eoe journal Veterans in The Workforce 2013 Job Forecast for Nurses Energy Industry Adds Jobs Finding The Right Job Careers in The Military
Volume 23 Number 98 May 2013
eoejournal Editorial Comment
Table of Contents
Dr. James Levine, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, says sitting for extended periods of time at work slows down our blood sugar processes, and even the receptors in our leg muscles slow down. He explains that the human body was made for movement and sitting for long periods is detrimental to our health.
How To Find The Right Job Veterans in the Workforce Environmental Efficiency Expert Manufacturing...Sexy? Careers in the Military Patent Work: The Other Side of Invention A Day in the Life: Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Levine believes that taking a break every 15 minutes from your chair is not only a good idea, but a necessary one. The body needs to recharge its resources and walking, drinking water, reading or getting some fresh air can do just that.
Solar Industry Grows Learning from Failure Networking
M
any of us sit in front of computers all day for our jobs and I would guess that most of us assume that the longer we sit and type the more we accomplish. But is that accurate? New studies are telling us that this theory is incorrect. Sitting and working for a long period of time actually reduces creativity and productivity, and that taking breaks prevents stress and exhaustion.
John P. Trougakos, an assistant management professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough, says that the way our brain concentrates is similar to actual muscle use. “It becomes fatigued after sustained use and needs a rest period before it can recover and be at its best.” “There is no need to take a break if you’re on a roll,” Professor Trougakos explains. “Working over an extended period can be invigorating — if it’s your choice. What drains your energy reserves most is forcing yourself to go on,” he says. So maybe right now is the time to give your brain a break! Go outside and bring this issue of the EOEJournal with you. Read and rejuvenate! Lisa Petty Editor Equal Opportunity Employment Journal
The eoejournal is published bimonthly by EOEJournal, Inc. The ownership and management of EOEJ fully and actively supports equal opportunity for all people regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin or disability. Advertising and Editorial offices are located at: 608 E. Missouri Phoenix, Arizona 85012 Phone: 1-800-396-3373 Fax: 1-800-293-3408
EOEJ does accept freelance editorial contributions for publishing. Submissions must be on the subject of jobs, job searching, employment opportunities and/or related subjects. Electronic emails are accepted by email at: sales@eoejournaljobs.com Manuscripts and disc submissions may be sent to the office address. When mailing your submissions, please include SASE.
Tech News: Why Mobile Technology Is Where Its App Nursing Self-Care Pharmacy Tech Salaries 2013 Job Forecast for Nurses Emotional Intelligence in Nursing What Success Means for You 7 Healthcare Jobs That Require Moderate Training Physical Therapist Jobs in Travel Cover Letter “Hooks” Business Writing Tips Job Seeker’s Dilemma Mental Health Couselors and Family Therapists Pursue Your Passion Great Employee Qualites Careers in Organic Food
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equal opportunity employment journal
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HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT JOB
What Job is Right for Me and How do I Find It?
P
eople are constantly searching for new jobs, switching departments within their company and even entering brand new territory in a different industry. They are looking for what we all want — the perfect job. In figuring out what kind of job is right for you, it is necessary to think outside of the box. We tend to place a lot of emphasis on things like salary, location and opportunities for advancement — all important perks that come along with the job. But what about the job itself? How can you consider any of these issues in your job search if you still haven’t discovered your true calling? Finding the right job starts with knowing yourself. Here are some things you can do to find the answer to the age-old question, “What is the right job for me?”
1. Think back to your childhood
When you were ten years old, what did you want to be when you grew up? As silly as it may sound, if you want to discover how to find the right job, your early years might be the best place to start. While the president of the United States or an Oscar-winning movie star may not be too practical at this stage in your life, think about other jobs that have similar characteristics or are in similar fields. Instead of running the country, you could look for government jobs, ranging from a legal secretary to a corrections officer. Work for America is a great site with information about different types of federal government jobs. Government aside, think about why your childhood dream job appealed to you; for example, a goal of president may show that you have a desire to make a difference in the world, so perhaps a job in public policy, social work or a nonprofit would interest you. The possibilities are endless. For instance, if you ever dreamed of becoming a movie star and walking down the red-carpet, check out a career in media, the entertainment industry, or public relations. It’s just about the closest you can get to being a celebrity without actually being one.
2. R ecall your favorite classes from high school and college
In your academic career, there must have been at least one class that stood out above the rest. No matter how obscure the subject, there is still Untitled-1 1
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You may find that you are a people person or enjoy helping others, so jobs in hospitality, customer service, sales or a teacher may be the answer to your happiness and to your job search.
Building A Promising Future For Students
799 West Kensington Road • Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 Learn more about us, our current job openings and application procedures online at www.nsseo.org. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Guthrie Job Corps 3106 W. University Guthrie, OK 73044
http://guthrie.jobcorps.gov We at the Guthrie Job Corps Center are dedicated and caring people who provide quality training and support to enhance the lives of the trainees we serve with a wide variety of academic and vocational training programs. To review the many different employment opportunities available at the Guthrie Job Corps Center visit our website. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Career and Academic Training • Advanced Career Training Work-based Learning • Job Placement Services
a way to use this in helping you learn how to find the right job. If you loved a history, art or even an archaeology course, check out jobs in a museum or work as a curator. There are more options out there than you may think — even if you don’t want to take tour groups around a museum, you could work on their marketing and publicity or manage the museum’s finances. If history wasn’t your thing, maybe your favorite course was in psychology. While you may not have the qualifications to be a psychologist, try thinking about jobs that incorporate some elements of the psychology field. You may find that you are a people person or enjoy helping others, so jobs in hospitality, customer service, sales or a teacher may be the answer to your happiness and to your job search. By going one step further and thinking about why you were passionate about your class on genetics or sociological theory, you will be able to find a career that is tailored to your interests.
3. Assess your current job
Yes, there is a reason you are looking for a new job, but it will be beneficial for you to spend some time thinking about what you do and do not like about your current job. Is there something missing? What would you miss if you no longer held that job? Ideally, you can find a new job that incorporates the positive aspects of your current job while leaving out the negatives. For example, if you love the numbers and data at your small accounting firm, but you hate routine and working in a stuffy office all day, consider something like consulting — it is very analytical and constantly provides new environments through travel and new clients. Or you may be a doctor or nurse who feels burnt out on the long hours and stressful atmosphere of a busy emergency room hospital, but does not want to give up on medicine. Perhaps you could look
May 2013
into medical research opportunities or switch to a smaller family practice. Healthcare is a growing field, and there are various jobs that can fit exactly into the lifestyle you are imagining.
