Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Robots Help Those with Autism Communicate

Robots Help Those with Autism Communicate Robots Help Those with Autism Communicate According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1.5% of American childrenhave autism, making it more prevalent than juvenile diabetes, Downs syndrome, childhood cancer, and cystic fibrosis combined. One of the biggest frustrations for people with autism is the difficulty they have in communicating with others, or interacting with the outside world. Many families that struggle to find ways to engage with autistic family members find the tools that are available are complex, often inaccessible, and expensive.Help, however, is on the wayROBAUTO, a robotics startup company in Boulder, CO, is hard at work building an affordable robot companion for autistic people that helps them communicate and interact with their environment.Human responses from robots are distinctive from human responses from other computers and devices, says Jalali Hartman, chief human for ROBAUTO. Our area of research centers on th e autism spectrum. We have noticed that many individuals on the autism spectrum seem to prefer to communicate through a robot rather than directly to another human. This is significant from a teaching, companionship, and therapy perspective.A concept sketch of ROBAUTO, made by industrial designer Lynne Ritz. Image Robauto.coKeeping It SimpleROBAUTOs engineering challenge is to create a robot that is low-cost, efficient, and durable, with a flexible persona that a user (or a group) can relate to. Although there is plenty of autism software on the market, Hartman notes, autistic people do not engage with these programs consistently. Robots really seem to help with this, he says. The relationship is fruchtwein important. Our approach was to build a platform that can be coupled with any form and then customized to the users needs.Hartman developed the first prototype with assistance from autistic adults at a special-needs center in Florida. More than 500 parents, teachers, and individua ls with autism have provided input on the design. Hartman and his team quickly realized there was little interest from autistic participants in the bells and whistles found on the more expensive and complex robots on the market therefore he decided to keep the robot functions simple.We have developed an algorithm that allows us to test various forms, sounds, and messaging to determine the type of device each individual needs, says Hartman. We measure the algorithm by making modifications to the robot and then measuring response.The result is ROBAUTOs ONE, a four-wheeled vehicle with a spherical head that can move, talk, and record interactions with users. It is the first iteration of a Linux-based platform that will allow ROBAUTOs team to better understand the autism spectrum. A speech element allows it to repeat whatever the user says. This is beneficial for people who want to practice their speech in a safe, private environment. ONE is also durable enough for racing, which helps a utistic users develop social skills through fun-based activities. The robot prototype uses a flexible Raspberry Pi board and is open and expandable to run a variety of teaching and entertainment programs via the Internet.Moving ForwardHartman is undertaking additional pilot studies with some Colorado organizations, in conjunction with the Longmont Public Library and the Autism Society of Colorado. He has also enlisted the help of teenagers (both nonautistic and autistic) to design, build, and test the second version of robot and its platform. Our hope is that by creating a flexible platform with lots of users interacting with it, we can start to physically map the autism spectrumsomething that, to my knowledge, has never been done,he adds.Math, programming, and engineering capabilities seem to be especially strong among those with autism. Im very interested in the aptitude for mechanical engineering and electrical engineering that some of these kids have, says Hartman. If we can hel p individuals overcome and manage their social inhibitions and communication barriers, I believe well find that many people on the autism spectrum are highly talented engineers.Mark Crawford is an independent writer. For Further DiscussionMany individuals on the autism spectrum seem to prefer to communicate through a robot, rather than directly to another human.Jalali Hartman, Chief Human, ROBAUTO

