5 things you can start doing today to score your dream job

5 things you can abflug doing today to score your dream job5 things you can start doing today to score your dream jobFor some people, landing that dream job can feel like a bit of pipedream. After all, not everyone gets the chance to do what they want for the rest of their lives and get paid for it, right? But those whodoget to make money out of doing what they love would tell you that it absolutely can be done. That said, theres no fast way to get there - you have to continuously put in the hard work. Here are some things you can start doing today to score that dream jobFollow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreStart smallUnfortunately, you cant expect to get your dream job right away- you have to work your way up. Its important to understand what roles will get you to where you want to be. For example, TV producers dont start out as producers right away. You need to gain the right set of skills and a reasonable amount of experience.The Telegraph explains that you need to develop a profile for your dream job, which means finding opportunities to prepare you for the role. Look for additional educational courses or online learning that will benefit you. Another good way is to talk to a career coach and get assessments on the improvements you need to make to help you get your dream job.Be proactiveIf youre currently employed and youre looking to go to the next level, step up.The Motley Fool points out that simply clocking in, day in and day out, wont cut it and it doesnt necessarily qualify you for better opportunities. In incredibly saturated industries like marketing and creative companies, if you dream of reaching a top role you have to proactively ask your boss what you need to do to land that role. Volunteer for projects and tasks that dont normally fall under your current job description. Show some initiative to move up the ladder by actively looking for new wa ys to help your team and the business.Develop your networking skillsCosmopolitan notes that networking can land you your dream job, but you have to remember that its a two-way street. Make yourself available for people without waiting for them to return the favour immediately. In the legal industry, for example, connections are vital to success.U.S. Legal consulting firm Special Counsel reveals that 70% of their associate placementsare actually for positions that were never advertised or posted publicly. This is a direct reflection of not just their job market knowledge, but also how they rely on long-term strategic partnerships between leading law firms and their pool of experienced associates. In any industry, genuine bonds, in your company and outside of it, will help you reach your goals because these people are more likely to recommend you and promote your talent.Appreciate criticismEven though you know youre good at what you do, you cant possibly know everything- youre bound t o make mistakes So, learn to take criticism as a positive thing. Not enough people use criticism to their advantage. For one, when you know your weaknesses, you have a better chance of making the necessary improvements. Criticism can also serve as a great motivator- everything you learn about yourself through feedback can serve as inspiration to try and do better the next time around.Take risksIts never too late to go after your dream job, especially if youre in one that doesnt fulfil you.In this post, we discussed that if your gut is telling you that something isnt right, then it probably isnt. If your current job isnt rewarding, take the risk and open yourself up to other opportunities. Let your new and improved networking skills guide you to your dream job. Dont be afraid to reach out to people and express your desires for a new role. If your current company isnt appreciating what you bring to the team, you have every right to chase after a career that will make you happy.This ar ticle first appeared on A Girl in Progress.

