adapt to different situations and circumstances. In the 1990s, two-thirds of America’s economic growth resulted from new technologies. More than half of U.S. workers now use a computer as part of their job. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that total employment will increase by 21.3 million jobs through 2012, adding 600,000 more jobs than in the previous decade. This growth is expected to be concentrated in the service sector, particularly the professional and business services, health and information technology industries. In fact, of the 20 fastest growing occupations, 15 are related to health or information technology. Individuals with disabilities can help employers gain a strategic advantage in responding to these shifts. Now more than ever, students with disabilities pursue higher education and participate in work experience programs such as internships and mentoring. Employees with disabilities also contribute to a business’s diversity and competitive edge by offering fresh perspectives and ideas on how to accomplish tasks and implement strategies. Moreover, research demonstrates that employees with disabilities consistently meet or exceed performance expectations and have a lower than average rate of turnover.

Strategies and Resources

Taking the following kinds of steps can help employers obtain these benefits and ensure that individuals with disabilities are included in their recruiting efforts: • Including people with disabilities in diversity recruitment goals • Creating partnerships with disability-related advocacy organizations • Contacting career centers at colleges and universities when vacancies arise • Posting job announcements in disability-related publications, Web sites and job fairs • Establishing summer internship and mentoring programs targeted at youth with disabilities

changing lives... every day.

We just achieved Magnet® status Join our elite group of nurses

If you are interested in a career at an award-winning, growing organization, please browse through our job postings at:

www.bayhealth.org

640 South State Street • Dover, DE 19901 Bayhealth is committed to offering equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.

Experience a career where you can shine. Centura Health is a faith-based, non-profit, fully-integrated health system spanning Colorado and into western Kansas. Sponsored by Catholic Health Initiatives and the Adventist Health System, our talented associates represent all faiths, backgrounds and experiences, while sharing the belief that we care for our patients, their families and one another as we would want our own loved ones to be treated.

careers.centura.org

Any job can provide you with a paycheck and benefits, but a job with Hillcrest HealthCare System will give you so much more. Your expertise, skills and knowledge will play an active and important role in providing high quality healthcare to an extensive patient base. And in doing so, you will gain the satisfaction that comes with helping people improve their health and their lives. At Hillcrest, we are changing lives, and we’d like you to join us.

Hillcrest.jobs Centura Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V.

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equal opportunity employment journal

Opportunities on the Leading Edge

People choose healthcare as a profession for a reason: to deliver personalized care with leading-edge resources. This is what Allegiance Health is all about. We provide job stability and great benefits. More importantly, we work to create a welcoming and nurturing workplace. Learn more about us at:

www.allegiancehealth.org ALLEGIANCE HEALTH • 205 NORTH EAST AVENUE • JACKSON, MI 49201 It is the policy of Allegiance Health to recruit, hire, train and promote, into all job classifications, the most qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or veteran status.

Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center is located in the Upper

Peninsula of Michigan. The organization provides primary care at the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, as well as at six outpatient clinics. At Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, we strive to hire only the best! Working with and for America’s veterans is a privilege, and we pride ourselves on the quality of care we provide. If you have what it takes, please consider applying for one of our available positions.

For more information visit:

www.usajobs.gov • www.va.gov www.ironmountain.va.gov

Human Resources Management Service Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center 325 East H Street • Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Phone: 906-774-3300 ext.32281

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

6339 Mill Street Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Fax Resumes to: 845-876-2020

www.astorservices.org

Astor Services for Children & Families is a voluntary, nonprofit agency sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, providing a range of services for children and their families regardless of race, creed or national origin, serving Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, & Bronx counties. For employment consideration including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses please submit your resume/cv along with copies of certification and licensure to hr@astorservices.org. Astor Services for Children & Families is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate against employees and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, natural origin, gender, actual or perceived age, citizenship, alienage, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, or as further provided by governing law applicable to the employee’s work location.

November 2015

In addition, a number of resources are available to help employers recruit individuals with disabilities. Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) (1-855-725-3276) (V/TTY) EARN is a free, confidential service from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) that connects employers seeking workers with qualified candidates with disabilities. By using EARN, employers gain access to a nationwide network of employment service providers who work with people with disabilities looking to join or return to the workforce. EARN also offers technical assistance to employers on issues relating to hiring and employing individuals with disabilities. Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) 1-202-693-7880 (V); 1-202-693-7881 (TTY) WRP helps employers identify qualified college students with disabilities for summer work experience and, in some cases, full-time employment. Jointly coordinated by ODEP and the U.S. Department of Defense, WRP establishes partnerships with other federal agencies that commit to provide summer jobs as well as a staff recruiter for the program. Each year, recruiters personally interview about 1,500 students and compile a database of their qualifications that is available to these agencies, as well as private employers, at no cost. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service helps employers across the country fill workforce needs with trained, educated and experienced disabled veterans. It provides recruitment assistance based on employers’ specific qualification requirements, and candidates are skilled , committed workers who are pre-screened for specific employment opportunities. Through the service, employers also gain access to resources to assist with recruitment, retention and succession planning strategies. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) State VR agencies help individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain employment. Thus, they also assist employers in identifying qualified, job-ready candidates with disabilities to fill their workforce needs. Each state has a designated person tasked with building and maintaining employer relationships. In addition to recruitment assistance, state VR agencies can provide services such as work evaluation and assessment for and provision of assistive technology and other workplace accommodations. State Governors’ Committees on Employment of People with Disabilities Each state typically has a governor-appointed board, committee, commission or council that provides leadership to its efforts to improve employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Employers may contact these committees for information about state-specific resources available to help them recruit and retain qualified individuals with disabilities. Disability Employment 101 1-877-4-ED-PUBS (1-877-433-7827) (V); 1-877-576-7734 (TTY) Disability Employment 101 is a publication that addresses how to find qualified workers with disabilities and highlights what various businesses have done to successfully integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce. Jointly developed by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, it provides information about VR agencies and Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs), as well as checklists and other resources to aid employers as they prepare to employ people with disabilities. Article provided by the United States Department of Labor Visit www.dol.gov for more information regarding disability emploment resources.

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Dealing with Disabled Colleagues in the Workplace with Sensitivity by Kaizen Marketing

usinesses and employers are taking positive steps to encourage may be offensive, as the person may not see themselves this way at all. disabled workers to join them in the workplace. Workers with Some people are completely open about their disabilities and may be disabilities have as much to offer as everyone else. Most countries resistant to colleagues saying the wrong thing, but others may be easily have laws which mean employers must make reasonable efforts to adapt offended. Co-workers should be aware of the language they use in relation the workplace to the needs of disabled staff. In addition to the obliga- to disabled staff, but shouldn’t get hung about saying the wrong thing all tions of employers, co-workers of disabled people have a responsibility of the time. to provide a supportive working environment. 3) Don’t focus on the disability. Many people aren’t used to being around disabled people, and they Disabled people like to build friendships and relationships with their may be unsure how to deal with them. Non visible disabilities, such co-workers like everybody else, and it’s important to see beyond their as mental health issues, can be particularly challenging for some co- disabilities. If you take the time to get to know a disabled colleague, you workers to deal with. Honesty, sensitivity and good communication are will see them in a completely different light. For example, rather than the core principles for creating viewing a disabled colleague as a positive working environment. As relationships and trust are built, colleagues may the visually impaired guy you will The following tips will help to know them as the guy who loves feel comfortable asking appropriate questions. The key is create a great working relationnever to pry or ask questions which step over boundaries. baseball, cooking and jazz music. ship between disabled staff and 4) Play by the rules. their co-workers. Staff should always know how to accommodate the individual needs of 1) Clear communication. disabled co-workers. For example, a disabled person may need access to To some extent, the onus is on the person with the disability to let their specific parking, elevators or adapted desks. A disable worker may need co-workers know if they need to be treated differently. Many may not special technology to assist them in the workplace, and colleagues must want to do this, and in these cases staff may need to get to know each understand and respect this. Meetings and presentations may have to be other before discussing sensitive issues. As relationships and trust are adapted to the needs of hearing or visually impaired colleagues. Some built, colleagues may feel comfortable asking appropriate questions. The colleagues may welcome assistance in situations they find challenging, key is never to pry or ask questions which step over boundaries. but others may find this patronizing. It all comes down to the individual, 2) Use considerate language. and communication and understanding are key. Inappropriate language is one of the most common ways disabled peoCreating a great working environment for a disabled person is easily ple are offended in the workplace. Words like handicapped and crippled achieved if you follow these guidelines. can be very offensive. Saying that someone is confined to a wheelchair Article provided by constant-content.com

OU MEDICAL CENTER | OU MEDICAL CENTER EDMOND | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

As Oklahoma’s largest and most diverse hospital, OU Medical Center features a winning team of world-class academic and private physicians, nurses and health care specialists; a team that is earning an international reputation for excellence, innovation and positive outcomes; a team of medical professionals capable of treating a full range of patients, from the tiniest premature baby to the most critically ill senior; a team that supports Oklahoma with quality patient care, medical education and research. We offer a variety of opportunities in various fields. For more information about us or application procedure visit:

www.oumedicine.com

or contact our recruitment team at 405-271-6035 or 1-866-473-8229 An EEO Employer

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equal opportunity employment journal

November 2015

Medical Massage Therapists by Ian Lewis

assage therapy is a wonderful field for those looking to help others through the healing power of touch. As a professional massage therapist, you induce relaxation, relieve stress, pain, and make people feel better physically and mentally. This is also a field that has many different career tracks, and a variety of settings. When you receive your degree in massage therapy and become licensed or certified you could work for: • Spas and salons • Wellness centers • Professional sports teams • Private practice • Health care facilities Working in a spa or wellness center is a great way to start because these established businesses can provide you with a clientele quickly. Many who go this route end up establishing their own private practice with the clients they meet while working for others. Working for a professional sports organization will also allow you to hit the ground running as you have people you can start working on immediately. This is a field that will require a bit more medical training as you will be working with athletes who can occasionally become injured.

Medical Massage Therapy

Massage therapists who choose to work in the medical field focus most of their time treating specific ailments in hospitals, medical offices, and in the offices of chiropractors.

One of the most exciting career paths in massage therapy is the medical massage field. While many massage therapists work in spa environments, those who choose to work in the medical field focus most of their time treating specific ailments in hospitals, medical offices, and in the offices Some of the many techniques involved include: of chiropractors. • Acupressure In conjunction with a medical professional, they come up with massage • Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment plans for injured patients. The main focus for a medical mas• Connective Tissue Massage sage therapist is to treat soft tissue in order to provide preventative care, • Pregnancy Massage and to enhance, or rehabilitate a person’s ability to move and function normally. They also work to improve circulation and pain management. • Infant Massage

Together,

The Best in Care

Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center and Lancaster Regional Medical Center are two community hospitals dedicated to providing the highest quality care to Lancaster County residents. We offer state-ofthe-art technology in a friendly atmosphere - and a supportive team of physicians, nurses, technicians, and staff members who work together to provide exceptional compassionate care. Each of our hospitals has been designed to provide a broad spectrum of care, and meet the needs of the community we serve. We offer you the flexibility to choose the career path, location and environment that makes sense to you, both personally and professionally. We are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, age, or disability, and encourage all to apply.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is a 965-bed hospital with campuses in New Brunswick and Somerville, offering Central New Jersey residents expanded access to highest quality medical services. Learn more about us and our current job openings:

www.rwjuh.edu

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability

To learn how you can join our outstanding team, please visit each facility online.

New Brunswick • Somerset

www.heartoflancaster.com • www.lancasterregional.com

RWJ University Hospital Somerset 110 Rehill Avenue Somerville, NJ 08876

RWJ University Hospital New Brunswick One Robert Wood Johnson Place New Brunswick, NJ 08901

November 2015

equal opportunity employment journal

• Trigger Point Therapy • Sports Massage Working in the medical industry can be very rewarding, especially for people who love to help others; assisting patients on the path to recovery from certain ailments can make you feel very accomplished. Some of the medical issues you will be working with include: • Chronic Pain • Back Pain • Certain Cancers • HIV/AIDS • Anxiety • Hypertension • Depression There are many physical and mental conditions that respond positively to massage, and for those who long to help others, it is a great career. While all massage therapists have the ability to relax and soothe, a medical massage therapist actively works to promote health and healing.

What is Involved?

Massage therapists require a lot of physical stamina, as they spend long stretches of time on their feet, and the physical work of massage involves quite a bit of muscle. You need to have a positive attitude towards every client because not only are you dealing with physical ailments, but also with mental and emotional issues.

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This is especially important for a medical massage therapist. Many of the patients you see will be working through not just physical illness, but they will also be experiencing the stress that also accompanies it. Often physical ailments can lead to emotional issues and as a massage therapist you must be strong enough to help your patient heal from both. If you enjoy making people feel better and want to make a difference in the healing process, then a career in the medical massage therapy field is for you. Working in a medical setting is one of the many options open to a massage therapist. One of the greatest things about this therapeutic field is the diverse career opportunities available

The Future

Massage Therapists have a bright future, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS predicts employment will grow up to 23% through the year 2022 for those with the healing touch, which is higher than average for most professions. For those who specialize in medical massage therapy, jobs in pain management centers, hospitals, chiropractor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities should see more opportunity. If you see yourself as a compassionate caregiver who loves the health benefits you can confer through therapeutic touch, then a career as a massage therapist in a medical setting is for you. Article provided by constant-content.com

The BLS predicts employment will grow up to 23% through the year 2022 for those with the healing touch, which is higher than average for most professions.

HEAL

EXPERTLY

TREAT

PERSONALLY The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital is a highly affiliated acute care facility providing comprehensive tertiary care in medicine, surgery, neurology, and psychiatry.

Led by Mercy Health - Ministry System Support Services (formerly Catholic Health Partners), we are joined in our Mission to give selflessly, listen patiently, care purposefully and heal expertly. Together, we bring state-of-the-art technology, and experts in over 100 specialties to 23 hospitals, and more than 450 locations across Ohio and Kentucky. We are looking for skilled, compassionate, dedicated people LIKE YOU to join us on our mission to help our communities be well. Career opportunities are available throughout our system for physicians, nurses, pharmacists and technicians, as well as support staff, administrators and managers. We welcome the different ideas, experiences, perspectives and talents of a diverse workforce. Visit our website at:

www.mercy.com An Equal Opportunity Employer

At William S Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, we strive to hire only the best! As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities at your fingertips. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries. If you have what it takes, apply online for one of our available positions:

www.usajobs.gov For more information visit us online at: www.madison.va.gov WILLIAM S. MIDDLETON MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSPITAL 2500 OVERLOOK TERRACE | MADISON, WI 53705

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equal opportunity employment journal

November 2015

Giving Yourself An Edge At Work

Pelham Medical Center Exciting Opportunities

by David Hart

oing your job well is the most important contribution you can make to your organization and to your chances for advancement. But most enterprises in today’s competitive world need to constantly improve to remain profitable or effective. The experience and insights of the workforce are a valuable source for those improvements. Here are some things to keep an eye out for as potential opportunities to contribute to needed solutions: • Failing equipment • Bottlenecks in processes • Complaints from customers • Frequent or inconclusive meetings • Grumbling among coworkers • Unequal distribution of work or rewards None of these is a guaranteed opportunity to shine. There may be good reasons why they exist; they may have been studied before and the solutions may be beyond the control of management. But some will be ripe for action, and even noting them and suggesting solutions will be a mark of alertness, insight, and motivation. How can one best prepare for identifying and taking advantage of these opportunities? The most basic method is continuous learning. Learn all you can about your organization, its missions, ideals, goals, and major activities. Keep up with technological developments in your field or industry so that you’ll be able to recommend new or different equipment, processes, or management techniques. For this it may be necessary to take courses offered by your organization or by outside educational or training institutions. You need to be a team player. You should offer to help an overburdened coworker and volunteer for extra assignments if you can handle them without detriment to your regular work. You should look for things that waste your group’s time or harm morale and think of ways to alleviate them. You should learn as much as you can about the jobs of colleagues in other organizations so that you can work more effectively with them. As important as what you do is what you don’t do. Don’t create the impression that you’re an overly eager beaver bent only on getting ahead. If suggestions are requested at meetings, offer them freely, crediting others for ideas you may have picked up from them. If you are volunteering unsolicited recommendations, meet with the boss privately so that you won’t be seen as upstaging him. Be generous with your praise and appreciation of your coworkers and don’t join the critical whispers about any of them or the boss. Criticism should be expressed one-to-one or in open meetings and always focused on positive solutions. Which brings us full circle to the most important thing you can do to get that edge: do your job well.

DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF SOMETHING THAT COULD REDEFINE YOUR CAREER? Join Pelham Medical Center and be part of a unique facility devoted to quality patient care. It’s this patient-centered focus that led to a national award in patient room layout from the Center for Health Design. Pelham Medical Center, conveniently located in Greer, South Carolina, includes an emergency department, medical/surgical units, intensive care and more. Recognizing that quality patient care requires quality professionals, we offer competitive salary and benefit packages. Be a part of our innovative approach to health care at Pelham Medical Center. For more information or to apply, please call a hospital recruiter at 800-288-7762 or visit PelhamMedicalCenter.com.