4. T ake some career assessment tests
After all of this introspection, take a break and let someone else help you out. CareerPath.com is a great site which provides multiple career self-assessment tests and guidance. The MAPP test and Keirsey sorter are other free career and personality tests online. Assessments such as these can be very insightful, picking up on traits and aptitudes that might be hard for you to see on your own and suggesting careers that you may not have considered before. There are also many resources you can use for a fee to help you learn how to find the right job based on your personality, such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Just be careful – even if a test doesn’t recommend the specific career you would like, do not rule out any options or abandon one of your career dreams. A career assessment test is a great tool to use to receive some outside feedback on what is the right job for you. Once you have figured out which career paths look promising, you can begin comparing things like salary and work/life balance. Now you will have a much better answer to your question of “How do I know what job is right for me?” and you can start on your next task of how to find the right job. Search for your ideal job by attending job fairs, networking with friends and acquaintences through social media and other venues, and by using online job databases, attending job fairs and networking. Article provided by www.employmentspot.com
SEND RESUME AND LETTER OF INTEREST TO: 695 Woodlane Road, Westampton, NJ 08060 Fax to: (609) 267-9788 • E-Mail to: kpagancolon@bcit.cc
Our mission is to fulfill the educational needs of all children while recognizing the individuality of each child. *************** 2374 Shermer Road Northbrook, IL 60062 Equal Opportunity Employer
Learn more about us or for current career opportunities, please visit our website at: www.district30.org
For current vacancies visit www.bcit.cc
Burlington County Institute of Technology It is the policy of the Burlington County Institute of Technology School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, natural origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information liability for military service, or mental or physical disability, including AIDS or HIV related illness.
Hagerstown Community College 11400 Robinwood Drive • Hagerstown, MD 21742
Hagerstown Community College is committed to the recruitment, selection, hiring and retention of a diverse workforce. To view and apply online visit www.hagerstowncc.edu. HCC does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, or conditions of disability in the admission and treatment of students, educational programs and activities, scholarship and loan programs, hiring of faculty and staff, or any term and conditions of employment. The College is a committed equal opportunity employer.
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equal opportunity employment journal
VETERANS IN THE WORKFORCE:
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What Employers And Vets Need To Know
In
2011, some 21.6 million men and women in the civilian noninstitutional population ages 18 and over were veterans. The unemployment rate for veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time since September 2001 — a group referred to as Gulf War-era II veterans — was 12.1 percent in 2011, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. I think many employers would like to close that gap, but then they read a story like the one about Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales (the soldier accused of killing 16 Afghanistan civilians) and erroneously apply a broad brush to other vets. This is especially true since there has been some connection between Bales’ actions and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). But Harry Croft M.D. is a former Army doctor and a psychiatrist who has evaluated more than 7,000 veterans for PTSD, and in his book I Always Sit with My Back to the Wall, he says that although about one in five vets returning from war will have PTSD, “never will someone with PTSD behave like Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales. He was suffering from much more than just PTSD alone.” Here are some things Croft says employers should keep in mind if they’re looking to hire vets: • Understand the veteran, his or her skill sets, and the differences in military and civilian culture. Hire veterans in pairs or groups if you can, because they’re used to working that way. • Learn about PTSD so if you hire a veteran dealing with it, you know what the symptoms really are. This will help you understand that the vet is not trying to
By Toni Bowers
be disrespectful or obstinate and will help you understand the reasons they sometimes behave the way they do. • Don’t give in to the myths, mystique, and stigma about veterans with PTSD. • Offer veterans you hire someone to talk to in confidence or give them a situation or way that might enable them to deal with their symptoms more effectively. • Ask yourself why you want to hire a veteran? It shouldn’t be because it’s a tax break, the patriotic thing to do, or good for business, or because you feel sorry for them. They don’t want to be treated like charity, but they do want to be given opportunities because they are the right person for the job. And for vets seeking employment, he says to keep these things in mind: • Recognize what your skill sets are. Your military training proves you’re able to learn, work in groups, accomplish a mission, be a strong leader, and be dedicated to what you do. • Understand the differences between the military community (your former job) and the civilian community (the job you’re going into). The military recognizes you by your rank, time-in-grade, and job description. The civilian community is different: You can socialize with coworkers, and things are looser and not always by the book.
Don’t give in to the myths, mystique, and stigma about veterans with PTSD. • Learn everything you can about PTSD and better understand why you do what you do. It’s important to know what your symptoms are, what triggers them, and how to cope. Without the knowledge, you’re likely to get into trouble and be misunderstood. Article provided by www.techrepublic.com
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. Diversity maximizes our true potential for creativity, innovation, quality patient care, educational excellence and outstanding service. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply.
The knowledge of all for the care of one. Please explore our career opportunities at www.ohsujobs.com We are proud to be an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization.
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Become An Environmental Efficiency Expert
G
olden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District is a special District of the State of California that provides safe and reliable operation, maintenance and enhancement of the Golden Gate Bridge and transportation services along the U.S. Highway 101 Golden Gate Corridor. The District serves multiple communities with pride and has a strong commitment to achieving a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the region. Our employees and customers come from many diverse backgrounds.
As
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the saying goes, “It’s not easy being green.” But an energy auditor makes it easier for people to learn how to conserve both the environment and their own money. Energy auditors, also known as energy raters or energy consultants, help clients lower the amount of energy they use. To do this, energy auditors assess clients’ energy use in both homes and commercial buildings. These audits usually begin with a thorough review of the client’s utility bills, followed by onsite inspections. During inspections, energy auditors use a variety of tests and tools—including large fans, smoke pens, and infrared cameras—to find spots where air from inside the building leaks outside, and vice versa. Energy auditors complete the audit by suggesting building repairs and tips for reducing energy use. By helping clients lower their energy use, these auditors assist in reducing the hazardous byproducts produced by most energy sources. Decreasing these byproducts benefits the environment, but clients also benefit with a different type of “green”—cash. Because building owners pay for any energy used in the building, saving energy means saving money. For more information about energy auditors, contact the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Green Jobs program at greencareers@bls.gov or read online at www.bls.gov/green/energy_auditors/energy_auditors/pdf.
The District is an equal opportunity employer. This means that all persons regardless of background shall be afforded equal access to positions in public service limited only by their ability to do the job. orientation shall be afforded equal access to positions in public service limited only by their ability to do the job.
If you are interested in exploring career opportunities with us, please visit:
www.goldengate.org
A Large Independent Exploration and Production Company 5205 North O’Connor Boulevard | Suite 200 | Irving, TX 75039 Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to a program of recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other non job-related characteristic. To learn more about career opportunities visit us at : www.pxd.com EEO/AA Employer
As one of the leading telecommunications companies in the area, Fidelity Communications Company recruits for a wide range of technical and related professional opportunities. Attracting and retaining top talent individuals, and rewarding them with compensation and recognition, are critical components of our corporate strategy. Our success depends on maintaining a highly-technical edge and enhancing the experience of our extremely talented employees in all fields. Please feel free to review the current job openings on our website at:
www.fidelitycommunications.com
64 North Clark Street • Sullivan, MO 63080 • Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer
A Multidiscipline Consulting EgineeringFirm with offices located across the US and abroad Since POWER Engineers began in 1976, we have grown into a flexible and progressive consulting engineering firm. We are a company of innovators. We encourage new ideas and fresh approaches and, most importantly, we strive to be our clients’ first choice. These traits and deep technical skill account for the mutual success of POWER and our clients. POWER Engineers is an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels the most qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disabled, or veteran status.