Seeing Daughters Graduate Air Force Basic Training

Seeing Daughters Graduate Air Force Basic TrainingSeeing Daughters Graduate Air Force Basic TrainingI had the distinct pleaaya of watching my twin daughters (Christina and Jeanie) graduate from Air Force Basic Training, at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. If yur loved one is graduating from basic training, and there is any way at all you can attend, I highly recommend it. Its an experience you will never forget. Note The information in this article describes my trip to Air Force Basic Training graduation. This is the schedule and what happened when I went. The times and events you experience may be different. For the current lists of dates, times, and events, contact the Lackland AFB Basic Training Reception Center at(210) 671-3024. A week or so before the graduation you should receive a two-page brochure from yur loved one with information concerning the graduation. Part of this packet will consist of a temporary vehicle pass, which you will need to drive a car, and/or e ven get onto the base during your visit (unless you are active duty/retired military, in which case your normal military vehicle sticker will suffice). If you do elend receive the vehicle passor have more than one vehicle, dont worry. You can get a replacement/more passes when you first arrive at the base, at the visitors center at the Valley Hi or Luke Street Gates. The basic training graduation schedule always begins on Thursday eveningand ends on Sunday evening. If you can plan to be there during the entire four days, its well worth it. Thursday We drove, and timed our arrival at 1030 hours (1030 AM) on Thursday so that we could attend the events briefing scheduled for 1100 (1100 AM). The events briefing is conducted several times, all day Thursday, and once on Friday morning. If you are driving to San Antonioor renting a car at the San Antonio Airport, you will be arriving on one of four major roads I-10/Hwy. 90, Hwy. 281, I-37 or I-35. Local traffic conditions are particularly congested during weekdays between 700 AM to 900 AM and again between 400 PM to about 700 PM Arriving from the East on I-10 or Hwy 90 Travel straight through San Antonio on I-10/Hwy 90 West. Exit on Military Drive Turn left onto Military Drive. Travel South approximately 1 mile to the Luke Street entry gate which will be on your right. Arriving from the North on I-35, Hwy. 281 or I-10 When you enter San Antonio, turn right onto Loop 410 West. Take exit 7 Valley Hi /Lackland AFB. Remain on the access road until reaching the Valley Hi intersection. Turn left onto Valley Hi. Travel East approximately 3/4 mile to the Valley Hi entry gate, which will be directly ahead. Arriving from the South on I-35 or I-37 When you enter San Antonio, turn left onto Loop 410. Take exit 7 Valley Hi / Lackland AFB. Remain on the access road until reaching the Valley Hi intersection. Turn right onto Valley Hi Travel East approximately 3/4 mile to the Valley Hi entry gate, which will be directly ahead. If yo u are flying to San Antonio, I stronglyrecommend you rent a car at the airport. While you can travel via taxi or bus to Lackland AFB, it will be extremely difficult getting from your pension to the various events at Lackland throughout the graduation weekend, if you are not driving a car. From REDLEG, a reader of ours, who recently attended a graduation ceremony at Lackland If you dont want to rent a car, or you are not old enough to rent a car, you may wish to try MAC TRANS, tel (210) 670-8855. Rates from their business card To/from Lackland AFB (and surrounding hotels) to/from Airport $15 per rolle (but if theres two or more people riding, its $10 each) Transportation on base (from one point on Lackland AFB to another) - $3.00 per part Transportation to/from a location on base to/from local hotel - $4.00 per person Transportation to/from a location on base (or local hotel) to/from the San Antonio Downtown area - $12.00 ($6.00 per person for two or more) Once you enter one of the gates, there are signs which will direct you to the Basic Training Reception Center, which is located on Carlswell Street. The Reception Center opens at 0800 (800 AM) on Thursday, and there are scheduled events briefings throughout the day. Even if you dont plan to attend one of the briefings, a member of the family must sign into the reception center to make sure your recruit will be available during the visitation periods. This is EXTREMELY important. Do not attempt to surprise your family member by not signing in. If you do so, you run the risk that he/she will be scheduled for Dorm Guard or some other detail during the visitation periods, and you wont get to see them. When you sign in, have their squadron and flight number handy (it will be on the invitation you receive in the mail, and is also part of the mailing address youve been using to write to them while in basic). Having this information handy will make it much easier to find their name on the visitation list. The even ts briefing lasts about an hour to 1 1/2 hours. While subject to change, the current schedule for the briefings is Thursday0900 (900 AM)1100 (1100 AM)1400 (200 PM) Friday0900 (900 AM) The events briefing gives you an overview of what will/when will happen during the graduation weekend, as well as rules you and the recruit must follow. Even if you are current/retired military, I highly recommend attending one of behauptung briefings (The only negative comment I have about the briefing is that the briefer kept referring to our graduating loved ones as Your Recruit. Your recruit will arrive at 0900 hours. Your Recruit is allowed to ride in your vehicle. I remember thinking to myself, Wait a minute, they are *YOUR* recruits, but they are *MY* daughters). In addition to signing in and attending one of the briefings, the Reception Center has a snack bar and a gift shop. It is here that you can also order copies of the graduation ceremony videos. One of the things that surprised me the mos t during our visit were the number of family members and friends attending. When I graduated Air Force Basic in 1975, there were about three recruits in my flight who had family members/friends attend the graduation parade. In mydaughtersflight, there were just two recruits who DIDNT have family members or friends attending. One recruit in my daughters flight had 16 guests attending When we arrived at 1030 for the events briefing, the two close parking lots were already almost full. Those who arrived a little bit later for the briefing had to park in other parking lots two, three, and even four blocks down the road. After the events briefing, we decided to drive over to the other side of the base (the base is divided into two sections). As we crossed Military Drive to enter the gate on the other side, we noticed a long line of cars for those using the temporary visitor passes at the gates visitor center (being retired military, my vehicle has a military sticker, so we didnt have to use the passes). The temporary passes must be signed by Security Police to be activated. In order to activate the pass, you will need your vehicle registration, yourdriverslicense, and proof of insurance. Once signed, the pass is valid until the end of the following Sunday. During the events briefing, we were told that the recruits would arrive at the Reception Center that evening at about 1600 (400 PM) for the evening retreat ceremony, which begins at 1630 (430 PM). Noting the size of the morning crowd, we decided to see if we could check into our hotel a little early and try and make it back by about 1500 (330 PM) to beat the crowd and try and get a close parking space. We had reservations at the Best Western Lackland Inn Suits, which is just down the road on Hwy 90. The hotel is clean, modern, and modestly priced (for San Antonio). However, if I had to do it again, I wouldnt stay there. Instead, I think I would try the Holiday Inn which is just another few blocks down. When I made the reservations, I asked for asuiteand was told there were three types of rooms regular rooms, small suites, and large suites. I chose the small suite (trying to save a few bucks). The small suite turns out to be nothing more than a room with a kitchenette. While this is not too bad, there were absolutely no cooking/eating utensils supplied, so unless we wanted to go out and buy a complete set of cooking utensils, it didnt do us much good. At least in the Holiday Inn, there would have been room service. We were gone from the room all day on Friday, and the room had not been cleaned upon our return at about 830 PM. I complained about this, and the room was cleaned while we were out on Saturday, but upon ourreturn,we found that someone (presumably the maid) had left a walkie-talkie on one of the beds. Minor problem(s), but shows a lack of attention to detail that one expects when staying in a nicer hotel. Eagle3000 (The folks who run the Basic Training Souvenir Shop) have a l ist of hotelswhich give discounts for family members attending Air Force Basic Training Graduation. There are two videos professionally taken during the graduation weekend the Thursday retreat ceremony and Fridays graduation parade. You can order a copy of each at the Reception Center Gift Shop. The cost is $21.00 for each video or $35.00 for both. They are delivered (by mail) about six weeks after you order them. You can also buy loads of basic training souvenirs at the shop. Hint If you dont want to fight the crowds at the gift shop, you canorder most of the popular items, online. If you have a military/retired/dependent ID card, there is a possibility that you can stay at the Gateway Inn on Lackland Air Force Base. Dont count on this, though. The Gateway Inn (base billeting) is usually full at Lackland with official duty travelers. Guide Note The first event *used* to be the Retreat Ceremony. This changed after our visit. Now, the first event is the Airmans Fun Run, which is at 930 A.M. on Thursday Morning. The Airmen run for two miles, in military formation, and their route takes them past the Reception Center, where family members line up to try and get a glance at their recruit. You wont have an opportunity to talk to your recruit at this time, however (they dont stop there). That opportunity will come after the Retreat Ceremony. Our plan to arrive back ahead of the crowd didnt work. When we arrived back at about 1530 (330 P.M.), the parking lots were already packed, and we had to park a couple of blocks down the road. The bleachers were also getting full by then, and had we arrived any later, it would have been standing room only. For those who dont know, a retreat ceremony is a ceremony to lower the United States Flag at the end of the official duty day. The various flights began marching up to the retreat grounds (which is a parking lot behind the Reception Center), at about 1600. Everyone who could leave the bleachers while having someone save their placeleft to stand at the side of the marching path to see if they could see their loved one(s). I tried. I really, really tried. At one time I thought I saw one of my daughters, but told myself it wasnt her. (Turns out I was wrong). Your loved one will look completely different. They look different (hair, uniform), they walk (march) different, and most of all, their attitude or air about them is completely different. After the recruits march up to their staging area, everyone returned to their seats. Here is where knowing your loved ones flight number will also help. As they march onto the Retreat Field, their flight is announced. Keep your eyes peeled for where they wind up. There is simply no way to describe how one feels during the retreat ceremony. I have been through hundreds of such ceremonies, and dozens of military parades. I have been both a spectator and a participant. I have spent countless hours organizing both events. Not a single event struck me emotionally as hard as watching my daughters as part of a group of proud professionals, displaying their respect for our Nations flag. If there isnt a tear in your eye at the end of this ceremony, youre a harder person than I am. After the ceremony, they dismiss the flights, and invite the hundreds in the stands to go on down and find your recruit. You dont have a chanceif you dont know the approximate area to begin your search. Luckily, Im much larger than the average Joe, and my daughters were able to find me. Otherwise, Id probably still be looking. However, they found me, and it was finally the moment I had traveled 900 miles for. To say I was the proudest, happiest man on earth would be a very large understatement. Im not even going to try and find the words. This is something you will have to discover yourself. A word about Public Displays of Affection (PDA), while wearing a military uniform. This is normally frowned on by the military, but an exception is made during this period for BRIEF hugs and kisses. Keep it brief, however. Dont get your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend in trouble by swapping spit in front of hundreds of spectators and (worse) their T.I.s. (This is true of the entire visit. On Saturday, during the town pass, I saw a recruit walking through a mall downtown with his wife/girlfriend, hand-in-hand. I was about to approach him and give him a little advicewhen an off-duty T.I. beat me to it. He took the recruit off to the side for five minutes of conversation. Its best not to speculate about the words/phrases used). After retreat ends (about 1645), and you find your loved one in the crowd, you can take them anywhere on base until about 1930 (730 PM). It is very important that they get back to the Reception Center by then because they must walk back to their dormitory and be inside no later than 2000 (800 PM). I dont know if it would actually happen, but recruits are told they will be recycled if they break curfew. Best not let your loved one be a test c ase. Heres a tip about what your loved one will want to do EAT. Neither of my daughtersweresweet-lovers before basic training. Both of them were into health foods. However, a week before graduation, I talked to my daughters on the phone, and they asked me to bring food, any food, but make sure I brought lots of junk food. After we checked into our hotel, before returning to the Reception Center, we found a grocery store, and (get this) a drive-through Chinese Restaurant (China Rose, located on Military Drive, just north of Hwy 90). Between the grocery store and China Rose, I bought 2 quarts of fried rice (one quart of chicken, one of beef), a cheesecake, an apple pie, a package of cookies, a 12-pack of coke, and two chocolate pudding snack packs. My thoughts were to give my daughters a widechoiceand save any leftovers for the next day. What leftovers? We decided to leave the crowd who were gathering around the picnic tablesatthe ReceptionCenterand found a small park right behind t he Commissary. After polishing off all of the food we brought for them, as well as a candy bar that I happened to have in the van for myself, my daughters asked me if we could stop by Baskin Robbins on the way back to the Reception Center. Bring your loved one food lots of food Another thing to be prepared for. If you arent or havent been in the Air Force, expect your loved ones to be speaking to you in a foreign language. They will use military/Air Force acronyms without thinking about it. When we were doing PC, the MTI told me to report ASAP to the MPF. (Translation While we were busy doing exercises, the guy who is in charge of my life at this point in time, told me to go as fast as I possibly could to the building where the people who do the paperwork hang out). Friday The graduation parade begins the next day (Friday) at 1100 (during the summer months, when the weather is hotter, the graduation parade is at 0900). However, the parade is held on the other side of the base, away from the Reception Center. Since 9-11, they dont allow parking close to the bleachers on the ballabwehr Ground, sobusesbegin leaving the Reception Center at about 1015. They use dozens of busses and they keep loading/moving passengers at an impressive pace. Learning our lesson from the night before, and knowing there was a scheduled briefing at 0900 that many people would be attending, we arrived at the Reception Center at 0800 to get a close parking space. Hint If you decide to do this, there is a MacDonalds on Military Drive, just north of Hwy 90. A couple of breakfast sandwiches, and a large cup of coffee, and youre good to go. A word for smokers The retreat bleachers, the parade ground, and the Reception Center arenon-smokingareas. However, you can sit in your car andsmokeand the picnic tables in the backof the Reception Center have been designated as smoking areas. Away from these areas, you can smoke outside, but there is no smoking inside of most of the Air Force facilities . The graduation parade begins at1100and is over surprisingly quickly. I expected the parade (with speeches) to last a full hour, but it barely lasted 30 minutes. Again, upon completion, the recruits are dismissed and everyone in the stands gets to rush down and congratulate them (after you find them). Your loved one is allowed to ride the bus back to the reception center with you, or, you can choose to walk back with them (about 3/4 of a mile). At that point, they are released for an all-day on-baselibertyand can ride with you in your vehicle anywhere on base. Right after the parade, and until about 1300 (100 P.M.), there is an open house held in the dormitories. This period is referred to (by the Basic Training Staff) as the payback period. This is where you can see where your loved one actuallylivedand can see with your own eyes that it was possible to teach him/her how to make a bed and fold clothes. This is also a chance for you to meet and talk with their T.I.s. Before walking over to the dorm, one of my daughters begged me, Please, Dad, dont make any jokes, okay? Our T.I.DOES NOThave a sense of humor. Luckily for her, thebayshe lived in was on the top (3rd) floor, up five flights of stairs. Upon reaching the top level, I couldnt even breath, let alone attempt to be funny. I think they build dormitory floors higher than when I went through basic. The visit to the dorm reinforces that even though they have gone through the graduation ceremony, they are still in basic training, and will be until they out process. When we left the bay and went back down the flight of stairs (much easier going down, I think the exercise of going up got me a little bit back into shape), there was a T.I. waiting there, sending recruits back up to fix their scuffed shoes. My daughters noticed this before we even left the doorway of the building, and scurried back up the stairs without being told (they learned much during their six weeks). Before we could get on with our day, t here was some running around to do. My daughters needed to pick up some uniforms from the cleanersand had to get some items from military clothing sales (One of them needed to buy an Honor Graduate Ribbon). Be prepared to do this, as most places they may need to go (officially) are closed on Sundays, and some of the official offices, such as finance or personnel will be closed on Saturday, as well. During our trip, there was only one authorized off-base pass, which occurred on Saturday. However, effective June 2004, the Air Force has changed their basic training pass procedures. The pass following the graduation parade on Friday is now an off-base pass, as is the pass on Saturday following graduation. Winners of the Thunderbolt and Warhawk awards, as well as honor graduates, get an off-base pass on Sunday, as well. Others receive an on-base pass on Sunday. If you elect to stay on base during the pass-periods, there are plenty of places to visit on Lackland, including the BX, Commiss ary, Bowling Center, parks, eating establishments, etc., during the on-base pass on Friday, but they will all be crowded with new graduates and their families. If youve never seen a military commissary or BX, this will be your chance. You can enter these facilities with your recruit, but you will not be able to purchase anythingunless you have a military ID card (your recruit can purchase for you, however). We spent our time during the day eating (well, my daughters were eating, anyway), at almost every eating place on base and there are several of them, including the AAFES Snack Bar, the BX Food Court, Bowling Center, Gateway Club, Mitchell Hall, Smokin Joes BBQ, Arnold Hall, Burger King, Golf Course and various other concessions throughout the base. You will not believe how much your loved one wants (or needs) to eat (Im still shaking my head over this, a full week later). Again, you have to make sure you return them by 1930, as they must walk back and be inside the dormitory no later than 2000. Saturday Saturday, the recruits are released at about 0900, and should arrive at the Reception Center shortly after. There is no need to arrive early on this day. The parking lot which was blocked off for the Retreat Ceremony on Thursday and used for the buses on Fridayshould now be open, which allows much more parking space. Consider using this parking lot. While parked there, I noticed several people still parking blocks away, when they noted the other two parking lots were full. Saturdays visit, like Friday, is an off base pass. You can take your loved one anywhere downtown San Antonio. Again, you must return them to the Reception Center (or one of the other designated drop-off points) by 1930. I wont go over all thats available to visit in San Antonio, as there are many attractions and they are available on the Internet, and in various guide books. Many people in my daughters flight planned to spend the day at Sea World, or Fiesta Texas (Six Flags). Because I sp oiled by daughters rotten when they were kids, they had already visited these attractions beforeand had no desire to stand in lines on a busy Saturday. Instead, we visited the River Walk briefly, and then they wanted to explore a mall (and pretend they were teenagers again). After the mall, we went to our hotel room, where they indulged themselves in a long, hot, PRIVATE shower (no privacy in basic), and watched a pay-per-view movie (and, of course, ate constantly throughout the day). Sunday If you elect to stay Sunday (we didnt), it will be an on base passunless your recruit is an honor graduateor a winner of the Thunderbolt or Warhawk awards. The recruits will be released to walk to the Reception Center at about 0900 and can spend the day with you until about 1730 (530 PM) that evening. They must be back in their dorm by 1800 to pack up and prepare to ship out to technical school the next day. Youll be happy to know that I spoke with both of my daughters on the phone a week after they started technical school (Air Force Job Training), and their eating habits hadALMOSTreturned to normal.

