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

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.

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