Tuesday, December 31, 2019

9 High-Paying Jobs for Science Majors

9 High-Paying Jobs for Science Majors9 High-Paying Jobs for Science MajorsImagine a world without scientists. People who work in science careers are responsible for many of the things we, as a society, benefit from every day- ways to prevent and cure diseases, new technology, and strategies to help control climate change. To prepare for a science career, you will have to study either life or physical science. Life sciences involve learning about living organisms and include subjects like biology, biochemistry, microbiology, zoology, and ecology. Physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology are all physical sciences, which deal with the study of non-living matter. Here are ninehigh paying science careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (B.L.S.) predicts that employment in fruchtwein of these occupations will grow at least as fast as the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. Many will grow faster or much faster than the average. You may also be interested in learning ab out STEM careers, health professions, and health technology careers. Biochemist or Biophysicist Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical properties of living things and biological processes. To work in this field, you will need at leasta bachelors degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or physics. This will qualify you for an entry-level job. A doctorate is required to do independent research or work in development. MedianAnnual Salary(2018)$93,280 Number of People Employed (2016) 31,500 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)11% (faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Jobs Added(2016-2026)3,600 Chemist Chemists studychemicals and how they can be used to improve our lives. You will need a masters degree or Ph.D. in chemistry for most jobs, but a limited number of positions require only a bachelors degree. MedianAnnual Salary(2018)$76,890 Number of People Employed (2016) 88,300 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)6% (as fast as the average for all o ccupations) Projected Jobs Added(2016-2026)5,700 Conservationist Conservationists help landowners and governments find ways to protect natural resources such as soil and water. To get a job in this field, you will have to earn a bachelors degree in ecology, natural resource management, agriculture, biology,or environmental science. MedianAnnual Salary(2018)$61,310 Number of People Employed (2016) 22,300 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)6% (as fast as the average for all occupations) Projected Jobs Added(2016-2026)1,400 Environmental Scientist Environmental scientists identify, reduce, and eradicate pollutants and other hazardsthat threaten the environment or the populations health. You can get an entry-level job with a bachelors degree in environmental science,biology, engineering, chemistry, or physics, but if you hope to advance,a masters degree is necessary. MedianAnnual Salary(2018)$71,130 Number of People Employed (2016) 89,500 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)11% (faster tha n the average for all occupations) Projected Jobs Added(2016-2026)9,900 Environmental Science and Protection Technician Environmental science and protection technicians- sometimes called environment technicians- monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and work under environmental scientists supervision. You will have to earn an associate degree or a certificate in applied science or science-related technology, but some jobs require a bachelors degree in chemistry or biology. MedianAnnual Salary(2018)$46,170 Number of People Employed (2016) 34,600 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)12% (faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Jobs Added(2016-2026)4,200 Forensic Scientist Forensic scientists- also known as forensic science technicians or crime scene investigators- collect and analyze physical evidence. Many employers prefer applicants who have at least two years of specialized training or anassociate degreein applied science or science-related tech nology. Others will only hire those who have bachelors degrees in chemistry, biology, or forensic science. MedianAnnual Salary(2018)$58,230 Number of People Employed (2016) 15,400 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)17% (much faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Jobs Added(2016-2026)2,600 Geoscientist Geoscientists search for natural resources or help environmental scientists clean up the environment. To get an entry-level research position you will need at least a bachelors degree in geoscienceor earth science, but most research positions require a doctorate. MedianAnnual Salary(2018)$91,130 Number of People Employed (2016) 32,000 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)14% (much faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Jobs Added(2016-2026)4,500 Hydrologist Hydrologists study bodies of water, both on the earths surface and underground. They look at their circulation, distribution, and physical properties. To work in this field, you will need a masters degre e in geoscience, environmental science, or engineering with a concentration in hydrology or water sciences. MedianAnnual Salary(2018)$79,370 Number of People Employed (2016) 6,700 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)10% (faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Jobs Added(2016-2026)700 Medical Scientist Medical scientists do research to determine the causes of disease. They also look for ways to prevent and cure them. To work as a medical scientist, you will need a doctorate in a biological science, a medical degree (M.D.), or both. MedianAnnual Salary(2018)$84,810 Number of People Employed (2016) 120,000 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)13% (faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Jobs Added(2016-2026)16,100 Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2017 and Occupational Employment Statistics, 2018.