PelhamMedicalCenter.com

0514_BL

EOE

Article provided by Constant-Content.com

November 2015

equal opportunity employment journal

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Preparing for Healthcare Change Through Nursing Education

by Roberta Waite

the healthcare environment continues to shift in anticipation of the full effect of reform, there are significant opportunities for nurses to adapt to change, take action and, ultimately, influence not only the future of nursing, but also the future of the American health system. Changes, such as requirements for how much care each patient needs related to staffing levels, decreased lengths of stay, increased communitybased care, diverse patient populations and more complex technologies will require nurses to take on more challenging responsibilities. To meet these new career demands, however, nurses need proper education and training. In 1902, Susan B. Anthony envisioned that “a day will come when nurses will be university prepared,” and many of today’s nurses have achieved that goal. However, not everyone agrees that nurses need a bachelor’s degree. Currently, the most common way to become a professional nurse is through an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program. Community colleges prepare about two-thirds of all nurses through ADN programs; universities prepare about one-third of the nurses with bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) degrees. Only 15% of nurses with an ADN return to school to obtain their BSN.2 Yet, the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health—arguably the most “action-oriented” document describing the transformation needed to meet the demands of the changing healthcare landscape - calls for 80% of the registered nurse workforce to hold at least a BSN degree by 2020, compared to the 45% of nurses who had a bachelor’s degree in 2008. In less than seven years, the paradigm will need to shift, and a BSN will need to become the norm. Nurse education is not only critical for the development of the individuals in the field and the profession as a whole, but it also has a direct impact on maintaining, and continuing to improve, patient care. Researchers using

Nurse education is not only critical for the development of the individuals in the field and the profession as a whole, but it also has a direct impact on maintaining, and continuing to improve, patient care. Pennsylvania nurse survey and patient discharge data from 1999 and 2006 found an average reduction of 7.47 deaths per 1,000 patients experiencing post-surgical complications for every 10 percentage-point increase in nurses holding a BSN. While many others exist, this is just one example

The VA Medical Center located at Tucson Arizona is the “Flagship” for the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS), which serves over 170,000 veterans located in eight counties in Southern Arizona and one county in Western New Mexico. This 277-bed hospital provides training, primary care and sub-specialty health care in numerous medical areas for eligible Veterans. We’re delighted you’re interested in joining Kentucky’s leading health care provider. We are a comprehensive health system strengthened by our Catholic, Jewish and academic heritages and inspired by our shared values. Our vision is to be the premier, integrated, comprehensive health system in the Commonwealth providing high-quality care close to home — reducing the incidence of disease and eliminating inequities in access. We are fortunate to attract people who believe in our mission and who are dedicated to the service of our patients and their families. Whether you have a clinical or non-clinical background, we have allied health, professional, technical, administrative and clerical opportunities from entry level to senior management from which you can choose.

View and apply online for current open positions: KentuckyOneHealth.org/careers KentuckyOne Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer

SAVAHCS employs over 2,500 healthcare professionals and support staff. Our economic importance to the community was recently recognized by the Arizona Daily Star as one of the 19th largest employers in Southern Arizona. Fiscal year 2014 SAVAHCS treated over 8,100 inpatients, performed over 5,100 surgeries and completed an excess of 700,000 outpatient visits. Southern Arizona VA Health Care System offers a variety of health services to meet the needs of our nation's Veterans. For additional information please visit our website at www.tucson.va.gov.

3601 S. 6th Ave. • Tucson, AZ • 85723 SAVAHCS is an equal opportunity Employer.

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equal opportunity employment journal

People come from all over the world

to study here, to practice here, and to be treated here.

Thomas Jefferson University and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals are committed to excellence in the delivery of patient care, educating the health professionals of tomorrow and discovering new knowledge. As one of the most distinguished medical institutions in the country, our history is filled with outstanding people and accomplishments. Diversity, inclusion and cultural competence are critical components of our mission and we celebrate the uniqueness of each of our employees every day. To learn more about Jefferson visit www.jeffersonhr.org To apply online visit Recruit.jefferson.edu

THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY AND HOSPITALS

November 2015

of the critical role nurses play in patient outcomes. As we look ahead to a post-reform system focused on a triple benefit - better care, better health and lower costs - it is clear that the role of RNs will only become stronger.

Partnering for Success

As the largest segment of the workforce, nurses are vital professionals whose contributions have a major impact on the quality of healthcare, but only if we can keep pace with the changing landscape. Thankfully, thirdparty organizations and others from across the industry recognize the value in and investment required for further promoting nurse education and working to form partnerships to make a more educated workforce a reality. The Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Foundation based in Philadelphia has demonstrated strong support for nursing education over the past 10 years and recognizes the need to find new and innovative ways to both attract new students to nursing as well as further develop those already practicing in the field. Since 2004, the IBC Foundation has provided $1 million annually to 22 regional nursing schools and funded more than 1,500 advanced nursing degrees, but it is constantly evaluating new opportunities to further support nursing and fill the pipeline of qualified professionals. The IBC Foundation is not alone in this cause nor is it the only organization looking to help nurses with an ADN seamlessly transition to a BSN and higher degrees. For example, the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education has produced a shared curriculum partnering eight community colleges with the Oregon Health and Science University School of Nursing. Students remain within their local community while completing their BSN courses.3 Also, Florida has developed RN-to-BSN educational models that comprise community college students transitioning to state college programs and state university regional partnerships.4 Drexel University in Philadelphia, meanwhile, has a large distance learning RN-to-BSN program that uses technology to decrease isolation and make educational opportunities available for all, while also supporting the seamless transition of RNs to advanced nursing degree programs (Dr. Faye Meloy, personal communication, June 28, 2012). These inventive examples are only a sampling of the evolutionary educational strategies that are on the horizon nationwide.

Time for Action

Regardless of the model we ultimately use to further educate ourselves, a few imperatives remain true: • “Business as usual” will not educate 80% of registered nurses at the BSN level to meet our nation’s educational and healthcare concerns. • Whatever position nurses choose to pursue, their role will not be static; as such, their attitude about and actions toward learning must complement these changes. • Industry-wide partnerships are needed to best prepare the nursing workforce at all levels, from the front lines to the executive ranks, for the future. We have an open window of time to effect true change in how the American health system works. We also have the power to influence the level of care patients receive and positively impact their health. But we must seize this opportunity through education. It is up to us to work collaboratively with all healthcare stakeholders to first develop learning opportunities, whether through scholarships, innovative degree programs or continuing education models, and then use them to propel nursing and healthcare forward. These approaches are pivotal in order for us to be prepared to meet current and future healthcare needs. References 1. Zimmermann D, Miner D, & Zittel B. Advancing the education of nurses: A call for action. Journal of Nursing Administration. 2010; 40(12), 529-533. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0b013e3181fc19ad 2. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. New curricula and technology: Creating seamless pathways. Charting Nurses Future. 2010. http://www.rwjf.org/files/research/20100608cnf.pdf 3. Tanner C. Transforming prelicensure nursing education: Preparing the new nurse to meet the emerging healthcare needs. Nursing Education Perspectives. 2010; 31(6), 347-353. 4. Lavizzo-Mourey R. The nurse education imperative. Advances in Nursing Science. 2012; 35(2), 96-97. doi: 10.1097/ANS.0b013e3182537380 Roberta Waite is assistant dean of Academic Integration and Evaluation of Community Programs, Drexel University, Doctoral Nursing Department, Philadelphia; Lorina MarshallBlake is president, Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Article first published on www.advanceweb.com

November 2015

equal opportunity employment journal

How to Become a Registered Nurse

Page 17

by Justin Vict

ccording to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nurses are currently in demand in the U.S. They project this demand will only continue to increase in subsequent years. Occupations in demand usually cause employers, in this case hospitals, to offer attractive salaries and benefits to potential applicants. If you’re considering becoming a nurse, here are a few routes you can take.

VA Roseburg Healthcare System Presently no state requires a baccalaureate degree to become licensed as a registered nurse. Most states do require you to have gone through a nursing education program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Here are a few of these nursing educational programs you can choose from:

B.Sc. in Nursing

This is the traditional four or five-year college route. The total tuition costs can range from approximately $70,000 to $165,000. This route prepares you the best for practicing as a nurse in hospitals and clinics. It also qualifies you for advanced positions like a department chief. These advanced positions offer higher salaries and aren’t typically open to nurses who have lesser nursing degrees.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

This educational route typically requires between two to three years to complete and total tuition costs range from approximately $22,000 to $33,000. Going this route still qualifies you for entry-level positions at clinics and hospitals. If you wish, you can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program to become qualified for advanced positions.

Nursing Certificate or Diploma

Shortest of the three, this route can be completed between one to two years and cost you a total of approximately a couple of thousand dollars less than the ADN program. Like the ADN, this route qualifies you for entry-level positions at clinics and hospitals with the option of enrolling in a BSN program to open doors into advanced positions. Nursing is one of the few in-demand jobs in the U.S.. Depending on your financial situation and how much time you want to dedicate studying, you can become a licensed registered nurse by studying between one to five years and passing the NCLEX-RN. Keep in mind that nursing shouldn’t be about the money, but about caring for patients in need. Article provided by Constant-Content.com

At VAMC Roseburg, we strive to hire only the best! Working with and for America’s veterans is a privilege, and we pride ourselves on the quality of care we provide. If you have what it takes, please consider applying for one of our available positions. You may view our announcements online at: www.usajobs.gov or www.roseburg.va.gov 913 NW Garden Valley Boulevard Roseburg, OR 97471 The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

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equal opportunity employment journal

Your Nursing Career Plan

November 2015

by H. Cardenas

lanning your nursing career is a continuous process rather than a one-time event. It requires self-assessment and goal setting, attention and nurturing at every stage in your nursing career: entry, advancement, specializing and retirement. Your nursing career plan should be dynamic and stimulating, and responsive to changing circumstances in your life and in your field. It must enable you to assess your nursing strengths and limitations, articulate a nursing career vision, develop an achievable plan for your career and market yourself well to achieve the type of nursing career you want.

Assessment

When considering your nursing career plan, assessment is essential. Create a Strategic Nursing Plan

After your assessment and career vision development, create a strategic plan for your nursing career and document it in writing. Include your career goals, action steps you’ll take to make it happen, resources you have and will need, your career timelines and identify the indicators of success. Create a well-planned, organized document that you can refer to and adjust with changing circumstances. You’ll need to review your career plan when you complete your nursing education and enter the field of nursing, when you advance in your career, if you change specialties and when you prepare to retire.

When considering your nursing career plan, assessment is essential. Evaluate where you’ve been and where you are now to make career decisions. For example, if you are a new graduate ready to start a job search, you’ve recently completed a significant amount of time to get your nursing education and credentials, and now must target what kind of nursing jobs you want, what area of health care you prefer and the employers who have those jobs. Decide how to manage your future as a nurse by researching nursing trends, career paths, opportunities and Marketing Yourself education requirements in health care. An important part of any career plan is marketing yourself. For your nursing career plan, you must market your nursing skills, experience and Develop YourJRNLNursing Career Vision EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT LA030144B 2 8/4/2015 INC. Your nursing career vision is the link between where you are in your qualifications in the healthcare industry. Prepare to effectively commux 6.65” (4c process) MATHOMAS SUTTE0005 nursing career and where you want to take your career next. Create a nicate your professional and personal qualities to convince health care career vision by answering questions such as “What do I EOEJournal want out of employers that you have the nursing qualities to meet the demands and nursing?” and “Do I want to work in a hospital environment?” and “What challenges of their nursing positions, both on paper and in person during is my ideal vision for my nursing career?” Write a nursing career vision interviews. Be sure you incorporate an understanding of the latest trends statement that precisely encompasses what kind of nurse you want to in health care in your resume, your interview skills and when networking be, what kind of health care environment you want to work in and what and seeking mentors. qualifications you need to get there. Article provided by Constant-Content.com

Powerful Network

Innovation

Collaboration

Growth & Training

your ideas plus At Sutter Health, we believe a culturally diverse and inclusive workforce enhances our ability to provide high quality care to our patients and their families. It’s no surprise, then, that our 50,000+ employees come from all backgrounds and perspectives, which is a direct reflection of the communities we serve. If you’re inspired by innovation, motivated to make a difference, and driven to excellence, you’ll feel right at home here, at Sutter Health.

sutterhealth.org/employment Sutter Health Affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers

Providing World Class Care and Service to America’s Heroes

Join a patient centered interdisciplinary care team that values healthy home/work life balance, has one of the most advanced electronic medical records reporting systems in the country and offers great benefits, including liability protection. Reno is minutes away from beautiful Lake Tahoe, is a short drive or flight to San Francisco, and abounds with year round recreation, entertainment, arts, and culture – about 260 days of sunshine per year. Nevada has no state income tax! For employment opportunities, including complete job announcements, and online application instructions, please visit our website:

www.reno.va.gov/careers

VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System

975 Kirman Avenue • Reno, NV 89502 • 775-829-5630 • EOE

November 2015

equal opportunity employment journal

Page 19

CAREERS IN HOSPICE CARE A by Kathleen Green

hospice nurse in and a hospice physician Billings, Montana, certifies eligibility to was caring for complete the process. a cancer patient who Other members of the began gaining weight. hospice team, such as a The nurse, concerned that registered nurse and a the patient’s cancer was volunteer coordinator, spreading, suggested an visit to assess the patient’s ultrasound. But the scan and family’s needs and to showed no change in her prepare a treatment plan. condition. Hospice enrollment is Ultimately, the nurse voluntary and flexible, and the rest of the hosand, if the hospice phypice team concluded that sician confirms that a the patient’s weight gain patient’s prognosis is 6 was an indirect result of months or less, the patient her enrollment in hospice. may enroll. Patients who “She was going out more, outlive their prognosis eating meals with her fammay be recertified for as ily, going to movies,” says long as they continue to Roxanne Allen, supervimeet program requiresor of the patient’s hosments. “If a disease runs pice provider. “She was its normal course, it’s gaining weight because A large component of hospice treatment is palliative 2 or 3 or 6 months,” says she was off chemo and hospice volunteer coordicare, which focuses on relief from pain and other enjoying a better quality nator Ilene Kotajarvi of of life.” symptoms of serious illness. Escanaba, Michigan. “But Helping terminally ill patients and their families you never know. We’ve ages who have a medical prognosis of 6 enjoy quality of life is a had people who’ve lived goal of hospice workers. Hospice teams include months or less to live due to a terminal for a couple of years.” nurses, therapists, coordinators, and others who illness, such as late-stage cancer, or a work together to minimize a patient’s anxiety and life-limiting injury, such as trauma from Support and Treatment A large component of hospice treatment is discomfort in preparing for death. “People don’t an accident. In addition to treating patients realize all the things we do for patients,” says medically, the hospice team provides emotional, palliative care, which focuses on relief from Allen. “We manage their symptoms so they have psychological, and spiritual support to patients pain and other symptoms of serious illness. But the hospice team also addresses a patient’s quality time with family and friends to accom- and their families. nonmedical needs, such as managing the stress plish goals or tasks in the time they have left.” The number of people seeking hospice Keep reading to learn more about some of services continues to rise. But many people of end-of-life decisionmaking. Hospice workers the occupations in hospice care that the U.S. delay enrollment until their final days. This also help family members cope with their loved Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) projects to one’s dying and death. section explains the process of enrolling in and have employment growth between 2012 and Although there are inpatient facilities, 2022. This article provides an overview of receiving hospice care. hospice providers most often offer home care; hospice care, brief occupational descriptions, Enrollment some have both facilities and home care. The a glimpse of the rewards and challenges of the People who meet hospice criteria may enroll in number and duration of visits from hospice work, and information about preparing for a a program of their choice. Prospective patients team members, whether at home or in a facilhospice career. or their family members find and contact a ity, may increase or decrease as the patient’s hospice provider, and a representative condition changes. Overview of Hospice Care of that provider arranges for a Family members’ involvement is encouraged Hospice is a healthcare option meeting with someone from at all stages of hospice care. Unless a patient for people of all the hospice team. is incapacitated, however, the family does not A team member, such as a make decisions about treatment. “As long as social worker, often makes the person is alert and oriented, we respect the a home visit to explain the dignity of our patient,” says Chuck Wilcox, a hospice philosophy and hospice social worker in Peoria, Illinois. “We to answer questions. The ask the patient, ‘What do you want to do?’ team member may enroll During a difficult time, this gives the person a the patient at home, sense of choice.”

The hospice team addresses a patient’s nonmedical needs, such as managing the stress of end-of-life decisionmaking. Hospice workers also help family members cope with their loved one’s dying and death.

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equal opportunity employment journal

“We want to provide quality of life,” says Rachael Latta, a registered nurse for a hospice in Escanaba, Michigan. “Our job is to ease the dying process for patients and help their families get through it.” Increasing Awareness

Enrollment in hospice programs has risen steadily over the past two decades. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the number of people who received hospice services between 1990 and 2013 increased more than 7 times, from 210,000 to over 1.5 million. The number of hospice providers more than tripled during that same period, from 1,600 to 5,800. BLS counts hospice providers as part of the health care and social assistance sector. Of all industry sectors BLS studies, this industry is projected to have the fastest employment growth and to add the largest number of jobs between 2012 and 2022. And several occupations employed by hospice providers are projected to add many jobs, grow quickly, and have many job openings. Hospice is often considered a last resort, and many patients enroll in what turns out to be their final days. For example, studies show that most patients spend less than a month— about 23 days, on average, in 2012—in hospice, and enrollment often follows a hospital stay in intensive care. Hospice advocates emphasize to physicians the importance of having difficult end-of-life conversations with their patients sooner, rather than later, to inform eligible patients and their families about the hospice option. “We want to provide quality of life,” says Rachael Latta, a registered nurse for a hospice in Escanaba, Michigan. “Our job is to ease the dying process for patients and help their families get through it.”

Occupations in Hospice Care

Hospice teams may include both volunteers and paid workers who address the different needs of patients and their families. Organizational structure varies by hospice provider, but the occupations described in this section are common in many hospices. Large hospices may have several positions for these occupations; small hospices may hire part-time workers or consultants for some occupations, such as medical director.

Healthcare Occupations

Healthcare practitioner and technical occupations and healthcare support occupations make up the largest group of hospice caregivers. These workers are responsible for medical and palliative treatment, but they also provide emotional support.