What to Know About North Carolina Child Labor Laws

What to Know About North Carolina Child Labor LawsWhat to Know About North Carolina Child Labor LawsIf youre a teenager living in North Carolina and you want to get a job, where do you start? It can be helpful to first understand the child labor laws in the state so youre even sure whether you canwork there. Each states laws can be somewhat different, so if your family recently moved from Ohio, it doesnt necessarily mean that you can also work in North Carolina simply because you had a job before you moved. How Old You Have to Be to Work in North Carolina You can begin working in North Carolina when youre 14 years old, but you must have a child employment certificate to do so. You can obtain an employment certificate from the Department of Labor or your countys Social Services office. Fourteenis the same age that federal law sets as the minimum age to work, although there are some exceptions. When theres a conflict between federal and state laws, the more restrictive law will app ly, but thats not an issue in North Carolina because the minimum age is the same. When a 14-Year-Old Can Work Although North Carolina does allow a 14-year-old to work, the state does treat some teens differently depending on exactly how old they are. For example, 14- and 15-year-olds can work up to threehours on school days and up to eighthours on non-school days, but theyre prohibited from working more than18 hours during weeks when school is in session or more than 40 hours during weeks when school is out. They must also work between7 a.m.and7 p.m. except during summers when they canwork until 9 p.m.The Wage-Hour Act dictates that at a minimum, teensunder the age of 16 must be given a 30-minute break after theyve worked for five consecutive hours. Juveniles cannot hold jobs that are considered hazardous, such as most manufacturing jobs or in jobs that expose them to toxic chemicals or other dangerous substances or working conditions. Rules for Older Teens Teens in the 16- to 17-year-old age group have a bit more flexibility when it comes to working hours, but they generally cant work between the hours of11 p.m.and5 a.m. if school is in session that day. In other words, they cant clock out at work at 5 a.m. and head off to school a few hours later. They cant clock out at midnight if they have school the next day. With parental permission and with permission from a school administrator, however, this restriction can sometimes be waived. Older teens are typically also prohibited from working under dangerous conditions and in hazardous jobs, but there are exceptions. For example, teens who participate in programs that are defined as apprenticeships by the Fair Labor Standards Act may be able to work in hazardous fields that are normally off-limits to youths. Discuss your options with your potential employer or with a North Carolina child labor authority, or visit the North Carolina State Labor website.

7 Perfect Questions to Ask While Networking

7 Perfect Questions to Ask While Networking7 Perfect Questions to Ask While Networking Odds are, you already know how important networking is. You might have leveraged your network to land a job, procure a new client or even switch careers entirely - or at the very least, you probably know someone who has. But despite the endless benefits of networking, many people still dread the experience.Often, this is because they simply dont know what to say. After all, approaching a stranger you know elendhing about can be pretty intimidating - what in the world do you talk about?Well, the next time you find yourself wondering this at an industry mixer, dont fret. We talked to a handful of career experts to get their recommendations on great questions to ask while networking. Use any of these questions for a quick and painless conversation starter.This light-touch question is a great way to begin a conversation, explains Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The Connectors Advantage 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact .This question shows you are interested in the other partie and are not just trying to figure out how they can help you. Their response will give you a sense of what they are working on and what is on the front of their mind. That will lead you to extend the conversation and figure out how you can add value to them, Tillis Lederman explains. They will also likely ask you the question in return and give you an opening to share what your current objectives are.Once you know a little bit more about somebodys professional background, ask them how they got their start. It can provide valuable takeaways for you, as well as make you seem more likable.Finding out more about their journey leading up to their current role can offer an excellent insight into what you might need to do in order to work in that industry, role or company, says Lars Herrem, Group Executive Director at recruiting agency Nigel Wright Group . Demonstrating your interest and enthusiasm is key to creating a lasting impression and making yourself memorable, something which will prove extremely beneficial if you end up reaching out to this person in the future.Asking about a specific, timely event in the industry - whether its proposed legislation, a merger, a recent news story, etc. - is a great way to show the person youre speaking with that you are knowledgeable and thoughtful, both of which are key to being memorable, says career coach Eli Howayeck of Crafted Career Concepts .First impressions matter. The best thing you can do, besides being a nice person, is to demonstrate how you think and what you know about the marketplace, Howayeck explains. This helps direct the conversation and informs your conversation partner that you likely know what youre talking about or, at a minimum, pay attention to what is going on in the world and are not only focused on yourself and your advancement .The ultimate objective of networking is often to get a new job, but coming out and asking somebody you just met to help you get one can be pretty off-putting. However, that doesnt mean you cant approach the topic at all - you just have to do so delicately.This question is a subtle way to ask about opportunities without coming right out and saying, Do you know if they are hiring? says career coach Madelyn Mackie . If you are lucky, they will ask you if you are interested and then provide you with a business card to follow-up with them after the event.Even if they arent able to help you out directly, though, you will likely gain some valuable insight that will help you in your job search process .This is a great question to ask if youre speaking with somebody who is more senior than you are . It allows them to impart the knowledge theyve acquired over the years with you, as well as appeals to their ego.People are way more comfortable sharing their wisdom than they are sharing their contacts, and both can be very valuable, Howayeck says. Seeking to learn from others honors them and shows that youre invested in growth. It also shows deference and can endear the person to you and deepen the connection.At its heart, networking is all about forming connections with others, so dont be afraid to veer towards lighthearted chitchat. Questions like this one help people open up, and make it clear that you dont expect the interaction to be purely transactional.This kind of question lowers the stakes and also gives the other person a chance to discuss what theyre passionate about , Howayeck explains. It also shows that you are actually interested in them as a person, and not just what they do and how it could help you.Who knows? You may even bond over a shared interest or activityAsk this question, and youre guaranteed to avoid one of the biggest mistakes that novice networkers make, according to career coach Nikki Bruno Beginning networkers often make the mistake of giving away a stack of business cards but gatherin g none. The only way to ensure that youll be able to follow up with new contacts is to get their information it keeps you in the drivers seat.Note that this question is intentionally different from May I have your card? Bruno adds. Asking to stay in touch or to follow someone shows that you view him/her as a human being, not as a mere contact.