For Career Opportunities visit
www.powereng.com
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equal opportunity employment journal
A Career in Manufacturing … Sexy? by Jessica Lovejoy
G
Don’t underestimate a career in manufacturing.
lamorous and sexy are words not typically associated with manufacturing careers. The truth is, manufacturing got a bad rep because people were laid off when it went offshore, and people went into service jobs instead. Parents pushed their children to go to a four-year university instead of enrolling into a trade school to learn skills, and that has been the expectation for years. However, Mitch Free, Chairman and CEO of MFG.com, who does business in 50 countries and operates in 10 different languages, debunked that “bad rep” myth in his recent interview on Expert Access Radio. “We have to do a lot to raise the image,” said Free. “It’s a pretty cool job and a cool career.” To those unfamiliar with modern manufacturing, take a look at what Free says modern manufacturing jobs today are like.
It’s Like a Video Game
Living on the cutting edge of technology is all in a day’s work for a manufacturer. Many people assume that manufacturing is all about gears and bolts. But as Mitch Free debunked during his recent interview, that’s simply not true. This modern era of manufacturing is highly digitized. Tasks involved include programming robots and handling a lot of other technology. In the words of Free, “It’s like a video game in real life.”
You Get to Travel
This may come as a surprise to some, but manufacturers can experience the adventurous side of life through traveling. When Mitch Free worked for Northwest Airlines inspecting jet engines (which later led to leading airplane acquisition projects), he relocated to countries like Israel and France. The experiences he received from his travels provided him with lifelong wisdom, which still helps him in his job today.
It Pays Well
You can easily earn over $100,000 working in manufacturing, and because there’s a shortage, people are making even more working overtime. “I never thought about ‘does this job pay a dollar more an hour than that one?’” explained Mitch Free. “You do something that you’re passionate about doing. You put your heart into it. If you’re good at it, then you’re going to rise to the top. You’re going to do well financially, and you’re going to be in demand.”
It’s in High Demand
“There’s a shortage of talent in the manufacturing trade,” said Mitch Free. For years, parents have encouraged children to go to a four-year university, yet for many, this isn’t the practical path. After often investing tens of thousands of dollars in tuition, sometimes those children who don’t know what to major in force themselves to pursue a career path they aren’t necessarily passionate about or they pursue a generic skill set. “If someone is good with computers and good with math, computer programming or web development,” explained Free, “they’re probably going to be an interesting candidate for manufacturing.” Free recommends anyone interested to visit a local trade school. After Free discovered that a four-year university program was not the path for him, he enrolled into a trade school. It became a life-changing career choice. A recent Ohio University graduate with a background in Journalism, Jessica is working at Cincom Systems as a digital communications specialist. Prior experience has included interning as a PR professional for SBC Advertising and working as the Fashion and Style Section Editor for Au Naturel Magazine. She has also worked as a staff writer for the independently-run student newspaper, the Post at Ohio University. Article first published at www.expertaccess.cincom.com
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CAREERS IN THE MILITARY
The U.S. Military provides training and work experience in a variety of military careers. Members of the Armed Forces work in almost all occupations that are available to civilians in addition to occupations that are specific to the military. Service men and women serve on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, or in the Reserve components of these branches, and the Air National Guard and Army National Guard. (The Coast Guard, which is included in this profile, is part of the Department of Homeland Security.) Duties
The military distinguishes between enlisted and officer careers. Enlisted personnel make up about 83 percent of the Armed Forces and carry out the fundamental operations of the military. Officers make up the remaining 17 percent and are leaders of the military, supervising and managing activities in every occupational specialty in the military. Enlisted personnel typically do the following: Participate in combat operations Operate, maintain, and repair equipment Serve as technicians and specialists in a variety of fields Serve as front-line supervisors of junior enlisted personnel Officers typically do the following: Lead troops in ground combat operations Serve as supervisors and managers of enlisted personnel Operate and control aircraft, ships, or armored vehicles Serve as professionals for the military in medical, legal, engineering, and other fields
Types of Enlisted Personnel
The following are examples of types of occupations for enlisted personnel: Administrative personnel work in a variety of jobs. The military must keep accurate information for planning and managing its operations. Both paper and electronic records are kept on personnel and on equipment, funds, and all other aspects of the military. Administrative personnel record information, prepare reports, and maintain files. They Currently hiring for the following position:
Office of Sheriff BJ Barnes
[ DETENTION SERVICES OFFICER
Challenging and fulfilling career opportunities to work as a non-sworn Detention Services Officer.
HENRICO COUNTY POLICE
7721 East Parham Road • Richmond, VA 23294 For current employment opportunities visit:
www.henricopolice.org
or call job hotline at 804-501-4927 or 804-501-4801. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, 21 years of age with a High School diploma or a GED certificate. Henrico County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.
A successful candidate must: • Be a US citizen and at least 21 years of age at time of application • High School Diploma or GED • Be able to pass a complete medical examination, drug testing and suitability screening • Not have been convicted of a felony or a serious misdemeanor by local, state, federal or military court • Live in Guilford County or any contiguous county
$33,962 - $43,150 DOQ
Employee Benefits include Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Leave, Insurance (Life, Medical and Dental), Opportunities for advancement and promotions, Retirement Programs (State and 401k). Rotating 12-hour shifts with as many as 15 off-duty days per month. Educational incentive for qualifying degrees, compensation consideration will be given for Spanish speaking candidates and experienced officers currently working in the detention field. Apply online at www.co.guilford.nc.us OR Contact the Guilford County Human Resources Department at 201 South Greene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401, phone #336-641-4134.
Arizona State Parks offers a variety of employment opportunities. Those interested in park operations may consider a Park Ranger, Park Manager, or Regional Manager position in our 30 State Parks & Natural Areas. Arizona State Parks also has seasonal requirements for temporary Park Rangers. Visit http://www.hr.az.gov/AZStateJobs/ for current jobs within Arizona State Parks and within the State of Arizona. For more information visit www.AZStateParks.com. __________________________________________ 1300 West Washington Phoenix, AZ 85007 EOE
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Information technology specialists develop may work in a specialized area, such as finance, specialize by general area, such as aircraft accounting, legal affairs, maintenance, supply, electrical systems, computers, optical equip- software programs and operate computer systems. Environmental health and safety specialists or transportation. ment, communications, or weapons systems. Combat specialty personnel work in spe- For example, weapons electronic maintenance inspect military facilities and food supplies to cialty occupations, such as infantry, artillery, technicians maintain and repair electronic com- ensure that they are safe for use. Intelligence specialists gather and study and Special Forces. People in these occupations ponents and systems that help locate targets and information needed by the military and prepare normally specialize by type of weapon system help aim and fire weapons. or combat operation. Examples include infantry Engineering, science, and technical person- reports on this information. Healthcare personnel help medical specialists who conduct ground combat professionals provide medical services operations, tank crews who operate battle for men and women in the military. tanks, or seamanship specialists who are They may work as part of a patient-serresponsible for operating and maintainvice team in close contact with doctors, ing ships. Combat specialty personnel nurses, or other healthcare professionals. may maneuver against enemy forces and Some specialize in providing emergency positions and fire artillery, guns, mortars, medical treatment in combat or remote or missiles to destroy enemy positions. areas where medical care is unavailable. They may also operate various types of Others specialize in laboratory testing of combat vehicles, such as amphibious tissue and blood samples; maintaining assault vehicles, tanks, or small boats, in pharmacy supplies or patients’ records; combat missions. Especially difficult or assisting with dental procedures; operatspecialized missions are performed by ing diagnostic tools, such as x-ray and elite Special Operations teams, who are ultrasound machines; or other healthcare constantly ready to respond anywhere in tasks. the world on a moment’s notice. Human resources development perConstruction personnel in the military Members of the Armed Forces work in almost all sonnel recruit qualified people into the build or repair buildings, airfields, bridgoccupations that are available to civilians in addition military, place them in suitable occupaes, and other structures. They may also tions, and provide training programs. operate heavy equipment, such as bulldozto occupations that are specific to the military. These specialists usually focus on a parers, tractors, or cranes. They work with engineers and other building specialists as part nel in the military use specialized knowledge ticular duty. Recruiting specialists provide information of military construction teams. Some personnel to perform a variety of tasks. They operate specialize in areas such as plumbing, electrical technical equipment, solve complex problems, about military careers to young people, parents, wiring, or water purification. or provide and interpret information. They typi- schools, and local communities, and explain Electronic and electrical equipment repair cally specialize in one area, such as information the Armed Services’ employment and training personnel maintain and repair electronic equip- technology, environmental health and safety, or opportunities, pay and benefits, and service life Personnel specialists collect and store ment used in the military. Repairers normally intelligence.