November 2015

Dietitians. Hospice dietitians assist patients in meeting their nutritional needs and educate patients and their families about changes that occur during the course of illness, such as when the patient’s body no longer absorbs nutrients. Hospice aides. Also called home health aides, hospice aides help patients with medical or personal tasks. These tasks include bathing, grooming, and completing small chores; assisting with basic movement; and, in some states, administering prescribed medications. Medical directors. Also called hospice physicians, these workers review enrollments for certification or recertification, collaborate with the hospice team to develop patient care plans, and act as the primary physician for patients who don’t already have one. Nurses and assistants. Different types of nursing workers may be part of the hospice team. Registered nurses serve as case managers and patient advocates; they monitor patients, record observations and changes, and administer medication and treatment. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses assist registered nurses in monitoring patients, dispensing basic treatment, and maintaining records. Nursing assistants help patients with tasks such as eating and bathing; measure and record vital signs, such as blood pressure; and aid patients and their families in the use of medical equipment. Because of their advanced training, nurse practitioners may serve as the liaison between doctors and nurses. In addition, they often are responsible for completing inperson visits with patients who are still in hospice after 6 months and for providing recommendations to the medical director about whether to continue hospice services. Therapists. These workers provide different types of therapy to relieve patients’ pain and make them feel comfortable. For example, occupational therapists help patients engage in everyday activities, and physical therapists assist with mobility and strength. Other. Other healthcare-related hospice occupations include massage therapists, music therapists, and pharmacists. Community, personal, and social service occupations Workers in community and social service occupations and personal care and service occupations focus on the patient’s or family’s emotional and spiritual needs. Counselors. These workers provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and offer bereavement support to family members for up to 1 year after a hospice patient dies. Hospice counselors also may lead seminars, support groups, and workshops on grieving. Personal care aides. Personal care aides help hospice patients with everyday tasks, such as shopping and light housekeeping; assist with personal hygiene; and provide companionship. Social workers. Healthcare social workers help hospice patients with nonmedical needs, educate family members on caregiving and other topics, and guide patients and their families in discussing their concerns. Crawford Central School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap. Visit www.craw.org to view current openings and application procedures.

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November 2015

equal opportunity employment journal

Other. Other community, personal, and social service occupations employed by hospice providers include clergy, social and human service assistants, and recreation workers.

Management, Business, and Administrative Occupations

Hospice providers need workers in management, business and financial operations, and administrative support occupations to ensure that their organization offers reliable, costeffective services and complies with government regulations. CEO or manager. The chief executive officer (CEO) or manager oversees hospice operations by supervising staff; establishing and directing the organization’s goals; reviewing documents, including policies and procedures, contracts related to the organization, and paperwork involving patients; and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. CFO or finance officer. Also called financial managers, these workers develop and oversee the hospice budget; billing for Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance; and charitable giving to the hospice. Medical secretaries. Medical secretaries compile patients’ health records and prepare reports to submit for regulatory purposes, such as to show compliance with laws regarding staffing. They also may process insurance payments. Receptionists. The hospice receptionist greets visitors and answers the phone to direct callers to the proper staff member. A receptionist also listens to and supports patients and their families. Volunteer coordinators. These workers are human resources specialists who screen, train, and supervise hospice volunteers. They also evaluate each patient’s needs to match him or her with volunteers, such as videographers or photographers who record patients’ stories or activities for family keepsakes. Other. Other management, business, and administrative occupations employed by hospice providers include bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks; customer service representatives; and human resources managers.

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According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the number of people who received hospice services between 1990 and 2013 increased more than 7 times, from 210,000 to over 1.5 million. The number of hospice providers more than tripled during that same period, from 1,600 to 5,800. Rewards and Challenges of Hospice Work

Knowing that patients are nearly certain to die in your care may be a difficult part of hospice work. But these workers say they are drawn to helping others, and that provides job satisfaction.

Rewards

The median annual wage for most of the hospice occupations is higher than the $35,540 median wage for all occupations in May 2014, according to BLS. But few hospice workers enter these careers for the earnings potential. Some hospice workers find their jobs rewarding for the same reasons they would in any industry. For example, a director or supervisor may feel gratified through staff achievements. “My role is to help my staff feel successful,” says Allen, “and success means when the patients are comfortable, their symptoms are managed, and the family feels supported.” For other workers, job satisfaction may be more specific to end-of-life care. “Working in hospice absolutely mirrors the reasons I got into social work,” Wilcox says. “I can truly make a difference in people’s lives. A good day might be when someone quietly says, ‘Thank you.’” People often choose these careers because they enjoy helping others and find hospice work as fulfilling as they’d hoped it would be. “The reward is the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve been able to help people at a time in their lives when they’re very vulnerable and scared,” says Kotajarvi. “It’s such a positive experience.” Another advantage of these occupations, workers say, is creating bonds with the people they support. “I love my job,” Latta says. “We not only treat the patient, we treat families. You build some unbelievable relationships.”

Challenges

Among the stressors for hospice workers are the physical demands of patient care, such as standing for long periods, lifting or moving patients, and frequent travel for home visits. In addition, hospice services must be available around the clock, so some staff members need to work nights, weekends, or holidays or be on call to cover shifts. Many hospice services are covered by Medicare, so these services have many government regulations that workers must follow. Keeping up with changes in the law may be difficult enough, but the rules sometimes leave workers feeling helpless. “The challenge is to be able to meet the needs of patients and their families,” says Kotajarvi, “especially when there are times that the law doesn’t allow it,” such as when personal care aides— who may not administer medication—cannot relieve a patient’s discomfort.

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And even as hospice workers enjoy building relationships with patients and families, they acknowledge the drawbacks of getting close in these circumstances. “You do get attached,” says Latta. “It’s hard on the heart, hard on the soul.” In some ways, the longer a relationship continues, the more stressful it may be for hospice workers. When a patient lives beyond his or her prognosis, for example, families may lose sight of the fact that the illness is terminal—and it’s the hospice workers’ job to remind them. “It’s hard having to be the one to say, ‘We’re here’ when the decline inevitably begins,” says Latta. “I see it as a positive: the long struggle for the patient is coming to an end. But it’s almost like the families forget what it means to be in hospice.” Such challenges pale in comparison with the overall satisfaction of a hospice career, say workers. “People see a negative in working in hospice because all you do is work with dying people,” says Allen. “It’s not that it’s easy to work with dying people, but you know that your patient never felt deserted and that there was someone there to be his advocate. You know your patient was comforted by the fact that his loved ones were going to be supported even after he’s gone. It’s rewarding.”

Preparing for A Hospice Career

Knowing that patients are nearly certain to die in your care may be a difficult part of hospice work. But these workers say they are drawn to helping calu_EEO ad 2015:Layout 1 7/13/15 3:52 PM Page 1 others, and that provides job satisfaction. C A L I F O R N I A U N I V E R S I T Y O F P E N N S Y LVA N I A

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Workers enter hospice careers from different backgrounds. Some people move into hospice seeking a change in occupational or career focus. Others decide on hospice work because of firsthand experience with its services, such as through a family member. Regardless of their path to hospice, prospective workers typically need some education, training, or experience to enter these occupations. Hospice providers may offer additional training to employees who are new to end-of-life care. At nearly all levels of education, hospice workers need certain skills to be successful at their jobs. Other qualifications may be recommended or required, depending on the occupation. Skills. Hospice workers should be compassionate but able to create emotional boundaries with patients and their families. They also must be organized, responsible, and self-motivated, says Allen, especially if they make home visits. “In a facility, someone is always overseeing your work,” she says. “But when you’re out in the community, there’s no way you can be micromanaged.” Communication skills are critical for these workers. For example, hospice workers must be able to explain medical concepts—including some that may be confusing or even frightening—to families as well as patients. Hospice workers also need to collaborate with other members of the hospice team. And, depending on the occupation, they may have to write reports or make presentations to the community. In addition, the task of having meaningful end-of-life discussions sometimes falls to hospice workers. “Every day, we have those very hard conversations with people,” Wilcox says. “We’re going to tell you the truth, even if no one else has.” Another important element of hospice work is making sure that patients and their families feel supported. “Part of good communication skills is the ability to listen,” says Kotajarvi, “to hear their stories, not tell yours.” And hospice workers need to have integrity and to be confident in their abilities, says Allen: “You are the patient’s and family’s connection to healthcare, and they need to be able to trust you.” Education. Many occupations typically require a bachelor’s degree or more education for entry-level jobs. Students interested in hospice work can take classes in high school to help them prepare. For example, workers in healthcare occupations often study life and physical sciences, such as biology and chemistry. Community, personal, and social service workers usually learn topics such as human behavior and psychology. Management, business, and administrative workers need to know information systems and economics. In addition to taking required subjects, hospice workers recommend studying marketing (helpful for community outreach) and developing networking skills (to connect patients and their families with local resources). And, of course, it’s essential to hone interpersonal, oral, and written communication abilities for nearly every aspect of hospice work. Other qualifications. Some hospice occupations typically involve onthe-job training to attain competency. Others require both a degree and training; for example, dietitians must complete a bachelor’s degree and an internship to become fully qualified. Workers in some occupations need licensure or certification in order to work in hospice care. For example, every state requires medical and

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One way to get hands-on experience in hospice work is to volunteer with a provider. “Through volunteering, you can learn so much,” says Kotajarvi. “You have one-on-one contact with people. It’s a good learning tool.” health services managers of hospice facilities to be licensed, and hospice aides must have a minimum level of training and pass a competency evaluation or get certification, depending on the state. Physicians, nurses, and therapists are among the other occupations that require licensure, certification, or both. Optional certification in hospice and palliative care is available from professional organizations. For example, the National Association of Social Workers offers certification for licensed social workers who have taken continuing education courses in hospice and palliative care and have at least 3 years of supervised experience in those fields.

Experience

Financial managers—typically requires work experience in a related occupation for entry. But prospective hospice workers can learn a lot through experience, even if it’s not required. “With students, I tell them that getting experience is something they’ll never be sorry about,” says Allen. “Variety is to their benefit.” One way to get hands-on experience in hospice work is to volunteer with a provider. “Through volunteering, you can learn so much,” says Kotajarvi. “You have one-on-one contact with people. It’s a good learning tool.” Hospice volunteers might prepare meals for patients or offer respite for caregivers, for example. Volunteers usually receive formal training from the hospice provider before visiting patients. Some hospices allow high school students to volunteer informally, such as doing administrative tasks, but these volunteers usually do not work directly with patients. Another way to get a feel for hospice careers is to talk to workers or shadow them for a few days. Learning what it’s like to work with patients and their families is especially valuable if you’re not sure whether hospice is right for you. Ideally, you should observe workers both on home visits and in an inpatient facility. Although workers may have more autonomy on home visits than in a facility, they usually see patients and their families more often in a facility and build deeper relationships as a result. Required travel for home visits can be physically exhausting, and the closeness created with patients and families in a facility can be emotionally draining. Experiential learning in hospice care may help you to solidify career plans. “If you’re someone who wants to help people and wants to be in the medical field, hospice gives you a chance to do both,” says Latta. “I’m a nurse, but I’m also kind of a therapist. I’m working with families and guiding them through a very difficult time. It’s a very rewarding career.”

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The occupations described in this article are just some of the many working in hospice care. For example, inpatient hospice providers employ workers in occupations View our latest job postings such as building and grounds maintenance, food preparation and serving, and laundry NECC is comprised of dedicated on our website at: and drycleaning. individuals who serve in a number Learn more about these and hundreds of other occupations in the Occupational Outlook www.necc.org of different capacities. We offer Handbook (OOH). Published by BLS, the OOH provides detailed information about what competitive salaries, outstanding workers do, what education and training they typically need, how much they earn, what benefits and a career development We stand in support of equality for and advancement the job outlook is, and more. program second to none. of all people based on their qualifications and actions Other BLS resources include occupation profiles with employment and wage data from alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability. the Occupational Employment Statistics program and industry information from Industries NECC employs more than 800 professionals, at a Glance. and we believe that workplace diversity is U.S. Department of Labor American Job Centers offer free assistance with career a valuable asset. Our firm commitment to THE NEW ENGLAND planning and jobseeking. Your state’s labor market information office may have diversity stems from our belief in the benefits of incorporating different CENTER FOR CHILDREN additional resources. 33 Turnpike Road backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, and General information about hospice and palliative care, including hospice facts, Southborough, MA 01772 life situations within our organization. data, and career resources, is available from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Hospice Foundation of America. Information about scholarships, fellowships, and other resources for people interested in palliative-care careers is available from the American Academy of Hospice he district offers competitive salary and and Palliative Medicine and the Center to Advance comprehensive benefits package, challenging career opportunities, and a Palliative Care. diverse work environment. Our mission is The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association has to promote the discovery and application of information about education, scholarships, certification, knowledge, the acquisition of skills, and the and more for nurses at every level. development of intellect and character in a 114 S. Del Rosa Drive | San Bernardino, CA 92408 manner that prepares students to contribute The National Association for Home Care and effectively and ethically as citizens of a rapidly Hospice maintains a database of hospice providers searchchanging and increasingly technological world. able by state. To learn about employment opportunities, Please visit our website for opportunities: www.sbccdjobs.com contact a hospice directly.

Kathleen Green is an economist in the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections at the Bureau of Labor Statistics

San Bernardino Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

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Maintaining a Clean Workplace

First National Bank Texas and its affiliates are dedicated to being a preferred employer, providing opportunities to maximize employee potential. We offer an excellent work environment, competitive salary and benefits package. We are an equal opportunity employer. Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination due to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or other protected status. All affiliates support a drug free workplace.

For more information please visit our website: www.1stnb.com/careers 703 SWANNER LOOP • KILLEEN, TX 76543 FAX: 254-554-4385 EOE Minority/Female/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans

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by Patrick W. Dunne

our-fifths of the American workforce have jobs that require no physical labor which means that many of them let their work office get cluttered by accumulating an excess amount of papers or files. Having a clean and clutter-free environment helps us think better and naturally makes us more productive. On the other hand, a messy work space makes it harder for you to find what you need and will make your work life seem chaotic and uncontrolled. It will also leave a bad impression on clients and co-workers as an Adecco study found that 57% of workers judge their peers based on the cleanliness of their workplace. If your desk looks like a tornado just ripped through your office, try these tips to clean it up. 1) Keep only what you need

6) D on’t be afraid to dispose of things This should go without say, but your desk

probably has a ton of assorted items that you never use: old cups, random papers, various office supplies that remain untouched, and so on. Your most important items should be within arm’s length and everything else should be stored away.

Here’s a simple rule to follow: when in doubt, throw it out. You probably don’t need that two week old note that you have been saving for whatever reason. You also shouldn’t be holding onto the random flyer you got in the mail three days ago. Know that it’s okay to get rid of what you don’t 2) Keep an inventory log This will help you keep track of all the need. You will thank yourself in the end. different things that you own and will help 7) Keep a trash can and you decide which items that need to get rid recycling bin near by of. You will probably find that you have You will be less motivated to throw things way more items than you actually need. out if you have to get up and walk across the office to do so. Keep one within arm’s reach 3) Beware of filing cabinets Filing cabinets might be the go-to option so that it’s easily accessible at all times. to store all your excess loose papers and 8) Use disinfectant random documents, but stuffing them into a Just because your desk is spotless doesn’t cabinet doesn’t get rid of the mess; it only mean that it’s clean. There may be thoudisplaces it. Go through all your papers and sands of invisible germs just waiting to decide what is important and what isn’t. get into your body. Part of staying healthy Recycle the ones you don’t need as they are means disinfecting regularly so that you doing nothing more than taking up space. don’t have to worry about getting sick.

4) Clearly file papers where they need to be

9) Clean at a scheduled time

Make sure that you take some time out of each day, or each week if you’re too busy, to clean up and organize your desk. This could be the last five minutes before you go home or the last fifteen minutes each Friday afternoon. Make it a good habit and you will be rewarded. Actively cleaning up your desk is a great habit to get into as letting the clutter fill your 5) Set up a place for workplace will only make you miserable. It short-term storage may seem tedious at first, but the benefits A basket for your short-term documents of putting in a little extra work to keep a such as flyers, magazines, letters, newspapers, clean desk far outweigh the consequences and spam mail is good to have. You will know of feeling dirty and unproductive at work. that those are the less important documents Article provided by Constant-Content.com and can be chucked at the end of the day. For all those papers you decided to keep, make sure that they are kept in an organized manner and not thrown all over the desk. You can keep In and Out trays to distinguish which documents you need to look at and which ones can be filed away. Do this whenever you get a new document so that it doesn’t get misplaced and forgotten about.

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November 2015

equal opportunity employment journal

Environmental Engineering

Page 25

by Eric Dontigney

ince the fall of 2014, students have been able to study environmental engineering at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. The new environmental engineering program rounds out the existing civil engineering offerings at the university, which already includes construction, architectural and civil engineering tracks.

Environmental Engineering Basics

Environmental engineering seeks to address a large cross-section of concerns, ranging from minimizing the impact of towns and cities on the environment to protecting public health and pollution clean-up. This makes environmental engineering one of the most broad-based forms of engineering, which is reflected in the wide range of material UALR students in the program must study.

Coursework

According to UALR’s Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering, students can expect to take coursework in water treatment engineering, hydraulic engineering, land resource engineering, and hydrogeologic engineering. This last area focuses on the prevention and remediation of groundwater contamination.

EchoStar and its Affiliated Companies is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. U.S. citizenship is required for certain positions. EEO is the law.

Job Prospects

Graduates of environmental engineering programs will enter into the job market with unusually good chances of securing a position with decent pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineers earn a median salary just shy of $81,000 per year. Unlike so many other professional fields that show minimal or even negative growth, the BLS is projecting 15% job growth in environmental engineering between 2012 and 2022.