Whispered Sales Rep Resume Secrets

Whispered sale Rep Resume Secrets The Definitive Approach for Sales Rep Resume Objectives are best used when you get a particular sort of position in mind. Attempt to prevent exhaustive lists and long-winded explanations, since the objective is to offer relative experience that demonstrates your aptitude and understanding of the position. Sales reps should be humble and ought to admit if theyre wrong since its the sole road to a wholesome company culture. Sales position where my abilities and experience can effectively be utilized to raise sales revenue. You can make an effective sales representative resume regardless of whether youve worked within this industry before. Go through the subsequent outside sales maintenance representative resume sample to acquire a notion of what success looks like. Sales Representatives work in a range of organizations and environments and are accountable for maximizing organization profits. Social selling is an amazingly strong tool for s ales reps, but only as long as you are in possession of a well-written and captivating profile. With some experience in the sales process, you are going to have very clear idea about what its like to sell to your clients, which then, can help you define who you have to hire to bring success to the organization. If youre going after a job at a certain call center, do some research about the goods and services youll be potentially selling. A place of Customer Service Representative where my excellent problem resolution abilities and product based knowledge is going to be utilized to acquire new clients and retain present ones. In the end, you will need complex abilities, such as customer assistance, the capability to forecast the way the marketplace will change in the coming months and years, and the capability to discover target audiences and suitable pricing for your goods. Sales Rep Resume for Dummies For Brenda, the caregiving facet of her relationship isnt the fruchtwein ess ential. If you dont need to get screened out from the job, it is crucial to learn to prepare a compelling resume that meets the requirement of the employer, for them to supply you with an appointment for interview. Attempt to return no more than five decades or so, as you need your work history to be relevant. Be certain to include all pertinent experience, but you should be selective. Not only will a company employee be in a position to provide you with tips on the best way to pass the interview, he or shell likewise be able to enlighten you on bits of information you wouldnt have known otherwise. Its not sufficient to just have a brief description of your work and title on sales LinkedIn profile. You require busy hiring managers to quickly glean the information which you present. Every hiring manager listens to the exact same radio station when reviewing resumes. Find things which you have in common with clients so that it is possible to develop a bond. Its among the fr uchtwein frequently occurring and painful hiring mistakes youre able to make and certainly the one that you are going to want to avoid by all means. Once everything is summarized in your resume, take a while to review this, and ensure that there is not a single iota of imperfection which can be found. Bear in mind that nobody could possibly have as much compassion for your enterprise and your product as you do. Your objective meinung ought to be a representation of what the business stands for, and illustrate to the employer why youre the best candidate to symbolize their goods. Remember that the employer is particularly interested to understand how much you will enhance the bottom line for the firm. Whether you work as a retail salesperson or manage a big account with a global corporation, you want to comprehend your customers needs. It is clear that youre only manipulating them for sales. To be successful in almost any kind of sales occupation, you want the skills to convince a person to purchase your organizations product. Excellent customer service abilities. In-depth grasp of the sales process, the capacity to develop strong customer relationships and close sales. Sales Rep Resume - Dead or Alive? Although some sales positions may require a distinct educational background, and there are college programs which are rather helpful for people interested in these kinds of careers. Due to this emphasis on persuasion, keep in mind that a future sales employee wants a good cover letter. By taking the most suitable actions, its possible to easily find jobs as a sales representative, or any portion of the country for this issue. A results-orientated college leaver trying to join a dynamic business in a sales position. What You Need to Do About Sales Rep Resume Starting in the Next Four Minutes Do what you could to make life simple for the man or woman reading your documents. When youre searching blogs or societal media for things that will help you, find things which may also be of interest to your customers. Read the work description like your life is dependent on it. In this way, its tailored to the job that youre applying for.

The Basics of Business Plan Resume Writing

The Basics of Business Plan Resume Writing Starting up a resume writing tafelgeschirr business would require you to have fulfilled a range of important steps. There are lots of jobs available to individuals that are skilled at writing. In starting a resume writing business, you should really learn to compose resumes for various professions. It is crucial to be aware that the absolute fruchtwein helpful resumes (and consistently have the competitive advantage) are the ones which are customized to the kind of career and position you are looking for. So after youve opened for business, it is essential that you periodically review and update your plan. There are a very few explanations for why you would want to compose a business program. Your organization program will become your roadmap to chart the course of your company. Every business plan involves these components that are key elements in earning your small business plan fuller and more effective. Try to remember your sm all business program is an official paper. The business is going to be focused on delivering numerous key document related tafelgeschirrs to clients throughout the usa, and even abroad. See how simple it can be to compose your own small business plan utilizing the perfect tools and the resume service business plan bundle. The prepared small business program can make all of the difference... Getting qualified for a business loan or getting denied for financing is dependent on more then wise, you have to be able to clearly show the way your company is going to be in a position to earn cash with your organization product or service idea. Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Business Plan Resume Writing Is Wrong In the usa, the human resource consulting sector is a large and thriving industry. My resume writing business you will need for the best, or full-time organization. As an entrepreneur, you dont just represent your work, but in addition your enterprise. If your company is a service business describe how much it costs to give the service. Explain how you intend to run your company and the way you intend on selling your merchandise through various advertising tools. Also consider how much non-billable time you want to spend on your enterprise. Every thriving business must begin with a strong small business program, including an art enterprise. Starting an online resume business is truly fast and simple. You have to be precise and confident whilst writing the cover letter. Resume writing is an art and it ought to be utilized in resume to create a very good impression on the possible employer. You must not incorporate a false details on your cover letter. When you have started your resume writing company, you might have to guess the nonbillable hours.

The Little-Known Secrets to Actor Resume Example

The Little-Known Secrets to Actor Resume Example On the base of your resume, theres a section devoted to your special skills. Our professional sample template resume that we gift create it simple to produce and use our well-curated templates to produce your own expert profile. As previously mentioned, you need to pick a resume format thats suited to your personal profile. A good can be difficult to discover so following is a good sample resume to assist you begin. Choosing Good Actor Resume Example Its fast and simple to use. Just make sure your resume looks professional. Make certain you dont undersell yourself. You only need to dig a little. Age is only required if youre under 18. Child Acting Resumes must be equally as competitive as any other in the business. Dance is a stunning physical and therapeutic activity. The Child Acting Resume Template welches generally created for anybody who can perform a child actor. The job could be boring or tedious, but its an ex cellent way for aspiring actors or movie studio employees to acquire hands-on experience. Your jobs could be varied, your experience and techniques vast, and it can be hard getting it all on paper. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously provide you an advantage. However much or what type of work experience youve got, theres a resume format that is likely to make your qualifications shine. Youll enhance your odds of finding the internship if you scrape up a small bit of experience first. Simple you start with heading out and gaining experience. If you are below the time of the majority, youre considered a kid. Leave no doubt which youre the very best person for the job. Actor Resume Example Secrets Click our sample to learn to compose the ideal transportation resume. Volunteer experience is also a wonderful add-on to healthcare resumes as it shows the hiring manager which you have compassion off the work too. Distinct kinds of work in the food service industr y require resumes with a number of the very same skills. Customer service is a critical element in many jobs and its vital that you concentrate on that in your resume. Dense blocks of text are too hard to read, states Augustine. A love of languages and just a skill with languages is not really sufficient. Have a peek at behauptung examples to select which format is most suitable for you. If you misunderstand the context, you might wind up interpreting the message in the incorrect way. It is possible to visit the organizations About Us section and rewrite a couple of lines of the description. You also ought to highlight your capacity to memorize lines and be punctual and trustworthy. Part of creating an effective resume is deciding on the most appropriate format to inform your private story. Related Heres how to compose an acting resume format in a couple of basic actions. What Actor Resume Example Is - and What it Is Not Your qualifications will just function as the baseli ne for the position, and a lot of the applicants are going to have the exact same or similar qualifications as you have. You will have to tailor each one to every work description. If youre attempting to obtain work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. It helps to consult an established example like the next consumer credit analyst resume sample. Where to Find Actor Resume Example You have to be familiar with all parts of the source and target languages so as to render one. You also ought to speak about past experience. Use the writing tips along the way to make certain youre following best practices. You ought to be aware that a good deal of resumes are screened by software that looks for keywords linked to the job that youre applying for. There are lots of schools that provide acting classes to teach students the basics along with terms and guidelines they have to understand while working on a movie collection. Consider scholarship resume as a system, which you might logically produces to be able to goal a specific work and to win the middle of the business. The secret is to format the info in a manner that makes it simple to scan and recognise your job targets and relevant qualifications, Augustine tells us. To assist you choose whats appropriate for you, lets look at the advantages and disadvantages of each resume format. A Secret Weapon for Actor Resume Example The majority of the moment, it isnt beneficial to you as an actor. Therefore, if your latest experience welches in film, then all your film experience is going to be written on top, even if some of that experience may be older than your television or theater experience. Film extras have to be aggressive and understand how to outshine the remainder of the competition. Movie extras frequently have a day job which pays the bills and do not depend on starring as an extra for a steady supply of revenue.

