Career Advice By Randy

Entry level government Jobs

While the state of the economy is on the upswing, many job-seekers have found that it hasn’t quite swung back up to normal yet. If you’ve found yourself looking for a job and not quite getting the results you had originally hoped for, there may be an option you haven’t considered yet—a government job. I know, it doesn’t sound like the most exciting or popular job option, but the reality is that government jobs are not only stable, they are also becoming more widely available, while also offering great benefits. So if you’re thinking that this might just be the next step you want to take, we (along with the help of those at Monster.com and GovCentral.com) have broken down the best entry level government jobs out there right now.
Keep in mind that while these jobs are technically entry level positions, most of them will still require at least a college degree for placement. Here are a few to consider:
1.    Accountant. With job titles ranging from CPA (Certified Public Accountant), to Business Analyst, to Accounting Manager, government accountants usually complete tasks such as preparing or analyzing accounting records, analyzing business operations and determining opportunities, and developing budgets. If you’re a numbers person, you could start off earning over $25/hour as a government accountant.
2.    Business Operations Managers. Employees in this position monitor, direct, and manage business operations of both private and public sector organizations. This could mean doing anything from managing other employees’ schedules and delegating tasks to actually assessing staffing needs and picking and training new employees. The average salary of a government employed business operations manager is around $40/hour.
3.    Fire Fighters. Ah, every little boy’s dream job…and every big girl’s dream husband. If you’re up for the challenge, fire fighters not only make on average over $20/hour, but also get to be the knight in shining armor, or knight-ess, if you will (we don’t discriminate).
If none of these quite fit the bill, there are several other government employment opportunities out there. So take a look, and don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

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How To Finance Your New Career

Many people are opting to change career paths. Whether forced to through job cuts or choosing to in order to provide a better live, changing paths mid-career can be exciting, fun and expensive. The pressures of mortgages, utilities, car payments and groceries often make paying for classes or certifications seem like a pipe dream. There are several options available to individuals hoping to prepare for a new career if you just know where to look.

Many people choose to use traditional student loans to finance their education. This can be an excellent option for those with good credit ratings who believe their new career will provide adequate money for paying back the loans. Student loans typically offer lower interest rates than traditional loans. In some cases, students may be approved for governmental assistance.

Another option is governmental grants. There are many different types of grants available. Many educational institutions will assist you with finding grants that are applicable to your particular situation. Finding and applying for grants can be time consuming, but as they do not have to be paid back, they are an excellent option for those that qualify.

Some returning students choose to refinance their homes in order to finance their education. This can be an excellent option for those who have sufficient equity built up. This option works well, especially for those with good credit ratings.

In some instances, it may be possible to have your current company partially fund your education. This is particularly helpful for those looking to change careers within the same company, but it sometimes a possibility for anyone looking to continue their education.

Improvements in technology have made it easier to take classes from the comfort of your home using the Internet. These classes are sometimes more economical then typical classes and should be carefully reviewed.

Financing a new career can be difficult. Remember, that even if you can only afford a class at a time, it is an investment in your future.

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How To Change Careers

Just a few short years ago, changing careers mid-stream was considered foolish and unintelligent. With the unemployment rate soaring, more and more people are choosing to change gears and find a new career. This can be a scary and exciting proposition. Spending some time researching your career change and carefully mapping out your plan can make changing careers less scary and more fun.

Before deciding to change careers, it is crucial to spend some time choosing just how you will be changing your path. Research different options available to you and carefully consider the following questions:

1. How much additional income can you expect from your new position?
2. How marketable is the new position – in other words, how difficult will it be to obtain meaningful employment in your new field?
3. How much additional training or coursework will be necessary in order to become a qualified candidate in your chosen field?
4. How will you finance your additional training?

Choosing your new career field is perhaps the most difficult part of this process. Unless you have a passionate desire for a particular field, you are most likely basing your decision on money alone. While money can and should play an important role in your decision making process, it is also important to consider what you will be doing and if you can continue with your chosen field long term.

Because almost any career change will involve at least some reeducation, anyone considering a career change must careful consider how he or she will fit this into his or her current work and life schedule. Finding the time and money to retrain yourself might prove to be too much of a strain – especially if your new field requires extensive education.

It is an excellent idea to network prior to fully committing to your career change. Find professional organizations or groups dedicated to your chosen field. This can be the best way to determine how lucrative your new position may be as well as your likelihood of obtaining gainful employment.

It is interesting to consider the ‘trends’ prevalent in the job market. Every few years there is a new ‘hot’ job. Currently, those positions tend to revolve around technology. If possible, try to consider the next ‘big thing.’ In some ways, this can be a bit of a gamble, but can be lucrative as well. Energy, health care and environmental reform are all big-ticket fields right now – for those willing to take a risk.

Finally, remember that it is easier to find a job when you already have one, so be sure to have a position in your new field lined up before you quit your current job. This will ensure no loss of income.

Whether you considering changing your career or have to because of the job market, changing your career can literally change your life. By taking the time to consider your options and properly plan your change, a career change can be seamless.

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Discover Business Administration as a Career Choice

Everyone is looking for a leg up in the job market. Once of the most often overlooked choices is that of Business Administration. Business Administration is an exciting field with many different facets to consider. It is generally considered to be one of the most stable positions to hold in a company, even during trying financial times. Getting started in Business Administration is relatively simple. Business Administration can be an exciting career option for many people. The job is highly customizable and suited to many different personality types.

There are several different types of people who are particularly suited to working in the field of Business Administration. Because of the many different sides of the business, it is easy to use your particular talents. Business administration typically covers the planning and operations of a given business. Different companies focus on different aspects. A Business Administrator may be asked to work on technology, marketing, accounting or organization functions of a business. This allows people of different skills and talents to be successful in the field.

Today, one of the most popular ‘specializations’ is that of technology. Business change their technology and processes as fast as new technology appears. Properly implementing new hardware, software or systems is crucial for the success of a business. Because of this, many businesses are interested in hiring qualified Business Administrators to overlook this arduous task. Specializing in technology can be rewarding and exciting.

In many cases, all that is required is a Bachelor of Business Administration in order to qualify for entry-level positions. This four-year degree will put degree seekers through a rigorous course of classes that includes business theory and management classes. Those that wish to pursue further education can work towards an MBA (Masters of Business Administration). This degree is typically more specialized, focusing on accounting, marking or management.

Business Administration careers will appeal particularly to people with strong organization and managerial fields. Successful applicants will be motivational, driven and have the ability to see the big picture. Business Administrators are often drawn upon during times of crisis or change and are asked to solve complex business problems. Determining a new direction for a business, reorganizing after a series of layoffs and yearly planning all fall under the umbrella of Business Administration.

Because of the wide variety of positions available under the umbrella of Business Administration, it is difficult to put a dollar figure on the job category. One of the most positive things about choosing Business Administration as your career path is the wide range of experience needed by most businesses. From entry-level positions to upper management, larger companies typically need a wide range of employees that are qualified to work in the Business Administration field. This makes a degree in Business Administration marketable at any point of your career.

Simply put, in today’s day and age a career in Business Administration is one of the most versatile and rewarding career paths available.

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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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