Thursday, December 26, 2019

How to Sell Your Idea for a TV Show

How to Sell Your Idea for a TV ShowHow to Sell Your Idea for a TV ShowIf youre an avid viewer of television, gelegenheits are youve found yourself toying with an idea for a TV show. But what do you do with it? Who would you sell it to? With a few exceptions, theres a pretty defined process for how TV show concepts are bought. Here is how it works and some things youll want to consider. The Idea Youre watching TV, or maybe youre driving your car or just puttering around the house when it hits you. It could be a reality show idea, a game show, or a sitcom. You have the idea. Now you have to flesh it out. Think the idea all the way through. If its a reality show, whats the whole concept? If its a game show, how does it work? Is it a scripted series? Who are the characters, what are some storylines, and how do you see the series playing out? The genre and the type of show youve come up with will determine how you go about trying to sell your idea. Heres the good news- most television executives are desperate for great ideas. They dont care who offers them as long as theyre unique and fresh. Now heres the bad news- theyve probably heard your idea before. That said, theresstill a chance that your idea might be completely new, or it might be a new take on an old idea that an executive would be willing to consider. The Pitch Now its time to come up with your pitch. It refers to what you plan to tell a fhigkeit buyer about your project to interest him enough to make him want to buy it. Your pitch should be tight, no more than 10 to 15 minutes. It should include enough information that clearly explains your idea while simultaneously getting your listener excited about the concept. You might want also to consider coming up with a shorter two-minute elevator pitch version. In other words, this the amount of time it might take you to pitch your idea if you just happened to find yourself in an elevator with the right person. Its always good to have an elevator pitch in your arsenal in case you ever need it. Consider Hiring an Agent No matter what type of show youve come up with, trying to get an werber to represent you and your idea is always a good first step. Having an agent comes in handy because he can lead you to the exact person you need to sit down with- the person who has the power to purchase your idea. An agent can also narrow down the list of potential buyers by focusing on people and companies that specialize in producing exactly the type of idea youve generated. Anagentisnt mandatory to the process, but having one does make it a little easier because he can put you in touch with the right people. Most companies- and many agencies, for that matter- dont accept unsolicited submissions. Thats a polite way of saying that if they didnt ask you for it, they dont want it. If you type out your idea and send it off to a network or studio, chances are it will either come back to you unopened or with an unsolicited submissions form letter . Avoid sending out random pieces of material to everyone listed in the Hollywood Creative Directory. How to Get an Agent So how do you get an agent? Network, network, network. If you ask enough people, theres a chance that someone knows someone who is an agent or who knows someone else who might know an agent. It may be a distant in, but every connection helpsso take advantage of contacts when they present themselves. Youll probably sit down with whats known as a development executive after youve lined up an agent. Your agent will arrange for this. These folks are specialists in helping to identify exactly what their studio or network is asking for- and theyre usually classified by the genre they buy, such as comedy development, drama development, or reality development. These people are the first ones youll encounter who have the power to turn your idea into a paycheck, but you must first be able to sell them on your concept and state it in such a way that they can reiterate i t to their bosses. Selling an idea for atelevision showis not an easy task, but it can be done if youre persistent enough, patient enough, and passionate enough to keep trying.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Heres how to get over confusion about problems

Heres how to get over confusion about problemsHeres how to get over confusion about problemsHave you ever been on the receiving end of confusion? Of a situation that you simply have bedrngnis been able to figure out a fuzzy feeling that something is off? Maybe you were sure life was headed one way, but it quickly swerved out of seemingly nowhere or dissolved or blew up or became something that was completely different than what you intended it to be?From business deals that dissipated. Relationships that went off course. Potential that fizzled. Projects that went awry When we cant seem to figure out whats going on or what happened, we resort to whatever it is that we want to believe.Confusion is typically born from one party not being clear, and one party not asking for the clarity. In an effort to remain comfortable, we choose not to be direct. But in that lack of clarity is confusion. And confusion keeps us on the hook. Confusion becomes a murky pool of questions. Confusion lea ds to painful blindsiding they didnt see coming. Confusion harvests all kinds of pain and resentment that could have been avoided by just being clear. Being direct. And saying the things that are hard to say.Ive done it. Ive committed to things in person that I had no intention of following through on. Ive held my real feelings close because I didnt want to hurt their feelings on the spot. Ive hoped it would all just go away instead of having to own my responsibility in it, out loud. Ive ignored poor performances, thinking the positive can outweigh the negative eventually. Ive smiled to someones face and cried behind their back. Ive done it.Ive done it because being direct, and clear, and honest can be hard. It can hurt our own heart, and it can seem like it might hurt someones elses. But we must do it anyways.So if youre feeling confusion about where you stand, in your job, in your relationships, in your friendships consider creating a conversation for the sake of clarity. Examin e why, exactly, youre not asking for the clarity you deserve. Yes, its possible you hear what you fear. Its also possible you hear something that gives you the freedom to move along with grace instead of weighted down with confusion.And if youre the person withholding clarity from someone hoping they get it together eventually, or they figure it out, or that the situation will just resolve itself on its own dig a little deeper for the courage to be clear. Examine why, exactly, youre not sharing your truth and saying what needs to be said. Itll release you from this tether of guilt, and itll release them to whats next, which is what everyone deserves to begin with.This article was originally published on MaxieMcCoy.com.