This study shows why couples should take equal roles with their finances

This study shows why couples should take equal roles with their financesThis study shows why couples should take equal roles with their financesAccording to an online poll of over two thousand Americans, the majority of people would describe themselves as savers as opposed to spenders. Although this majority is shared almost evenly between men and women respondents (57% and 56% respectively), women were found to be much more likely to view their partner as the standard when it came to financial literacy. In many of the cases reviewed, this caused men to take the lead with budgeting decisions.CNBC, who partnered with SurveyMonkey to conduct the new poll, examined the potential ramifications of this method in a piece published this Monday. For women, the consequencesof poor financial planning present several unique challenges because they generally earn smaller wages, and take more time off. These factors result in a $1 mio earnings gap by the time women reach retirement.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and morePriority breakdownTwenty percent of the women surveyed said that being able to meet everyday expenses concerned them the most when budgeting, compared to the 13% of men that said the same. Asimilar disparity can be found regarding the importance of paying back debts fourteen percent of women named this as a primacy, while 10% of male respondents agreed.The chief reason that many Americans dont save money is simply that they do not make enough. Women account for the majority of this demo, at 41%. More women than men also occasioned paying off a debt as a reason for the lack of excess funds to donate to a savings account (33%.) It thus follows that when asked Compared to three years ago, are you more or less confident in your ability to save for retirement? Much more men than women described their outlook as much more confident.Unfortunately,the survey revealed that the majority of respondents, opt to manage money all on their own, with only 45% of Americans making financial decisions with another household member. As previously reported in an independent study, a joined effort to manage expenses leads to emotional and fiscal satisfaction the most often.There isnt anything fundamentally wrong with leaving the majority of financial planning to your significant other, the problem is when one person takes that responsibility and the other one checks out, Russ Thornton, a financial advisor at Wealthcare for Women, told CNBC.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

3 Tips for Finding the Right Size Law Firm for You

3 Tips for Finding the Right Size Law Firm for You3 Tips for Finding the Right Size Law Firm for YouWhen it comes to finding your place in the legal profession, one size definitely does not fit all. Law firms vary widely in size from sole proprietors to global behemoths that employ hundreds or even thousands of lawyers. While some legal professionals feel most empowered working for a large organization, others feel mora at home working for a smaller boutique firm.As you explore legal career options, consider what size firm best suits your personality, interests and goals. Here are three pieces of career advice that should help you find a law firm that fits you like a glove1. Size up salariesAs you weigh career advice and consider your options for legal careers, compensation is probably at the forefront of your mind. Salary levels in the legal profession vary widely, depending on the law firms location and you guessed it its size. For the most part, smaller firms offer lower compens ation than larger ones.According to the Robert Half Legal 2015 Salary Guide, a lawyer with one to three years of experience can earn an average starting salary of between $58,500 and $92,750 at a small firm (up to 10 lawyers) and $68,500 to $107,000 at a small/midsize firm (10 to 35 lawyers). That range jumps to between $89,250 and $126,500 at a midsize law firm (35 to 75 lawyers) and between $119,000 and $156,500 at a large firm (mora than 75 lawyers).Keep in mind that if you have special abilities, such as foreign language skills or expertise in a hot practice area such as litigation, general business/commercial law, healthcare, or intellectual property, you can earn a much higher salary even at a smaller firm. No matter what size law firm you choose, salary is usually up for negotiation.2. Try on different cultures.For many in the legal profession, company culture is just as important as compensation. If a law firms culture doesnt fit your personality, going to work every day wi ll seem like a bear, no matter how much money youre earning.Here, again, size plays a role. Most large firms feature a formal big law culture. Think more defined processes and procedures, a stricter dress code and multiple layers of management. That type of atmosphere can be very appealing to lawyers who seek structure. The culture can be competitive, though, especially if the firm handles high-profile work.By contrast, smaller firms often offer a more casual atmosphere with a closer-knit staff. Because small firms have fewer layers of management, they typically have less red tape for you to wade through. That can be good and bad. On one hand, that means there is generally more room for risk-taking and upward mobility. On the other hand, theres less direction and oversight from firm leaders.Of course, not all small and large firms fit neatly into these categories. Regardless of size, every corporate culture is unique. To determine if a firm is the right fit for you, pay special atte ntion to the organizations culture during the job interview process.Take special notice of how lawyers interact with each other (and you), how they dress, what the workspaces look like, and other similar factors. Do you overhear friendly chit-chat in the hall, or does everyone seem rushed and stressed? Does there seem to be a healthy camaraderie among the firms lawyers, or do they keep their heads down? In general, are people happy to be there?Lastly, talk to members of your network who work for different size firms and ask what they like or dislike about their work cultures. What career advice can they offer when it comes to firm size? Their candid feedback and insight can be invaluable.3. Measure your expectationsBefore you decide if you want to work for a small law firm or a large one, take stock of your career expectations and long-term goals. For example, do you prefer to work on high-level, complex litigation and transactional legal work? If so, a large firm is probably the id eal fit for you as high-end casework is the bulk of what large firms handle. On the other hand, if you dream of working directly with clients and taking on a wide variety of cases, a smaller firm is probably your best bet.Also, consider how much you thrive on competition. Large firms are often much more competitive, with more attorneys vying for assignments and promotions. On the other hand, legal professionals at smaller firms face less in-house competition and are more likely to get the cases they want.Confucius offered some sage career advice when he said, Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. Oftentimes, the size of a law firm is the determining factor as to whether you truly love your job - which is why its crucial to find the right fit.In your opinion, do large or small law firms offer the best legal careers? Share your career advice in the comment section below.

Technical Support Representative - Entry Level Job Description

Technical Support Representative - Entry Level Job Description Technical Support Representative - Entry Level Job Description Technical Support Representative Entry Level Job Description This technical support representative entry level sample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements. Technical Support Representative Entry Level Job Responsibilities: Provides technical support to users by researching and answering questions; troubleshooting problems; maintaining workstation and LAN performance. Technical Support Representative Entry Level Job Duties: Provides answers to clients by identifying problems; researching answers; guiding client through corrective steps. Improves client references by writing and maintaining documentation. Participates in development of client training programs by identifying learning issues; recommending instructional language. Accommodates client disabilities by recommending devices and techniques. Avoids legal challenges by monitoring compliance with service agreements. Improves system performance by identifying problems; recommending changes. Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; maintaining personal networks. Accomplishes information systems and organization mission by completing related results as needed. Technical Support Representative Entry Level Skills and Qualifications: Problem Solving, LAN Knowledge, Help Desk Experience, Verbal Communication, Operating Systems, Phone Skills, Customer Service, Quality Focus, PC Proficiency, System Administration, UNIX System Administration Employers: Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers: Search Technical Support Representative Entry Level Jobs and apply on now. Learn more about how to interview: Are You Guilty of these Interview Mistakes? How to Interview Like a Professional How to Interview for In Demand Jobs

Communication and Professional Image in Networking

Communication and Professional Image in Networking Communication and Professional Image in Networking Successful people believe their success is attributable to a pattern of mutually beneficial interpersonal relationships, as much as it is due to technical skills or business knowledge. Your communication and the image you present create the first impression- often the lasting impression- on the people you meet. Want a more professional image? How you present, yourself is the first step in building that mutually beneficial network of contacts. Studies about people meeting reveal that most people make decisions about a new acquaintance within the first thirty seconds to two minutes of interaction. It does not give you much time to make a good impression. A study by Dr. Albert Mehrabian at UCLA revealed that when people try to convey meaning through their  communication with others, the majority of your message is communicated nonverbally and through voice and facial expression. His studies revealed that up to 37 percent of a first impression is based upon the speakers tone of voice. On the telephone, that number rises to 80 percent or higher, according to many communication consultants. These are the four areas that have a huge impact on your image and how you present yourself professionally: appearance,interpersonal interaction,written interaction, andnetworking. Professional Appearance Counts The standard advice given by mentors and managers to people who want to advance their career has always been to dress for the job you want, not the job you have currently. Even in this day of more casual dressing for work, your professional image will serve you well when promotions, lateral moves, choice assignments and departmental visibility are available. A professional appearance sets you apart from coworkers who are less concerned about projecting a successful, professional image. Here are guidelines for business casual dress and business casual dress in a manufacturing work environment. These dress code guidelines will serve you well in any workplace that espouses todays casual environment. Speak to Groups to Enhance Your Image Do you know that studies have demonstrated that more people claim to be afraid of public speaking than they are of dying? Public speaking, presentations at meetings, and speaking eloquently in small groups can do more for your career visibility than almost any other opportunity. Promotions also come more frequently to employees who can communicate effectively in person. Project a Professional Image in Writing Your self-presentation via written reports, email, correspondence, and all other forms of written communication are the face you most frequently present in your workplace or professional community. With email correspondence, IMs, texting, and posting to social networks, informality usually rules. That’s a mistake for your professional image. These communication tools at work are formal and professional communication tools and should look like formal communication. In an  email, for example, begin with a greeting (Dear Mary), a closing (Regards), and a signature file that tells who you are, your title, department, work address and telephone number. For general instruction in writing, check out Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab. It’s a great reference. For general information about professional and business writing, Purdue comes through once again. Their index will lead you to topics such as  General business writing issues, Letters, memos and reports, and Samples and Models. They are all worth your time. Trusting that the advice in these four areas will help you project the professional image you want others to notice about you, use these tips to enhance your career. Your successful professional image, projected through your speaking, face-to-face meetings, written communication, and appearance, will result in more opportunities for networking. Networking is building professional, mutually serving relationships for the purpose of helping both parties obtain goals. The term originates in a dictionary definition: “a system of elements (as lines or channels) that cross in the manner of the threads in a net.” (Merriam-Webster) Your image and communication are critical to advancing your networking success. People have always built professional networks informally, but attention in recent years  has focused on systematically building relationships with professional friends and friends of friends. In his book, The Tipping Point  (compare prices), Malcolm Gladwell describes a person who knows many other people as a connector, and he credits connectors with facilitating much of the interaction people have with each other. Whether its a business associate’s knowledge, a job, a restaurant recommendation, or a good book to read, connectors help others get what they need by connecting people who don’t know each other. It is also how you build a professional network. If youve successfully developed a professional image through your face-to-face, written, and spoken communication; your appearance and your presence, your career will soar.