Friday, December 27, 2019

The Skills You Need to Be a Back-End Developer

The Skills You Need to Be a Back-End DeveloperThe Skills You Need to Be a Back-End DeveloperAre you thinking about moving into the flourishing field of web development?As you may already know, there are three types of web developers Front-end, back-end, and full stack, which combines both. Back-end developers are responsible for and focus on the inner workings of web applications to build out the server-side of web applications. Server-side is the code and language that runs behind the scenes on the web server or the back-end. The front-end is the client side, and front-end developers are charged with creating the experience on the client side. This article focuses solely on back-end developers by looking at what they do, the skills required to become a back-end developer, and how you can become one. What Is the Role of a Back-End Developer? Back-end developers work hand-in-hand with front-end developers by providing the outward facing web application elements server-side logic. In other words, back-end developers create the logic to make the web app function properly, and they accomplish this through the use of server-side scripting languages like Ruby or PHP. Aside from making web applications functional, back-end developers are also responsible for optimizing the application for speed and efficiency. Moreover, back-end developers oftencreate a data storage solution with a database, whichis a crucial component for all web applications since it stores information (like users, comments, posts, etc.). Common databases include MySQL,MongoDB, and PostgreSQL. Who Works With the Back-End Developer? Back-end developers typically work in groups or with a back-end team. However, within larger teams, there can be both back-end and front-end developers, which can include engineers,and UX architects. On the back-end team, back-end developers work alongside software engineers each with a specific role like REST API development or quality assurance (QA). Even within the back-end, there are different roles and responsibilities. Skills and Technological Expertise Necessary to Be a Back-End Developer Using the Total back-end job description template as a reference, below are some of the core skills and technologies a back-end developer must know. Proficient knowledge of the back-end programming language and the framework that is used by the companyUnderstanding of front-end web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (to communicate with team members on the front-end)Ability to manage a hosting environment, including database administration as well as scaling applications to handle load changesKnowledge of accessibility and security complianceExperience with version control, such as Git Where to Learn Back-End Skills Most back-end developers have formal training in one way or another including a computer science (CS) degree. Back-end developers may have to do more abstraction than front-end developers. They could be data mining, writi ng abstract algorithms, and so forth. Thats why a formal CS degree is important. Nevertheless, if youre beyond your college years, there are both in-person courses (or boot camps) as well as erreichbar options available to prepare you for a career in back-end development. In-Person Back-End Development Courses The best way to find an in-person back-end development course near you is through online research. However, here are two suggestions to get the ball rolling General Assembly has a 10-week back-end development course.Betamore has a 12-week back-end course (which is part-time). In-person boot camps/courses arent cheap. But they are more affordable than a formal CS degree. (Plus, unlike online classes, you have the luxury of being able to interact with peers and an instructor.) Online Learning Options for Back-End (Or Full Stack) It is not as easy to find back-end-only online courses. Most teach full-stack, which is both the front and back-end.Nonetheless, here are some o nline course options to consider Udacityhas a full-stack nano degree, with back-end development emphasis.Bloc.io has a full-stack online course, too, with one-on-one mentorship.Udemyhas a variety of online course options, including back-end development. Be sure to read the reviews on the Udemy course before enrolling. More Skills to Include on a Resume Well organized, detail oriented, ability to multi-task, excellent time-management, planning and prioritizationKnowledge of Mobile web development or cloud app developmentProficient in the use of version control / source code management toolsKnowledge of CMS and CRM platforms, (Salesforce Adobe AEM/CQ)Excellent communication skills, both verbal and writtenExperience in writing re-usable unit test documentsStrong organizational and communication skillsSkilled in performance tuning, query plan / explain plan analysis, indexing, table partitioning Exceptional knowledge of Database technologies RDBMS or NoSQLExcellent verbal, interpe rsonal and written communication skills Conclusion Back-end developers play a critical role on web development teams and are responsible for handling data storage and ensuring content gets delivered to the front-end.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