Women in Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering is also bucking a common trend in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Historically, STEM occupations have been overwhelmingly male dominated. Back in 2009, the Department of Commerce reported that woman accounted for a mere 14% of all engineers working in the United States, despite the fact that women held just shy of half the jobs in the country. Research by the American Society for Engineering Education, however, indicates that nearly half of all Bachelor’s Degrees in environmental engineering are being awarded to women. If this trend toward gender equality holds true in the microcosm of UALR, professors can look forward to seeing the faces of more young women hurrying between classes and labs in the engineering and science buildings

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Challenges Ahead

Engineering programs are accredited by ABET, a non-profit NGO. However, the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission will not consider a program for accreditation until at least one student graduates. This lack of accreditation may create additional hoops that the first class of students will have to jump through down the road. In a time more often marked by universities cutting the number of degrees offered, rather than adding them, and the constant lament of Americans waning interest in math and hard science, the addition of UALR’s environmental engineering program is a sign of hope. It signals the university’s belief that mathematics and science are not dying in America and offers another opportunity to create a more gender-equal engineering community. Article provided by Constant-Content.com

E q u a l O p p o r t u n i t y E m p l oye r • w w w. K a n s a s C i t y Fe d . o r g

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J Engage with new experiences. At Synchrony Financial, we actually like working together. We see the future as interesting, exciting, and filled with opportunity. GE has always been a training ground for great leaders, and as Synchrony Financial, we’re continuing that legacy by investing more than ever to develop our team. We support you. You support us. We all succeed. Join us at Synchrony Financial, and get all the pay and incredible benefits of a global leader, plus something you won’t find anywhere else: people who want to succeed, and want to help you do it too.

Engage with us. To apply go to SynchronyFinancial.com

November 2015

10 Skills That Fulfilling Manuf

By Eri

oe Brudzinski of Minneapolis trouble shoots a progressive metal stamping, 100-ton Minster press, at E. J. Ajax & Sons, a Fridley company which hires and trains students through an apprenticeship program to do precision metal stamping and metal forming ,on Tuesday, September 23, 2014. Brudzinski is in his second year of the 8000 hour, 4-year apprenticeship program. The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, published earlier this month, contains this eye-popper: Columbia University will charge incoming freshmen $51,000 in tuition and fees for one year. Here in Minnesota, Carleton College in Northfield, Macalester College in St. Paul, St. Olaf College in Northfield, and Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter all cost in excess of $40,000 annually. State colleges and universities have also increased tuition and fees. These numbers rise each year, along with the blood pressure of parents who shoulder the financial burden of higher education. No doubt it’s standing room only at the financial aid office. There’s good news though: Minnesota manufacturing companies like mine are investing big-time in education and training for high school graduates who have the right preparation. What’s driving this trend? IT, automotive, construction, health care and manufacturing companies have good-paying positions open -- but very few qualified applicants. Technology educators in Minnesota have become more aware of the opportunities that manufacturers now offer, and are steering their programs toward manufacturing skill sets. Delroy Nyren, career and technology educator for White Bear Lake Area High School, believes that manufacturing careers now have much more to offer than in the past. “Manufacturing is so much more appealing than it was 10 or 20 years ago,” Nyren said. “Perceptions of manufacturing are changing. It can be a wonderful career.” Nyren said White Bear Lake schools back his efforts to gear curriculum toward the technology and skills that manufacturers seek. At EJ Ajax, the workforce development program has been active for 16 years. We’re training a new generation of highly-skilled manufacturing pros. Our young people are provided with an effective, diverse training program to help them achieve their next level of professional skill. Emily Cramble operates a fiber optic laser used for etching and cutting metal, at E. J. Ajax & Sons, a Fridley company which hires and trains students through an apprenticeship program to do precision metal stamping and metal forming ,on Tuesday, September 23, 2014. Cramble is about half-way through an 8000 hour, 4-year apprenticeship. I recommend the following 10 common sense job skills that all high school grads should bring to the table:

1. Perfect Attendance

Be where you are supposed to be ahead of time, every time. Get in the habit of arriving 15 minutes early. Think of it this way: If you’re not at least 10 minutes early, you’re five minutes late. Young people who demonstrate this attitude, and the self-discipline that goes with it, will advance ahead of those who straggle in.

2. Drug and Alcohol Avoidance

Many employers retain third-party labs to randomly test applicants and incumbent colleagues for substance abuse. Before being considered for a job at my company, every applicant is tested for drugs. Each employer has its own

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Can Launch A facturing Career

ick Ajax

tolerance policy, but generally, one fail is all it takes to get bounced out of a choice program.

3. Listening and Following Instructions

Companies devote a lot of time and effort to writing procedure manuals and training. Why? Because when employees follow procedures, things get done right. If procedures are ignored, mistakes are likely. Sometime these mistakes create personal safety hazards. This is especially true in manufacturing, where the devil is in the details.

4. Math, Science and Mechanical Aptitudes

Many young people are not fully aware of their math skills. All they know is that they think it’s not always fun. And admittedly, math and science can be acquired tastes. A good educator can make these skills fun to learn, and high school is an absolute bargain compared to college.

5. Critical Thinking Skills

Speed and precision are extremely important in modern manufacturing. Employers value people who can think on their feet and make solid, confident recommendations.

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates—primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel—and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete.

With over 7,000 diverse employees company wide, Vulcan is continually looking for skilled and motivated men and women to join our team. Our employment opportunities are broad, ranging from engineering to human resources. Whether you’re looking to make a strategic career move or you are a college graduate looking to start your career, our job openings offer great opportunities. Visit or website for more information.

vulcanmaterials.com CORPORATE HUMAN RESOURCES • 1200 URBAN CENTER DRIVE • BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242 Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law from discrimination.

6. Working Effectively on A Diverse Team

Like winning sports teams, manufacturers need their colleagues to work together toward a common goal. Being a good teammate is the first step toward becoming a good leader. What temperament do employers seek? The type that can disagree without being disagreeable. Theses are the people who succeed in a team environment.

7. Problem Solving

Manufacturers prize problem solvers, especially those who can innovate and thrive in an environment that requires continuous improvement. Hiring more problem-solvers is how top manufacturers put their competitors in the rear view mirror.

8. Life-long Learning

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Technology is evolving too quickly to rely on skills learned a decade ago. Employers want people who are willing to hone their skills and expand their abilities. That means continuing education classes, reading, and homework from time to time instead of watching television.

9. Strong Communication Skills

Self-expression is gifted to some, but the skill can be taught and learned. The ability to speak comfortably to large and small groups is huge. Mirror practice pays off. Effective writing skills, optimized for devices and social media, are mandatory.

10. Dependability

Federal-Mogul Motorparts sells and distributes a broad portfolio of products through more than 20 of the world’s most recognized brands in the global vehicle aftermarket, while also serving original equipment vehicle manufacturers with products including braking, chassis, wipers and other vehicle components. Federal-Mogul fosters a growth-oriented, professional environment to promote personal success and career satisfaction. In accordance with our core values, we recognize the importance of diversity in our company and seek to cultivate a winning team of quality individuals who act with integrity and respect, and strive to be the best in all they do. Challenging opportunities are available for students, graduates and experienced professionals who have the ambition to learn, develop and implement new ideas. We work hard to attract and build a team with the right combination of talent and diversity, together with a strong work ethic, to maintain and extend our market leadership. To view and apply online for current open positions, please visit us at:

www.federalmogulmp.com

FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS • 7450 MCCORMICK BOULEVARD • SKOKIE, IL 60076

Managers don’t have time to be nannies. They want people who follow through on assignments and projects with minimal oversight. Those who work hardest when the boss is not around are the ones who excel. Students and employees of this type will always have opportunities to choose from. Erick Ajax is co-owner of EJ Ajax and Sons metal forming; www.ejajax.com. EJ Ajax is a thirdgeneration advanced manufacturer that has operated in Fridley for more than 65 years. It specializes in metalforming solutions such as fiber optic laser cutting, progressive metal stamping, and precision metalforming. Awards include Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year and Manufacturing Alliance Manufacturer of the Year. It was named as one of America’s safest companies and has operated a workforce development program for 16 years, offering scholarships, internships and apprenticeships.

Federal-Mogul is also committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants for employment based on individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other similarly protected status. It is our policy to comply with all applicable laws governing employment practices.

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equal opportunity employment journal

warding future in Glass

A rewarding future in Glass A rewarding future in Glass

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Ardagh Group, Glass – North America is a leading glass container manufacturer in the U.S., designing, developing and producing endlessly recyclable glass bottles jars for the wine, beer, beverage, and Ardagh Group, Glass –and North America is a leading glassspirits container food containerinmarkets. manufacturer the U.S., designing, developing and producing endlessly

of the leading glass container manufacturers in the agh Group designs and produces bottles and jars recyclable glass bottles and jars forand the15wine, beer, beverage, spirits and With headquarters in Muncie, IN., strategically-located ood and beverage industries. food container markets. manufacturing plants across the country, we routinely recruit for positions in a number of key areas:

November 2015

Various Career Paths For Engineers

by Justin Louie

ngineering is an incredibly broad profession, as demonstrated by the fact that engineers are found in such diverse fields as agriculture, telecommunications, and robotics. Given the sheer amount of choice available in engineering, it can sometimes be difficult for students and new graduates to decide how to plan their careers. To help with this, we’ve come up with a list of the most common career paths available for engineers. As you’ll see, some engineering disciplines naturally lend themselves to different specializations.

With headquarters in Muncie, IN., and 15 strategically-located quarters in Muncie, Ind., and 16 strategically-located plants across manufacturing plants across- the country, we routinely recruit for - Manufacturing Finance , we routinely recruitin for positions a number of key areas: positions a number of keyin areas:

- Human Resources - Leadership Development Program - Engineering (Graduating Seniors) - Manufacturing - Finance Sales &-Marketing acturing -- Human Finance - Leadership Development Program Resources - Engineering Seniors) n Resources - Leadership(Graduating Development Program - Sales & Marketing

ering EEO/AA & Marketing

(Graduating Seniors)

EEO/AA

Begin at the beginning

COME GROW WITH US!

Northern Virginia / Baltimore / Washington Frito-Lay, a key business unit within PepsiCo, is a market leader in the snack food industry. Our success lies in our commitment to providing quality products under some of the world’s most beloved brand names including Fritos®, Lays®, Doritos®, Cheetos®, and Tostitos®. Frito-Lay’s success is directly related to our employees’ constant focus on results, growth, and innovation. It’s the talented, motivated members of our team who ensure that we continue to lead the industry and set the pace. As a part of PepsiCo, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace for all employees. Our people are our greatest asset, and there are numerous exciting opportunities across North America

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Regardless of your discipline, you’ll almost always start off your career at the bottom, as a junior-level engineer. This is a basic entry-level position where you’ll “learn the trade” under the supervision of a senior engineer. The job duties of a junior engineer will vary depending on your specific branch of engineering, but they generally centre around collecting and analyzing data, testing products, doing field work, and assisting with reports and documentation.

Getting your P.Eng license

Becoming licensed as a Professional Engineer can open up many opportunities for you, and it’s something that you’ll want to start thinking about early in your career. As a Professional Engineer, you’ll be officially authorized to practice engineering in your province or territory, and you’ll be allowed to take legal responsibility for your work. The credibility that comes with being a licensed professional will greatly benefit you if you decide to move into consulting work in the future, or if you want to start your own business. All this being said, a P.Eng designation is not a requirement for engineering work and there are many successful engineers who do not hold the license. If your area of interest does not require a P.Eng or if you’re still undecided about your career in general, then it might be wise to hold off on applying for your license. You’ll always be free to pursue your P.Eng certification at a later time in your career.

Rotational Programs

A rotational program is a special type of internship in which an intern rotates through various departments within an organization, or through various roles within a department. Rotational programs are great if you’re not sure what path you want to take in your career as an engineer, since they let you try your hand at a wide variety of different jobs and tasks. These programs are also an excellent way for you to expand your professional network, since they offer you a chance to meet and connect with people from throughout your organization. Many companies offer rotational programs for newly-graduated engineers, specifically engineers-in-training who are working towards their P.Eng license. These programs can last up to four years and generally involve rotating between at least two different departments within an organization.

Networking

Networking is sometimes seen as a formal activity where professionals meet with each other on a regular basis to exchange business leads and discuss new opportunities.

November 2015

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For those of you just starting out in your career, however, networking doesn’t have to be nearly this regimented. Simply making small talk with your co-workers, going out for lunches, taking part in company events like summer barbecues and Christmas parties – all of these are easy and fun activities that can help you build genuine relationships with your colleagues. By meeting and getting to know as many people as possible within your company, you can build a solid network of connections that you can draw upon later, no matter which career path you choose.

Becoming a Senior Engineer

Once you’ve spent a number of years as a junior engineer, you’ll hopefully gain enough knowledge and experience to take on the duties and responsibilities of a senior-level engineer. As a senior engineer, there are a number of different career paths available.

Project Management

One option is to move into project management, where you’ll be responsible for managing and overseeing the work of other engineers. The responsibilities of an engineering project manager include preparing schedules, managing budgets, allocating resources, reviewing and approving technical drawings, and ensuring that projects are completed according to plan and according to schedule. This is a job that blends the technical and social aspects of engineering and which requires an abundance of leadership skills, as well as strong organizational acumen and a certain comfort with workplace politics. It’s a career path that’s well-suited for those interested in moving up the corporate ladder, since it provides for excellent networking opportunities and invaluable management experience. Successful project engineers can find themselves promoted into the executive branch of an organization, becoming Technical Directors, Vice Presidents and even Chief Technical Officers.

Research and Development

Another option is to focus more on the research and development side of engineering. As research and design engineers, you’ll be responsible for developing and testing new products and technologies. To be successful in R&D, an engineer must possess a creative mind, as well as a thorough understanding of the scientific principles behind engineering processes. If you’re looking to make a career in R&D, you should consider pursuing graduate studies in engineering – in order to undertake advanced research, you will likely need at least a Master’s degree. The fields of electrical, software, and mechanical engineering provide a particularly broad scope for innovation. These disciplines are at the forefront of the high-tech industry, and there will always be a need there for new and cutting-edge products.

Consulting

As you gain more and more expertise in your field, you can start to consider offering your services as a consulting engineer. Consulting engineers provide professional advice to their clients concerning scientific and engineering matters, and often work with both engineers and non-engineers to help design and implement solutions to technical problems. A successful consulting engineer needs to be extremely knowledgeable about their field of work, and should be comfortable working with professionals from multiple different disciplines in order to bring a project to completion. This is a career path that’s well-suited for those who enjoy the freedom of working for themselves and making their own hours, at the expense of a regular paycheck and company-paid benefits. Due to the extremely versatile nature of the job, consulting engineers can come from a variety of different backgrounds – from project managers to test engineers – and from every engineering discipline.

If you’re heading into the engineering industry, you’re probably wondering where your career might take you. Chances are, it might not be where you initially thought. In the engineering industry, it’s common for professionals to change sectors, change locations and even change to new projects that didn’t exist when they first started out. Evidently, the engineering industry is ever-changing. Because there are so many career options for engineers, we wanted to find some that you might not have considered before reading this article.

ALCON Research, Ltd. Alcon Research produces a broad spectrum of ophthalmic medical devices and instruments. We seek dedicated individuals who share our vision of diversified specialization in the field of ophthalmology. Alcon attracts and retains highly qualified people - the company’s most important resource. For career opportunities visit:

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A global healthcare company... The leader in eyecare products 714 COLUMBIA AVENUE • SINKING SPRING, PA 19608 We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.

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equal opportunity employment journal

Who knows, maybe down the road you’ll be in one of these engineering roles yourself!

Aqua Is Hiring!

Toy Engineer

Aqua America is one of the nation’s leading public water utilities providing water and wastewater services to approximately three million customers across eight states. The corporate headquarters is located in Bryn Mawr, PA with additional locations in PA, OH, IL, TX, NJ, IN, VA, NC. For current employment opportunities please visit: AquaAmerica.com and click on Careers.

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Williams International is the world leader in the development and manufacture of small gas turbine engines. Williams International is committed to equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and protected veteran status. 2280 E. West Maple • Walled Lake, MI 48390 3450 Sam Williams Drive • Ogden, UT 84401

November 2015

6/20/14 9:47 AM

While we recruit some experienced individuals to provide unique technical skills, our goal is to hire at the entry level and develop from within the company. We reinforce this culture through internal leadership and skills development programs for all team members. For more information visit us at:

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AT GRANITE OUR PEOPLE ARE THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS We promote a culture that represents many people with different backgrounds, ideas, and perspectives while remaining deeply committed to our Core Values. We invite you to learn more about our workplace and our winning team. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Also known as Santa Claus, toy engineers are responsible for developing new toy ideas, creating the manufacturing process, producing the toy and testing the final product. Toy engineers also have to ensure that their products meet safety standards, adhere to budgets and produce profits.

Special Effects Engineer

Imagine having your engineering projects or innovations on the big screen during movies, television shows, and theater performances! That’s exactly what happens for special effects engineers. These engineers put their skills and creativity to the test to develop some of the most amazing media effects. For example, special effects engineers would develop and execute 3-D animation, real-life explosions or animation projects.

Racing Engineer

Do you have a need for speed and passion for the automotive industry? Then a racing engineer career may be right up your alley! These professionals are part of a race car driver’s team and are responsible for communicating with the mechanics, analyzing computer data to make appropriate changes to the car, executing testing schedules and ensuring a safe-as-possible ride for the driver.

Sports Engineer

Often times, a career as a sports engineer is the ideal profession for people who have a deep passion for athletics and engineering. Designing and testing new equipment, and enhancing the entire industry are just some of the responsibilities that come with this role. Most engineers that find themselves in this field have a science and engineering background. For example, mechanical engineering, sports engineering, sports technology, sports engineering research and so on.

Space Engineer

Space engineers have the opportunity to see some of the things that 99% of the world doesn’t. Aside from that, they work alongside space craft teams developing egg-straordinary aircraft related technologies. From aviation innovations, to defense systems, to developing new exploration methods, it takes a special kind of individual to get this job done – and maybe that person will be you!

Beer Engineer

A career engineering beer sounds pretty good, right? Beer engineers are brew geniuses and work to create the perfect taste and develop methods to actually produce the beer. If you consider yourself a beer connoisseur, then maybe your engineering career will take you down the path of creating the next greatest pint!

Chocolate Engineer

Maybe down the road you’ll say goodbye to heavy equipment, fancy tools and big machines in favour of developing delicate chocolates. Chocolate engineers are responsible for the production of chocolate, ensuring machines are functioning properly, developing new production equipment and more than likely testing a few sweet treats for quality assurance.

