College Professor – One of 2010's Hot Careers

March 10th, 2010 by

Looking at the list of “hot careers” for the twenty-first century, you may at first feel a little surprised to see “college professor” coming-in at number 3. Information technology leads the list, and health care follows close on its heels, but careers in higher education rank third-considerably higher than ever before. Although preparation for academic life demands commitment to considerable study beyond the Bachelor’s degree, working as a tenured professor holds considerable advantages over professional jobs that require similar academic preparation.

Consider, for example, a professor’s work schedule: In a traditional setting, a professor conducts class and office hours approximately fifteen hours per week for 32 weeks of the year. With approximately the same education, and attorney works 100 hours per week every week of the year. Just as importantly, a professor receives incentives and encouragement to write and publish, and the publications naturally supplement the professor’s already substantial income. Professors who write textbooks typically earn six figures in annual royalties; twenty-first century professors who write texts for netbooks will earn even more money from royalties and downloads.

Especially if you stand on the threshold of earning an undergraduate degree in any of the humanities, you seriously should consider continuing your education to a doctorate and joining the professors’ ranks. If you attend a traditional four-year university, note how many of your instructors are in the fifties and sixties. Then, ask yourself who will replace them when they retire. Why not you?

Never think of money as an obstacle. Federally sponsored graduate fellowships abound, and the National Endowment for the Humanities supports many doctoral candidates as they complete their dissertations. The universities themselves support graduate students with research and teaching assistantships, and most of them supplement government grants with fellowships of their own.

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Coping With Job Loss – 5 Things You Should Never Do After Losing Your Job

March 10th, 2010 by

Job loss is the most unpleasant word combination in the English language. It is not only painful, but is also scary and spiritually uncomfortable. If you are currently coping with a job loss, your anger and horror are certainly understandable. However, as you deal with your temporary ordeal, it is important that you are aware of certain actions that must be avoided at all cost.

Never Play the Blame Game

The easiest and yet worse thing that you can do is to blame others for your job loss. It’s impractical and unproductive. Instead, except that it has happened, and try to be as introspective and as levelheaded as humanly possible. Don’t make excuses, blame your circumstances, race, or religion. Don’t take your sadness and frustration out on others; especially if they are in no way connected to your misfortune.. Come to terms with your job loss, and give yourself the peace of mind that losing your job is not the end of the world.

Never Retaliate Against Your Employer

Coping with job loss is not just about how to manage your life after being stripped of your employment. It is also dealing with the idea that your boss no longer wants your service, or can no longer afford to pay you. For many people, the boss is often characterized as a callous, inconsiderate, and worthless idiot whose only intent is to control and make life difficult for his or her subordinates. Conversely, there are some bosses who are unsung heroes, and are loved and revered by many. Whether your former boss is Mother Teresa or Darth Theta, never retaliate. Graciously pack your belongings and leave the premises. If your job loss was due to cutbacks, make certain to leave on friendly terms. Unbeknownst to you, your boss may have you in mind for future projects with the company that will ultimately provide you with huge dividends in the future. So, always try to think along those grounds.

Never Lose Hope

One thing you never ever want to do after a job loss is to lose hope. It’s a destructive attitude with negative consequences. Try to look at your job loss for what it really is. It’s an opportunity for better things to come. Nobody dies nor loses their soul after a job loss. It’s not a death sentence, nor is it a threat against your loved-ones. It’s a chaotic and painful episode that is also liberating. So, think of all the things that you’ve always wanted to do in life, but weren’t able to due to lack of time at work. Be excited that you can now pursue your dreams, and take every worthwhile advantage of your free time.

Never Behave Impulsively

The first thing that most people do while coping with a job loss is to rush down to the first advertised local job fair that they happen to read about. On the surface, this may appear to be a good response, but it rarely is. The reason is that those who respond in this fashion usually don’t reflect on where they are after losing their jobs. Instead, they only focus on where they are not; which is back behind their desks at their former workplace. They rush to find the first job that will place them on an employment roster. They don’t take the time to make a decision about what they really want to do, and where they wish to be. It is better to take some time to relax, and be put the situation in perspective. Then, once you are clear-minded, you can behave in a more proactive manner.

Never Be a Victim

There are many questions that we ask ourselves when things happen to us that we don’t approve of. Why me? Why does this always happen to me? Why not someone else? It is very normal to ponder why certain bad things happen, but it is often ineffective and psychologically hazardous. Instead focus on these questions. Why not me? Why didn’t this happen to me sooner? Why someone else? In the words of popular television evangelist Joel Osteen, “Be a victor, not a victim.”

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How to Dazzle on Job Interviews

March 5th, 2010 by

Experience and education may not be a deciding factor in getting a job. Your wants and needs matter even less.

Getting a good job starts with a great interview and that means acknowledging the interview process is not just about you. It’s equally important you understand the job you’re applying for, what the company does and how it operates.

Without information about the job you may be putting yourself in a position of someone having little conviction or commitment. Worse yet, it may send a signal you have an entitlement mentality.