How to Politely Say No to Anyone at Work -The Muse

How to Politely Say No to Anyone at Work -The MuseHow to Politely Say No to Anyone at Work Sometimes saying yes at work is the way to go. Yes to that new project, yes to more responsibility, and yes to that promotion youve been eyeing. But other times, you need to decline. No, youre too busy, no youre elend interested, or no, you dont want to work until all hours of the night. Of course, how you phrase your reply makes a big difference. No, that idea sucks, is quite different from, No, Id like to take a different approach.With that in mind, here are four kinds of people you need to say no to at work- and diplomatic ways to do it. 1. To Your BossYour supervisor asks if youre able to take on a little more work, but the thing is- you cant. Youre up to your ears in other projects and you like eating dinner before 9 PM (at your apartment, not at your desk).It can be a little intimidating to push back when your babo asks you to do something. Skip the flat, no or an awkward, passive aggress ive, Well, umm, see I would, its just youve assigned me so much work in the past two weeks that Im busy working on everything else you asked, so I, uhh, dont think I can.Instead, try, Thank you so much for thinking of me for this, but I was planning to spend this week working on name of other projects. This approach works for a couple of reasons. First, its flattering that your manager thought of you (after all, you want to be top of mind when new, exciting projects come along). Second, if your boss knows this new task is more important, it invites him to say, Lets push those other projects to the backburner, and make sure youre on the same page as far as priorities go. 2. To Your Co-workerYour co-worker asks you to help her with a pet project that you have very little expertise (or interest) in. Now, if you have time, you might want to consider helping anyhow, because youll strengthen your relationship with your colleague and be seen as someone whos willing to pitch in.But if youre set on turning the opportunity down, just be sure to skip a fake excuse about how you would help if only you werent so swamped. If you say that, but then take on other new projects, shell know you were uninterested (and lied).Instead, try something closer to the real reason. It looks like this I appreciate you asking me, Julie. That sounds like an exciting initiative. Unfortunately, Im terrible with social media I have a Twitter page I never use and I cant even begin to understand Periscope, so Im afraid I wouldnt be much help.3. To Your EmployeesYes, you want to encourage brainstorming and love when your employees come to you with new ideas. However, sometimes you already have a clear plan in mind, and what youd really like is for your employees to execute and follow it.Of course, No, well be doing it my way, never put anyone in the running for boss of the year.Instead, you want your message to be that while you appreciate employee input in general, this is a project where its rea lly important everyone follow the plan exactly. Remember You always want to offer a why in addition to your no so that it doesnt just sound like youre stubborn.Try this Thanks for sharing those suggestions, George. For this particular project, we need to follow the directions exactly as theyre outlined if we want to meet our deadline. Weve gotten approval on this plan, and any changes might send us back to the drawing board. As always, please let me know if something is unclear or if you have any questions. 4. To a ClientOK, this ones particularly tricky. You dont want to come off as patronizing to someone who is, well, your patron. Sure, he hired you because you know what youre doing but because hes paying you, he gets a say in the overall direction of your work.Sometimes you want to respond like the character in the movie who gets to give a monologue reminding the client that shes brilliant, and thats why he hired her, and the best thing he can do is let her do her job. And in the movies, the client usually agrees and backs off. However, in real life, Id discourage throwing all of your papers in the air as you discuss your brilliance, because it doesnt usually turn out the same way.Instead, the first thing you should do is let the client share his thoughts- fully. You may be tempted to cut him off as soon as he starts into an idea that you know would be unpopular or infeasible, but if you stop him there, hell think you might not get it. As he speaks, listen for key concerns hes mentioning or key issues he thinks his new approach is solving. Then, when you respond with your plan, emphasize how youre addressing the same issues (as opposed to how youre shutting down his plan). It should go like this, I hear your concern that you arent sold on the proposed new tagline. However, I worry the one you suggested is very similar to the competition, and I know one of your main goals is to stand out. May I walk you through how we came to this one and other contenders yo u may want to consider?No one wants to be known as the person who always declines. Because after a while, people will stop asking you for things (like joining the really cool, exciting, important opportunities). So, instead, aim to be known for the considerate way in which you express yourself- even in tough conversations.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