Military Engineer

The main duty of a military engineer is to ensure that the forces have the services they need to work successfully. Depending on what type of role within the military the engineer has, he or she may be working on transportation methods, defense weapons, maintaining equipment (e.g., air-crafts, submarines, tanks), or developing communication and navigation methods. Article provided by Constant-Content.com

November 2015

Addicted

equal opportunity employment journal

to Internships:

How One College Student Just Said No to Service Jobs and Started Building a Career One Internship at a Time

Page 31

by Katharine Hansen, PhD

a college student struggling to make ends meet, would you have the courage to swear off typical college restaurant and retail jobs and commit yourself to career-boosting internships -- even unpaid internships? Rising Manhattan College senior Julie Davis did -- even after relocating from Florida to the far more expensive New York City. Marketing major Davis, 21, aspires to enter the music business. With four internships under her belt, additional hands-on experience while in high school, and a budding notfor-profit college radio promotions entrepreneurial venture to her credit, Davis could be characterized as already being in the music business. “I’ve wanted to work in music as far back as I can remember,” Davis recalls. “I’ve always had a love of music, mostly stemming from the obsessions my family had. As I got older being part of the music became more ingrained in me.” Davis notes that she can “effortlessly give a timeline of my life based on the music I was into and mixtapes I made at each period.” A native of Sunrise, FL, Davis began to truly get her feet wet in music at around age 15. “My brother decided he wanted to be a musician and start planning events, so I think I gained much of my interest in working in the industry from him pushing me to help with recordings and shows,” Davis says. “From there I helped him set up a recording studio in my mom’s house, and I started recording and managing my friends’ bands. At that point I was doing anything and everything to keep working in entertainment -- planning high-school concerts, working with night clubs, programming at [radio station] WKPX and so on.” WKPX is a non-commercial, educational radio station owned and operated by School Board of Broward County and located at Piper High School, which Davis attended. Her time there comprised a curricular activity in which she worked in various positions, some simultaneously for the full four years of high school -- as musical director for a year, music librarian for a year, a programmer for two and a half year years, and a specialty show hostess/co-hostess for three and a half years. Davis worked almost full-time at the station during her senior year. After graduation and her time at WKPX, Davis started college at a small private university in a much less lively area of Florida. “It was severely depressing,” Davis says, “to start college in the middle of nowhere and have nothing entertainment-related to do. From the minute I started college, I was looking into internships, and there wasn’t anything -- except for Disney Radio -- for me.” Davis decided she wanted to spend a summer in New York with her dad and try for something there. “Unfortunately, that didn’t work out so well,” Davis laments. “I had a few phone interviews, but it’s hard to rely on a person you don’t know physically exists -- especially in entertainment. I couldn’t land any jobs in New York for the summer.” Julie Davis So she refocused her efforts on Central Florida. “I wanted to explore all my entertainment options in the Orlando area. I had spent four years working in college/ noncommercial radio, and I figured that a commercial station was a good place to round out my radio education.” After searching Cox Communication’s job website for weeks, Davis spotted a posting for an unpaid radio-promotions internship at Power 95.3 FM WPYO. Her persistence nailed the internship for her. “I e-mailed my resume and cover letter twice and still didn’t receive word,” she recalls. “I sent it again and hunted down a name and number for the internship coordinator. When I called, and finally got an answer, he said he never received my resume, so I should send it again directly to him. I called back to ensure he got it, and he asked me to come in immediately for an interview. After that I had to call at least three times before they told me I was hired and another two before I had a start date. Davis interned there as a “Power Player” during the summer and fall of 2006 as she entered her sophomore year of college.

RRM Design Group is an award-winning design firm of architects, civil engineers, landscape architects, planners, surveyors, and LEED® accredited professionals. If you would like to apply for possible future opportunities with RRM Design Group, please visit:

www.rrmdesign.com 3765 S. Higuera Street, Suite 102, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RRM Design Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

ur field has never been more dynamic, people living with differences have never been able to aim higher…and working with people with disabilities has never been easier. Our agency offers a wide variety of opportunities in very different settings. We are always looking for people who are willing to put their hearts into their work. What we offer in return is a job with purpose and meaning, one where you can make a difference in the lives of others. That will make an even bigger difference in yours!

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North Florida Shipyards is a full service shipyard specializing in ship repairs, conversions, and dry dockings.

North Florida Shipyards offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits. Learn more about us and our employment opportunities online. NFSY does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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equal opportunity employment journal

November 2015

Climbers Wanted.

To us, diversity means more than ethnicity. It means developing, manufacturing and marketing life-enhancing medical technologies in several therapeutic fields. It means cultivating a workforce that spans a variety of cultures around the globe. And it means fostering the careers of talented individuals, whatever their background or avenue of interest. Take the next step in your career. Visit us at: www.crbard.com/careers www.facebook.com/ crbard

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Offices Throughout the United States and Canada

“I enjoyed working—even for free—and gaining the experience, but I think I liked putting the experience on my resume just as much.” “Not only did I get the commercial radio-promotions position,” Davis notes, “I was allowed to intern a few days in the sales department. Outside of commercial programming, I developed an understanding of most of the business operations of a typical commercial station. I definitely met my objectives there. The position was great at the start. It was mostly socializing at events and night clubs. I was the only person I knew that could get credit for partying.” But Davis says the novelty eventually wore off when the station became short-staffed. “I put all the effort I had into helping out here and there -- working extra hours, helping in the office, staying late before big events,” she recalls. “There were paid jobs available at the time, so we [interns] were being watched carefully. Even after all of the effort I put in, I was the only intern who didn’t get hired. Every other intern was shocked, and even some of the staff, but that’s how things worked. It wasn’t the effort that meant anything, just random picks.” Needless to say, Davis would not recommend this internship to others. “Not to sound biased, but it wasn’t a very realistic atmosphere,” she says. “Working there meant showing off and believing you were a celebrity more than running a station effectively. Interns were mostly discriminated against instead of taught valuable lessons. We weren’t allowed to sit in on meetings or do any meaningful work. The most I learned from that specific internship is how unprofessional commercial radio can be.” The experience did show Davis a direction into which she does not want to venture. “This

position turned me off to the commercial-music industry,” she notes. “Personally, I don’t think it’s a place for business-minded individuals with a serious passion for quality music. I have a feeling the open-access setup through the Internet may change the structure of commercial music for the better, however. We’ll see.” Despite the bitter taste left by the internship, Davis says she had at that point “developed an addiction to internships.” “I enjoyed working -- even for free -- and gaining the experience, but I think I liked putting the experience on my resume just as much,” Davis says. “Internships are funny in that the more you can say you learned from the position, the more people are willing to give you a chance to learn at your next position. After working at Power, I swore off restaurant gigs and retail stores and decided internships were the only way to go. To expand my options I transferred to a school in New York, and now I spend the last few weeks of every semester looking for another position to challenge me. I mostly have tried to apply for internships I could stretch my experience to fit, but positions that I’ve never specifically been involved in. That way, I can hone the skills I’ve already developed while trying my hand in a whole new arena.” Before making the move to New York, Davis interned as a corporate marketing assistant at Citrix Systems, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, during the summer 2007. Davis found the paid Citrix internship through INROADS, a co-curricular job program that prepares minority students for professional positions.

November 2015 Davis says her job-search strategy was successful because “I took advantage of the programs available to me in this job search.” Davis explains that she was also offered a position with The Recording Academy, which also hosts a college program, GRAMMY U. “It helps having a large group on your side,” Davis says. Citrix was Davis’ first internship foray outside the music business. “At this point I was preparing myself for moving to New York, and I wanted a position with a wellknown, major corporation. Having international experience with a large company turned out be a great way to differentiate myself from other job candidates in a place as diverse as New York.” While Davis met her objective to attain international experience, many other interns there weren’t as lucky. “Most of the Citrix interns worked with software development, so they didn’t get much outside experience. Luckily, I was one of two corporate-level interns, so I worked daily with representatives from over 100 different countries,” Davis says. “This was my first internship in which I was actively a part of the operations. I attended team meetings, I put in my opinion on company and team affairs, and my suggestions were taken seriously. The best part of the whole experience was being pushed to work with the other marketing teams. I was hired for Customer Marketing, which entailed work with case studies, event planning and CRM [Customer Relationship Management] systems, but I was also recruited for C-level projects with Second Life and company-wide initiatives. I was pushed to interview heads of various teams and start networking,” she recalls. Davis also participated in numerous programs and classes through Citrix. “We had a ton of internship luncheons, free days to go to skill-building classes, and a team outing for everything. Yep, all that extra socializing was torture -- just kidding!” Davis indicates that the Citrix experience provided an excellent building block for her life and career. “The family at Citrix, most of which I still keep in touch with, taught me incredible life lessons,” she says. “In one summer I felt more comfortable taking chances and making the most of my college experience because of the stories they shared of moving around the world, starting families, and living life all while living comfortably. While the professional experience was priceless, I think this position contributed most to my life in relation to my career as opposed to my career alone.” In fact, Davis would not necessarily recommend the Citrix internship for others interested in the music business, but calls it “an internship better suited for someone looking for a hands-on corporate experience.” In the fall of 2007, Davis made her planned move to New York and enrolled in Manhattan College -- but as usual, she was focused on her next career move. “My purpose for moving to New York was to get more industry experience. A major record label was an obvious choice. My main goal

equal opportunity employment journal was to get my foot in the door and create a place for myself in music. She had applied for an internship at a label even before arriving in the city, having found a posting on entertainmentcareers.org. “Major record-label positions are hard to come by,” Davis notes, “especially when moving to a new state. I applied for this internship about a week before I moved to New York, and I got a call back the day after I got there. Perfect timing.” The position was as an unpaid international marketing intern at Island Def Jam Music Group, and Davis spent her fall 2007 semester there. “Although I was only there for a semester, I worked with a great group in International Marketing,” Davis recalls. “I even temped for the department’s administrative assistant on a few occasions. I’m pretty sure that if I wanted to get in at Island Def Jam when I graduate, I could make a few calls and have some good references. It was great being in the label environment. For an office job, everything was incredibly casual. The team I worked on was very close-knit, so it made it easy to feel relaxed around everyone.” The casual atmosphere had its downside, “at least for the interns,” Davis notes. “No one had any issues asking us to go on a coffee run or go pick up lunch. The worst aspect of the internship was the lack of accountability. There were four interns on our team, but we were each held accountable for the actions of one. The idea was that it promoted teamwork, but since half of us didn’t see the other half all semester, it was hard to coordinate and nearly impossible to check each other’s work.” Davis recommends this internship as “a great position for anyone looking to get started in the music industry.” Davis also notes that Island Def Jam’s internships “are a good way to figure out if working in commercial music is for you.” Already soured on commercial music by her experience in Orlando, Davis was still exploring. “Most of the interns I talked felt [commercial music] was a little too fake for them,” Davis observes, “but almost al the full-time employees appreciated the opportunity to work in a such a fast-paced glamorous atmosphere.” Ultimately, though, Davis says the internship “turned me off to commercial music in general. I don’t even listen to mainstream radio anymore! But it did show me that I’d like to focus my attention on independent music and helping lesserknown artists make a name for themselves. Added bonus: I now know record label jobs don’t pay squat for the amount of work you have to put in.” Davis’ current internship represents her second venture outside the music business, but the choice of industry was not entirely by design. “I’ll admit a large part of the search was to avoid working at a restaurant. Moving to a big, expensive city happens to cost a ton! My main objective, however, was to learn a thing or two about public relations and/or branding, the two areas of marketing I hadn’t worked in at all. She

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While it make take resourcefulness and persistence to obtain internships, they are quite possible to get with some effort.

Since 1983, Four Seasons Environmental, Inc. has offered consulting services that help its clients save money, whether it is through high performance equipment operations, more efficient maintenance practices, energy efficiency or other avenues. As a veteran-owned business, FSE is privileged to provide consulting expertise that help its clients to be more efficient, including Facility Commissioning, Energy Savings Services, HB 264 Consulting and LEED Consulting Services. Learn more about us and our current openings at:

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43 NEW GARVER ROAD • MONROE, OH 45050

We are an institutional, commercial, full-facility operation and maintenance contractor and equal opportunity employer including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Tosoh Bioscience, Inc. (TBI) provides highly sophisticated diagnostic systems to doctor’s offices, hospitals and reference laboratories.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

The employee work environment is fast-paced, challenging and offers opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. TBI employees are focused on the collective vision of providing quality products and services through innovation. For information regarding job openings at TBI, or to submit an application, please visit the Tosoh Jobs Portal online at: www.tosoh.iapplicants.com Learn more about us at: www.tosohbioscience.com 6000 Shoreline Court • Suite 101 • South San Francisco, CA 94080

equal opportunity employment journal

“Don’t limit yourself, especially in business. If you have a preference for one field, such as marketing, explore as much of that field as you possibly can.” found a paid internship at a public-relations agency through an e-mail blast to her college’s business school sent out by the school’s Career Services office. “My previous internship with Island Def Jam pushed me to be more open to opportunities that weren’t directly musicrelated,” Davis says. “Being open to a different learning experience is what landed me in such a great place.” Davis also notes that this openness to learning provides an instant answer to the frequently-asked interview question, “Why do you want to work here?” Davis got the new learning experience she sought. “This internship was just what I needed to balance my marketing knowledge,” she says. “It actually spurred my interest in media relations, which turned out to be a big part of my plans for the future. For someone looking to find where they fit in the marketing world, this is a great position. I get to work with event planning, I use Photoshop almost daily to come up with designs for clients, and I’m learning how much goes on in journalism and different industries our clients work in. It’s a great place for well-rounded experience.” Davis’ experiences at the firm were less satisfying during the spring 2008 semester than during the subsequent summer. “Somewhere along the line of this position, while I was working 20 hours a week during the school year, I got bored,” Davis explains. “It was hard for everyone because we all wanted to give me more responsibility, but there just weren’t enough hours in the week.” In contrast, though, Davis says, “working full-time over the summer brought all sorts of new challenges. Recently, I’ve been meeting with clients, developing contact lists and putting together press materials for various client opportunities. The best part thus far came last week when I was asked to become a full-fledged team member for one of our client projects. It sounds lame, but involves pitching media contacts and developing relationships to ensure a smooth wellpublicized launch of a new product. It’s easily the biggest responsibility I’ve had at any internship.” In fact, Davis believes the internship “will be a great aftergraduation bargaining chip. A few consecutive months in a professional environment with important responsibility doesn’t seem like a simple ‘I make coffee runs’” type of internship. I think I’ll be able to sell my experience here as a first job.” In looking back at all her internships, Davis says that “surprisingly, my non-music related internships have been my favorites. It’s so much easier to actively participate and learn without feeling alienated in non-entertainment jobs, mostly because the egos are much smaller.” Davis advises other students interested in doing internships: “Don’t limit yourself, especially in business. If you have a preference for one field, such as marketing, explore as much of that field as you possibly can. Skillsets tend to overlap, but if you’re perceptive, you’ll learn a ton about who you are and where you fit in the mix.”

www.eoejournal.com

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Where has school been for Davis during her internship addiction? Asked to compare the learning she gained from internships with her classroom learning, Davis declares that “the two don’t compare at all. I like to think of my classroom education as the first few steps on a long flight of stairs. Internships come right after. College is important for getting the basics and becoming well-rounded. Classes point you in the right direction and give you something to talk about when you get there. For me, that direction was toward internships. In each position I’ve held, I’ve gained more of an insight on the goings-on of actual offices, not just the group-project simulations you get in class. Internships shed light on the mysterious world of office politics, the role of experience and expectations, work etiquette, and so much more. I’m using my internship experience as footing for when I graduate and start working full-time. Most of my friends that have graduated already had a serious case of culture shock when they started working. I feel as though my experience will make it a much smoother transition.” That transition will likely include Davis’ latest venture. While working at the public-relations agency and getting firsthand experience with PR, Davis says, “I felt like I was ready to start working toward one of my lifelong goals -- starting a not-forprofit college-radio promotions and publicity company. After working at Island Def Jam and Power, I felt like my energy was much better spent using my college-radio experience and my publicity experience to help artists that have yet to become established by offering a low-to-no cost service. And so, I established BlockStar Promo” (See also BlockStar’s MySpace page). “My main goal is getting quality music -- music that means something to someone -- heard while giving artists who are as passionate about music as I am a chance to shine,” Davis says.” The plan is to work with artists that have upcoming projects they’d like to share with the world, such as new albums, a major tour, etc. It’s also giving me a chance to work on developing my web-design skills. I’d like to get a good site set up and create quality video presentations for media contacts as well as potential clients. I wanted to make a booklet, but I feel like this is much more economical and environmentally friendly. Right now I’m still working on spreading the word and getting established as a legal entity in New York, but I’m hoping to start consulting and promoting independent artists all over the country by the end of the year.” Although Julie Davis’ internship addiction has yet to be tested with post-graduation career success, her experience demonstrates a number of lessons about internships: Students will generally obtain more career-propelling learning from internships related to their future paths than they would from working for money in the type of low-level service jobs in which college students often work. While it make take resourcefulness and persistence to obtain internships, they are quite possible to get with some effort. Even paid internships are attainable. But if you can’t find a paid internship, remember Julie Davis. If she could manage in expensive New York City on an unpaid internship, maybe you can find a way to manage. Remaining open to internships a bit outside the realm of your immediate career plans will enable you to expand your skillset and your network. Employers increasingly hire experience, even in new grads, and the more internships you have, the more experience and accomplishments you have to list on your resume. With the right attitude -- like Davis’s -- you can find silver linings even in disappointing internships. Katharine Hansen, PhD, QuintCareers.com Creative Director Katharine Hansen, Ph.D., creative director and associate publisher of Quintessential Careers, is an educator, author, and blogger who provides content for Quintessential Careers, edits QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for jobseekers, and blogs about storytelling in the job search at A Storied Career. Katharine, who earned her PhD in organizational behavior from Union Institute & University, Cincinnati, OH, is author of Dynamic Cover Letters for New Graduates and A Foot in the Door: Networking Your Way into the Hidden Job Market (both published by Ten Speed Press), as well as Top Notch Executive Resumes (Career Press); and with Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., Dynamic Cover Letters, Write Your Way to a Higher GPA (Ten Speed), and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Study Skills (Alpha). Visit her personal Website or reach her by e-mail at kathy(at)quintcareers.com. Check out Dr. Hansen on GooglePlus.