E
aton is a diversified power management company and have been doing business for over 100 years. Eaton helps customers manage power, so buildings, airplanes, trucks, cars, machinery and entire businesses can do more while consuming less energy. As an integrated global company, we are unified in our commitment to powering business worldwide.
Our success depends on our ability to draw the very best people from the global, cross-cultural talent pool reflecting the diversity of our customers, communities |and markets. We foster an inclusive environment that respects individual differences and values the unique perspectives that lead to innovative ideas and better decisions. Please search our current openings online at:
www.eatonjobs.com
8701 North Harrison Street | Shawnee, OK 74801 An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer: M/F/V/D. Eaton is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
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information about military personnel, including responding to emergencies. transportation, such as aircraft, motor vehicle, information on their previous and current trainOther law enforcement and security or ship. ing, job assignments, promotions, and health. specialists investigate crimes committed on Aircrew members operate equipment on aircraft. Training specialists and instructors teach military property and guard inmates in military Vehicle drivers operate all types of heavy classes and instruct military personnel on how correctional facilities. military vehicles, including fuel or water tank to perform their jobs. trucks, and passenger buses. Machine operator and production Quartermasters and boat personnel operate industrial equipoperators navigate and pilot ment and machinery to fabricate and many types of small waterrepair parts for a variety of items and craft, including tugboats, Women are eligible structures. They may operate engines, gunboats, and barges. to enter most military nuclear reactors, or water pumps. Often, Cargo specialists load and they specialize by the type of work unload military supplies using specialties. Generally, performed. Welders and metalworkequipment such as forklifts and only occupations iners, for example, work with various cranes. types of metals to repair or form the Vehicle and machinvolving direct exposure structural parts of ships, buildings, ery mechanical personnel to combat are excluded conduct preventive and or other equipment. Survival equipment specialists inspect, maintain, and corrective maintenance on to women. repair survival equipment, such as aircraft, automotive and parachutes and aircraft life support heavy equipment, and powequipment. Firefighters extinguish and prevent fires in erhouse station equipment. These workers typiMedia and public affairs personnel help buildings, on aircraft, and aboard ships. cally specialize by the type of equipment that present military information and events to the Support service personnel provide subsis- they maintain. public. They take photographs, make video tence services and support the morale and Aircraft mechanics inspect and service variprograms, present news and music programs, well-being of military personnel and their fami- ous types of aircraft. or produce artwork and other visual displays. lies. Food service specialists prepare all types Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics Other public affairs specialists act as interpret- of food in dining halls, hospitals, and ships. maintain and repair vehicles, such as Humvees, ers and translators to convert foreign languages Religious program specialists assist chaplains trucks, tanks, and other combat vehicles. They into English or other languages. with religious services, religious education pro- also repair bulldozers and other construction ARIZONA REPUBLIC, PHOENI X NY000779B 10/1/2006 Protective service personnel enforce military grams, and related administrative duties. equipment. Jim Ferr eira 5 x 7” laws and regulations and provide emergency Transportation and Administrative material-handling Heating and cooling mechanics install 1 N/ Aof people responses to disasters. txs personnel ensureGELC260001 the safe transport and repair air-conditioning, refrigeration, and Military police responsibilities include and cargo. Most personnel within this occupa- heating equipment. controlling traffic, preventing crime, and tional group are classified according to mode of Marine engine mechanics repair and
GE Retail Finance Imagination Applied
Take this job and love it.
ARIZONA REPUBLIC, PHOENIX
NY000779B Jim Ferreira txs
10/1/2006
5 x 7”
Administrative 1
GELC260001
N/A
Careers at GE Retail Finance
GE Money You’re going to notice something unusual right away. People smile. They’re happy to Imagination Applied come in. They feel productive and well recognized. They go home satisfied. Join us at GE Retail Finance, and get all the pay and benefits of a global leader, plus something you won’t find anywhere else: a job you can smile about.
Take this job and love it.
Our associates are our most valuable asset. As an investment management firm with clients and associates located around the world, diversity is integral to our success. We believe that attracting, developing, and retaining associates—with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences— creates an environment that brings out our best, resulting in better solutions for our clients.
GE Retail Finance is a global leader providing credit services to customers, retailers and auto dealers in more than 35 countries around the world. We reward hard work and brilliant ideas with recognition programs and incentive plans. We foster a You’re going creativity, to noticeand something unusual right performance driven culture that puts customers first, sparks encourages away. People smile. They’re happy to come in. They all employees to come up with new ideas and one of a kind solutions. And when feel productive and well recognized. They go home satisfied. Learn more about T. Rowe Price and apply it comes to career advancement, the opportunities are yours for the taking. If you Join us at GE Money & Affiliates, and get all the pay and incredible directly to positions of interest. are interested in enriching your career at a company that values leader, your opinion, then benefits of a global plus something you won’t find anywhere else: come join our team. We have openings available fromcan entry-level customer service a job you smile about. representatives up to executive level management roles, please visit our careers GE Money, formerly known as GE Consumer Finance, is a global leader with website at www.gecareers.com for additional information.
troweprice.com/careers
GE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
$151 billion in assets and 32,000 employees. And one very, very important opening. Which means there’s room here for you. To grow, thrive and succeed. There’s just one thing you need to do first. Join us. www.gecallcentercareers.com
imagination at work
T. Rowe Price is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Attention Job Seekers! We are now offering increased pay rates! Apply now to enjoy a competitive starting wage, plus an outstanding benefits package!
