Career Advice By Randy

The Truth About Getting a Business Degree

If you are considering continuing your education and attempting to get a business degree, there has never been a better time. Many people mistakenly assume that the poor job market means getting a degree is pointless. Nothing could be further from the truth. The options available to working professionals make getting your business degree easier than ever.

Many schools offer evening and weekend courses to make it possible to continue working while continuing your education. Even better, several schools have developed programs that allow you to complete your studies completely online. These options may take a little bit more time, but they will allow you to develop your skills and receive your business degree while working.

Most companies offer some sort of continuing education reimbursement. They will reimburse you up to 100% for successfully completed courses. This is especially true if you can show that your class will have a positive impact on your current work. Be sure to check with you HR department prior to signing up for a class to ensure it will be covered.

Business degrees are considered one of the most flexible degrees available. They can be specialized to cover accounting, management, technology, human resources and more. Because of this, employees are likely to find a wide range of opportunities once they have completed their degree.

If you are completely changing your career track, a business degree can make all the difference. They are especially useful because they allow a degree holder to find an entry-level position with little or no experience. If you are obtaining a business degree as a second degree, you will be able to find an upper management position.

Like any degree, a business degree will increase your marketability as well as your learning potential. With the ease of online classes and the possibility of reimbursement from your place of work, it seems there is no reason not to pursue a business degree.

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And The Top New Jobs Are…

If you are one of the many people who has recently been laid off or lost your position, you have likely had more than one person tell you: “Take this opportunity to re-train, and find a new career.” This is actually a lot more than just something to say when a friend or loved one loses a job. Now actually is the perfect chance to re-train, update your resume and change your career path. Instead of focusing on the negative, take the opportunity to reshape your future with a new career.

The downturn of the economy has led to a job market like nobody could have predicted. The automobile industry and Wall Street have hit a wall, while industries like health care and green energy are beginning to take off. The next few years will prove to be a difficult and trying time for everybody. For those prepared to take an honest look at the job market and the needs of the country as a whole, opportunities do exists.

One of the first industries to consider is the health care industry. The aging baby boomer population has made the health care industry a veritable goldmine of new jobs and the evolution of the health care system demands health policy specialists. Some of these positions require only short amounts of retraining, while others will require more effort. Some of these hot new jobs include biomedical equipment technicians, registered nurses, physician’s assistants and physical therapists. Other positions are more technology oriented. Ultrasound technicians and PET/CT scanners are positions that require only a two-year degree, but are in high demand and net a good paycheck. Health care policy specialist that will muddle through the predicted changes in health care policy will be in demand as well.

It should come as no surprise that technology and the Internet have opened up a world of possibilities for job seekers. From website design and consulting, the technology bubble is still holding out strong. Some retraining is needed for these positions, but typically this retraining is equivalent to a two-year degree.

Another industry that holds promise for job seekers is consultancy. Everything from search engine optimization to life coaching is available on a consultant basis. These positions often require little more then proof of qualifications. Going into business for yourself can be scary, but profitable when done correctly.

The service industry is still holding strong. Cosmetology, physical therapy, firefighting and education all offer significant chances to those seeking a new career choice. Other opportunities in this area exist as well, for those willing to spend more time training. Optometrists and pharmacist are in particular demand.

When deciding on a new career path, it is important to consider what jobs are in demand. The top new jobs this year aren’t technically ‘new’ at all. They have been reinvented or are simply more in demand. Spending some time retraining now could make losing your job the best opportunity you have. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new – it could make all the difference.

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What You Must Know About Career Fairs

Career fairs can be an excellent place to network, apply for positions and find a new career path. They can also be overwhelming and confusing – especially if you are not prepared. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for the fair are the first steps towards a successful experience.

Some career fairs are industry specific while some are general in nature.  Whenever possible, attend fairs that are specific to your industry.  You are less likely to find positions that fit your specialty and experience at a general fair. That being said, first time job seekers who are just starting out often have great success at more generalized fairs. Be sure to understand what kind of fair you are attending and how it fits into your career goals.

While preparing to attend the fair, carefully review your resume. Have it proofed for spelling and grammar errors and print multiple copies out on high quality paper. It is also a good idea to have business cards or some other form of contact information prepared to distribute as you meet with various employers. 