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Achieve the Job Offer You Deserve by Avoiding These 10 Salary Negotiation Mistakes

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

hether you’re new to job-hunting or a seasoned pro, whether you love the art of salary negotiation or dread it, the truth is that knowing salary negotiation tactics—and avoiding salary negotiation landmines—are key to obtaining the job offer you seek and deserve. While much is written about the tactics of salary negotiation, this article focuses on negotiation techniques you want to avoid—salary negotiation mistakes that could result in a much lower job offer—or worse—losing the job offer you worked so hard to obtain. These 10 mistakes can be easily have been avoided by following the advice in this article.

1. Settling/Not Negotiating.

Probably the biggest mistake you can make is simply deciding to settle and accept whatever offer you receive. Research shows that younger jobseekers and female job-seekers often make this mistake—either from not completely understanding the negotiation process or from a dislike or discomfort with the idea of negotiating. Settling for a lower salary than you are worth has some major negative financial consequences—you’ll earn less, receive smaller raises (because most raises are based as a percentage of your salary), and have a smaller pension (since pension contributions are usually a percentage of your salary). But settling for an offer that you feel in your heart is too low will not only set you back financially, but also eat at you until you finally begin to seriously dislike your job and/or employer. Of course, in certain professions (like sales), it is expected you’ll negotiate your salary.

2. Revealing How Much You Would Accept.

Information is the key to any kind of negotiation and a common mistake job-seekers make is telling the employer what you’ll accept. Sometimes it is hard not to offer this information—especially if the employer asks for a salary history or salary requirement. Some employers will also ask —in a preliminary interview—what salary you’re looking for. In all these situations, you need to carefully decide how you’ll handle the situation. The earlier you give up this kind of information, the less room -- if any —you’ll have for negotiating a better offer when the time arrives. Always try to remain as noncommittal as possible when asked about your salary requirements too early in the interview process.

3. Focusing on Need/Greed Rather Than Value.

A very common salary negotiation error is focusing on what you feel you need or deserve rather than on your value and the value you being to the prospective employer. Employers don’t care that your salary won’t cover your mortgage or student loan payments or even your living expenses. If you plan to negotiate a job offer, do it based on solid research (see next mistake) and a clear demonstration of your value to the organization. Don’t ever tell the employer that you need a certain salary.

4. Weak Research or Negotiation Preparation.

With the number and variety of salary resources available online—from salary.com and salaryexpert.com to professional associations—there is no excuse for you as the job-seeker to not know your market value. Of

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Many job-seekers reject job offers very quickly when the employer offers a salary much lower than expected, and while in many cases you would be correct in rejecting the offer, it’s still best to ask for time to consider it before rejecting it outright. course, you should also attempt to conduct research on your prospective employer —their historical salary levels, negotiation policies, performance appraisals. Even if you decide you don’t want to negotiate salary, you’ll have a better understanding of the market for your services—and your value in that market.

5. Making a Salary Pitch Too Early.

The longer you wait, the more power you have. Yet, there are many job-seekers who jump in too early in the process and ask about salaries and compensation. The ideal time for talking salary is when you are the final candidate standing—and you get the job offer. It’s at that point when you can ask more specifics about salary, bonuses, commissions, health insurance, and other perks. Asking at any point earlier in the process can be perceived as being too focused on money—and can also lead to you having to reveal what you would be willing to accept.

6. Accepting a Job Offer Too Quickly.

The job-search these days drags on longer and longer, and when you finally obtain that offer after weeks and weeks (and in some cases, months), it’s

November 2015 out looking at the entire compensation package. For example, some firms that have lower salaries offer larger bonuses or stock options or pay the full expense of health insurance. Remember, too, that you should be able to negotiate one or two elements of the offer to make it even stronger.

8. Asking For Too Many Changes in Counteroffer.

If you have a strong interest in the job and the employer is a good fit, but the offer is not what you expected, you can consider making a counteroffer proposal. If you decide to make a counterproposal, remember that you should only pick the one or two most important elements; you can’t negotiate every aspect of the offer. If the salary is too low, focus on that aspect in a counteroffer. If you know the firm will not negotiate on salary, then focus on modifying a few of the other terms of the offer (such as additional vacation time, earlier performance reviews, signing bonus, relocation expenses). Just remember that you cannot attempt to negotiate the entire offer; you need to choose your one or two battles carefully, conduct your research, and write a short counterproposal.

not unusual to want to accept it right on the spot. But even the best offers should be reviewed when you have clear head—and without the pressure of your future boss or HR director staring at you. Most employers are willing to give you some time to contemplate the job offer—typically several days to a week. It’s when you get the job offer that you have the most power because the employer has chosen you, so use that power to be certain it’s the job and job offer for you—and consider negotiating for a better offer if you feel that it should be better. Just remember that 9. Taking Salary whatever amount of time you ask for is the amount of Negotiations Personally. time you have to make your decision. Whatever you do in this process, 7. Declining a Job Offer Too Quickly. always stay professional in handling the Many job-seekers reject job offers very quickly negotiations. If the employer has made when the employer offers a salary much lower than you an offer—then you are their choice, expected, and while in many cases you would be the finalist for the position—so even correct in rejecting the offer, it’s still best to ask for if negotiations go nowhere, or worse, time to consider it before rejecting it outright. If the keep in mind that you did receive an money is simply far below the average, you may offer, even if it is not what you expected have no choice but to reject the offer. However, if or deserved. And if negotiations break the money is good—but just not as good as you down between you and the employwould like—take a closer look at the benefits. A big er, move on graciously, thanking the mistake is declining a job offer too quickly with- employer again for the opportunity— because you never want to burn any bridges.

10. Not Asking for Final Offer in Writing.

Once everything is said and done -and you have received a job offer that you find acceptable, the last thing you should do is ask for the final offer in writing. No legitimate employer will have issues with putting the offer in writing, so if yours balks at your request and accuses you of not having any trust and tries to bully you to accept the verbal agreement, take it as a MAJOR red flag that there is something seriously wrong. Final Thoughts on Avoiding Salary Negotiation Mistakes Following the advice in this article —and using other proven job-hunting and salary negotiation tactics—should result in a new job and job offer that is just what you were seeking. Dr. Randall S. Hansen is a nationally recognized career and job-search expert. He is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com.

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Top Jobs in Public Health

public health doctors are sure to find plenty of opportunities to put their skills and training to use in a practical setting.

ursuing a career in the public health field is an ideal way to access high wages and help society improve its overall well being. Which is why we compiled a list of the top public health jobs. A variety of opportunities are available in the larger field, and public health attracts professionals who have a wide range of educational credentials. It doesn’t matter if you work as a physician, a nurse or a manager, plenty of opportunities allow you to earn money while reducing the effects of illness and disease.

Tropical Disease Expert

A tropical disease expert works to help prevent the transmission of tropical diseases. Because outbreaks pose a serious danger to the general public, a tropical disease specialist can help keep the public safe and ensure that outbreaks are reduced. Typical Work Day A tropical disease specialist may work in the field and spend time examining patients who have been traveling or living abroad. Daily working conditions may also occur Is A Career In Public in the lab where a professional needs Health Right For You ? to analyze tissue samples and work When deciding upon a career to find vaccines and ways in which path it is necessary to research to prevent the spread of outbreaks. The world needs public health professionals and it. We’ve put together a truly Educational Requirements exhaustive list of the top careers Tropical disease experts usually the amount of diversity in the opportunities in in public health to help you have a medical degree, and they public health is truly outstanding. decide whether this career path may need to acquire specialized is right for you. The world knowledge about the transmission, Daily Working Conditions needs public health professionals and the amount cause and spread of tropical illnesses. During Public health doctors may find employment of diversity in the opportunities in public health is medical school, a person who is interested in in a wide range of settings. The physicians may truly outstanding. working as a tropical disease specialist may take land a career working for a government agency, Share this information with other students, courses that provide detailed information about at a university, in a hospital or at a public health and friends. The world needs people who want public health hazards. facility. Many professionals split their time to make a positive change. And the field of Employment Opportunities and Earning between office work and duties at a local medipublic health is a growing one with long term Potential cal establishment. stability, as well as a huge positive impact. Salaries for a tropical disease expert are high, Education Credentials Required and a professional can expect to earn up to Public Health Doctor As a physician, a public health doctor needs to $190,000 per year. Entry-level salaries are usuA public health doctor works to provide have a medical degree from an accredited uni- ally at least $115,000. A specialist may work in quality medical care to the general public. versity. Some physicians also boost their educa- large urban areas, and governmental agencies Professionals may teach local health classes, tion with a master’s degree in public health or a are one of the leading employers. conduct routine research or work in a managerelated field. rial capacity. Some public health physicians HIV Specialist Earnings Potential and Career work directly with patients and may be responHIV specialists work with people who have Opportunities sible for diagnosing a wide variety of illnesses been infected or diagnosed with the Human The salary for a public health physician varies and health problems. In addition to diagnosing Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The profeswith the geographical area where a person finds diseases, a public health physician may work to sionals are expected to have a comprehensive employment. A professional can expect to earn enhance the general public’s knowledge base, knowledge of HIV, and a person may work an outstanding salary that ranges from $150,000 and, as such, they may be considered preventive with the public to help prevent the disease’s to $200,000 annually. With a growing demand, medicine doctors. transmission. Stantec’s goal is to recruit, motivate, and develop our employees with diverse ranges of talents and perspectives to ensure that we have the breadth of viewpoints, experiences, and intellectual skills needed to succeed across our global environment. Diversity expresses itself in so many different ways. Some examples include gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, religion, belief, education, physical ability, personality, experiences and even our diverse approaches to work. Stantec strives to attract leaders for today and tomorrow. If you are seeking an opportunity with a dynamic, growing company, we invite you to review our career opportunities online at: www.stantec.com

The key to our success is our people.

Stantec has been recognized as a top People, passion, and progress have made our Company 50what global design and firm. it is today, and create the consulting foundation for what it will be tomorrow. We are a strong, dynamic, growing company with virtually infinite career opportunities. V1

“Stantec is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.”

Stantec is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to Affirmative Action, Workforce Diversity, and the principles of Employment Equity.

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November 2015

employer. HIV specialists who work in the public sector can expect to earn a median salary of about $175,000 per year. The growth rates for HIV specialists is expected to be average in comparison with other fields.

Medical Director

A medical director is responsible for the daily operations of a large medical center. They may be expected to employ preventive measures that reduce the transmission of illness in a facility. In addition, a medical director may work to improve air quality in offices, factories or other professional settings. Typical Working Environment Medical directors may find employment in an industrial or office setting. Daily work responsibilities may include reading reports, working with architects, holding regular meetings and discussing concerns with a company’s employees. Education Requirements A medical director needs to have a medical degree, and a professional will usually have at least a decade of experience in the medical field. In addition, a medical director may need to have a specialty under their belt and board Because many animal diseases are easily transmitted to certification can enhance an applicant’s resumé. Earning Potential and Job Outlook humans, a public health veterinarian plays a crucial role in Salaries for a medical director are high and may maintaining public health and awareness. range between $120,000 and $236,000 annually. Demand Usual Working Conditions usually only provided to a professional for medical directors is high, and positions are readily A HIV specialist may work in a hospital who has completed continuing education available in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, insurance and biotechnology industries. or in a doctor’s office. Some professionals credits on the topic of HIV. may also spend some of their working days Earning Potential and Career Outlook Management Policy Advisor in the field, so they can help prevent the With an outstanding salary range, an A management policy advisor analyzes activities and further spread of HIV. HIV specialist can expect to earn anywhere offers insight into the operations of corporate, governmenEducation Credentials Required from $100,000 to $500,000 per year. The tal and non-profit agencies. The professionals are usually a An HIV specialist will need to earn a salary depends on a person’s work expe- member of an organization’s executive team. medical degree, and the special award is rience, geographical area and the type of Typical Working Day Management policy advisors usually find employment in an office setting, and they may work for a private comOver 60 Years of Stability and Experience for Your Electric pany, a health organization or a governmental agency. Construction Needs Advisors need to know the intimate details about their employees, and they may travel to ensure that policies are in place at a host of individual locations. Educational Requirements A management policy advisor is expected to have an At Taft Electric Company, we work as a team! advanced degree in the public health field, and most have Taft Electric Company is an equal opportunity employer offering great extensive experience in the field. A master’s of business benefits. For more information regarding the great opportunities here at administration is usually the bare minimum, and many Taft Electric Company, email your resume and contact information to advisors have graduated from medical school. opportunities@taftelectric.com or call (805) 642-0121. Earning Potential and Demand The salary for a management policy advisor ranges from 1694 Eastman Avenue | Ventura, CA 93003 | www.taftelectric.com $90,000 to $150,000 per year. Professionals are needed to work for the federal government and private corporations. Taft Electric Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting a working environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, gender, sexual Individuals who work in the private field usually earn orientation, marital status, national origin or veteran status. more. The field is expected to enjoy increased demand over the next decade, keeping wages high and opportunities abundant. Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP has built its success by attracting and retaining the best people who:

•build trust •foster teamwork •focus on customers •drive for results •manage change

A complete listing of current job openings at Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP can be found by clicking on career opportunities on our website at: www.bwpmlp.com We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment background checks and substance abuse testing.

9 GREENWAY PLAZA • SUITE 2800 • HOUSTON, TX 77046

Public Health Veterinarian

A public health veterinarian works to monitor and prevent the transmission of human and animal diseases. A professional may work for a hospital, the federal government or a local governmental agency. Public health veterinarians may act as epidemiologists, pathologists or researchers. Because many animal diseases are easily transmitted to humans, a public health veterinarian plays a crucial role in maintaining public health and awareness. A professional may monitor farms and processing plants that provide humans with foods that are derived from animals. Usual Working Day A public health veterinarian may find employment in a laboratory, a clinic or in an outdoor setting. The professionals are expected to perform a variety of duties, and travel may be required as part of the job.

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equal opportunity employment journal

Educational Requirements A public health lawyer must graduate from an accredited law school and have a license to practice law in a state or federal jurisdiction. In addition, having a degree in public health can help to increase a public health lawyer’s career opportunities. Earning Potential and Career Outlook The salary for a public health lawyer varies and usually ranges between $54,000 and $164,000 per year. The total salary depends on the geographical area in which a professional works and the amount Public Health Lawyer Public health lawyers may work of experience that an attorney has to draft policy that aims to improve earned. The growth rates is expected general health. As such, an attor- to be average. ney may find employment with Public Health Dentist national, state or local legislatures. A public health dentist works to Public health lawyers may also protect the community and provides advocate for patients and work to knowledge, education and services balance patients’ rights against the for the general public. A dentist public good. Some attorney also may work at a local clinic or in a pursue lawsuits against pharmaceu- community dental program. Some tical companies and other groups public health dentists create policy that violate generally accepted care and inform the general public about standards. the role of good oral hygiene. Routine Working Environment Routine Working Day Many public health lawyers work Many public health dentists work from an independent office, or they in a clinic. Some need to spend a may find a job within a governmen- majority of their time in meetings, tal agency. Because lawyers may and they may find employment in have to testify or file suits, they health centers, private or public may often spend time in the courts. clinics or universities.

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Educational Requirements A public health veterinarian is expected to hold a doctor of veterinary medicine degree and a master’s degree in public health. Earnings Potential and Outlook Salaries vary for public health veterinarians, and a professional can expect to earn from $100,000 to $150,000 per year. Demand is expected to grow higher over the coming decade, and this should keep salaries high while creating more opportunities for trained professionals.

A public health dentist works to protect the community and provides knowledge, education and services for the general public. Educational Credentials Public health dentists usually have a doctoral degree in dental medicine or surgery. A professional is also expected to have a valid license to practice in the state in which they work. In addition, a public health dentist may be required to hold a master’s degree in the public health field. Earning Potential and Career Outlook Public health dentists can earn between $30,000 and $250,000 per year. Senior practitioners can expect to earn more, and those who are new to the field will usually have a salary on the lower end of the spectrum. The demand for professionals is expected to grow much more than the average for other occupations.

Director of Family Health

A director of family health is usually in charge of overseeing the daily operations of a public health center. A person may be expected to

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equal opportunity employment journal manage all aspects of a facility, like finances and human resources. In addition, a director of family health may play a crucial role in the long-term planning of a particular facility. Routine Working Day A director of family health may work in the public or private sector. Usually, directors spend a large portion of their day in an office setting, and they may need to communicate between various members within an organization. Educational Requirements A director of family health is expected to have a master’s degree in public health. Because the position is a managerial one, a director may also need to have several years of experience in the field. Many professionals have an advanced nursing degree or have graduated from medical school. Earning Potential and Career Outlook The earning potential for a director of family health largely depends on the geographical area in which a person works and the size of an agency where a person finds employment. Salaries are high, and they may range from $70,000 to $125,000 annually. The demand for experienced professionals is high, but only a few vacancies are announced each year.

An industrial hygienist is an engineer or a scientist who works to reduce the risks of health dangers in the workplace. Your Digital World. Now.

Mediacom Communications is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local law.

Mediacom has an immediate need for Direct Sales Representatives, Customer Sales & Service Representatives and Installers. To view a complete listing of available vacancies, please visit our Career Center online:

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1533 S. Enterprise Avenue • Springfield, MO 65804

4364 S. Alston Avenue • Suite 100 • Durham, NC 27713

Cato Research turns promising concepts from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies into products-drugs, biologics, and devices-that are commercially available. Seeking people with a background specifically in monitoring and oversight of clinical trials. We offer a complete salary and benefits package, as well as a creative and friendly environment in which to learn and grow. Learn more about us at: www.cato.com Cato Research is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disabled/Veteran

Public Health Engineer

A public health engineer works to create a safe environment for employees. A person may be expected to make sure that machinery, infrastructure and equipment are designed in a way that reduces the chances of injury, infection or illness. Routine Working Environment A public health engineer may spend much of their day working in an office environment. Because meetings are an essential component of the job, a public health engineer may need to travel and meet with other leaders in the field. Educational Requirements The minimal education to enter the field is a bachelor’s degree in the engineering field, and many professionals have advanced degrees in mechanical or chemical engineering. Earning Potential and Career Outlook The earning power of a public health engineer varies according to the area in which a person works, their years of experience and the amount of education that a person has earned. Entry-level salaries may be $45,500, and a professional who has been in the field for some years can expect to earn up to $114,470 per year. The demand for trained professionals is expected to be the same as most other occupations.