May 2013 maintain engines on ships, boats, and other watercraft. They also repair shipboard mechanical and electrical equipment. Powerhouse mechanics install, maintain, and repair electrical and mechanical equipment in powergenerating stations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
In August 2011, more than 2.3 million people served in the Armed Forces. More than 1.4 million were on active duty, including about 565,000 in the Army, 322,000 in the Navy, 330,000 in the Air Force, and 201,000 in the Marines. In addition, about 846,000 people served in the Reserve components of the branches and in the Air National Guard and Army National Guard, and about 42,000 people served in the Coast Guard, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
How to Become a Member of the Armed Forces
To join the military, applicants must meet age, educational, aptitude, physical, and character requirements. These requirements vary by branch of service and between officers and enlisted members. Members are assigned an occupational specialty based on their aptitude, former training, and the needs of their branch of service. All service members must sign a contract and commit to a minimum term of service. Those considering enlisting in the military should learn as much as they can about military life before making a decision. Potential applicants should speak to friends and relatives with military experience and weigh the pros and cons of a career in the military. The next step is talking to a recruiter, who can determine whether the applicant qualifies for enlistment, explain the various enlistment options, and tell which military occupational specialties currently have openings. Applicants should bear in mind that a recruiter’s job is to recruit promising applicants into his or her branch of service, so they are likely to stress the positive aspects of military life in the branch in which he or she serves. The military uses a placement exam called the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to determine an applicant’s suitability for various occupational specialties, and test scores largely determine an individual’s chances of being accepted into a particular training program.
equal opportunity employment journal Selection for a certain type of training depends on the needs of the service and the applicant’s general and technical aptitudes and personal preferences. Because all prospective recruits are required to take the ASVAB, those who do so before committing themselves to enlisting know in advance whether they stand a good chance of being accepted for training in a particular specialty. The recruiter can schedule applicants to take the ASVAB without any obligation to join. Many high schools offer the exam as an easy way for students to explore the possibility of a military career, and the test also lets students see which careers they show aptitude and interest in. The ASVAB is not part of the process of joining the military as an officer. If an applicant decides to join the military, the next step is to pass the physical examination and sign an enlistment contract. Negotiating the contract involves choosing, qualifying for, and agreeing on a number of enlistment options, such as the length of active-duty time, which may vary according to the option. Most active-duty programs have first-term enlistments of 4 years, although there are some 2-year, 3-year, and 6-year programs. The contract also will state the date of enlistment and other options—for example, bonuses and the types of training the recruit will receive. If the service is unable to fulfill any of its obligations under the contract, such as providing a certain kind of training, the contract may become null and void. All branches of the Armed Services offer a delayed entry program by which a person can delay entry into active duty for up to 1 year after enlisting. High school students can enlist during their senior year and enter service after graduation. Others choose this program because the job training they desire is not currently available but will be within the coming year, or because they need time to arrange their personal affairs.
EDUCATION
All branches of the Armed Forces require their members to be high school graduates or have equivalent credentials, such as a GED. In 2011, more than 99 percent of recruits were high school graduates. Officers usually need a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Training varies for enlisted and officer personnel and varies by occupational specialty. Those who want to become an
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NRL
operates as the Navy’s full-spectrum corporate laboratory, conducting a broadly based multidisciplinary program of scientific research and advanced technological development directed toward maritime applications of new and improved materials, techniques, equipment, systems and ocean, atmospheric, and space sciences and related technologies.
ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE Are you a seasoned professional or a recent college graduate seeking challenging and rewarding employment? Would you like to become a member of an elite research and development community involved in basic and applied scientific research and advanced technological development for tomorrow’s Navy? Technical excellence and achievement through exchange of new ideas, opportunities for continuing education, and publication of research results is strongly encouraged. NRL offers a wide variety of challenging research positions. The main office of NRL is located in Washington, DC with remote sites located at Bay St. Louis, MS and Monterey, CA. NRL is always looking for new achievers with backgrounds and/or graduate-level education in Aerospace, Ceramics, Computers, Electronics, Material and Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Physics, Geology, Geophysics, Meteorology, and Oceanography.
APPLY TODAY Applications accepted for specific vacancies only. Employment opportunity information for all NRL sites is available on our Human Resources website http://hroffice.nrl.navy.mil. If you do not have access to the internet/require more information, please call our Human Resources Job Information Center (202) 767-3030.
NRL
4555 Overlook Avenue SW Washington, DC 20375
www.nrl.navy.mil NRL is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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equal opportunity employment journal officer have several routes, including the Federal service academies (Military, Naval, Air Force, and Coast Guard); the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program offered at many colleges and universities; Officer Candidate School (OCS); and other programs.
IMPORTANT QUALITIES
Military members must be physically fit to participate in or support combat missions that may be difficult or dangerous.
A recognized strength of The Underwriters Group is its superior claims administration services for both employee benefits and workers’ compensation. Learn more about us at: www.uscky.com UDERWRITERS SAFETY & CLAIMS 1700 Eastpoint Parkway • Louisville, KY 40223 Equal Opportunity Employer
Experience being a part of a dynamic team by working with one of California’s leading credit unions USE Credit Union! We offer a wide variety of employment and career opportunities. Whether you have several years of experience in the financial sector or are new to the credit union industry, we are always on the lookout for bright, energetic people to join our team. USE Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. View current openings online at www.usecu.org. If you are interested in any of our open positions, please send your resume, indicating the job title and location, to: Email: hr@usecu.org Fax: (858) 795-6038 Mail: USE Credit Union Attn: Human Resources 10120 Pacific Heights Boulevard Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92121
Mental preparedness. Armed Forces members must be mentally stable and able to withstand stressful situations that can occur during military operations. Physical fitness. Military members must be physically fit to participate in or support combat missions that may be difficult or dangerous. Readiness. Members of the Armed Forces must be ready and able to report for military assignments on short notice. Entry requirements for each service vary, but certain qualifications for enlistment are common to all branches. The following are typical enlistment requirements: At least 17 years of age U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status Never convicted of a felony Able to pass a drug test Applicants who are 17 years old must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian before entering the service. For active service in the Army, the maximum age is 42; for the Navy, 34; for the Marine Corps, 29; and for the Air Force and Coast Guard, 27. All applicants must meet certain minimum physical standards for height, weight, vision, and overall health. Officers must meet different age and physical standards, depending on their branch of service. Women are eligible to enter most military specialties; for example, they may become mechanics, missile maintenance technicians, heavy equipment operators, and fighter pilots, or they may enter into medical care, administrative support, and intelligence specialties. Generally, only occupations involving direct exposure to combat are excluded to women.
