Are you looking for a job? Does it scare you to read all the gloom and doom reports about the increasingly high rate of unemployment, and how tough it is to get a job? I have a suggestion, stop reading those articles!
Yes, I said stop reading that stuff. It’s enough to scare a job hunter out of even trying, and it shouldn’t. Why? Because even in the toughest of times, jobs are available in many different areas. People still quit jobs for various reasons, or they get fired, or they get laid off. Sometimes those jobs aren’t replaced, but many times they are, and the jobs will go to the people who haven’t given up trying.
Unless you have a rare set of skills, or unless you’re in a very high demand-type of profession, you may not have people begging you to come work for them. Therefore, you need to learn how to look for a job and how to present yourself in the best possible light.
Since most companies require a résumé, you need to have one that will get noticed. The résumé is a document that gives employers a taste of what you have to offer, but it doesn’t tell them everything. You want them to want to learn more about you in an interview. While a perfect résumé won’t guarantee you a job, a poorly written résumé will probably keep you from even being considered. Whenever possible, use the company’s job description and tailor your résumé to it. Please don’t lie. More often than not, when a lie is discovered after one has been hired, one is usually fired.
The next thing you want to do is be prepared for the interview. Most people are frightened at the prospect of an interview because they look at it as a one-way street. They see it as a test, and if they fail, they don’t get the job. I invite you to look at the interview as a two-way street. Not only is the employer looking at you, but you should be looking at the employer and thinking, “Would I want to work here with these people? Will I be doing what I’d love to do?” If you look at the interview that way, you might feel a bit more in control.
While you can never be 100% prepared for every question the employer might ask, you can prepare for some of the most commonly asked questions. Also, how you react to a question might be more important than how you answer it. Remain calm, take a couple of seconds, and then answer.
Body language is extremely important in an interview. Be sure you sit up straight--but relaxed-- keep your arms uncrossed, make eye contact and smile. You don’t have to grin from ear to ear, but try not to frown or look like the interview is a form of torture for you. The more comfortable and confident you appear, the more the interviewer(s) will see you that way.
The above is only a sample of what you need to know about the job search process. The Internet is full of great job search information that you can find by typing in words such as résumé, interview, or job search hints. Knowledge is power. The more you learn about how to conduct a job search, the better the chance that you will actually get hired.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Psychology Major
Are you fascinated with why people do what they do? Then if you’re considering psychology as a major, you might be on the right track.
What is psychology? For an excellent article that describes psychology, go to this American Psychological Association link to learn more: http://www.apa.org/topics/psychologycareer.html
It also discusses different types of jobs that psychologists hold, the job outlook, and more.
Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD?
For psychology majors, there are three main options—a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree, and/or a PhD. What one wants to do in the field is largely dependent on the degree one has.
What can you do with a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology?
According to the BLS-Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Opportunities directly related to psychology will be limited for bachelor’s degree holders. Some may find jobs as assistants in rehabilitation centers or in other jobs involving data collection and analysis. Also, one may find employment in occupations, (i.e., human resources), that value the transferrable skills that psychology majors develop
Those who meet state certification requirements may become high school psychology teachers. However, if you decide on this option, you should be able to teach another subject as well, since not all high schools offer psychology.
What can you do with a Master’s Degree in psychology?
According to the BLS-Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Master’s degree holders in fields other than industrial-organizational psychology will face keen competition for jobs because of the limited number of positions that require just a master’s degree.”
Master’s Degree holders may find jobs as psychological assistants or counselors, providing mental health services under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist (Note: in the state of Texas, one can set up an independent private practice if one is also a Licensed Professional Counselor).
Also, those who hold Master’s Degrees can often teach in community colleges, although the competition for those jobs is keen. Still others may find jobs involving research and data collection and analysis in universities, government or private companies.
What can you do with a PhD. in psychology?
According to the BLS-Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Job prospects should be the best for people who have a doctoral degree from a leading university in an applied specialty, such as counseling or health, and those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology. Psychologists with extensive training in quantitative research methods and computer science may have a competitive edge over applicants without such background.”