Audio Video Lights and Engineering ME Today November 2011 Engineering

Audio Video Lights and Engineering ME Today November 2011 Engineering Audio Video Lights and Engineering ME Today November 2011 Engineering Audio, Video, Lights and Engineering Elizabeth R. Schwartz, Systems Engineer and Project Manager, (Clair Brothers Audio Systems, Inc.) received her mechanical engineering degree from Duke University, and began her career in the audio, video, lighting (AVL) systems integration industry. Doing exactly what she wants to do as a career, she completely believes in following your passion. Born and raised in Swaziland, Africa, Elizabeths parents were missionaries with Trans World Radio (TWR) where her interest in the AVL world began. My dad was a broadcast engineer for TWR and my mom worked in the main offices and used her background and music skills in community ministries. Through their work, I was exposed to the TWR recording studios and transmitter site where I was first introduced to the audio side of the AVL world. In a recent interview, Elizabeth shares her background, experiences and takes us behind the scenes of the audio, video and lighting industry. As a mechanical engineer, how did you end up in the audio/video/lighting systems integration field? Moving to the USA, I was able to take audio, video, acoustics and music related courses throughout high school and college. After graduation and moving to Oklahoma City, I had a strong interest in working for Ford Audio-Video Systems my first real job. They offered me a position as a draftsperson and after a year I was promoted to the position of project engineer in training. A year later, I was promoted to project engineer as the lead engineer on some of the companys largest projects. What were your expectations when you first began your engineering career? I expected that I would know a fair amount about the work I would be doing at my first job. In reality, I knew very little and learned almost everything from on the job training and hands-on experience. However, having an engineering degree helped prepare me for thinking through and solving problems and managing the projects that I worked on. Tell us about your current employer; Clair Brothers Audio Systems. Clair Brother Audio Systems, Inc. is a loudspeaker manufacturer and an audio, video and lighting (AVL) systems integration company. The speaker manufacturing side of the company designs, fabricates and builds various products; including line arrays, video and audio stage monitors, full range speakers, subwoofers, rigging and road cases. The systems integration side of Clair Brothers provides various services for the installation of audio, video and lighting systems. These services include acoustical analysis and design, building a system based on clients needs, creating specifications, budgets and drawings, installing, testing and commissioning of the system and service of existing systems. Clair Brothers works on systems for churches, sports arenas and stadiums, performing arts centers, university facilities and cruise ships. Some of the Clair Brothers projects past and present are Watermark Community Church in Dallas, TX, the BC Place stadium renovation in Vancouver, BC, Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN, and the Marriott Waikiki Edition in Honolulu, HI. What does the company look for when they hire its employees? The work environment calls for someone who can work both independently and as part of a team. Depending on the position, some experience related to the work would be necessary. This could be an engineering or architectural background, an IT background, previous AVL experience, a background in theater or lighting, music or acoustics background or something related to broadcast or camera work or drafting and CAD experience. To do well in the job, you would need to have a genuine interest in the AVL industry and be willing to continually learn about the industry. Basic skills such as use of standard spreadsheet, word processing and email programs, good customer service and writing skills are also important. Working for a small company, as a systems engineer/project manager what does your role entail? I am involved from the design phase to the completion of a project. I can be involved with almost any aspect of the job, but the most frequent tasks include meeting with customers and other trades involved with the specific project, creating a system design and budget, putting together a bid for bid projects, creating drawings of systems, programming control systems and other devices that are required, creating GUIs (Graphical User Interface), testing and commissioning the system, writing user manuals and training the end user. Typically I will be involved with 10-15 projects throughout a year, but the amount of work can vary greatly depending on the phase of the project, whether it is a design project, bid or a complete installation project, and whether I am the lead on the project or assisting others on their projects. Starting out in the AVL field I learned the basics by assisting others with their projects and over time working on progressively larger and complex projects of my own. I was able to be successful because I was always willing to take on challenging projects. With the ever-changing technologies involved in AVL projects it is common to be the first to use certain devices or to be the first to use devices in a certain application. When dealing with these challenges I have learned to be persistent in researching the problems and in working with manufacturers to find a solution. There are also coworkers and others more experienced in the field that are willing to help and give advice when asked. Successful projects have been the result of being organized, using methodical processes to accomplish tasks and working with a team of talented people who also want projects to be successful. Tell us about one engineering achievement that you are most proud of I have many memorable moments from almost all of the projects I have worked on. Some of the largest projects were hotel casinos in Las Vegas, the Mandarin Oriental and Veer Towers, both at City Center, and the Wynn Encore. I also worked on the AVL systems for the Southern Nevada Water Authority which was a part of the new construction of Molasky Corporate Center. This was the first LEED Green Building project that I worked on and it was interesting to learn more about the sustainability and environmental requirements for the building. Citizens Business Bank Arena (Ontario, California) during the OKC Thunder - LA Lakers game As part of the project at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, I was able to attend the first basketball game between the LA Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder which was my new hometown team at the time. Being able to see the systems fully functional and working after months or years of time invested in the project is my favorite part of being an AVL Systems Engineer/Project Manager, no matter if it is a small project or a large multimillion dollar project. The AVL industry has a big impact on the world today. It plays a role in emergency situations with audio and visual paging and other notification systems. Communication is changing with the access to video and teleconferencing systems. Churches and other venues are using broadcast quality equipment to record, stream and replay their services and events. Its difficult to go anywhere today without seeing some form of digital signage whether it is for advertising or informational purposes. With the current generation growing up carrying around miniature computers and media centers in their pockets, there will be a growing demand for high quality audio, video and lighting systems in businesses and homes. Tell us how mechanical engineering technology fits into the world of audio/video systems integration. The study of acoustics, noise and vibration are often part of the mechanical engineering curriculum and these subjects are important to the AVL industry. The topics of statics and dynamics are essential in developing proper structural mounting and rigging methods for AVL equipment. When working with equipment racks and other heat-producing AVL devices, it is necessary to take heating, cooling and fluid dynamics into consideration. One of the major applications of nanotechnology being studied and researched is for the touch screen market. The basic principles of sound and light that are the foundation of the AVL industry follow are the same principles of physics studied in mechanical engineering. Walk us through the design/engineering/programming /installation process The majority of my work revolves around particular projects. Most of our projects can be split into two categories, design-build and bid. For design-build projects, we work with a customer from designing the system all the way through to the completed installation. Bid projects are typically large projects that involve an architect, multiple contractors and consultants. Bid projects start with making a bid on an already designed system and, after winning the contract, continuing through to the completed installation. My earliest involvement with a project is usually during the design phase. The design phase includes meeting with the customer and other stakeholders in the project, determining the requirements and constraints of the design and developing the system components based on this information. As with many aspects of the technology field, the audio, video and lighting field and related technology is constantly changing. A big part of being ready to create a design that fits a clients needs is keeping up with the latest technology and watching the latest trends. There are hundreds of manufacturers of various equipment; used in our systems, and the design phase requires that we take all the components available, choose the best to match the requirements and integrate them together to form a working system that fits the clients needs and budget. Once the budgets have been determined and agreed upon, the project moves on to the engineering phase. During the engineering phase, all of the planning and preparation needed for the installation is completed. One of the most important aspects of the engineering phase is the creation of installation drawings that are usually created in AutoCAD or other drafting/design software. These drawings include system one-line schematics, panel and rack details, architectural placement and location drawings, conduit and other electrical requirements and mounting details. For many projects it is necessary to work with a licensed structural engineer to have mounting and rigging details approved and stamped. One of the latest trends is for AVL systems to be included in Revit 3D architectural building models. Many of the devices used in AVL systems require some kind of programming in order to function. This programming is typically manufacturer specific so there is a large variety of software and programming languages that have to be learned. Most audio systems include a digital signal processor (DSP) that allows for audio processing to be digitally created. What once may have been done by several individual devices in the past can now be done by one DSP system. For this part of the engineering phase a layout has to be configured through the specific DSP software that takes the physical connections to the DSP and digitally directs the signals through routers, mixers, equalizers, compressors and various other processors depending on the requirements of the system. There is often also control system programming required in AVL systems. This programming is also specific to the manufacturers that build the control system devices and can be logic based processing, code similar to C$ or a graph ical type of programming. Control systems allow the end user to control the AVL system through a touch panel, keypad or some other user interface. A control system can take a large system that includes speakers, video displays, various audio and video sources and processors, drapes or screens, lighting, temperature controls, occupancy sensors, and combines the control for the entire system to one user interface. An important part of control system programming that occurs in the engineering phase is the user interface design. These designs can be created in the manufacturer provided software, but a sleek and modern design usually involves graphics design in Photoshop or other graphics software. During the engineering phase, the equipment is ordered and anything to be installed in equipment racks or lecterns is assembled, programmed and tested out in our in-house assembly area. The next phase of a project is the installation phase. There is usually some overlap between the phases as engineering will be ongoing as the installation begins. During the installation phase an installation team will pull all the wire and cabling at the project site. All of the wiring will be terminated at panels, junction boxes or other destinations. The installation team will install of the rigging, speakers, lighting, projectors and other video displays, equipment racks and other AVL equipment. Once this is complete, all of the system has to be tested and commissioned. Testing includes verifying that all of the system cabling and terminations are correct and conform to certain specifications. It also includes testing of any programming that was done to ensure it works as expected. All equipment is tested to make sure that it is functioning properly and there are no manufacturer defects. Commissioning of an AVL system goes beyond just verifying the functionality of the system but ensuring that it looks and sounds good. This includes setting up the system so that it meets certain standards and achieves the expected quality and setting up any user required default settings. The final phase is project close-out. This may include any punch list items left to complete, finishing the as-built drawings and turning them over to the customer, writing user manuals and putting together product manuals, training the end users and in some cases attending the first use of the system. Systems also include warranties and extended service contracts so there will often be continued interaction with the customer and their system to ensure the system works as expected for many years after the installation. Based on your experiences, define innovation in your own words? Seeing a need and being able to create the solution for it, sometimes even before the need is realized. This is true for many of the greatest innovations of our time, cell phones, tablet PCs, LED technology and some of the work in the AVL sector such as Audio Video Bridging (AVB) that will allow for audio and video device networking. What advice would you offer other early-career engineers looking for a job in todays economy and those in the first few years of work? One of my college internships was working at the Mt. Olive Pickle Company. Although the company was not hiring engineers as it only had a 2-person engineering department they were willing to take me on as an engineering intern. I was able to learn the Inventor and AutoCAD software and gain valuable practical experience. In todays world, engineers are in high demand. The possibilities for engineers are all around, whether it is in a jar of pickles or the sound system at your favorite sporting event.