Remember that, in some sense, a job fair is much like a first interview. Your appearance should be professional. Wear professional dress, not business casual attire, and properly groom yourself for the event. The old adage, “you never get a second chance at a first impression,” speaks volumes here. A career fair is much more than a place to hand in resumes – it is an opportunity to sell yourself and appearance counts.

Finally, career fairs are an excellent place to network. Meet with employers in your field, even if they do not currently have open positions that suit you.  Hand out contact information and resumes, speak knowledgably about your field and strive towards making an impression. The goal here is to make that potential employer remember you when a position does open up.

Career fairs are an excellent opportunity to continue your job search. They are also a great way to gain recognition among potential employers.

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Hints on Job Hunting

Finding a job has always been a process, but recently it has become a difficult one. Fewer jobs are available and more applicants want them, making it critical for job seekers to be on top of their game at all times. Learning a few hits and tips for finding a job can make the difference between finding gainful employment and standing in the proverbial unemployment line. It is a great idea to visit with an employment agency. They can help you update your resume and tailor it to specific industries. Often, they can offer advice on how to make you more marketable. Spend a little bit of time looking for the best agency. They should not charge you a fee, and should be willing to sit down and work with you on both your resume and your skill sets. They also may have contacts you do not have access to and may be able to arrange interviews more easily. Network, network, network. Talk to everybody you know about your job search. Also, utilize electronic networking media. Join professional organizations relevant to your field of expertise, attend meetings, volunteer – anything you can do to get your name out there. You may want to consider starting a networking group on one of the social media sites or even starting a blog about your profession. Always remember that job hunting is a job and be sure to treat it as such. It is easy to fall into the habit of sleeping in and treating your search causally. Instead, get up at an appropriate hour each day, dress professionally, and sit down to work. The more time you spend searching for a position, the more likely you are to find one. Finally, be prepared to go the distance. Today one must work for interviews and often be willing to interview several times for a position. Time and patience will rule the day in your job hunt. These tips on finding a new job should work together to assist you in finding a new position.

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How To Get Back In The Job Market

So, you’ve been out of the job market for a while due to working from home, contracting, being a stay at home parent, or you’re coming out of retirement. You may be looking to get back into the swing of things. It can be incredibly intimidating to start over this way. Just remember that you’re hardly the first person to do this, although you may feel very alone right now.
Here are a few pointers to get you on your way.
1. Reconnect with old colleagues. Remember, the number one way of getting the job is by having a personal connection with the hiring manager, or even with someone they know. It’s all about connections.
No less important, old colleagues can tell you what has changed in the business since you’ve been gone. You can bet your bottom dollar that new tools are being used. So find out what training you’ll need to get back in the game, and get it done.
2. Don’t insist on starting out at the same level, professionally. Since you’ve been out of the game for a while, it may take a while to get up to speed, which makes you a less attractive prospect to employers. There are a lot of people looking for jobs right now.
One way to get back into things quickly and easily may be by picking up some contract work here and there. That way you can make some new contacts, get up to speed, and potentially even find out about new job openings before you’d know otherwise.
If you do an especially impressive job, who knows, someone may ask you to stay, or just write down your name for later. A good reference in the biz is nothing to ignore.
3. Be prepared to explain what you’ve spent your time doing. If you took time off to spend with your kids, be aware that employers have no guarantee you won’t do this again.
If you’ve been doing massive amounts of volunteer work, get recommendations from the appropriate organizations. They’ll give an up to date idea of what your work ethic is like, and show your potential boss that you’re a go-getter.
If you’re taking the job for monetary reasons, as most are, (as opposed to personal fulfillment) potential employers are likely to ask you if you’ll leave when your home finances stabilized. Be prepared to answer them.
4. Dye those gray hairs. They may never admit it, but your interviewers are looking for someone who’s going to stick around, so they’re likely to be less interested in someone who looks too close to retiring.
5. While there are any number of online application processes, these days, don’t let that fool you. The best way to make contact is in person. This is for the same reason that people like to hire some kind of an acquaintance — they want a known entity. Furthermore, showing up in person show that you have enough interest in the job to get off your duff and get down there.
Don’t show up in a baggy shirt and sweatpants, either. Show them you’re serious.

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