Monday, December 16, 2019

A Career Profile That Includes Duties, Salary and More

A Career Profile That Includes Duties, Salary and MoreA Career Profile That Includes Duties, Salary and MoreZoo habitat designers are responsible for designing animal exhibits and overseeing their construction. They must oversee all aspects of exhibit design from initial planning through final construction. Their duties include coming up with the design concept and writing a design proposal, choosing plants and landscape features, estimating expenses, supervising fabrication and construction, consulting with zoo personnel, and supervising the construction staff. Duties While creating an exhibit concept, zoo habitat designers must research the animals natural environment and try to replicate that as faithfully as possible within the constraints of the exhibit area. They must also seek information about the animals behavior as it relates to containment (i.e. they must know how far an animal can jump, whether it can swim, and how strong it is to ensure that it is safely housed in th e exhibit and sepasatzd from members of the public). While working on an exhibit, the designer must collaborate with curators, keepers, zoo educators, and veterinarians to determine the best way to accommodate the needs of both animals and visitors. A habitat designer may work long hours during the design and construction of an exhibit, particularly on nights and weekends, if the schedule is tight. It is important that designers are able to manage their time carefully to meet deadlines and to allow for potential setbacks in the construction process. Designers may also be exposed to changing weather conditions and varying temperatures if they happen to be working in an outdoor exhibit area. Career Options Habitat designers may find projects with a variety of organizations including zoos, aquariums, marine parks, animal parks, theme parks, museums, and wildlife conservation centers. They may also transition to a variety of positions within zoo management, including curator roles. Others may choose to leave zoo design and pursue other aspects of landscape and architectural work. While some designers are self-employed, many work for large firms that may or may not specialize specifically in zoo work. Some large zoos also hire habitat designers as full-time staff members. Education Training In fruchtwein cases, a zoo habitat designer holds a degree in architecture or landscape architecture. Some have an additional degree (or significant experience) in zoology, wildlife biology, animal behavior, or another animal-related field. A designer should also have signification experience with computer-aided design (CAD) as well as knowledge of how to obtain necessary permits and complete construction documentation. Knowledge of animal behavior and physical requirements is beneficial, though this information can also be acquired through research and discussion with zoo professionals. There are many zoo related internship opportunities that an aspiring designer could take advantage of to gain valuable experience and knowledge of animal behavior. Internships involving landscape and architecture work are also extremely valuable for those hoping to pursue this career path. Professional Groups Zoo habitat designers may be members of professional groups such as the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), an organization that boasts members in all levels of zoo management from keepers to curators. The AAZK currently boasts a membership of more than 2,800 zoo professionals. The International Zoo Educators Association (IZEA) is another professional group that includes designers in its membership. The IZEA seeks to improve the quality of zoo education and to promote interaction of zoo professionals with the public. Salary Compensation can vary widely based on the size of the project, the financial backing of the institution and the specific responsibilities involved. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes zoo habitat designers under t he more general category of landscape architects in its salary surveys. During the most recent salary survey conducted in May of 2012, landscape architects earned a median annual wage of $64,180 per year ($30.86 per hour). The lowest ten percent of landscape architects earned less than $38,450 per year while the highest ten percent of landscape architects earned more than $101,850 per year. As with most careers, compensation is directly commensurate with experience in the field. Zoo habitat designers with many years of experience or those with a coveted area of expertise can expect to earn top dollar on the salary scale. Job Outlook The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that landscape designer positions will grow about as fast as the average for all positions (at a rate of approximately 14 percent from 2012 to 2022). With growing public interest in seeing zoo animals housed in natural looking and well-designed exhibits, the prospects should be good for those entering the zoo d esign niche of the landscape design market.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