Six Project Management Tips Every Engineer Needs

Six Project Management Tips Every Engineer Needs Six Project Management Tips Every Engineer Needs Six Project Management Tips Every Engineer Needs The right time to assess an engineering project is as soon as its wrappedor after its key parts have been completed. When the projects still fresh on everyones mind, team members are able to offer pointed feedback and take a good look at what went wrong and what went right in the work theyve just completed. For this reason, more and more engineers are adopting after-action reviews (AAR), which are short, focused, assessment meetings to help with project management. The U.S. Army is credited with instituting formal AARs in the 1970s, said Ken Downer, founder of RapidStart Leadership, a company offering leadership skills training. By holding meets directly after an action has occurred, everyone can learn quickly from soldiers experiences in the field. AARs are essentially a quick huddle after an event to create awareness and consensus around three questions: what went well, what didnt, and what the group should do differently next time. Organizations of all types, across all industriesincluding those in engineering and manufacturingcan benefit from an ongoing review process. Ken Downer, founder of RapidStart Leadership, uses an AAR method to help his Eagle Scouts establish one major objective for the coming year. Image: RapidStart Leadership Top Story: YouTube Star Goes Viral with Glitter Bomb Downer led these types of meetings while a colonel in the U.S. Army infantry. After every military event, theyd pause to talk about what happened, he said. It may be the single best thing the Army did to reinvent itself. They tried to identify what went well so they could keep doing that, and what went not-so-well so they could do better next time. AARs also allow team members at engineering and manufacturing companies to discover what they can do differently when it comes to product design or creation. When AARs are held at particular points in an ongoing project they keep an existing project on task and quickly realign it if its heading in the wrong direction. For instance, engineering teams could hold an AAR after theyve finalized a product design. They might discover how engineers focusing on different disciplines software, electrical, mechanicalcould better coordinate their efforts. Or they might determine a way to bring analysis into the design cycle at an earlier stage. Manufacturers could hold an AAR after theyve made a certain number of products to see if parts need to be redesigned or if aspects of the manufacturing process should be tweaked. Or, an AAR might find all aspects of the project functioning as intended. More on Collaboration and Teamwork: Innovations in Biomaterials Create New Roles for Engineers An AAR is most beneficial when the task is expensive, valuable to the organization, and is likely to be repeated, Downer said. If youre considering AARs at your companyor even if you already hold themthese six tips can ensure you get the most from them. 1. The Right Time The best time to hold an AAR is immediately after the projector an important phase in a projectis complete. This ensures the team can point out problems and pitfalls while theyre on top of everyones mind, as well as agree on the most successful methods, and discuss where things didnt go as expected. If the team has tried something new, this is the time to do a quick debrief of whether it went well or how it can be done differently next time. 2. Keep it Short The review should last half an hour or less. The knowledge shared is of immediate benefitsuch as with the manufacturing exampleand can be put to use at almost any time, but sooner is usually better than later. The idea is that short meetings allow engineers to change course quickly and to immediately address issues theyve uncovered. Save the longer, more detailed review process for the end of a long, complicated project. That meeting will include members from other teams across the company, including managers and executives. While their feedback is important, it will take a longer and more focused effort to implement. 3. Keep it Focused The timeframe will help keep it focused. But be sure to have an agenda and stick to it. Everyone can say a few words, but dont get caught up in long discussions or blaming. The meeting is kept to a half hour for a reason. 4. Egos Out of the Room This one is most important, Downer said. Everyone checks their ranks at the door. While the meeting should have a facilitator, no one is a leader, even if they were the actual project leader. The atmosphere must be one of openness and learning. That cant happen if members are afraid of retribution as they head back to work. More on Conflict Resolution: How Engineers Can Resolve Conflict and Save Their Business The objective is to fix the problem, not place blame. The AAR cannot be used to evaluate peoples performance, but to assess what went right, what went wrong, and how it can be corrected. 5. The Right Questions The process consists of asking three to five focused questions, said Dale Marsden, superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, which has recently implemented the AAR process after armed intruders threatened students and staff. What was supposed to happen? Look back at the projects objective and ask team members what they felt should or would happen during the project. What actually happened? This is the time to gather honest opinions to assess whether objectives where met. Why the difference? If the answers to the first two questions dont align, this is the time to help figure out why. What processes hindered the program, what were the causes for these differences? Or, why did it go well? Answering the latter question also gives you a roadmap to follow the next time. What have we learned? Comparing what you expected to happen and what actually happened, helps clarify what could be done differently, if corrective action needs to be taken. Deliver the outcome Now comes the final question: What can we do? Youve learned, youve got feedbacknow the team needs to take corrective action. Pick actions that can be carried out as you continue working on your project or begin a new one. Assign them to the team. Remember, the intention of the AAR is to deliver lessons and improvements for the team. These should be stored in the PLM system or another tracking system to ensure future teams dont keep repeating a flawed process. An after-action review is well worth the time spent huddled in a short meeting. The biggest challenge may be actively listening to other team members and leaving ego at the door. But many projects success depends on these vital meetings. Jean Thilmany is a freelance writer living in St. Paul who writes frequently on engineering topics. Read More Exclusive Stories from ASME.org: Global Talent Makes American Industry Stronger The 7 Coolest Rescue Robots Tackle Almost Any Disaster U.S. Can Learn From Texas Surge in Wind and Solar Power AARs are essentially a quick huddle after an event to create awareness and consensus around three questions: what went well, what didnt, and what the group should do differently next time. Ken Downer, RapidStart Leadership.

Customize this Outstanding Experienced Acupuncture Resume Template

Customize this Outstanding Experienced Acupuncture Resume Template Customize this Outstanding Experienced Acupuncture Resume Template Create ResumeOlivia Garret100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019H: (555) 322-7337C: (555) 322-7337example-email@example.comProfessional SummaryAs chief operational officer and partner for the Roselle Center For Healing I am responsible for the day to day functioning of a multi-million dollar integrative care facility.I have extensive knowledge of the start up and operation of health care practices having been resposible for coordinating the design, staffing and in opening of two facilities.Years of experience and success as an admistrative assistant for EF Hutton, a skin care specialist, and EMT before starting with the Roselle Center For Healing Ltd. I began with the company 27 years ago as a clincal asistant, office manger and then operational officer and partner. (Roselle Center For Healing is a multi million dollar multidiscipline integrative care facility.)SkillsNBCE Board Certified AcupuncturistAccupressure proficiencyNatural remedy expertOriental medicine proficiencyCertified b y the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)Integrative care profeciency with multiple professionals.Work HistoryChief Opperational Officer,, 00/1986 to CurrentRoselle Center For Healing Ltd.â‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" Fairfax, VirginiaAs Chief Operational Officer and Partner I am responsible for the day to day coordination and treatment of 750 patients visits per week, managing and training staff, and coordinating the efforts of 11 doctors and professionals.Additionally I am responsible for treating patients and coordinating care among other practitioners.EMT Technician ,, 00/00-1 to 00/00-1Emergency Medical Technicianâ‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" Fredricksburg, VaEducationMaster of Science: Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2002Midwest College of Oriental Medicine Racine, WisconsinEducational focus was Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Herbal Medicine. Internship in an integrative health care hospital in Guangzhou, China.Pre-Medical Sciences,, George Mason Un iversity Fairfax, VAAreas of InvolvementCoordinated the efforts of Ageless Health seminars (an outreach program of the Roselle Center For Healing.)Created educational pamphlets for patients.Creating policy and training programs for staff.Handle the finances and budget for a multi million dollar company.Member of the board of directors of Caring For Others 501(c)(3) chairty.Customize ResumeMore Healthcare Resume TemplatesAcupuncture Resume TemplatesExperienced Emergency Medical Technicians Resume TemplatesEntry Level Emergency Medical Technicians Resume Templates

New Social Platform MindLink Aims to Eliminate Email Overload

New Social Platform MindLink Aims to Eliminate Email Overload New Social Platform MindLink Aims to Eliminate Email Overload Business success today depends on teams of individuals working towards collective goals, said Daanish Khan, Vice President of Strategy and Marketing, Formicary Collaboration Group. But traditional email and social networking technology tools have fallen short in the enterprise in delivering business value because theyre not ideal for interactive, team-based collaboration. MindLink, on the other hand, was built from the ground up to support efficient communication among groups. Its so effective in the enterprise that it frequently becomes the preferred mode of communications for groups working on common activities and goal. MindLink is built on Microsoft’s unified communications platform Lync, making it easy to implement into daily processes thus encouraging high user adoption. The platform eliminates security issues through being available as either on on-premisis solution or accessed from a private cloud. Key features of MindLink include: Live communication streams from internal or external sources delivered into team content and communications streams. Subscription customization allowing employees to subscribe only to the most relevant channels thus reducing email overload. Users can also create individual conversation streams focused on individual projects and interests. Conversation tools are accessible from a central hub for easy availability. Allows employees to update colleagues of availability and location at all times. Conversation histories are stored and searchable.