TRAINING
Enlisted personnel training. Following enlistment, new members of the Armed Forces undergo initial-entry training, better known as basic training or boot camp. Through courses in military skills and protocol, basic training provides an 8- to 13-week introduction to military life. Days and nights are carefully structured and
May 2013
include rigorous physical exercise designed to improve strength and endurance and build each unit’s cohesion. Following basic training, most recruits take additional training at technical schools that prepare them for a particular military occupational specialty. The formal training period generally lasts from 10 to 20 weeks, although training for certain occupations—nuclear power plant operator, for example—may take as long as a year. Recruits not assigned to classroom instruction receive on-the-job training at their first duty assignment. Many service people get college credit for the technical training they receive on duty. Combined with off-duty courses, such training can lead to an associate’s degree through programs in community colleges, such as the Community College of the Air Force. In addition to receiving on-duty training, military personnel may choose from a variety of educational programs. Most military installations have tuition assistance programs for people who want to take courses during off-duty hours. The courses may be correspondence courses or courses in degree programs offered by local colleges or universities. Tuition assistance pays up to 100 percent of college costs, but there is usually an annual credit-hour limit. Each branch of the service provides opportunities for full-time study to a limited number of exceptional applicants. Military personnel accepted into these highly competitive programs receive full pay, allowances, tuition, and related fees. In return, they must agree to serve an additional amount of time in the service. Other highly selective programs enable enlisted personnel to qualify as commissioned officers through additional military training. Warrant officer training. Warrant officers are technical and tactical leaders who specialize in a specific technical area; for example, Army aviators make up one group of warrant officers. About 1 percent of the total personnel in the military are warrant officers. Although the number is small in size, the level of responsibility is high. Warrant officers receive extended career opportunities, worldwide leadership assignments, and increased pay and retirement benefits. Selection to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School is highly competitive and restricted to those who meet rank and length-of-service requirements.
First National Bank Texas and its affiliates are dedicated to being a preferred employer, providing opportunities to maximize employee potential. We offer an excellent work environment, competitive salary and benefits package. We are an equal opportunity employer. Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination due to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or other protected status. All affiliates support a drug free workplace.
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May 2013 The only exception is the selection process for Army aviator warrant officer, which has no requirement of prior military service. Officer training. Officer training in the Armed Forces is provided through the federal service academies (Military, Naval, Air Force, and Coast Guard); the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program offered at many colleges and universities; Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS); the National Guard (State Officer Candidate School programs); the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences; and other programs. All are highly selective and are good options for those who want to make the military a career. Some personnel are directly appointed to attend one of these academies or programs. People interested in getting training through the federal service academies must be unmarried and without dependents to enter and graduate, while those seeking training through OCS, OTS, or ROTC may be married.
equal opportunity employment journal Academy, however, are based strictly on merit and do not require a nomination. Participants in ROTC programs take regular college courses along with 3 to 5 hours of military instruction per week. After graduation, they may serve as officers on active duty for a specific period. Some may serve their obligation in the Reserves or National Guard. In the last 2 years of an ROTC program, students typically receive a monthly allowance while attending school, as well as additional pay for summer training. ROTC scholarships for 2, 3, and 4 years of school are available on a competitive basis. All scholarships pay for tuition and have allowances for textbooks, supplies, and other costs. College graduates can earn a commission in the Armed Forces through OCS or OTS programs in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard. These programs consist of several weeks of intensive academic, physical, and leadership training.
Participants in ROTC programs take regular college courses along with 3 to 5 hours of military instruction per week. Federal service academies provide a 4-year college program leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Midshipmen or cadets receive free room and board, tuition, medical and dental care, and a monthly allowance. Graduates receive regular or reserve commissions and have a 5-year active-duty obligation, or more if they are entering flight training. To become a candidate for appointment as a cadet or midshipman in one of the service academies, applicants must be nominated by an authorized source, usually a member of Congress. Candidates do not need to personally know a member of Congress to request a nomination. Nominees must have an academic record of the requisite quality, college aptitude test scores above an established minimum, and recommendations from teachers or school officials; they also must pass a medical examination. Appointments are made from the list of eligible nominees. Appointments to the Coast Guard
Those who graduate as officers generally must serve their obligation on active duty. Personnel with training in certain health professions may qualify for direct appointment as officers. In the case of people studying for the health professions, financial assistance and internship opportunities are available from the military in return for specified periods of military service. Prospective medical students can apply to the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, which offers a salary and free tuition in a program leading to a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. In return, graduates must serve for 7 years in either the military or the Public Health Service. Direct appointments also are available for those qualified to serve in other specialty areas, such as the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps for those in the legal field or the Chaplain Corps for those in religious ministry. Flight training is available to commissioned officers in each
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branch of the Armed Forces. In addition, the Army has a direct enlistment option to become a warrant officer aviator.
LICENSES
Certain occupational specialties require licensure, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, and many of the other medical specialties. For more information, see the profiles on physicians and surgeons, dentists, and registered nurses.
Certification
Depending on the occupational specialty, members of the military may be eligible for civilian certifications. Some of these include air traffic controllers, dental assistants, medical laboratory technicians, and many others. Currently, the U.S. military is working with several different certifying bodies to ensure that members who separate from the Armed Forces receive formal recognition in the private sector for their military-based technical training. In addition, the military is now required to provide job transition assistance when members separate, to help veterans match their military training with civilian employment.
Advancement
Each service has different criteria to determine the promotion of personnel. Generally, the first few promotions for both enlisted personnel and officers come easily; subsequent promotions are much more competitive. Criteria for promotion may include time in service and in grade, job performance, a fitness report, and passing scores on written exams. People planning to apply the skills they gained through military training to a civilian career should first determine how good the prospects are for civilian employment in jobs related to the military specialty that interests them. Second, they should know the prerequisites for the related civilian job. Because many civilian occupations require a license, certification, or minimum level of education, it is important to determine whether military training is enough to enter the civilian equivalent occupation or whether additional training will be needed. School counselors often have additional information. Article provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
As guardian of some of the world’s most trusted top level domains (TLDs), Verisign enables the invisible navigation that gets users where they want to go on the Internet. For more than 15 years, Verisign’s record of security, availability and reliability has helped to make .com and .net globally recognized and sought after, while helping organizations achieve their full potential through services that protect and scale their online activities. If it ends with .com or .net, it’s powered by Verisign. Verisign is always looking for exceptional, visionary, and enthusiastic people to join our dynamic team. Career opportunities exist in technology, operations, finance, legal, sales, and marketing.
VerisignInc.com EEO/AA
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May 2013
Patent Work: The Other Side of Invention In
popular culture, the inventor is often portrayed as a lone tinkerer who emerges from a workshop with some magnificent new device. In reality, most inventions are the collaborative effort of scientists and engineers— usually researchers affiliated with a college or corporation—that result in the discovery, creation, or improvement of either products or processes.
But how do inventors know if their idea is original? And how do they preserve their right to a stake in its success? Answering those questions is at the core of what patent workers do. Patent examiners, agents, attorneys, and technology specialists help inventions advance from concept to conclusion while ensuring proper credit and compensation for the inventors. This article describes the jobs of patent workers. The first section provides a brief overview of the patent system. The second section describes the work, wages, and train ing for each of the occupations. A final section suggests sources of additional information.
Invention and Patents: An overview
An invention is a type of intellectual prop erty—that is, a product of original, creative
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For current job listings visit us online: http://canterburypark.com/jobs/ 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee, MN 55379 952.233.4888 jobs@canterburypark.com Canterbury Park offers an attractive employment package to everyone on its staff. A package that includes competitive wages, flexible schedules, employee discounts, and, of course, an exciting atmosphere to work in.