If you live in this city, youre actually living your best life

If you live in this city, youre actually living your best lifeIf you live in this city, youre actually living your best lifeIf youre trying to find your best self, look at one of these cities.close dialogAdvertisementclose dialog/* effects for .bx-campaign-1012257 *//* custom css .bx-campaign-1012257 */.bx-custom.bx-campaign-1012257.bx-type-agilityzone .bx-close z-index 2-ms-keyframes bx-anim-1012257-spin from -ms-transform rotate(0deg) to -ms-transform rotate(360deg) -moz-keyframes bx-anim-1012257-spin from -moz-transform rotate(0deg) to -moz-transform rotate(360deg) -webkit-keyframes bx-anim-1012257-spin from -webkit-transform rotate(0deg) to -webkit-transform rotate(360deg) keyframes bx-anim-1012257-spin from transform rotate(0deg) to transform rotate(360deg) bx-close-inside-1012257 top 0 right 0 /* rendered styles .bx-campaign-1012257 */.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257.bx-active-step-1 .bx-creative *first-child padding 0width auto.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257.bx-active-step-1 .bx-creative background-color transparent.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257.bx-active-step-1 .bx-close stroke whitebackground-color blackborder-style solidborder-color whiteborder-width 1pxbox-shadow 0px 0px 0px 3px black.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-group-1012257-3RBnJGC position absolutetop 50%left 50%transform translate(-50%, -50%)z-index -1.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-element-1012257-wryzWV5 width 55px.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-element-1012257-wryzWV5 *first-child animation-name bx-anim-1012257-spinanimation-duration 800msanimation-iteration-count infiniteanimation-timing-function linear.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-group-1012257-lyDBLV9 width 900pxheight 550px.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-group-1012257-me4p1bl padding 10px.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-element-1012257-ZdLO37u width auto.bxc.bx-campaign -1012257 .bx-element-1012257-ZdLO37u *first-child padding 2px 4pxfont-size 10pxcolor rgb(255, 255, 255)text-transform uppercasebackground-color rgb(0, 0, 0)background-color rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.34)A new report by Deutsche Bank analyzed prices and living standards for residents in cities around the world in an effort to find the cities with the highest quality of life.The research found that Zurich, Switzerland was the best city to live in, moving up just one spot from 2018. All but one city (Wellington, New Zealand) were based in Europe in the reports top five including Copenhagen (Denmark), Edinburgh (United Kingdom), and Vienna (Austria).Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe quality-of-life list was compiled by measuring purchasing power, crime and safety, healthcare availability, cost of consumer goods, housing and other metrics.Deutsche Bank said it excludes cultural, entertainmen t and social opportunities from its scoring criteria.The company also ranked cities on oddities like the where the most expensive pack of Marlboro Cigarettes is (Melbourne, Australia) to where you can find the cheapest monthly gym membership (Bangladesh, Dhaka $25).Boston and San Francisco were the only cities in the United States to rank inside the top 10 for the best quality of life. San Franciso jumped 21 places over the last five years due to its rapid tech growth, according to the report.The cities with the lowest quality of life are Lagos (Nigeria), Beijing (China) and Manila (Philippines).The top 10 cities with the highest quality of life1 Zurich, Switzerland2 Wellington, New Zealand3 Copenhagen, Denmark4 Edinburgh, United Kingdom5 Vienna, Austria6 Helsinki, Finland7 Melbourne, Australia8 Boston, United States9 San Francisco, United States10 Sydney, AustraliaYou 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