These 2 questions are the key to mastering any skill

These 2 questions are the key to mastering any schillThese 2 questions are the key to mastering any skillA feeling of discomfort may mean that youre on the right track.It was the last race of the ski season. My son Daniel, 10 years old, was at the starting gate in his speed suit, helmet and goggles, waiting for the signal.3 2 1 The gate keeper called out and he was gone in a flash, pushing off his ski poles to gain momentum. One by one, each gate smacked to the ground when he brushed by. As he neared the end, he crouched into an aerodynamic tuck to shave a few milliseconds from his time. He crossed the finish line - 48.37 seconds after the start - breathing hard. We cheered and gave him hugs.But he wasnt smiling.48.37 seconds put him solidly in the middle of the pack.I had coaching ideas. Ways I could help him get faster. While I am an executive and leadership coach, I coach skiing on the weekends and I was a ski racer myself at his age. But I held back my feedback, hugged him a gain and told him I loved him. Thats what he needed in that moment.Later though, I asked him how he felt about the race.I never get in the top 10.This is delicate terrain - coaching your own kids - and I chose my words carefully.I have two questions for you, I said. One Do you want to do better?If the answer is no, then to attempt to coach would be a fools errand (a mistake I have made in the past).Yeah, he said.Heres my second question Are you willing to feel the discomfort of putting in mora effort and trying new things that will feel weird and different and wont work right away?He was silent for a while and I let the silence just hang there. Silence is good. Its the sound of thinking. And this was an important question for Daniel to think about.I believe - and my experience coaching hundreds of leaders in hundreds of different circumstances proves - that anyone can get better at anything. But in order to get better - and in order to be coached productively - you need to hon estly answer yes to both those questions.Maybe you want to be a more inspiring leader. Or connect more with others. Maybe you want to be more productive or more influential. Maybe you want to be a better communicator, a more impactful presenter, or a better listener. Maybe you want to lead more effectively, take more risks, or become a stronger manager.Whatever it is, you can become better at it. But heres the thing I know just as clearly as I know you can get better at anything you will not get better if 1) you dont want to and 2) you arent willing to feel the discomfort of doing things differently.One senior leader I worked with became defensive when people gave him feedback or criticized his decisions. He wanted to get better, he told me, and he was willing to feel the discomfort. So I gave him very specific instructions (learned from my friend Marshall Goldsmith) Meet with each member of your team and acknowledge that you have struggled with accepting feedback and tell them that you are committed to getting better. Then ask for feedback - especially ways you can be a better leader - and take notes. Dont say anything other than Thank you.It took every restraint muscle in my body not to get into a conversation about their comments, he told me afterwards. Especially because I felt they misunderstood me at times. It was beyond uncomfortable. And I messed up a few times and had to apologize. But I did it - and they havent stopped talking about what a welcome change its been.Learning anything new is, by its nature, uncomfortable. You will need to act in ways that are unfamiliar. Take risks that are new. Try things that, in many cases, will be initially frustrating because they wont work the first time. You are guaranteed to feel awkward. You will make mistakes. You may be embarrassed or even feel shame, especially if you are used to succeeding a lot - and all my clients are used to succeeding a lot.If you remain committed through all of that, youll get bette r.I now ask those two questions before committing to coach any CEO or senior leader. Its a prerequisite to growth.I sat silently with Daniel for long enough that I thought he might have forgotten my question. Sitting in the discomfort of that moment, I realized that this was a new behavior for me too. Im used to jumping in and trying to help him. Now, I was sincerely asking him whether he wanted my help. I was honestly OK with whatever answer he gave me - and it felt a little weird. But the more I settled into the silence, the more comfortable I got with just sitting with him - which I found I loved doing.Finally, he spoke up.I think so, he said, but its the end of the season. Can we talk about it at the beginning of next season?Sure, I said, Ill ask you again then.This article, which wasoriginally posted atHarvard Business Review, also appeared on Heleo.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