Health Center Administrator

A health care administrator is in charge of the management of a healthcare facility. Some professionals work as a general manager, and others oversee the particular duties of an individual department within a larger setting. Routine Working Day Nearly 40 percent of health care administrators find employment at area hospitals.

November 2015 Others may work in nursing homes, large doctor’s offices or at public or private clinics. A health center administrator usually works at least 40 hours per week and may be expected to work extra hours during the weekend or on holidays. Educational Requirements A health center administrator must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but most professionals who work in the field have their master’s degree in public health or business administration. Experience is another crucial component, and some health center administrators have worked for years in the field. Earning Potential and Career Outlook The average annual salary for a health center administrator is about $84,270. The top 10 percent of professionals who hold the position is $144,880, and the bottom 10 percent can expect to earn about $51,280. The demand for experienced administrators is expected to grow by more than 22 percent in the coming decade, keeping wages high and ensuring plenty of career opportunities.

Industrial Hygienist

An industrial hygienist is an engineer or a scientist who works to reduce the risks of health dangers in the workplace. Professionals may conduct research about potential hazards and create strategies that aim to reduce the risks that are associated with particular situations. As such, an industrial hygienist may train employees and work to create a greater awareness about health hazards on the job. Routine Working Day An industrial hygienist may spend a large amount of time in an office setting, but professionals may be required to travel and check facilities to ensure compliance. A hygienist may also need to conduct research and spend some time in a laboratory setting. Educational Requirements An industrial hygienist will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering or chemistry. Professionals will also be expected to pass examinations that highlight the knowledge that has been learned during school. Some professionals can substitute their on-the-job experience for formal education. Earning Potential and Career Opportunities The average salary for an industrial hygienist is high and varies from $45,000 to $114,000 annually. The total salary depends on the years of experience, the geographical location where a person works and the amount of education that an applicant has. The demand for experienced professionals is expected to grow in accordance with average levels over the coming decade.

State or Federal Environmentalist

A state or federal environmentalist plays a primary role in public health because they identify environmental threats that may cause disease or illness. Professionals may collect data and perform research on various pollutants and toxins that pose a threat

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to the general public. A state or federal environmentalist may also play a role in future planning and help to create a safe place for families to live. Routine Working Day Environmentalists may experience a wide range of working conditions. Many professionals spend a large portion of their day in a laboratory where they perform research on various hazards. Others may need to work in an office setting and draft regulations that aim to improve public health. Educational Requirements A state or federal environmentalist needs to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, like chemistry or biology. In some instances, it is helpful to have an advanced degree. Earning Potential and Career Opportunities Environmentalists can expect to earn a rewarding salary and may earn from $40,000 to $107,000 annually. The growth rate for state or federal environmentalists is expected to be high in the coming decade, providing plenty of opportunities for new candidates to enter the field.

Director of Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)

An NGO director is responsible for overseeing the managerial aspects of an organization. A professional may need to create budgets, and professionals are generally passionate about the health of the community in which they work. Routine Working Day An NGO director may work in an international setting and find employment in places around the globe. Professionals are expected to take part in the community that they serve, and travel may be a regular part of the job. Educational Requirements Most NGO directors have at least a bachelor’s degree in the liberal arts or the social sciences. Many professionals have advanced degrees and may have a master’s degree in public health. In addition, working experience is an essential attribute of those who are in a managerial position. Earning Potential and Career Outlook The earning potential for an NGO director varies according to the geographical area in which a person finds employment. Those who work in large cities, like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago can expect to receive higher wages, while professionals who work abroad may receive annual salaries that are on the lower end of the spectrum. The current salaries range from $64,000 to more than $100,000 per year. The outlook for NGO directors is average.

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A thriving environment for learning, innovation and growth

smart people. smart ideas. smart choice.

Why do so many people join MTS Systems Corporation and stay for a career? Because this is a place where you get to apply your creativity, work with smart people on fascinating projects, and make a positive impact on people’s lives. It is a place where you can learn, innovate and grow professionally.

Our business is thriving. Our future is exciting. Your potential is unlimited.

www.mts.com

Public Health Professor

A public health professor may have a huge impact on the field because they teach future employees. A professor may lecture, grade papers and create material for courses. Routine Working Day A public health professor can expect to find employment at one of the many private or public universities or colleges. Educational Requirements Public health professors are expected to have a doctoral degree, but some may be employed in community colleges after earning a master’s degree in the field. Earning Potential and Career Outlook The salary range for a public health professor ranges from $40,000 to more than $100,000 annually. The region where a person work is one factor to consider, and those who are employed at private institutions usually have higher wages than those who work for public colleges. The future outlook is bright, and a professor can expect to have access to abundant opportunities in the coming future.

be certain.

Behavioral Scientist

A behavioral scientist is a broad field that may include social neuroscientists, psychologists and cognitive psychologists. Professionals work to improve public health by studying the manner in which individuals interact with each other. As such, a behavioral scientist may create studies or perform research that helps individuals address mental health problems. Routine Working Day Nearly 34 percent of behavioral scientists are self employed in an individual practice. Many are psychologists who work with the public on a daily basis. Almost 30 percent of behavioral scientists work for schools and address issues that students confront on a regular basis. Educational Requirements A behavioral scientists is expected to have at least a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field. Some professionals enter the field with a master’s degree and may work as a clinical social worker. Earning Potential and Career Outlook Behavioral scientists can expect to receive above-average wages, and the median salary in 2010 was about $68,640. The top 10 percent who work in the field earned more than $111,810 per year. Growth in the field is expected to be slightly above average over the next decade. Article provided by www.onlinemastersinpublichealth.com

EMBRACE DIFFERENCES. GENERATE DIVERSE IDEAS. We’re moving science forward by leveraging the different perspectives and individual strengths of each and every Covance team member. Because here, we see diversity for exactly what it is — a driver of the business itself and the innovation that allows us to bring life-saving medicines to market sooner. And when you join us in this effort, you’ll enrich your life through exposure to new ways of thinking and the opportunity to learn from dynamic colleagues who work together to make things better.

Bring your unique perspective to Covance today. careers.covance.com Covance is committed to diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer (Minority/ Female/Individual with Disability/Veteran). Your confidentiality and privacy are important to us.

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November 2015

IT CAREER CROSS-ROADS: Do I Stay

Technical or Move to Management?

some point, the IT professional rising from the ranks needs to make a major career decision: do I advance my career as a hands-on technical professional or should I focus on managing technical people? Here are some key points to consider when making this major IT career path decision.

What do I like to do?

by Don Goodman

and driving consensus, then management could be the right choice. Of course you can consider salary and compensation, but unless you are going for the C-level and high level management roles, this probably will not be your key factor in making a decision here. You can check out PayScale.com and Salary. com to get an idea of what folks are being paid in the jobs you identified.

There is a big difference between being hands-on technical and managing people, What will I need to know in the future to so start out by determining which you like be secure in my job? best. Think back on the things you have done over the last six months and ask For each career choice, consider yourself what efforts really excited you. what you would need to do to advance Do you enjoy working independently or and maintain your career track. with other people? In general, managers Management positions will require spend a lot of time working with other a strong understanding of the key people while technical people will spend business areas so you can partner with There is a big difference between being more time working independently with internal customers to advance hands-on technical and managing people, so your the various tools and technologies. their goals through the use of technolDuring your career you probably had start out by determining which you like best. ogy. Those who are secure in their some personality tests like Meyers Briggs jobs are the ones who have an intimate and you should also review those to gain additional insights. If you test understanding of the market, the competition and the inner workings of the out as an Introvert with a deep technical slant, then staying technical company as this level of knowledge is not easily replaced. might be the right step. Conversely, if you are an Extrovert who loves On the technical side, no matter what you know now, you will have to engaging with others, then management could be the right path. learn new tools and technologies moving forward. Does that excite you or make you groan? Most importantly, you need to specialize in an area Where will it take me and what that cannot be easily outsourced and replaced. This is much easier on the will be the challenges? For each career path, consider where it will take you in 5 and 10 years. If applications side than the infrastructure side so consider how secure and you are looking to management, how far will you go? Not everyone reaches in-demand you will be with your acquired skills. Consider too whether you the VP/CIO/CTO level, so try to determine where you would like to end up. are committed to securing the training needed to advance your skills, even If you are technical, where do you want to specialize? One of the chief if your employer does not provide this for you. challenges in staying technical is to continually prove your worth in the Validating your decision. face of the increasing number of younger technicians who have grown up Once you have gone through this analysis, some excellent next steps to with a Blackberry in their hand. So choosing the right in-demand techni- ensure you are making the right decision are to talk to people who are in cal skills is important as the ColdFusion programmer that was hot a while the positions you have identified and find out what their job is like. Even ago is not in demand today. better if you can find a Mentor to guide you. You can also hire an IT Career Now think about what your job would be like on a daily basis. The Coach to help provide the assessments and guidance to assist you. manager will have to deal with various personalities and navigate For most IT professionals, this is the most important decision in your personal agendas, while the technical professional will mostly be focused career so take the time to do the analysis and validation before you make on meeting the requirements and timelines for projects and initiatives. If the plunge. “politics” makes you crazy, then management might not be the path for Article provided by GotTheJob.com A Resume Writing and Job Search Assistance site. you. On the other hand, if you are terrific at liaising across various groups

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Landing Your First Job: What Employers Are Really Looking For

by B.E. Conrad

anding a first job is never easy, but it becomes even more challenging when the economy takes a turn for the worse. No matter how well you did in college or how great your grades were, you will still need to sell yourself to an employer to get your foot in the door and get your career off to a great start. One of the best ways to land that all-important first job is to know what employers are really looking for. You can read the job descriptions and troll the job boards all you want, but until you understand the job Volunteer experience is particularly valuable if market from the employer’s point of view you will have trouble getting an interview or getting the attention of hiring managers. Here are some it relates to the field you are trying to enter. of the things employers are looking for when they need to fill their open industry, volunteer work at the local free clinic will look great on your positions. resume. Think of ways to relate your volunteer experience to your job Internships and Real-World Experience search, and be ready to talk about that experience at the interview. Your college degree is certainly important, but many other job candidates will have the same piece of paper. When employers need to fill their A Relevant Major ranks, they look for real-world experience and a solid job history. Your college major is important, especially if you are seeking employ If you are just getting started with your career, you may not have ment in a technical field. A relevant major can be a big boon in fields like much job experience to offer, but you can still make your resume more health care, engineering and scientific fields, so be sure to highlight it on attractive to would-be employers. Highlighting internships and summer your resume. jobs will help reassure the hiring manager you have what it takes to hit If you are seeking employment in a field unrelated to your major, you the ground running. might want to leave the major off your resume. Just be ready to discuss your qualifications and how your college experience relates to the job you Volunteer Experience Volunteerism is an extremely valuable asset, especially if you do not are seeking. An unrelated major is a harder sell for many employers, but have much job experience. If you are seeking your first job, make sure job experience and internships can help close the gap. Knowing what employers are looking for can make your post-college job your resume highlights the volunteering you have done. Volunteer experience is particularly valuable if it relates to the field search less stressful and more productive. Nothing can make getting your you are trying to enter. If you are seeking a job in the health care first job easy, but understanding the needs of the employer can help a lot. Article provided by Constant-Content.com

As guardian of some of the world’s most trusted top level domains (TLDs), Verisign enables the invisible navigation that gets users where they want to go on the Internet. For more than 15 years, Verisign’s record of security, availability and reliability has helped to make .com and .net globally recognized and sought after, while helping organizations achieve their full potential through services that protect and scale their online activities. If it ends with .com or .net, it’s powered by Verisign. Verisign is always looking for exceptional, visionary, and enthusiastic people to join our dynamic team. Career opportunities exist in technology, operations, finance, legal, sales, and marketing.

VerisignInc.com EEO/AA

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Find Your Fit in The Federal Government O

ne of the great aspects of the federal government is that there are positions in virtually every field. As the nation’s largest employer with nearly two million civilian employees, our government is hiring and the available jobs offer a match for almost any set of skills and interests. From biologists to statisticians, the federal government is looking for a wide variety of talented and dedicated employees.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR FEDERAL JOB SEARCH

Imagine and become Experience your career the ARCADIS way. Where creativity, innovation and imagination are valued in the everyday work environment. Where you become part of the adventure as the challenges of the future are solved by creating smart business solutions today. Where respecting the ecology and preserving the environment are important. Where economic development and environmental issues are viewed as partners, not competitors.

Imagine the result

Search current opportunities and submit your resume at: www.arcadis-us.com/careers ARCADIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. M/F/D/V

Infrastructure, environment, facilities

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The City of Peoria Police Department is a professional and progressive agency, which is always in search of career minded, qualified people to join our staff. Peoria offers challenging and rewarding career opportunities in law enforcement for qualified individuals interested in personal and professional growth. Peoria Police Officers are highly skilled professionals committed to delivering quality police service to the community. They are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Peoria by working in partnership with the members of the community to protect life and property. To learn more about us visit our website: www.peoriaaz.gov CITY OF PEORIA POLICE DEPARTMENT • 8351 WEST CINNABAR AVENUE • PEORIA, AZ 85345 • EOE

Before looking at any job announcement, answer this question: what is most important to you in a job? Keep in mind that there are hundreds of agencies, professional fields, and locations for federal employment. This creates a network of approximately two million employees and thousands of open positions. If you are not clear on what you want, you’ll probably get lost in a mesh of agency websites and swallowed by the black hole of open job announcements. On the flipside, if you know what you’re looking for, you can focus your search to a few types of careers or agencies. Additionally, consider what you have to offer an employer. What type of position or employer would most value your skills and education? No employer is excited to hire someone that is not passionate about their work or environment. The federal government is no different. Identifying your specific skill sets will be invaluable as you begin your federal search. Narrowing your interests and abilities is not an easy task. To hone in on one avenue takes knowing what type of position you want to pursue and where you want to work. However, as an applicant, you need to be able to articulate what you want most in an employer so that you find an agency and a position that you are excited about. Consider the environment and workforce conditions as well as the basic details of the position. Researching your options is also essential. If you are not sure where to start, take a look at our agency pages to review the different options that may be available. You can also visit our Best Places to Work website to learn about what current federal employees think about their federal work environments. The publication explores employee satisfaction in areas such as effective leadership, teamwork, training and development, work/life balance, pay and benefits, and more. Best Places to Work is a great resource to getting an insider’s perspective on an agency before you apply. Having answers to many of your questions before you start your federal job search will enable you to spend time and energy on applying for positions that you are most qualified for—and ultimately increase your chances of getting hired.

FIND THE RIGHT POSITION

USAJOBS.gov is the official search engine for federal jobs. Nearly all government job openings are posted on this site and each job announcement includes details about duties, minimum qualifications, basic benefits, and application instructions. With thousands of announcements to sift through, searching for the perfect position on USAJOBS may seem daunting at first. Start here by perusing our agency and professional field pages. This information will assist you in narrowing your interest and focusing your search. With a few additional tips, you will be well on your way to finding the right job for you. Article provided by www.gogovernment.org

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Connect in College… You’ll Capitalize Tomorrow by Shelley M. Johnson

t’s not what you know. It’s who you know that matters. A more powerful adage could not have been coined. But it’s not only who you know, it’s what they know about you that will take you where you want to go. You have to give of yourself to make that happen. Success is social and life is a series of interactions. Neuroscientists have proven that a human mind develops only through relationships. Building networks with people is essential for all of us to survive. Success is the sum of many and the more people we know, the more success we have. As has been said in the past, ‘no man is an island’. We cannot survive entirely by ourselves. The process of biology proves that. It takes at least two to propagate the species. It also takes more than one person to launch your career.

It’s All About Building Roads…and Inroads

If you look at the business world, the most connected companies are the ones that get noticed. Strategic alliances and strong networks are essential for survival. They provide that added edge to grow and stay on top. Wellconnected businesses have proven they are the ones who get the venture capital, the best financing, the rave stock reviews, and have the power to fend off hostile takeovers. They also attract the brightest employees… and lawyers. It’s no different for a college student. Our success tomorrow depends on the contacts we’ve already made and continue to make. The more people we know, the more resources we will have in the business world and the better chance at advancement. It’s absolutely crucial to have these resources today, since the average person is predicted to change careers at least three to five times in a lifetime.

Success is social and life is a series of interactions. Neuroscientists have proven that a You May Hate to Admit it…But You Can’t Go It Alone human mind develops only through relationships. Hands down. A graduating student with a good network has a leg up on the one who doesn’t. Recent stats from the Federal Bureau of Labor show up to 80% of all jobs are found through personal contacts, while only 15% are garnered through a search firm and 10-12% through the classifieds. This network is a process Dr. Wayne Baker, professor of management and organization at the University of Michigan prefers to call social capital. Studies have proven that people with rich social capital are paid better, promoted faster…earlier and younger. In his book, “What is Social Capital and Why Should You Care About It?”, Baker dispels the myth of individualism and emphasizes that success is achieved by building social capital. Social capital refers to the resources available in and through personal and business networks. These resources include information, ideas, leads, business opportunities, financial capital, power/influence, emotional support, goodwill, trust and cooperation. This extensive network of relationships succeeds through reciprocity. It’s what you give (your human capital) and the value you create for the group that will reap rewards in the end. If you contribute, people are motivated to help you.