Patent examiners, agents, attorneys, and technology specialists help inventions advance from concept to conclusion while ensuring proper credit and compensation for the inventors. We Have Immediate Opportunities for service minded individuals! Our many departments include: •Administrative •Culinary •Front Office
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Please Apply Online! Ski Pass/Golf Program, retail and restaurant discounts, free meal per shift, competitive wages and benefits program offered! Applications are accepted Monday-Friday 9am-5pm in the Human Resources Department at The Resort at Squaw Creek 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146 or call 530-584-4075
We encourage you to explore the benefits and opportunities associated with our hotel. Benefits are effective 1st of month following 30 days! Most benefits are effective 1st of the month following 90 days. We offer medical dental, sick, personal & vac pay, 401K, Direct Deposit, credit union, free Life Insurance, free parking, free meals, free bus passes, tuition reimbursement, discounts on hotel & restaurants, & fun work environment! Please send your resume and salary requirements to: 126 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 Fax: 410-295-3241 • e-mail ANPCareeropportunity@ loewshotels.com We are an equal opportunity employer who is committed to a diverse workforce
thought. If a invention has not yet been pub licly disclosed or recorded as unique, it might be eligible for legal protection in the form of a patent. Patents are awarded for the creation or discovery of processes, machines, manufactured articles, or chemical compounds. New improvements of any of these can also be patented. But not everything is eligible. To be awarded a patent, a creation, discovery, or improvement must meet certain criteria. Specifically, it must be new, useful, and not obvious to someone with ordinary knowledge in the subject area. Inventors don’t automatically receive patents for their work, of course; in the United States, they must file an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. An applicant must provide a detailed description of the creation or discovery being claimed as an invention. Successful applications result in a patent for the inventor. But if an application fails to show that the creation or discovery meets the required criteria, it is rejected. The inventor then can either appeal the rejection decision or amend the application and resubmit it for consideration.
Delaware North Companies is a global leader in hospitality and food service that is grounded in a foundation of family ownership. For current employment opportunities and application procedures, please visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com OR www.delawarenorth.com Fax: 321-449-4284 EEO/AAP/M/F/D/V. Drug Free Workplace. Pre-employment Screening Required.
Delaware North Companies, Parks & Resorts at KSC, Inc. Mail Code DNPS, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 The Resort at Squaw Creek is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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determined by title and grade level, as well as budget constraints. With satisfactory job performance, examiners receive a one-time accelerated promotion to the next grade after 6 months. Annual promotions follow to the GS-13 level, at which wages are between $93,920 and $122,100. Examiners may then be promoted to “primary examiner” positions at the GS-14 level (about $110,990 to $144,280), following a rigorous evaluation program and testing. Positions at the GS-15 level ($130,550 to $153,200) are usually supervisory, and examiners must compete for open vacancies. Training. Patent examiners need solid communication skills to confer with Occupations in other patent practitioners and with Patent Processing applicants. They also must have knowlPatent examiners review invenedge of patent law; science, including tors’ applica tions and decide if a advances in scientific research; and the patent should be awarded. To help technical processes used in industry. navigate the application process, Because examiners make judgments in inventors may hire a patent agent or reviewing applications, they must be patent attorney. And patent technoldeci sive. And patent examiners, like ogy specialists advise patent attormost Federal government employees, neys on the technical or scientific must be U.S. citizens. details of an invention. Most patent examiners have a bachPatent Examiners elor’s or master’s degree in engineerA patent examiner reviews patent ing or science. After they are hired, applications and determines whether patent examiners attend the U.S. Patent they meet the approval criteria. The and Trademark Office Patent Training examiner first verifies that an appliAcademy, an 8-month program that cation is for a single invention, not provides comprehensive training in the a combination of inventions. Next, procedural, legal, and technological the examiner searches internal pataspects of patent examination. Students ent databases, as well as published learn the research tools and methods scientific and technical litera ture, they will use as examiners and develop Patent examiners need solid communication for any public information related the writing and interpersonal commuskills to confer with other patent practitioners to the inventor’s claim. nication skills they need in their work. and with applicants. They also must have The purpose of this search is The academy also creates an indito establish that the discovery or vidual development plan for each knowledge of patent law; science, including creation is “new and inventive.” If examiner, based on his or her skills, advances in scientific research; and the those criteria are not met, the appliknowledge, and experience. This plan technical processes used in industry. cation is rejected. It is common for includes 2 years of ongoing trainan examiner to initially reject many ing and developmental assignments. parts of an application, usually because The additional examiners will help process Examiners receive additional on-the-job training from he or she feels that a prior discovery too a significant backlog of patent applications. an experienced supervisory patent examiner when they closely matches a claim in the applicaWages of patent examiners are based on complete their academy study. And examiners keep their tion. Applications, or parts of applications, a specialized version of the Federal general training current by periodically taking U.S. Patent and may also be rejected because the exam- schedule (GS) pay system. Examiners are Trademark Office courses in legal and scientific topics. iner determines that the invention is not recruited at grades GS-5 through GS-9. In Full-time permanent employees with at least 2 years useful, or that it is obvious to someone 2009, annual wages for entry-level examinwith ordinary knowledge in the technical ers in these grades start at $41,350 at the subject area. GS-5 level to almost $59,970 at the GS-9 The examiner communicates his or her level. The grade at which examiners are findings to the applicant or, more often, to hired is based on both the applicant’s expethe applicant’s patent agent or patent attor- rience and the scientific discipline in which Are you interested in joining a global leader that embraces ney. (The job descriptions for patent agents he or she will work. diversity and inclusion to help you reach higher professionally and attorneys begin on the facing page.) Qualified applicants also may be eligible and personally? At State Street, the leading provider of financial In the course of their work, patent to receive a recruitment incentive of up to services to institutional investors, we are firmly committed to exam iners also consult legal and techni- $9,900 per year for a maximum of 4 years. diversity in our 29,000-strong workforce. State Street offers competitive salaries, generous benefits, entry- and advanced-level cal docu ments to evaluate claims. They The incentive amount and duration are
A patent gives its holder the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention for a limited period. Without this exclusive right, inventors’ work could be financially exploited by others. Inventors would therefore be reluctant to take on the effort and cost of inventing, or they would be unwilling to disclose their inventions. Governments grant patents to encourage scientific and technological research and to ensure that the results of this research become part of the public record.
often collaborate with other patent experts before making a final decision. And they write reports that detail the results of their research. Employment and wages. Most patent examiners work at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office near Washington, D.C. This agency employed about 6,000 examiners in 2008, accounting for nearly twothirds of total employment at the Office. Depending on its budget, the Office expects to hire many more examiners through 2013.
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EAST GREENWICH TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT 559 Kings Highway • Mickleton, NJ 08056 We are located in Gloucester County, New Jersey. The school district services 1210 students in Grades K-6 in two elementary schools. Learn more about us or for current job postings visit www.eastgreenwich.k12.nj.us or fax your resume to 856-224-0144. Equal Opportunity Employer
positions, paid internships, work/life balance, employee networks and volunteer opportunities. If, like us, you look at uncertainty and see possibility, look at inefficiency and see a better way, then please contact us. Apply online today at www.statestreet.com/careers. Click Job Opportunities and then select your location.