5 tips to help improve your life in 2 years

5 tips to help improve your life in 2 years 5 tips to help improve your life in 2 years How can I dramatically improve my life in 2 years?This is a great question.Most people ask how they can change their lives in a week, month, or year.But unfortunately, real change takes time.Most experts agree that the sweet spot for transforming your life requires 18â€"24 months of conscious effort.In my own life, I went from single, depressed, and broke to an abundant dating life, happier than I’d ever been, and running a 6 figure business in almost exactly 2 years.Here’s how I did it and how you can too …1. Focus on your health firstYour health will determine your ability to succeed in every other area of life.Without a healthy and energetic body, you will never be able to succeed at the highest levels.As such, over the next 2 years, you are going to gradually work to: Exercise 4â€"5 times a week preferably doing something you enjoy. Eat a whole food diet and reduce buying food from billion dollar brands. (In their meetings they don’t talk about your health they talk about maximizing shareholder profits and the size of their bonuses). Sleep 8 hours a night and stop listening to people telling you to “sleep less so you can do more”. You’ll outlive them Have blood work done, identify nutrient deficiencies, and supplement to fix them. Most people are operating way below their true capability. Meditate daily to reduce the noise and confusion. Spend at least 20 minutes outside in the sun early morning for fresh vitamin D. Note that all of the above are relatively low cost if not free. If you do nothing but these few things on a weekly basis, I promise your life will change.2. Lay one brick a dayPick a big career or financial goal, like building a 6-figure business, quitting your job, or launching a new career.Then for the next 24 months, commit to laying only one brick a day.Take only ONE action each day that moves you closer to your goal.If it’s too hard to do just one thing per day then you don’t want it bad enough.It doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to be something.Over time, this will compound and lead to huge results.3. Journal and meditate to gain clarityIf you aren’t regularly taking time to empty your mind and clear your head, you will never be able to transform your life the way that you want.In this modern world there is too much distraction at our fingertips.As such, I recommend that you take one day a week to focus on yourself, your goals, your dreams, and what you’re gra teful for in life.Journal about your thoughts and feelings.Sit in meditation and listen to what comes up.Spend time emptying your mind so that you can have the clarity and presence you need to succeed during the other 6 days instead of working “hard” in a million different directions.4. Spend 30 minutes a day learning a marketable skillSuccess doesn’t go to the smartest or strongest, but to the most skilled.When you have something valuable to offer the marketplace, people will pay you for it.When you have interpersonal skills such as empathy and communication, romantic partners will flock to you.Devote 30 minutes a day to learning new skills for fun and profit.Whether it’s coding, marketing, Facebook ads, a new language, sales or negotiation, don’t let a day go by where you don’t improve your skill set and abilities.5. Don’t try so hard… Look.Life is short.It’s also guaranteed to end. On a long enough time line the survival rate of all of us is 0% â€" that includes the richest people in the world.So take a breath and relax. Release the pressure.Life doesn’t have to be so serious and you don’t need to try so hard as if the entire world is watching you. I hate to break it to you but, no one cares about your success or lack of success.Learn to enjoy the ride, have fun, and appreciate the gift that is the present moment. Right here, right now because “this is it.”If you get anything from this â€" you need less than you think to be happy.… And isn’t that the goal anyways?As long as you have good health, good friends, and enough money to cover the necessities, you’re successful and you have more than enough to be happy and live an incredible life.Just breathe.Stay Grounded, AndrewThis post first appeared on Quora.

20 Tips for Successfully Starting a New Job

20 Tips for Successfully Starting a New Job 20 Tips for Successfully Starting a New Job After landing that prized new job, take a moment to congratulate yourself on a successful job search! However, it’s now time to start formulating a plan to ensure you make a great first impression on your employer. After all, just as important as scoring a new position is succeeding in it. One way to help ensure success is to set aside some time to prepare and take care of any personal appointments and arrangements you need to make, so youre ready to focus on work when you start your new job. Your early days at a new job are very important because your employer is going to look for confirmation that you are a good fit for the position and for the organization. After all, the decision to hire a new employee is based on relatively limited information: how you performed in the interview, and in some cases, what your references said about you. Your employer is going to be watching to ensure that you can walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Accordingly, you need to be deliberate about creating the optimal image right from the beginning of your tenure. Be sure to take the time to prepare to start the job, so you can make a good impression on your new co-workers. Take care to gain the trust of your supervisor and your colleagues, establish positive relationships within your own department and outside of it, and ensure you are in a position to do your best work. This will create a very healthy foundation for your future with the company. 1:37 Watch Now: 8 Tips for Starting a New Job Top 20 Tips for Starting a New Job  Here are practical tips and strategies for success in your new job: Associate with positive people,  and avoid complainers and slackers at all costs. Avoid griping to fellow employees since you never know who will quote you or cast you in a negative light. If someone starts complaining or gossiping directly to you, try to stay “neutral” if at all possible. If you can’t deflect or switch topics, then ask constructive questions instead.Identify star performers  at your level and analyze what has made them successful in their roles. This can give you an idea of what skills, abilities or accomplishments are valued at the organization. Assess the preferences and expectations  of your immediate supervisor. Listen carefully to the directions that he/she offers, and also ask other trusted colleagues for suggestions on ways to measure up to your supervisors expectations.Keep your supervisor apprised of the status of your projects, so he or she is aware of the value that you’re adding to your department.Seek input and assistance  when you are stumped, but try to avoid coming across as needy by asking numerous questions. Try to solve as many problems as possible on your own or with input from colleagues at your own level. If you do need to ask a question, preface it with the steps you’ve already taken to solve it on your own. Engage strategically in meetings and conversations.  It’s understandable that you’ll have a lot to catch up on in a new job and may not have insights and opinions to share right out of the gate. However, sitting silently in meeting after meeting won’t make a great impression, either. Instead, aim to strike a balance between listening carefully (which will be extremely important in getting oriented) and speaking up or asking smart questions.Establish open communication channels with your supervisor and key team members,  whether this takes the form of weekly meetings or recurring email or messenger updates. Not only will this give you the opportunity to keep your supervisor up-to-date with your accomplishments, but you’ll be able to group questions together so you can ask them at one rather than sporadically throughout the day or week. Endeavor to arrive earlier and/or stay later  than your supervisor to prove you are ready to work hard.Develop positive working relationships  with staff at all levels of the organization, with particular emphasis on the people with whom you’ll be working regularly. Not only will strong relationships enhance your overall work experience, but most organizations perform 360-degree evaluations of staff, so it is important to be on good terms with colleagues who may be evaluating you.Solicit feedback periodically  and respond positively to constructive criticism. Make it clear to your supervisor and other staff that you are all about self-improvement. Create a professional development plan  with clear goals and objectives outlining what you will learn and the skills you will acquire. Consult managers, the Human Resources department, or professionals in your field and find out what certifications, coursework and/or degrees would be impactful in advancing your career.Be mindful of how much time you take off during your first year.  Since the first few months at a new job are crucial to getting you up to speed in a new position, you should avoid taking extended time off if at all possible, with the exception being a  previously planned vacation  that you disclosed during the interview process.  If you do have to take time off for any reason, do everything that you can to ensure it does not negatively affect your output. Participate in office activities.  Do your best to ingratiate yourself into the organization’s social happenings so you can get to know your colleagues on a personal level. That being said, starting a new job can be exhausting, and if attending numerous group activities simply feels like too much, focus on the most important and/or required events. If you find you connect better in one-on-one situations, ask a colleague to grab coffee or lunch instead.Join national and regional  professional groups  for your field and attend meetings and training sessions. Taking on leadership positions and volunteering for committees is a great way to make contacts and raise your visibility professionally. Review your  social media  accounts and make sure any personal information visible to the public reflects a professional image.Update your  LinkedIn profile  to include your current position or establish a profile if you dont already have one. Keep your profile up-to-date and cultivate it by connecting with new colleagues, joining relevant professional groups, and asking for recommendations from colleagues, clients, and other professional contacts over time.Identify potential mentors within your organization and get to know them.  Consider senior staff as well as strong performers in positions at your level and/or one level above you. While you should recognize that these people are likely quite busy, asking to grab a coffee or simply taking a walk together can be a great start. Mentor former colleagues  who are unemployed or underemployed, or offer to mentor junior staff in your organization. You never know when they may pay you back.Express your gratitude and maintain contact with any people, such as your references, who helped pave your way to this new job.  These people will feel more invested in you the next time that you need their help if they can follow along as your career develops.Take care of yourself!  Starting a new job can be mentally and physically taxing. However, you don’t want to burn yourself out in your early days. Be sure to take care of your health and spend some time doing activities that invigorate you. While you may feel like you have to dedicate every waking hour to this new position, doing so can quickly degrade your health and have a negative impact on your performance. Strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance right out of the gate. Lastly, in addition to the tips above, it can be a great idea to casually ask colleagues if they have any tips for getting up to speed, or what they wish they knew when they were starting out. Thinking strategically at the beginning of your new job is one way to  ensure you are well received and successful in your position.