Competition for good jobs is fierce. Relying on skills, education and experience is not enough to cut it.

You must demonstrate you’re not simply a candidate but the best candidate. Target your presentation to the company and people you’re interviewing with.

Base your presentation on filling needs and fitting in. Don’t leave key points to the interviewer’s imagination.

Approach every interview like it’s an opportunity to work for the next Cisco or Google. Keep in mind you can turn down a poor job offer but once you’ve blown an opportunity and been shown the door, it’s almost impossible to get back in.

The knowledge you gain before the interview is what separates you from average. It’s what helps get you to the top of the must-have list.

Use the internet to research the company. Seek help from people that can give you insight. In short, do whatever it takes to position you as the outstanding candidate and nothing less.

Don’t take the risk of knocking yourself out of contention because you weren’t willing to do the homework.

The secret to dazzling on job interviews is being prepared. Good interviews are not likely to happen by accident.

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Assessor Training For Domestic Energy

March 3rd, 2010 by

The training provided by many domestic energy firms, which is third level training, provides a diploma at the end and is a comprehensive training program with the HIP package. In order to become an eligible candidate, it is important for you to have fundamental knowledge of computer skills as well as literary skills. It is also worth nothing that it is expected for the candidate to have arithmetic experience and come with the necessary motivation one needs when committing themselves to learning.

This structured course will take three days to complete and is specific to the practical site survey. The entire portfolio will come included with the program, which is distance-learning. The applicant, or student, must also take and pass the examination, which will be multiple choices. The course will cost 1995 GBP, which is VAT exclusive. Members will be allowed to have completed access to the host’s website, and technical support is available throughout the entire site. You will also have a personal and intent assessor who will care for the entire process. The pace will depend solely on the candidate’s pace, as well as their ability to complete and they will be required to follow the required conditions within the period of completion.

The training for each course may be held in different parts of the United Kingdom, including the northern area of Ireland. Energy Assessments vary, though this is a one of a kind assessment. This assessment will help you prepare for a career in this field and will guarantee to be one of the most exciting things in your life. The training team, who is well-trained, will provide the highest quality of training for you. These trainers are highly effective and coordinated and provide one of the most important training features. The candidates in this course will take on the Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC. This certificate is a necessary requirement for different marketed properties, both residential and rental accommodations. Only those candidates who are completely qualified and come with a DEA accreditation will be allowed to perform the energy assessments in the area.

As stated, there are many companies that will provide training in several areas of the United Kingdom. The DEA course provides the following:

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The Role of the Quantity Surveyor

March 3rd, 2010 by

A Quantity Surveyor is an individual who oversees many parts of the construction operation. Traditionally this role has been performed by a highly trained person with extensive knowledge in the operational procedures involved with construction or project management. This position often acts as an independent contractor and is a trusted and respected source for professional consultation. The roles of the Quantity Surveyor are diverse and vital to the project life cycle.

Project life cycle

Quantity surveyors are a key member of the construction team; frequently involved from the initial planning stages to the end of construction and beyond. Fiscal, legal and engineering aspects are all managed by this position

Planning

During the planning procedures this individual plays a key role in assessing whether the project is feasible from an economic standpoint. The Quantity Surveyor may act in consulting role to engineers and architects, advising them on cost effective methodologies and procedures. Professionally trained in building code and by-laws, the surveyor will ensure that the project adheres to local and national regulations. Feasibility, both from an engineering and economical standpoint, is a key factor in the planning procedure.

Construction

While the project is underway and all the teams of engineers and construction personnel are in operation, the Quantity Surveyor plays a pivotal role in making sure the process runs smoothly and within budget limits. Dispute conflict can arise during these times and the Quantity Surveyor, if need be, can step in to act as a liaison between conflicted members of the construction process. Good interpersonal relationships between all members of the construction team keep the project moving forward. Close attention is also kept to monitoring the costs and economics involved during the construction process. Keeping the project running without conflict and economically sound are valuable services provided by this role.

Post-Construction

After the project has been completed, the responsibilities and function shift. This objective now is to monitor the building and make sure that operational costs are kept inside the budget. During this time, the responsibilities are to make sure the project adheres to local and national tax laws. Insurance is another aspect of the project. Insurance claims and cost of replacement are dealt with by the Quantity Surveyor. Valuable and accurate estimates of damages and costs of destroyed or damaged goods are also provided.

Other Roles/Responsibilities

This role is not limited to overseeing the financial and engineering aspects of the project. Contractors benefit from the estimates of cost-effective purchasing plans. Organizing tenders and compiling purchase reports are crucial in optimizing spending during a project. During purchasing research, this individual may also provide alternative purchasing plans. The balance between cost and quality is important for any construction process.

Contract drafting and interpretation is a valuable role that this position can provide. With a professional knowledge of legal documents, consultation to companies, contractors, or any involved in the construction process can be provided.

The diverse and essential roles provided by the Quantity Surveyor allow for any aspect of the construction or development process to run smoothly. By keeping the project within legal, economical, and structural limits, this position is crucial for any project.

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