ASME Introduces Innovative Design Simulation Challenge

ASME Introduces Innovative plan Simulation Challenge ASME Introduces Innovative Design Simulation Challenge ASME Introduces Innovative Design Simulation Challenge ASME is now accepting entries for a new competition, the ASME Innovative Design Simulation Challenge (IDSC). This is the second competition event for undergraduate students that the Society has launched for 2014, following the new ASME Innovative Additive Manufacturing 3D (IAM3D) Challenge that was announced last month. (Read more about the IAM3D Challenge here.)The ASME Innovative Design Simulation Challenge has been designed to give mechanical engineering and multi-disciplinary undergraduate students throughout the world an opportunity to showcase their skills in developing and deploying simulations or simulation frameworks and environments. These simulations should enable the prediction of models capturing systemic or service behavior for the needs of product or service design, maintenance, qualification or certif ication in all areas of engineering innovation. The IDSC is intended to allow students to showcase their knowledge and creativity while addressing a broad spectrum of academic, industrial, manufacturing and humanitarian challenges.The top 12 entries, as selected by a reviewing committee, will be invited to present their simulations and simulation environments to a panel of judges at the ASME 2014 International Design Engineering Technical Conference and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference (IDETC/CIE) this August in Buffalo, N.Y., where the winners will be announced. Two $2,000 prizes will be awarded in each of the IDSCs three categories custom, open and commercial simulations. Other prizes include $1,000 honoraria and complimentary five-year ASME memberships for selected team faculty member advisors, and travel subsidies for semi-finalists to attend the Challenge finals at the IDETC/CIE, which will take place from Aug. 17-20.Students may register, either as individua ls or in teams of up three members, until May 31. The 12 finalists will be announced by June 30. To learn more about the ASME Innovative Design Simulation Challenge, or to register, visit https//www.asme.org/events/competitions/idsc-challenge.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

The Indisputable Reality About Counseling Resume That Nobody Is Sharing With You

The Indisputable Reality About Counseling Resume That Nobody Is Sharing With You Counseling Resume Ideas Resources are provided in an attempt to boost quality of life for seniors. If youre a professional looking to modify fields, volunteer work or internships may also help to bridge the gap between your existing profession and your preferred field. High yearly salaries in the forensic area might be a crucial attraction for CRCs trying to transition from the public sector. Most klasse programs require some kind of private statement, which is where youll receive the ideal opportunity to inform the school why your experiences and interests make you the ideal candidate for the program. Counseling Resume - Is it a Scam? A CV might be several pages long, but more often is the exact same length as a resume at the start of a career. You can readily discover the normal format online. Utilizing our functional resume format is a significant method to display your abilities and accompli shments up front. As you might already know, internships are constructive and useful experiences for each college student. Internships also a fantastic add-on to your resume. Students require a minimal high school diploma or equivalent to begin their associate level. International students are entitled to work on-campus when attending New Mexico Tech. In your objective, you identify where you wish to go to graduate school and what program you need to enter. Students should review their states requirements as a way to identify which degree program is most suitable for their professional objectives. More specifically, the program was made to develop the capability to facilitate the growth of college students in both cognitive and individual locations. The School Counseling program supplies a M.Ed. ur resume builder makes it simple to create a well-written resume in a few minutes. Putting together a resume for the very first time may be scary and overwhelming job, but below are some helpful hints to make the process simpler. For example, if you submit an application for a Chinese-English interpreting job, you need to be fluent in both languages otherwise you would not really qualify for the position. If youre just beginning to create a career path for a camp counselor, you might use our Functional Resume Template samples as references in making your professional profile. Things You Should Know About Counseling Resume If you are attempting to acquire the very best position for a psychologist, you need to examine the psychologist resume example weve listed below. Much is dependent upon the reason you would like to be a counselor. Counselors are generally open to you returning to their office in the event the problem resurfaces. Though a camp counselor isnt working in an ordinary office setting, it is totenstill quite crucial that you demonstrate professionalism. Heres What I Know About Counseling Resume Licensed Professional Counselors are amo ng the six varieties of licensed mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy in the United States of america. Certification is extremely desirable to numerous employers. It may also improve job prospects and increase your salary. On our site, local job seekers may also locate plenty of information to help them with their job search in Central Florida. If youre open to several kinds of jobs, let us know. Its also important to concentrate on skills you will use if you have the job which youre applying for. Helping you negotiate a work offer and weigh your choices. In america, many rehabilitation counselors work in a number of arenas. The area of management wants a range of certain skills. Identify the place you wish to apply, and research for their operations. The people with the correct training in their various field, together with soft abilities and fantastic communication skills are largely preferred by the companies. The curriculum requirements to be a couns eling psychologist are typically virtually identical from 1 university to the next. Though a bachelors degree in counseling will supply an introduction to the area, the majority of states require that counselors have no less than a masters degree as a way to become licensed. A wide selection of on-line counseling certificate programs are readily available to students and professionals who want to work toward licensure, a graduate level, or only to advance their existing comprehension of counseling for professional or private factors. Accredited counseling programs are the absolute most tailored to supplying you with the ideal abilities and knowledge necessary to pass a state licensing exam. Counseling Resume Can Be Fun for Everyone In order to obtain the hands-on experience an expert counselor requirements, all high quality online graduate counseling degrees call for a practicum and internship experience. While work experience isnt necessary, counseling students may be interes ted in volunteering at clinics in their counseling region of interest. By way of example, in the united kingdom, career counseling would normally be called careers advice or guidance. Students learn various techniques for working with clients, based on just what the client wishes to escape from counseling.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Allied health career fact sheet

