May 21, 2013

Careers & Business Success

Go to college. Select a career. Learn all you can. Graduate. Get a job. Start a business. Pay off your student loans. Make a difference. Live happily ever after... START HERE.

Job hunt: Acing the phone interview in four easy steps

Acing the phone interview in four easy steps - Photo copyright 2012 Rick Sherrell

Modern technology has allowed us to communicate with one another no matter how far away we might be, which has changed the way we conduct both personal and professional interactions. But as a college student just entering, or re-entering, the workforce, don’t assume that tech-savvy will be enough to perform well in a phone interview. In the professional realm, interviewing by telephone or video conferencing is almost as common as traditional in-person interviews because it saves time and money for both parties involved. However, the unfamiliar set-up of a phone interview can often be intimidating for interviewees, especially if you’re … [Read more...]

Ask better questions and win more business

Kevin Johnson - College Speaker - The Entrepreneur Mind

As an entrepreneur, your success depends greatly on your ability to ask the right questions. However, few people understand the enormous value of mastering this art. I would argue that several entrepreneurs—business professionals, too—have no idea that the quality of the questions they ask determines their fate. Why is mastering the art of asking good questions not a high priority on the list of skills to acquire for entrepreneurs? Perhaps we assume that all questions are created equal, and that’s simply not true. Depending on the situation, there are good questions and bad questions. Being able to determine the difference gives you … [Read more...]

The ins and outs of internships

The ins and outs of internships - Photo copyright Rick Sherrell

From the moment you start college until you land your dream job, you will probably hear a lot of talk about internships. The low or non-existent pay and the difficulty of finding a good internship can deter many students. However, in this competitive job market, internships have evolved from an added bonus to your resume to a more serious requirement for many jobs. According to a National Association of Colleges and Employers survey, nearly 50 percent of employers would like to see an internship on a student’s resume. The good news is that internships don’t have to be a struggle. Embrace the opportunity to take a break from studying and … [Read more...]

Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees: What’s the Difference?

Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees - Photo copyright Rick Sherrell

Would you like to continue your education, but you’re not sure where to start? When people talk about “going back to school” it doesn't have to be for a four-year degree. There are certificates, diplomas, degrees and even individual courses veterans and other mature students find enriches their lives and helps them on their career paths. But what’s the difference between these options? Read on to find out. Certificates Students are awarded certificates for a short- or medium-term vocational program. These programs usually focus on a specific skill and are practical in nature. Some programs might be only a day or a weekend, while … [Read more...]

Successful on the job training (OJT) for students

Successful OJT for students - photo copyright Rick Sherrell

On the job training is an opportunity to take a glimpse into the world of business. If you've been in school for years, this first glimpse can show you how a business is run, what workers are like and how they are perceived by their peers. If you look closely enough, you will notice important factors that make some people stand out above others. Be punctual Remember when mom dragged you out of bed pointing out that you'd be late? Now it is actually really important to take heed of her advice. Punctuality is very important to any business. It shows you are ready, eager to work and reliable. How we are perceived in an office will become very … [Read more...]

15 Transferable skills that make you employable

15 Transferable skills that make you employable

In this day and age, employers expect graduates to not only have knowledge of their area of study or expertise, but to have the inherent and learned ability to adapt to the new working environment they will be joining. They'll expect you to bring exceptional communication skills, the ability to lead and be led, and the proven ability to function efficiently and effectively. That shows up on your resume as what are called 'transferable skills' and they can be defined as those skills or abilities that can be applied equally from one job to another. They are skills that as a recent graduate you may have gathered through volunteer work, … [Read more...]

4 Steps to help students get noticed in a tight job market

4 Steps to help students get noticed in a tight job market - photo copyright Rick Sherrell

Finding a good job is often a matter of luck and determination. Are you afraid of being unemployed for a long time because you are still studying and don’t have enough experience? What can you do to change it? Well, it’s not that easy; however, there are some useful steps, which may help you succeed. Step 1: Gain More Experience No one expects a student to have 15 years of working experience. As a matter of fact, no one requires it. Employers appreciate students for their energy, creativity, innovation, etc. They are full of vigor and optimism. Employers value such qualities, but you need more than that to pursue a job of your dreams. … [Read more...]

Enhance your career prospects with co- and extra-curriculars

Enhance your career prospects with co- and extra-curriculars - photo copyright Rick Sherrell

Sometimes in college, the process of getting a degree can seem plodding and ineffective. Many students passionate and eager to get started in their professions can become frustrated when they're forced to sit in a classroom absorbing materials that don't relate to their desired field of employment. It's easy to view these students as slackers, but in reality they're very motivated individuals who want to pursue their dreams in a different way. While a college degree is an important asset that shouldn't be flippantly dismissed, the degree itself is not the sum of a person's education. Many students prefer to enhance their college education … [Read more...]

5 Sites to help build your Digital Resume

5 Sites to help you build your Digital Resume - photo copyright Rick Sherrell

The Internet has revolutionized the way people think and work everywhere, so why not the job world? Even though the traditional form of resumes is still in vogue, digital resumes are slowly carving their niche in the job sphere. Why not consider a digital CV and get swept by the wave? There are many sites out there that will help you create the perfect resume without any hassles. Following are 5 sites that create excellent digital resumes. 1. ResumUP.com Social networking sites have becomes an important part of everyone’s life and your professional life is no different. ResumUP.com exploits this tremendous power of social networking … [Read more...]

Career path options for recent graduates

Career path options for recent graduates - photo copyright Rick Sherrell

Choosing a career path can understandably be pretty overwhelming. After all, your decision will affect the rest of your entire future. For this reason, it is important that you really take time to think about what you want and where you want your career to go. To help with your decision-making, you should do some research on the most rewarding (financially and personally) career paths today. To help you get started, here are a few of the top career paths fresh graduates can consider pursuing. 1. Graduate School More school may not be exactly what you have in mind since you just completed years of school for your undergrad degree. But, … [Read more...]