Saturday, December 7, 2019

The Appeal of Free Downloading Resumes

The Appeal of Free Downloading Resumes Choosing Free Downloading Resumes Is Simple There are a lot of free creative resume templates you are able to use, enabling you to focus your energy on everything else you have to do. Theres no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better probability of standing from the crowd even supposing its made utilizing a template. In case you have any questions, you can get in touch with our friendly support kollektiv night and day and get immediate assistance. You might believe that there are already dozens of free resume building services out there in the internet world. The capacity to edit your resume from any place in the world is a significant asset that youre able to utilize to assist you land that upcoming great job. Although the on-line world may be a fantastic and informative location, it may also be a setting for bullying. There are several popular categories offered and the very best part is you d ont need to pay anything to be included. Microsoft has also plowed ahead with the notion of Windows-as-a-service, in an effort to convince customers that being upgraded to the most up-to-date and greatest is the perfect way to be. It is possible to create each one of the documents offered in addition to make future edits and updates on any or them all. You can get the file emailleed to you in the event that you put in your email address. All files will remain in the queue after synchronization. The Illustrator file makes the the majority of colour to help its simplicity. Now you have the template, you may use it over and over. The template isnt hard to follow, and you may begin immediately. A number of the templates are in PDF format and a number of them are in Word format. Make a decision as to what sort of resume samples you want to download. As a result of the use of the 2 columns, all entries are scannable and extremely apparent. Sometimes there are files in the queue which cant be downloaded whatsoever, for instance, when they were deleted from a website. By utilizing a resume template absolutely free of clutter, youll only consist of relevant info. For those reasons listed above, you are going to want to begin with a resume template. It is possible to use any template you download as-is, or youll be able to customize it to fulfill your requirements. The template has a range of color schemes that enhance every individual photo or youre able to choose certain colours and graphics that pull together the whole page. Each template offers structure, examples and tips so you dont need to abflug from scratch when creating your resume. Resume samples may give you a clearer idea of how you would like your resume to look, what sort of resume you ought to use and even some examples of sections you might include. Resume templates are one method to guarantee structure behind your resume. Resume templates may also help you format your information when providing unique visual flair that will assist your resume stand out. Employing a resume template has turned into an acceptable and smart practice for several factors. For those who have questions with the reliability of Guerrilla Resumes make certain youve reached the very best page. Detailed information on the topic of Guerrilla Resumes are available here They could be the ultimate one in relation to developing durability and enthusiasm in one. Be confident that using Guerrilla Resumes will support you to address your problems. A resume sample is provided below which will be beneficial that you make an impressive and convincing resume. You usually can get a suitable contact name at the business fairly easily. You are going to be offered predefined layouts to create a one-page resume. If you take a look at all our free resume writing examples, you are going to observe they employ clear, succinct sentences that get right to the point.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Squashing This Work-Life Balance Stereotype Will Improve Your Recruiting Process

Squashing This Work-Life Balance Stereotype Will Improve Your Recruiting ProcessFact more men experience work-family conflicts than women. This seems backwards from our traditional view of work-life balance and work-family balance. However, a new report from SHRM found 46 percent of men experience work-family conflict, while just 43 percent of women feel the same. Underrepresenting males in your recruiting process, when it comes to family needs and work-life balance, will lead to missing out on talented male candidates. As todays times and roles are changing, so must your recruiting strategies. Here is what you need to do to start the wave of change for family-men in the workplace Recognize the issueThis is certainly a diversity and inclusion issue.I once had a colleague share that his manager gave female employees a free pass when they asked to leave early to pick up a sick kid at school. When he had the same need, the manager questioned him saying this is something his wife should be taking care of. He felt devalued and not treated equally.The truth is, more and more men care as much as women about the need to handle household responsibilities. Not recognizing this fact will especially hurt in recruiting more diverse and younger men. Also, employers need to recognize more single men may be raising children as well as two men in a same-gender marriage.Feature both men and women prominently in promotional materials and speak openly and proudly to men about your work-life balance initiatives while recruiting. Not only will that impress men who need these benefits, it sends them a strong message on the importance of diversity and equality in the workplace.Stan Kimer, President of Total Engagement ConsultingSpeak openly and proudly to men about your work-life balance initiatives. recruiting worklifebalanceClick To TweetBreak the silenceShort-term disability is usually thought of as a benefit that mainly helps women during maternity leave. As an HR leader, Id often receive complaints from women about the two-week waiting period with the policy we held. So, we re-evaluated the program and worked with our broker to reduce the waiting period to zero. The funny thing was when we audited the program, those who were actually using the short-term disability benefit were primarily men (nine out of 12 people in the studied period) they were the silent majority.Im a big proponent of respecting work-life boundaries. However, when I addressed employees at my current company, my comments were mainly geared toward women who may need to plan their days around their kids schedules. I completely missed the boat and ignored the men who are very active participants in their kids lives the men who coach the soccer team or share in responsibilities equally with their spouse.Gaylyn Sher-Jan, Chief People Officer and VP of Enterprise Services at Insitu, a Boeing CompanyMen are the silent majority when it comes to work-family balance benefits. recruiting employeee xperienceClick To TweetNotice the signsI am an example of the health benefits of a work-life balance. I believe that I have added 10 years to my life by having this arrangement. I am very fit and much younger than many who have walked this earth for 56 years like I have.I can put it in no simpler terms than an example of a man who worked himself into a slumped posture. I noticed him at a company awards banquet along with a vibrant wife whose age was similar to his. She looked over at him and said, I just wish you had come home earlier. Now they were retired and he was barely able to move while she was high energy and raring to go. Its important to target work-life balance for both men and women because overworking is unhealthy at any age for anyone. In fact, it is worse beyond 40 and 50, as the body starts to feel the effects of the stress and lack of physical activity. Scott Deuty, Author of Secrets of an Over 50 Former Fat ManFocus on giving both male and female candidates work-li fe balance to prevent burnout. employeeexperience hiringClick To TweetHow do you ensure both men and women are attracted to your work-life benefits? Let us know