LSC-North Harris offers a variety of psychology courses that will transfer to many universities. You can find the list of core psychology courses on p. 80 of the 09-10 catalog at http://www.lonestar.edu/lscs-catalog.htm, and a complete listing of all psychology course offered at one time or another in the LSCS system, starting on p.291 of the 09-10 catalog.
Please feel free to contact me for more information and assistance with educational planning. You can also contact Dr. Don Stanley, psychology professor, and chair of social and behavioral sciences—281.618.5523.
What is psychology? For an excellent article that describes psychology, go to this American Psychological Association link to learn more: http://www.apa.org/topics/psychologycareer.html
It also discusses different types of jobs that psychologists hold, the job outlook, and more.
Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD?
For psychology majors, there are three main options—a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree, and/or a PhD. What one wants to do in the field is largely dependent on the degree one has.
What can you do with a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology?
According to the BLS-Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Opportunities directly related to psychology will be limited for bachelor’s degree holders. Some may find jobs as assistants in rehabilitation centers or in other jobs involving data collection and analysis. Also, one may find employment in occupations, (i.e., human resources), that value the transferrable skills that psychology majors develop
Those who meet state certification requirements may become high school psychology teachers. However, if you decide on this option, you should be able to teach another subject as well, since not all high schools offer psychology.
What can you do with a Master’s Degree in psychology?
According to the BLS-Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Master’s degree holders in fields other than industrial-organizational psychology will face keen competition for jobs because of the limited number of positions that require just a master’s degree.”
Master’s Degree holders may find jobs as psychological assistants or counselors, providing mental health services under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist (Note: in the state of Texas, one can set up an independent private practice if one is also a Licensed Professional Counselor).
Also, those who hold Master’s Degrees can often teach in community colleges, although the competition for those jobs is keen. Still others may find jobs involving research and data collection and analysis in universities, government or private companies.
What can you do with a PhD. in psychology?
According to the BLS-Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Job prospects should be the best for people who have a doctoral degree from a leading university in an applied specialty, such as counseling or health, and those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology. Psychologists with extensive training in quantitative research methods and computer science may have a competitive edge over applicants without such background.”
LSC-North Harris offers a variety of psychology courses that will transfer to many universities. You can find the list of core psychology courses on p. 80 of the 09-10 catalog at http://www.lonestar.edu/lscs-catalog.htm, and a complete listing of all psychology course offered at one time or another in the LSCS system, starting on p.291 of the 09-10 catalog.
Please feel free to contact me for more information and assistance with educational planning. You can also contact Dr. Don Stanley, psychology professor, and chair of social and behavioral sciences—281.618.5523.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
History Major
Are you thinking about majoring in history, but aren’t sure what one can do with a degree in that field? The answer is, a lot!
Of course, the first thing a lot of people think of is teaching. If that’s what you want to do, then along with your Bachelor’s Degree in history, you will need to obtain a teaching certificate. This will enable you to teach in Texas public schools. If you want to teach in a community college, you’ll need a Master’s Degree. A university will usually require a Ph.D. The competition for history teaching jobs is keen, so along with your degree, you will need to obtain some great job hunting skills. Be able to show why you should get hired over lots of others who want the same job.
Where else do history majors work? Often times, they work as researchers and archivists. Others work outside their chosen field, but are valued for the skills that a history major develops. This web site has a list of transferable, and highly desirable skills that history majors tend to have. http://www1.davidson.edu/academic/history/historyweb/History%20Major.htm#Skills
Click on this Portland State University link to obtain information and numerous links that will provide prospective history majors with a wealth of information.
http://www.pdx.edu/careers/what-can-i-do-degree-history
This Pay Scale.com link has information about job opportunities for history majors, plus salary information. http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/jobs-for-history-majors.asp. As always, be careful with salaries, as they can vary widely depending on the area in which you live.