Allied health career fact sheet Allied health career fact sheetPosted February 4, 2014, by Julia WattersHealth ResourcesOccupational therapist sample resumeOccupational therapist sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesSarah Key - Physiotherapist to the QueenMatthew Salier - National Christmas Manager for The Smith FamilyDr Tim Crowe - Thinking NutritionTanya Denny - Founder of Chrysalis Therapeutic Support ServicesNicholas Steepe - Equity & Diversity Project ManagerInterested in becoming a?Business ManagerOffice AdministratorHuman Resources ManagerPractice ManagerOccupational Health and Safety (OHS) OfficerPopular Career Searchesenvironmental health courses tafe nswenvironmental health officer courses onlinecertificate iii iv in allied health assistanceadvanced diploma of health science acupuncturebachelor mental healthHealth CoursesCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire ansprechbar Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCerti ficate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Nutrition and Di...Enquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineJulia WattersRelated ArticlesBrowse moreHealth5 reasons why the care sector is the right career change for 2015The health care sector continues to be one of the fastest growing industries in Australia. This guest post from carecareers explores why it could just be your ticket to a life-altering career change in 2015.MedicalScienceCity doctors the push to go bushA new national program will encourage city doctors to work in rural areas to expand their skills and give remote doctors a break.HealthHelping careersSector snapshot healthcareAs Australias largest employing industry, healthcare offers a tonne of jobs and is a smart career move. But whats the best job for you? From wage comparisons to job openings, weve compiled an overview of the healthcare sector to give you all the facts.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