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

What You Need to Know Before Changing Careers

What You Need to Know Before Changing Careers What You Need to Know Before Changing Careers Of course, todays workplace has changed. Nowadays, it is rare to find an employee who retires after 40 years with a gold watch, and most people find that staying with one company for their entire working career doesnt make good business sense. It gets boring and stale, and it leaves employees with limited chance for growth and upward mobility.Not only are Americans braver about switching companies, we are also becoming bolder about changing careers as well. While the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) doesnt specifically track data regarding how often people change careers, it is estimated that the average American changes career paths around seven times in his/her lifetime.In fact, with the New Year just passing, many Americans are eagerly planning career changes and brainstorming ways to enhance their professional lives. However, there are some things you should consider before changing career s. Think about the followingAsk yourself why you want to change careers. Is it because you are frustrated and bored in your current position, or is it because your chosen industry no longer stimulates you? If its the former, perhaps you would be better off asking your boss for new responsibilities, or even looking for open positions in your field. However, it if it is the latter, dont waste anymore time stuckverzierung in a career that isnt for you. You have options, and chances are, many of your talents and skills will be applicable in another field as well, whether you are a teacher who is interested in getting into writing or a lawyer who wants to become a social worker.Be realistic. Do your research and find out whether your dream position will be suitable for your lifestyle and your financial needs. Consider your current bills and expenditures, and then look online to find the average salary for the new career you are considering.Network with people who have the career you desi re. Join a networking group that will connect you with people who are working in the field you are considering. Pick their brain and find out what they love about their work and also what they find difficult. Ask if they know of any intern positions or volunteer positions that will allow you to get hands-on training while deciding if the career change is right for you.Consider using a staffing agency. One great way to gain experience and try out numerous different types of positions is through a staffing agency. Not only are staffing agencies, such as Addison Group, great for when you need temporary work or want to prevent holes in your resume, but they also give you the opportunity to try numerous different positions with multiple firms in order to find out what environment and career is best for you.The bottom line is that if you dont like your current career, you arent stuck with it simply because you have experience and education in that field. You can apply your skills and your strengths to a new career path, provided you are willing to do the work and get outside of your comfort zone. Its never too late to try something new you never know what the future has in store in for you