If you’re thinking about obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in history, you’ll need to follow the core course list for an Associate of Arts degree, on page 77 of our catalog: http://www.lonestar.edu/3626. You’ll also need a transfer guide for the university to which you plan to transfer. If you’re thinking about teaching in the public schools, and want to know how to get to that point, you can contact either David Smith, at 281.765.7929, or Connie McMahan at 281.618.5481. These individuals are very knowledgeable, and can help you with your educational plan.
For general information regarding majoring in history, you can contact me or Jim Good, history professor, and chair of the social sciences department. His phone number is 281.618.5573.
Of course, the first thing a lot of people think of is teaching. If that’s what you want to do, then along with your Bachelor’s Degree in history, you will need to obtain a teaching certificate. This will enable you to teach in Texas public schools. If you want to teach in a community college, you’ll need a Master’s Degree. A university will usually require a Ph.D. The competition for history teaching jobs is keen, so along with your degree, you will need to obtain some great job hunting skills. Be able to show why you should get hired over lots of others who want the same job.
Where else do history majors work? Often times, they work as researchers and archivists. Others work outside their chosen field, but are valued for the skills that a history major develops. This web site has a list of transferable, and highly desirable skills that history majors tend to have. http://www1.davidson.edu/academic/history/historyweb/History%20Major.htm#Skills
Click on this Portland State University link to obtain information and numerous links that will provide prospective history majors with a wealth of information.
http://www.pdx.edu/careers/what-can-i-do-degree-history
This Pay Scale.com link has information about job opportunities for history majors, plus salary information. http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/jobs-for-history-majors.asp. As always, be careful with salaries, as they can vary widely depending on the area in which you live.
If you’re thinking about obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in history, you’ll need to follow the core course list for an Associate of Arts degree, on page 77 of our catalog: http://www.lonestar.edu/3626. You’ll also need a transfer guide for the university to which you plan to transfer. If you’re thinking about teaching in the public schools, and want to know how to get to that point, you can contact either David Smith, at 281.765.7929, or Connie McMahan at 281.618.5481. These individuals are very knowledgeable, and can help you with your educational plan.
For general information regarding majoring in history, you can contact me or Jim Good, history professor, and chair of the social sciences department. His phone number is 281.618.5573.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Hospitality Management
For students who are interested in working in the hotel or restaurant business, Lone Star College-North Harris offers a Hospitality Management program. You can work toward a Hospitality Operations Certificate, or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Hospitality Management. (See p. 132 of the 2008-2009 Lone Star College catalog http://www.lonestar.edu/3626/ for courses you’ll need to take).
With the AAS degree, the required general education core courses will transfer to most Texas state-supported universities. In addition, some of the hospitality courses will transfer to the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston-Main Campus.
If you want more in-depth career information, go to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos015.htm, and look under Lodging Managers. This, in turn, will provide you with links to information about other occupations in the hospitality management field.
Would you like to meet with others who share an interest in this field? Then you might want to consider joining the Hospitality Education Learning Leadership Organization (H.E.L.L.O.), at Lone Star College-North Harris.
According to Chante Ibarcena, future co-president of the organization, “H.E.L.L.O. aspires to expand establish and facilitate leadership and management in students. Their goals are:
Goal 1) Expand leadership basis through industry leaders examples (i.e.
Chamber meetings, events at local hotels, openings)
Goal 2) Establish a hands on approach to a visualization of our goals
Goal 3) Facilitate networking between a variety of industry leaders and students.”
Chante states that this organization is not just for students who are enrolled in the Hospitality Management program; rather, it’s open to any student who wants to major in a business field (i.e., management, accounting, human resources, etc.).
For more information regarding H.E.L.L.O., please contact Professor Melanie Hilburn at 281.618.7119. If you need assistance with educational planning for the certificate or degree, please contact me, and I’ll be happy to assist you.
With the AAS degree, the required general education core courses will transfer to most Texas state-supported universities. In addition, some of the hospitality courses will transfer to the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston-Main Campus.
If you want more in-depth career information, go to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos015.htm, and look under Lodging Managers. This, in turn, will provide you with links to information about other occupations in the hospitality management field.
Would you like to meet with others who share an interest in this field? Then you might want to consider joining the Hospitality Education Learning Leadership Organization (H.E.L.L.O.), at Lone Star College-North Harris.