The Most Wanted Employee Benefits

The Most Wanted Employee BenefitsThe Most Wanted Employee BenefitsEmployees are looking for mora than just a paycheck these days when considering staying with a current employer or looking for something better. It appears that employee benefits are weighing heavily on this decision. A new, more informed breed of employees wants compensation thathelps them stay healthy and care for dependents like never before. Recent Study Reveals Employee Benefit Requests and Trends For employers hoping to attract the best new college grads or the top tier candidates on the market,you will want to pay particular attention to this article because we will discuss the top 10 most wantedemployee benefits based on currentresearch. According to aSociety forHuman Resource Management (SHRM) and Colonial Life joint studyconducted recently,these are the employee benefits that a vast majority of career seekers are demanding from hiring companies in 2014 and beyond. Their findings are not surprising, given the drive towards a more balanced work life as a foremost value in the workplace now. Heres a run-down of the top employee benefits requested. 1 Health Care and Personal Welfare The above surveyfound that companies have increasingly offered employees vision, contraceptive, mental health, bariatric and laser vision surgery over the past five years. Over the same period, companies are decreasing in the amount of retired health care coverage and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA)offered to former employees. This means more employees are seeking employee benefits to cover theirbusier-than-everlifestyles. 2 Preventive Health and Wellness Benefits Companies have begun to decrease their health care expenses by offering more in the way of preventive health and wellness programs for employees. These programs include health care premium discounts for not using tobacco products, for receiving an annual health risk assessment, and discounts for taking part in a wellness program. C ompanies have also begun offering bonuses or non-cash incentivesto those who meet their wellness goals. 3Retirement and Savings Planning Employees of all ages are looking for retirement savings and planning benefits from their employers more so now than ever before. Employees are becoming more responsible for their savingsand as a result employers are pulling back on the amount of defined contribution savings plans, hardship withdrawals, and plan loans over the past five years. This is essentially putting retirement planning and personalsavings back on the map as a core value in the workplace. 4 Leave Benefits An incredibly important benefit that employees are seeking these days is that of the leave benefit. From 2010 to 2014, there has been an 11 percent increase in the number of companies offering employees paid time off benefit plans, according to the SHRM and Colonial Lifesurvey. Despite this, the number of companies offering paid personal time off payment has dropped so mewhat. It will be interesting to see how this affects workplace productivity and if the option to work from home is making an impact on the number of days taken off for personal needs. 5 Flexible Schedules Employees want to have a lot more flexibility in their work schedule. Unlike previous generations of workers, younger employeesdonotwant work to rule their lives. Instead, they mucksmuschenstill want to have a social and family life outside of work. Flexible schedule benefits that are mostin demand include flex days, work-at-home options and flexible shifts. This helps more people get the most out of their workdays while maintaining adequate work-life balance. 6 Career Development The study reveals that workplace-sponsoredcareer developmentis becoming a benefit that is somewhat decreasing at companies, due to lack of demand from employees. Even though some companies are worried about a lack of skilled workers, not all are showing the same concern. Some employees still wa nt to be offered career development benefits, which include taking classes on the companys dime and being paid to attend training courses. It has been suggested that open courses andeLearninghave given some employees the chance to learn just what they need to be successful on the job. 7 Business Travel Perks Travel is still an important aspect of the work world today, which is why employees look for business travel benefits when applying for new opportunities. Employees want discounts and theywant to be reimbursed for booking gasthaus rooms, taxi rides, airfare and much more while away from the office. Job applicants look for companies willing to pay for their travel during interviews or for training.This also includeshaving access to company-paid cell phoneswhile on the road. 8 Relocation Benefits This benefit category decreased from 2010 to 2014, as found by the survey conducted by SHRM and Colonial Life. The percentage of employers offering spouse relocation assistance a nd temporary relocation benefits dropped somewhat. Not many employees are willing to switch their residence for a new job, or even to remain with a company that has decided to move its headquarters or offices to a new location. Relocation benefits are highly prized by employees who are willing to make a residence change as a result of a job offer. 9 Compensation Bonuses Companies have exhibited a sizable decrease in compensation benefits offered employees from 2010 to 2014. These benefits include 529 savings plans, incentive bonus plans for executives, dependent care flexible spending accounts and undergraduate educational assistance. Any cash benefits that a company can offer, outside of a salary, are an attractive tool that can be used in recruitment of top-level candidates. 10 Employee-FocusedCommunity Programs Companies may beoffering employees fewer communityprograms these days, but they are still highly coveted amongst a younger, and more social workforce. These are co mmunityprograms that ofteninclude company-sponsored sports teams, executive club membership, travel planning services, postal/shippingservices, onsite dry cleaning, daycare, social clubs,and other options that help employees settle into to their communities. It will be interesting to see what the next few years will bring in terms of the types of employee benefits that grow in demand and what will go by the wayside. The above survey sheds light on certain changes in the values and needs of the newest generation of talent. Image Credit md3d - Fotolia.com