Friday, November 22, 2019

The Common Challenges New Interns Face

The Common Challenges New Interns FaceThe Common Challenges New Interns FaceAfter doing your homework and researching employers, submitting a well-written professional resume and cover letter, and maintaining a proactive approach to the internship process, youve landed what seems to be the perfect internship for the summer. Like most interns, you are ready to start gaining professional experience, but the first day on the job can be frustrating if your expectations are not met. Heres how to sustain professional competence and ensure your internship is valuable and enjoyable. Take a Rational Approach to Problems The learning curve associated with a new job is steep, and there will inevitably be mishaps early in the process. Learn to ask questions, take a logical approach to any situation, and not to jump to conclusions or take anything personally as you attempt to resolve concerns. Here are some common challenges interns face during the first few weeks on the job. Problem 1 Bei ng Assigned All of the Grunt Work First, remember that you must pay your dues as an intern to eventually get the full-time job of your dreams. There is a lot to learn about the organization, its people, its mission, and the clientele it serves, and much of that learning takes place while doing the run-of-the-mill work. SOLUTION By changing your perspective of menial tasks, you may turn a disadvantageous situation into one of advantage. For example, while making the coffee you might make interesting acquaintances. While filing documents, you can learn more about company operations. Problem 2 You Have Not Been Compensated for Your Work You may have been offered $15 per hour but notice you are only receiving $10 per hour in your weekly paycheck. Or, promised reimbursement for transportation or food has not been proferred after two or three weeks. If either of these or a similar situation are the case, it is important to find out what may be the problem before you become dishearten ed and your attitude is affected. No one will blame you for checking on compensation or reimbursement. SOLUTIONIf you were assigned to an HR representative during your onboarding, contact them and find out why you are not receiving the compensation you expected. If you do not have an HR contact, talk to your immediate teamberaterin or the person who you were in contact with when you were hired. Problem 3 You Feel Overwhelmed and Unable to Perform to the Best of Your Ability It is not unusual for interns to feel overwhelmed, and many are certainly given a heavy load with minimal training. Persevere in the early stages, and give yourself some time to come up to speed. If you feel pressured by your teamberaterin, explain that you want to take the time necessary to do a good job and minimize mistakes. However, if the discomfort is persistent, and you do not feel that things are getting any easier, you might want to reconsider if the internship is worth continuing. SOLUTIONSeek a sec ond opinion from other interns, a colleague at work, or someone who you trust to give you a good perspective. It might be that you are being too hard on yourself and that you are performing just fine. It might be that your employer has unreasonable demands. If you suspect the latter, talk to your supervisor about their expectations and for feedback on your performance. Although difficult, a frank discussion about performance and expectations shows maturity. Learning to be comfortable in this situation will stand you in good stead for future performance conversations. Problem 4 You Receive Little to No Feedback Regular evaluations are vital for all employees, but particularly for interns and entry-level candidates. Employees need to know if they are doing a good job or if something needs to change. Many employers overlook the need for feedback, which places the onus on you to seek it out. SOLUTIONIf you receive little or no feedback, ask your supervisor if you are performing adeq uately. It could be a casual question over coffeeif you feel more comfortable with a less formal setting. This approach allows your supervisor to be less guarded about having overlooked the need to tell you how you are doing. You can also glean insights by asking your supervisors advice about certain work-related subjects such as how you should handle situation A, B, and C. Many challenges that you will face in the workplace are associated with approaching problems and other people in an appropriate way problems can seem insurmountable, and people can seem unreasonable. Learn this, and you learn the hardest lesson of all.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Customize this Outstanding Plumbers and Pipefitters Resume Template

Customize this Outstanding Plumbers and Pipefitters Resume TemplateCustomize this Outstanding Plumbers and Pipefitters Resume TemplateCreate ResumeKatherine Hines100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019Home (555) 322-7337Cell (555) 322-7337example-emailexample.comSummaryHighly qualified fitter with years in the plumbing and pipefitting trades. Focused on building a reputation for excellent service and quality construction.HighlightsBlueprint fluencyTime managementPipefitting processes expertiseQuality productionQuality productionIndependent workerBasic math aptitudeISO drawing interpretationAir and water piping systemsExperienceDwyer fire protection co. inc.nbsp nbspSyracuse, NY nbsp foremannbsp 12/2010 to Currentorder materialtransportationas builtInspected pipes and piping systems to assess their quality and condition.Performed pipe fabrication, installation and fitting according to proper specifications.Maintained tools and equipment to keep them in excellent working condition.Commun icated with customers regarding recommendations on repairs, replacements and upgradesOperated equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinder, beveling machines and round-up clamps.Installed and inspected new and existing sprinkler lines up to 6 inches in diameterWorked on all aspects of fire unterdrckung systems from start to finish.Coordinated schedules with various construction departments in plumbing works for new and existing buildings.sri fire sprinkler c0. inc,nbsp nbspAlbany, NY nbsp union foreman/fitternbsp 02/2007 to 11/2007fire mechanicalnbsp nbspJersey City, NJ nbsp union fitternbsp 03/2006 to 11/200638 story high riseDavis Ulmer sprinkler co. inc.nbsp nbspLiverpool, New York nbsp Union foreman/fitternbsp 03/2008 to 07/2010Worked on all aspects of fire suppression systems from start to finish.various union company039snbsp nbsplocal 669, NJ nbsp fitternbsp 07/2000 to 11/2006EducationHigh School Diplomanbsp 1988 nbsp nbspMarcellus Sr. high, Marcellus, New Yo rk, LadogaCustomize ResumeMore Construction Resume TemplatesEntry Level Plumbers and Pipefitters Resume TemplatesExperienced Plasterers Resume Templates