According to Chante Ibarcena, future co-president of the organization, “H.E.L.L.O. aspires to expand establish and facilitate leadership and management in students. Their goals are:
Goal 1) Expand leadership basis through industry leaders examples (i.e.
Chamber meetings, events at local hotels, openings)
Goal 2) Establish a hands on approach to a visualization of our goals
Goal 3) Facilitate networking between a variety of industry leaders and students.”
Chante states that this organization is not just for students who are enrolled in the Hospitality Management program; rather, it’s open to any student who wants to major in a business field (i.e., management, accounting, human resources, etc.).
For more information regarding H.E.L.L.O., please contact Professor Melanie Hilburn at 281.618.7119. If you need assistance with educational planning for the certificate or degree, please contact me, and I’ll be happy to assist you.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Paralegal
From time to time, I'm going to highlight the various majors that fall under the Business, Social and Behavioral Sciences Division. Today I'm focusing on paralegals, but stay tuned for information on other majors in the weeks and months to come.
What is a paralegal? According to Professor Marcy Delesandri, paralegal program director at Lone Star College-North Harris, “The short answer to this is ‘anything an attorney does except give legal advice or argue before the bar.’"
Paralegals are trained to assist the attorney in all aspects of the law. The paralegal drafts documents and pleadings, does legal and factual research and investigation, and acts as liaison between the firm and the client. Further, a paralegal analyzes and summarizes documents, compiles reports, attends and assists at depositions, hearings and trial. Finally, a paralegal organizes, develops and maintains case management and file systems, and files documents with the court.
Will a paralegal do all of the above? It depends on where one works. If one is in a small, general practice, the paralegal may have more responsibilities. On the other hand, if one is working as a paralegal in a large firm, one might specialize in a single area.
What does a paralegal make? In the greater Houston area, salaries are generally higher in the downtown area. In downtown Houston, a paralegal may start at $30,000 or more. Once a paralegal gains experience, one’s salary tends to rise fairly steadily. In some cases, experienced paralegals in large metropolitan areas can earn more than $75,000 annually. According to Professor Delesandri, an entry-level paralegal has a much higher chance of getting hired if he/she has graduated from an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved program.
What kind of education does one need to become a paralegal? At Lone Star College-North Harris, there are two educational tracks. If a student already has an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s Degree, the student can enroll in the paralegal certificate program. All others will enroll in the Associate of Applied Science-Paralegal program. Both the certificate and AAS degree are ABA-approved.
What is the job outlook for paralegals? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than average for all occupations.” For more information about this occupation from the BLS, go to: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm
For more information about the paralegal program at Lone Star College-North Harris, please contact Professor Marcy Delesandri at 281.618.5735.
What is a paralegal? According to Professor Marcy Delesandri, paralegal program director at Lone Star College-North Harris, “The short answer to this is ‘anything an attorney does except give legal advice or argue before the bar.’"
Paralegals are trained to assist the attorney in all aspects of the law. The paralegal drafts documents and pleadings, does legal and factual research and investigation, and acts as liaison between the firm and the client. Further, a paralegal analyzes and summarizes documents, compiles reports, attends and assists at depositions, hearings and trial. Finally, a paralegal organizes, develops and maintains case management and file systems, and files documents with the court.
Will a paralegal do all of the above? It depends on where one works. If one is in a small, general practice, the paralegal may have more responsibilities. On the other hand, if one is working as a paralegal in a large firm, one might specialize in a single area.
What does a paralegal make? In the greater Houston area, salaries are generally higher in the downtown area. In downtown Houston, a paralegal may start at $30,000 or more. Once a paralegal gains experience, one’s salary tends to rise fairly steadily. In some cases, experienced paralegals in large metropolitan areas can earn more than $75,000 annually. According to Professor Delesandri, an entry-level paralegal has a much higher chance of getting hired if he/she has graduated from an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved program.