Saturday, November 23, 2019

This is the smartest thing Ive ever done in an interview

This is the smartest thing Ive ever done in an interviewThis is the smartest thing Ive ever done in an interviewI studied my interviewer.When I applied for my original substitute teaching job, it welches because I needed a job and was comfortable around teenagers. Teaching was not my dream job. Nor was this school my dream school. I didnt have a credential and my degree wasnt even in education. Sure, I had limited experience with teaching from TAing and tutoring in college, but all of that combined wouldnt have put me above the other applicants.By any measure, I wasnt the best candidate on paper.But I knew quite a bit about the people in leadership at this school. One was a family friend of my college roommate, another frequently gave speeches that I had attended, and the third had actually assisted me in creating an organizational psychology study on school leadership back when I was a junior in college.If I had been interviewed by either of the first two, I probably could have pull ed out a decent amount of knowledge about them and what kind of candidate they looked for. I might have done all right.Ladders is now on SmartNewsDownload the SmartNews app and add the Ladders channel to read the latest career news and advice wherever you go.Luckily, it was the third partie that eventually interviewed me for the job. Could not have planned it better if I tried. I literally had a full research paper mapping out how this person felt about their own leadership and what qualities they valued in employees in their own words. Between that and mining the internet for all the things this person had written about teaching and leadership, I had a fairly full picture of what kind of person they were looking for. Relational. High expectation. High support. Transformational.And then I emphasized those traits during my interview. I worked a mirror of their values into every answer, from how Id greet students to discipline strategies to religion (its a private religious school).I didnt lie or manipulate. Everything I said was true and I only promised what I was willing to deliver on if I was hired. I simply presented the parts of myself that the interviewer would be most likely to resonate with. There may have been a bit of flattery thrown in as well, albeit only things I truly felt.Smashing success. I started work the same day, and have worked consistently at the same job for nearly 2 1/2 years now.This article first appeared on Quora.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Balancing Between College, Work, and Personal Life

Balancing Between College, Work, and Personal LifeBalancing Between College, Work, and Personal LifeCreating a work-life balance can be challenging for many people but for college students, a lack of balance can become overwhelming if healthy living and wellness arent factored into the overall equation. Balancing coursework, roommates, co-curricular activities, finances, personal relationships, etc., in a totally new and different environment is a tremendous change for students who may be coming from a world where most of their basic needs were taken care of.? Creating Balance Creating a work-life balance is even mora important during times of stress. It is a known fact that a high incidence of illnesses occur in college during periods when students are under additional pressure such as when they are in the process of studying for exams or completing the many papers and presentations required by professors. Dr. Michele Vancour, Associate prof of Public Health, Southern Connecticu t State University, wrote an interesting article entitled Tips for a More Balanced College Life. The article discusses many ways students can make their lives more balanced while also meeting the daily demands they face while attending college. Reducing Stress In her article How to Reduce Stress While in College, Kelci Lynn, discusses ways college students can reduce stress. Getting plenty of rest, exercise, social time, quiet time, and making time for fun are all ways she suggests for students to balance the many demands of college life. In her article, Kelci offers ten tips for handling stress and learning ways to relax when life becomes too stressful. Specifically, college calls for a significant transition, where students experience many firsts, including new lifestyle, friends, roommates, exposure to new cultures and alternate ways of thinking, according to Hilary Silver, M.S.W., a licensed clinical social worker and mental health expert for Campus Calm. If students do not feel adequate or prepared to cope with the new environment of a college campus, they could easily become susceptible to depression and anxiety, said Harrison Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Counseling and Coordinator of the Community Counseling masters program at North Georgia College State University which is included in the article Depression and Anxiety Among College Students, by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.. Time Management Another problem that college students often face is getting involved in too many activities and not knowing how to assert themselves by learning how to say no. Time management is especially important for college students since college life can suck up every available minute if you let it. Carving out time for social activities and spending time with friends is extremely important but feeling the pressure that you should participate in every social event on campus plus becoming a part of the one or more of the many sports, clubs, and volunteer activi ties offered, can leave you feeling drained and zapped of vital energy. The key is to find the types of activities that make you feel good and helps you to recharge your batteries so that you can face your commitments and responsibilities with renewed energy and a renewed sense of purpose. Tips for Creating Work-Life Balance Some simple and inexpensive ways college students can renew their energy might include reading a good book, watching a funny movie or TV show, taking a walk or a run, going to the gym, having a heart to heart talk with a friend, or even the simple act of taking a nice hot bubble bath. Finding ways to escape from the daily grind will help you function more productively once when you return to the work you will undoubtedly have to wait. Even though finding this balance can be challenging, the positive effect it will have on your overall health and wellness will be more than worth the effort. One of the best resources on health and wellness tips for college stu dents is on RNCentral.com 101 Health Wellness Tips for College Students. This resource has excellent information and tips for making your time in college more enjoyable and more balanced.