The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” Albert Einstein

Market Yourself While You’re in College

College students have a utopian opportunity to build a serious social infrastructure. They can call upon their families, their families’ contacts, academia, community leaders and the entire student body. On large campuses there are virtually hundreds of organizations, clubs, fraternities and sororities to join. When in doubt, volunteer. Getting involved is the key. It’s a great way to meet new friends. Your fellow students will remember you. Plus, it never hurts to know that you

Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons

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equal opportunity employment journal

Success is social and life is a series of interactions. Neuroscientists have proven that a human mind develops only through relationships.

inspire and guide

innovation The Office of Naval Research (ONR), is committed to increasing the number of women of color in science and technology. ONR participates and sponsors science fairs, college internships, graduate fellowships and curricular enrichment programs to promote diversity and inclusion of: African Americans, Hispanics,

ONR’s greatest asset is our cadre of outstanding personnel.

Native Americans, Asian Americans, Veterans, and People with Disabilities. The Office of Naval Research coordinates, executes and promotes the science and technology programs of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps through universities, government laboratories, corporations and nonprofit organizations. For more information about the Office of Naval Research’s education and career opportunities, visit our website at:

www.onr.navy.mil

Office of Naval Research An Equal Opportunity Employer

November 2015

just might be a fellow alumnus of the person who becomes the next CEO of a major company. The ties that bind start early. School alliances are remembered long after graduation. (Put those contacts in your phone!) These alliances are definitely gaining strength too. Recent stats show that enrollment in sororities and fraternities are up nationwide as more students see how these memberships can leverage alumni contacts in the business world later on. “One reason we put students in a physical learning community is because they build social capital. There are a lot of resources at a university,” says Baker. “Students should get involved in clubs or student groups. There’s something for everyone. Join what you believe in and work for the betterment of that particular group. You will make these contacts by creating value and making a difference.” Don’t miss out on your academic resources. Too often, students shy away from including faculty in their network. That is a big mistake. Faculty members are enormous gateways into the rest of the world. They’re here for more than a good lecture. They are mentors who can provide useful introductions for people. Creativity cannot be cultivated alone. We all need a guide. Luck and happenstances do help, but so do those who know more than we do. “Build good relationships with faculty by being engaged in the class and meeting with the professor during office hours,” advises Baker. “Getting an ‘A’ in the class is really important, but if the faculty member knows you as a productive member of the class with good values, they will be more likely to write that glowing letter to get you into law school or whatever school you want.” Baker says the successful people he has observed have all been good at building social capital. Introversion and extroversion don’t matter. Even if people are introverted, they can succeed because they can draw on their extensive knowledge. All they need to do is find a group that is interested in the same area of study. Like it or not bashful doesn’t cut it! There is always a natural fit and opportunity somewhere. Practice of course, makes perfect and being studious is a real advantage. Building a social infrastructure takes time and care…but it works. One particular success story and former student of Dr. Baker shares her perspective on social capital.

Faculty members are enormous gateways into the rest of the world. They’re here for more than a good lecture. They are mentors who can provide useful introductions for people. “In my life, social capital has assisted me in the business world because I have learned to make contacts with every individual I work with, as well as learn to ask more questions,” says Lauren Gabriel. “In asking questions and favors of others, I am able to understand that even though people can’t always help me, perhaps they will remember me in the future. In turn if I can help them in the completion of their goals, at some point they will help me.” And help her they have. Social capital has been very kind to Gabriel, who now works for News America Marketing in New York City. She capitalized on her resources at the University of Michigan before graduation and it paid off. “What I learned as I used social capital in college is that we really are all connected,” says Gabriel. “The power of social capital is incredibly strong. If you can take initiative to speak with others, the goals you set for yourself may not be as hard to accomplish as you think. I learned to ask more of others and also learned to give more of myself in helping others.” Gabriel recommends that college students be proactive and very persistent in developing their networks. Always practice patience. Don’t be too pushy. Don’t be upset if someone can’t help you and you become the helper. The idea of social capital is reciprocity, with the hope that one day a person will return the favor. Don’t expect others to help you if you aren’t willing to go the mile for them. Be honest. Cultivate trust and friendship. If you would like more information on the importance of social capital and building your network, a free chapter of Dr. Baker’s book can be obtained at: www.waynebaker.org. Another source of study is: www. humaxnetworks.com. Article provided by Constant-Contact.com

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equal opportunity employment journal

Land Your Dream Job Without the Credentials L by Rosyrain

Page 47

field of interest and can provide you with vital ooking for a job is frustrating and it often Start At the Bottom drains your energy. You search through In order to land the job of your dreams or to information and guidance. A mentor is someone the job postings on your favorite online work for your dream company, consider start- you watch and learn from. and someone you can career websites and find some that pique your ing at the bottom and working your way up. If consider a friend. Your mentor will help you interest. You then read through the posting, your dream is to work as a marketing expert find out where the jobs are in the career field only to find that the job qualifications call for a for Macy’s, but you don’t have the proper cre- you want to enter, and will probably have condegree or certification you don’t have, and your dentials, start out as a cashier. You can have nections to help get your foot in the door. excitement over finding what appears to be the employment within the company, learn what Be Honest perfect job dwindles. you need to know, and work your way up to the Make sure you are always honest with your Unless you plan to be a doctor, a NASA engi- job you want. resume because you can be fired if your employneer, or an attorney, there are few careers that Some companies will even substitute years of er finds out about falsified documents. If there is require you to take many years of a job you want, but don’t have all of college to land a job. In some cases, the credentials for it, apply anyway you can find backdoor entries into “If there is a job you want, but don’t and provide a heartfelt cover letter. the job of your dreams if you have a In your cover letter, highlight all the well-thought-out strategy. have all of the credentials for it, apply skills you have that pertain to the Who You Know job. A cover letter is also the perfect anyway and provide a heartfelt As the old saying goes: “Sometimes place to discuss your passion for the it is not what you know, but who job and your commitment to being cover letter.” you know.” This saying still holds successful if you were selected. true in many companies today and Hiring managers are people too, and could be your way into the job you want. Take you may just strike a chord that will convince an inventory of all of your friends and family, experience for college degrees, as long as your them you are the right person for the job. and see if there is anyone who works for a com- resume demonstrates your skills and shows you Next time you log in to your favorite job pany you’d like to work for. These are the peo- have worked in a similar industry. If you aspire search engine, don’t get frustrated when you ple who already have their feet through the door to be a writer or editor for a major magazine, find a job that you want but don’t have all of and can put in a good word for you, or get you start by being a freelance writer and build your the credentials listed on the qualifications secin direct contact with the hiring manager. While portfolio. There are many self-taught profes- tion. Be creative in your search for a new career you are considering your master list of people sionals out there; you just have to play the part. and utilize the resources that you have at your to contact, don’t forget about old acquaintances Find a Mentor fingertips. When you think outside of the box, and network connections. The more people you A good mentor is one of the most important you will be well on your way to landing the job have saying good things about you, the more people to have in your professional life. This of your dreams. likely you are to find the perfect job. Article provided by Constant-Contact.com is a person who is already an expert in your

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Should I get a Master’s Degree?

by Elka Torpey and Dalton Terrell

ou might want to earn a having one might lead to master’s degree for the advancement or higher pay. potential increase in earnThis article focuses on sevings it may deliver. But there’s eral career fields in which more to going to grad school workers often earn more than the chance for extra income, with a master’s degree than especially because the payoff with a bachelor’s degree. varies by occupation. These career fields are In 2013, the median annual wage discussed in the following for full-time workers ages 25 and sections: over whose highest level of eduBusiness cation was a master’s degree was Education $68,000, compared with $56,000 Healthcare for those whose highest level was Social service a bachelor’s degree—a $12,000 STEM a year wage premium. Not all Other workers earn a premium. In some occupations, workers with a masThese areas are dister’s degree earned about the same cussed in order of the as, or even less than, those with a number of degrees conbachelor’s degree. ferred, from most to least, Potential wages are just one according to 2012–13 Potential wages are just one of the factors to of the factors to consider before data from the National embarking on a graduate education. consider before embarking on a graduate education. Center for Education In addition to showing how much Statistics (NCES). more—or less—workers who had The analysis of wage premiums uses 2013 American Community a master’s degree earned compared with workers who had a bachelor’s Survey (ACS) data for full-time wage and salary workers ages 25 and degree, this article highlights other questions to think about when decid- over. It compares median annual wages, for workers who had a master’s ing whether to pursue a master’s degree. degree with those for workers in the same occupation who had a bachelor’s degree. These data do not account for experience, training, and cerWage premiums for a master’s degree In some occupations, you’re likely to need a master’s degree to qualify tifications, which may, in turn, account for wage differences. The median for entry-level jobs. In others, a master’s degree may not be required, but wage is the point at which half of workers earned more than the amount, and half earned less. There could be lots of reasons why workers with a master’s degree had higher or lower wages than did those who had a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree holders, for example, might have qualified for better paying jobs and have earned more than their counterparts who had a bachelor’s degree. Or bachelor’s degree holders—especially in occupations in which minimum educational requirements are increasing—might have had more years of experience and, as a result, might have had higher wages than workers with a master’s degree.

Business

More master’s degrees were awarded in business than in any other field, during 2012–13. And among all occupations in 2013, business, financial, and sales occupations had some of the highest wage premiums for workers with a master’s degree. (See table 1.) Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents had the biggest wage premium of any of these occupations: workers who had a master’s degree earned a wage that was nearly 90 percent higher than that for workers with a bachelor’s degree. Many of these sales agents earned a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), which may be required for high-level jobs. Other business occupations not shown in the table had wage premiums for a master’s degree, including accountants and auditors, general and operations managers, and human resources workers. However, in some business occupations, having a master’s degree may not pay a premium. Training and development managers with a master’s degree, for example, had a 6-percent lower median wage than did these workers with a bachelor’s degree.

Education

More than 1 out of every 5 master’s degrees was awarded in education in 2012–13. And the payoff for these degrees was usually relatively high. Education administrators had the highest percentage wage premium, with 44 percent higher wages for master’s degree holders than for bachelor’s degree holders. The wage premium for preschool and kindergarten teachers was nearly as high, at 43 percent. The lowest wage premiums were for postsecondary teachers, who

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frequently needed a Ph.D. to qualify for entry-level jobs. About 30 percent of these workers had a master’s degree, about 13 percent had a bachelor’s degree, and nearly all remaining workers had a doctoral degree. Postsecondary teachers without a doctoral degree might work as a graduate teaching assistant or qualify to teach a subject such as nursing (with a master’s degree) or vocational education (with a bachelor’s degree).

Healthcare and social service

The fast-growing fields of healthcare and social service were common for master’s degree awarded during 2012–13. Many occupations in these fields had wage premiums for a master’s degree. Physician assistants with a master’s degree had a median wage that was 44 percent higher than that of workers with a bachelor’s degree—the biggest wage premium. Prospective workers might want to get a master’s degree anyway, and not just for a higher wage: By 2020, the few remaining bachelor’s degree programs that prepare workers for this occupation will be phased out. Other occupations in this group that are not shown in table 3 had a wage premium for master’s degree holders over bachelor’s degree holders, but the proportion of workers with a master’s degree varied. For example, nearly 80 percent of nurse practitioners and nurse midwives had a master’s degree, while only about 6 percent of these workers had a bachelor’s. In contrast, about 7 percent of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians had a master’s degree, while more than 40 percent had a bachelor’s. Wage premiums for engineers varied by specialty. Civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and architectural and engineering managers, for example, had median wages that were between 9 and 13 percent more for workers who had a master’s degree compared with those of workers who had a bachelor’s degree. In contrast, petroleum, mining, and geological engineers had a median wage that was about 7 percent less for workers with a master’s degree. Chemical engineers had a median wage that was about the same for workers who had either education level.

Other

Public relations specialists and recreation and fitness workers were also among the other occupations in which workers with a master’s degree had higher median wages than those with a bachelor’s degree. Librarians, who typically need a master’s degree for entry-level jobs, had the greatest percentage wage premium of the occupations in table 5. Their median wage was about 30 percent higher for workers with a master’s degree than for those with a bachelor’s degree. Public relations specialists and recreation and fitness workers were also among the other occupations in which workers with a master’s degree had higher median wages than those with a bachelor’s degree. But in some occupations, workers with a master’s degree had lower wages than their counterparts who had a bachelor’s degree. Actors and urban and regional planners are two examples of this.

Master’s degrees were awarded in a variety of other fields during 2012–13. But whether the degree resulted in a wage premium for workers To earn—or not to earn—a master’s degree In 2013, ACS data show that about 10 percent of full-time wage and depended on the occupation.

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salary workers ages 25 and over had a master’s degree. And the number of master’s degrees awarded is expected to continue increasing, according to NCES. Should you join that growing number? Consider these three questions to help you decide whether pursuing a master’s degree makes sense for you.

Will a degree help me?

There may be benefits to earning a master’s degree that are unrelated to the potential wage premium in your desired occupation. But having this level of education might not necessarily help you meet your goals. Start by asking yourself, “Why do I want a master’s degree?” Some master’s degree programs are academically focused; that is, the primary objective is to study a subject in greater depth. Other programs are geared toward preparing you for a job in the occupation. If your goal is to get a job, identify your ideal career and learn as much about it as you can. Career resources can help, but firsthand accounts are important. Talk to current workers to find out what employers look for when hiring—and to help you identify which master’s degree programs may be a good fit for you. Find people to talk to by tapping into your network and contacting your undergraduate school’s alumni career center. Professional associations for the occupation you’re interested in also may have workers who agree to serve as mentors. Also, review job postings. If most of the postings say that a master’s degree is required or preferred, then you can feel more confident that your time and money would be well spent earning the degree.

Is it worth the expense?

Start by asking yourself, “Why do I want a master’s degree?” Some master’s degree programs are academically focused; that is, the primary objective is to study a subject in greater depth. Other programs are geared toward preparing you for a job in the occupation.

There can be a financial benefit to earning a master’s degree, but it is often not without costs. You’ll need to spend about 2 years—the length of most master’s programs—in school. During that time, if you work part time or not at all, you probably won’t earn as much as you would working full time. And, unless an employer or someone else is paying for it, you’ll need to spend money on tuition, books, and other expenses. Average graduate school tuition and fees were $16,435 per year in 2012–13, according to NCES, but costs vary by program. And nearly half of all students enrolled in master’s degree programs financed those costs through loans during the 2011–12 academic year, NCES data show. When researching master’s degree programs, look into the types and amounts of financial aid or other support, such as scholarships or fellowships, they typically offer. Financial aid officers at schools for your prospective programs can tell you more about these or other options available, including on-campus employment and teaching assistantships, which may help to make a program more affordable. Especially if you’re among the majority of students who need to repay loans, consider how much you’re likely to earn after getting a master’s degree when calculating the financial pros and cons. Research wages in occupations you would likely qualify for and study the data showing wage premiums to determine whether going to graduate school is right for you. You might be able to control educational costs by getting a job and finding out if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, often in exchange for your commitment to continue working for that employer for a specified amount of time.

What are my alternatives?

Depending on your motivation for pursuing a master’s degree, you may want to evaluate other options. For example, if you’re currently working and want to earn more, you could ask your employer for a raise or for a promotion to a higher paying position. If you seek a career change, you can look for a new job or switch to a different industry or occupation. Getting work experience often leads to advancement or higher pay, and employers may value it more than they do a graduate education. Honing your skills in the working world also may be helpful if you want to pursue a master’s degree at a later time. For example, applicants who have worked for several years may increase their chances of acceptance into many MBA programs. Weigh the advantages of other types of education, as well. In some occupations, a doctoral or professional degree may be more beneficial than a master’s degree. About half of psychologists had a master’s degree in 2013, for example, but another one-third of these workers had a doctoral degree—and those with a doctoral degree had a median annual wage that was 46 percent higher than that of psychologists with a master’s degree. Another option is to get a certificate or professional certification. These credentials can help you get career-related skills in many fields, such as

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computer science and healthcare, often in less time than it would take internship or residency program and be licensed by their state. to earn a graduate degree. And some certificate program credits can be Anthropologists and archeologists applied toward a master’s degree, keeping the option open for you to Archivists pursue that degree another time. Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary Curators For more information Economists Information about the education typically required for entry-level Education administrators, elementary and secondary school jobs for hundreds of occupations, including the ones in this article, is Education administrator, postsecondary available in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). OOH proEducational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors files also include details about job tasks, outlook, work environment, Epidemiologists and more. Farm and home management advisors More data about wages by degree within occupations are available from Genetic counselors the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Healthcare social workers And the BLS employment projections program has additional data Historians on education and training. Home economics teachers, postsecondary The decision about whether to pursue higher education differs for Industrial-organizational psychologists everyone. A career counselor or other advisor can help evaluate your Instructional coordinators situation to determine what’s right for you. Many colleges and universiLibrarians ties have career services for alumni. Marriage and family therapists CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, has addiMathematicians tional resources and links to local American Job Centers, which provide Mental health counselors assistance to jobseekers. And O*NET OnLine is another helpful tool for Nurse anesthetists career exploration and analysis. Nurse midwives The National Career Development Association also offers advice for Nurse practitioners finding and choosing a career counselor. Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary Learn more about how to pay for graduate school with informaOccupational therapists tion from the U.S. Department of Education. Orthotists and prosthetists Occupations that typically require a master’s degree at the entry level Physician assistantships These 33 occupations are among those that BLS designates as typically Political scientists needing a master’s degree for entry-level jobs. That doesn’t mean that all Rehabilitation counselors workers in these occupations have a master’s degree. Some might have Sociologists higher or lower levels of education—but a master’s degree is typically Speech-language pathologists required for someone seeking to enter the occupation. Statisticians Additional experience or training may be required to enter these Urban and regional planners occupations. For example, education administrators in elementary and secondary schools—commonly known as school principals—typically Elka Torpey is an economist in the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment must have worked as teachers or in another related occupation for 5 Projections, BLS. Dalton Terrell formerly worked in the same office. Elka can be reached at torpey.elka@bls.gov. years or more, and many must be licensed as school administrators. And workers such as mental health counselors typically must complete an

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November 2015