What kind of education does one need to become a paralegal? At Lone Star College-North Harris, there are two educational tracks. If a student already has an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s Degree, the student can enroll in the paralegal certificate program. All others will enroll in the Associate of Applied Science-Paralegal program. Both the certificate and AAS degree are ABA-approved.
What is the job outlook for paralegals? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than average for all occupations.” For more information about this occupation from the BLS, go to: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm
For more information about the paralegal program at Lone Star College-North Harris, please contact Professor Marcy Delesandri at 281.618.5735.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Careers—Hollywood vs. Reality
Several years ago, when the show Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), hit the airwaves, all of a sudden, I started seeing students who wanted to be a CSI. Before that show aired, I don’t recall ever talking to anyone who wanted to enter that field!
Writers for TV and movies have a way of making any profession look glamorous, but then that’s their job, isn’t it? There may be hints of reality in these shows, but they are often only hints. I wonder how many CSI’s actually interrogate suspects? How many of them actually ride around in Hummers as their company car? How many forensic science labs have all the cool—and expensive--technology that their fictional counterparts have?
I’m using CSI as just one example of the numerous careers that can look glamorous on TV or in the movies, but may be far from it in real life. This is why I encourage you to do research to find out what it’s really like to work in career fields that interest you. If you can talk to someone who is actually working in that field and/or if you can get an opportunity to observe that person at work, you will have a much better understanding of what the occupation is really like.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a great article, “As Seen on TV,” that goes into more detail about this subject. You can find it at: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2003/fall/art01.pdf.
Writers for TV and movies have a way of making any profession look glamorous, but then that’s their job, isn’t it? There may be hints of reality in these shows, but they are often only hints. I wonder how many CSI’s actually interrogate suspects? How many of them actually ride around in Hummers as their company car? How many forensic science labs have all the cool—and expensive--technology that their fictional counterparts have?
I’m using CSI as just one example of the numerous careers that can look glamorous on TV or in the movies, but may be far from it in real life. This is why I encourage you to do research to find out what it’s really like to work in career fields that interest you. If you can talk to someone who is actually working in that field and/or if you can get an opportunity to observe that person at work, you will have a much better understanding of what the occupation is really like.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a great article, “As Seen on TV,” that goes into more detail about this subject. You can find it at: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2003/fall/art01.pdf.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Bureau of Labor Statistics--A Great Resource
I’ve added a link to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It’s a gold mine of information for individuals who want to know more about various occupations.
One of its most useful tools is The Occupational Outlook Handbook, which lists over 300 of the most common careers in the US. It provides information regarding what the job entails, how much education one needs, average salaries, and the job outlook. Be careful with the salaries, though. Cost of living expenses vary widely across the US, so one could be paid either more or less than the average, depending on where one lives. For example, salaries for certain occupations might be much higher in Alaska than they are in Texas, but the cost of living in Alaska is higher, too.
Take a look at this great web site, and you will definitely come away with lots of useful knowledge about the career(s) you wanted to research.
One of its most useful tools is The Occupational Outlook Handbook, which lists over 300 of the most common careers in the US. It provides information regarding what the job entails, how much education one needs, average salaries, and the job outlook. Be careful with the salaries, though. Cost of living expenses vary widely across the US, so one could be paid either more or less than the average, depending on where one lives. For example, salaries for certain occupations might be much higher in Alaska than they are in Texas, but the cost of living in Alaska is higher, too.
Take a look at this great web site, and you will definitely come away with lots of useful knowledge about the career(s) you wanted to research.
Why I'm Doing This
Hello.
A few months ago, I became the division counselor for Business, Social and Behavioral Sciences at Lone Star College-North Harris. I've been searching for a way in which I could communicate with individuals who have an interest in these areas so that they could obtain information that might be helpful. Someone suggested a blog, so here it is.
Stay tuned for more details, and please bear with me as I learn more about this process.
A few months ago, I became the division counselor for Business, Social and Behavioral Sciences at Lone Star College-North Harris. I've been searching for a way in which I could communicate with individuals who have an interest in these areas so that they could obtain information that might be helpful. Someone suggested a blog, so here it is.
Stay tuned for more details, and please bear with me as I learn more about this process.
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