Together, we can reach higher. State Street is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. © 2006 STATE STREET CORPORATION. 06-HRO0075H0906
State Street is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. © 2011 STATE STREET CORPORATION. 11-08253-1111
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Both patent agents and patent attorneys can prepare and prosecute patent applications. But only patent attorneys may give advice on legal matters or represent clients in legal proceedings. of continuous service can participate in a special legal studies program, provided that the legal education is related to their mission at the Office. Upon acceptance to an accredited law school, participants are reimbursed for a specified number of credits within a 6-year period. In return, participants commit to working at the Office for a certain amount of time after completing their studies. (Like all incentive programs, however, this one is also subject to funding.)
Patent Agents and Attorneys
Because the patent application process is complex, many inventors rely on the expertise of patent agents and patent attorneys. Agents and attorneys—collectively referred to as patent practitioners by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office—have essentially the same role in preparing patent applications and acting as a liaison between inventors and patent examiners. But attorneys perform additional tasks related to protecting inventors’ patent rights, including
negotiating licenses and defending against infringement. Either agents or attorneys can represent clients in proceedings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The goal of practi tioners is to smooth the progress of patent examination, so much of their work is similar to that of patent examiners: They search for prior art—public information that is relevant to the patent—and ensure that there is a legal and scientific rationale for an applicant’s claims. Patent practitioners also talk with other inventors, or those who own rights to an invention, to understand both the science or technology behind the invention and ways in which the invention is new and unique—and, thus, eligible for a patent. The practitioner drafts the patent applica tion, describing the invention and claiming legal protection for it. The description must be written in a way that will enable others to use the invention; the claims must explain precisely what the patent would
AE Business Solutions is a Midwest based privately held IT consulting and Systems Integration Company that has been providing information technology and business solutions to organizations throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest for over 50 years. AE Business Solutions hires only the best and the brightest people - people who are hard-working and dedicated to excellence. To explore any of our current opportunities online, please email our recruiting department at recruiter@aebs.com, or send your resume and salary history to: Technical Recruiting - AE Business Solutions 2310 Crossroads, Suite 2800, Madison, WI 53718
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May 2013
exclude others from making, using, or selling without permission. In preparing the application, patent practitioners try to anticipate the questions or objections examiners might raise. The application is then prosecuted, which means that the practitioner submits it and sees it through to conclusion. This includes preparing responses to an examiner’s rejection, either by amending the application, appealing the examiner’s decision, negotiating with one or more examiners, or any combination of these. Both patent agents and patent attorneys can prepare and prosecute patent applications. But only patent attorneys may give advice on legal matters or represent clients in legal proceedings. Patent attorneys negotiate and draft legal documents that license use of inventions. Licensing documents detail the specific uses that are allowed and prohibited, as well as the compensation to be paid to the holder of the patent. Patent attorneys represent patent holders or those seeking permission to use an invention. Patent attorneys also represent clients who feel that their patent has been infringed or who are accused of infringing the patent rights of others. In arguing that patent rights have been infringed, an attorney may request that the infringement be stopped or may seek monetary damages. When defending clients against accusations of patent infringement, an attorney compiles evidence to show that infringement has not occurred or challenges the validity of the patent itself. Employment and wages. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect employment data on patent agents. Although BLS does collect data on attorneys, it does not collect data specifically on patent attorneys. However, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, there are about 9,400 active patent agents and about 29,000 active patent attorneys with licenses to practice before the Office. Patent agents and attorneys work primarily in the private sector. Most work for intellectual property law firms, but they may also work for corporations, universities, or other organizations that research and develop inventions or purchase the rights to inventions. A small percentage of patent agents and attorneys are self-employed and seek clients who want to apply for patents. Patent attorney positions are also available with the Federal Government. Patent attorneys may work for law firms that specialize in intellectual property law or for general practice firms that have an intellectual property law department. Patent attorneys usually have a scientific or technological specialty and often work for a firm focusing on that
We’re on the move – literally! CRST International, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading transportation
ECCO III ENTERPRISES 201 Saw Mill River Road Yonkers, New York 10701 We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
and logistics companies. Headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we have offices throughout the United States, employing more than 1,000 office employees and 4,200 company drivers and working with more than 3,000 independent contractors. If you are interested in making a valuable contribution to a dynamic company with plans for a bright future, apply now. Learn more about us and our employment opportunities at www.crst.com We support equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications to perform the job and actions alone without regard to race, gender, age, religion, genetic information, national origin, disability or any other protected category.
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specialty. Law firms’ patent attorneys handle and depend on factors such as the agent’s standing of the technical and scientific areas in most intellectual property litigation. educational level and scientific discipline. Also which they work, patent practitioners should Many corporations hire patent attorneys as in- contributing to wage differences is the type of also understand how patent law applies to this house counsel. These lawyers develop expertise organization in which the agent works, with law science. Interpersonal skills are important for in the corporation’s technology and are often firms usually paying the most. And, just as in negotiating with patent examiners, clients, and involved in business decisions related to intellec- most other occupations, wages vary with experi- others involved in the patent process; oral and tual property. When outside counsel is required, ence and by geographic location. written communication skills are a must. such as in matters of litigation, corporate intelBLS does collect wage data for attorneys, Patent attorneys need additional expertise and lectual property lawyers frequently work with although not specifically for patent attorneys. skills related to intellectual property and the attorneys in law firms who have additional Median annual wages for all attorneys in May practice of law. They must be experts in intellecexpertise. 2008 were about $110,590. But it is likely that tual property, able to analyze and resolve patent In the Federal Government, prosecution, litigation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark copy right, and relatOffice is the principal employer of ed legal issues. And patent attorneys. These attorneys although patent attorColleges and universities occasionally employ patent usually focus on analysis relatneys must be capable ed to develop ing public policy of arguing in court, the attorneys to advise them on matters concerning concerning patents. They might most common—and create legislative proposals seekpreferred—solution is research conducted at the university. Law schools also ing changes in patent law, for to settle a case without example, or make recommendagoing to trial. employ patent attorneys in teaching positions. tions on the intellectual property Patent practitioaspects of trade agreements. Other ners need a bachelor’s Federal agencies may employ patdegree in science or ent attorneys to advise or represent them in intel- the complexity of patent law, and the scientific engineering. Additionally, patent attorneys must lectual property matters. knowledge it requires, places patent attorneys have a juris doctor degree from an accredited law Colleges and universities occasionally employ among the highest earning 10 percent of lawyers, school and be admitted to a State bar. patent attorneys to advise them on matters con- whose median annual wages were $166,000 or To represent clients before the U.S. Patent and cerning research conducted at the university. more in May 2008. The American Intellectual Trademark Office, both patent agents and patLaw schools also employ patent attorneys in Property Law Associa tion study showed that ent attorneys must be licensed with the Office. teaching positions. ing score members who were partners in private law firms Licensure requires achieving a pass BLS does not have wage data for patent agents. had an annual income of $415,000 in 2008. on the Office’s registration exam, also known According to the American Intellectual Property Training. Both patent agents and patent attor- as the patent bar. However, patent examiners Law Association’s 2009 report, however, the neys must be organized, detail-oriented, and with 5 years of continuous service at the Office annual income for patent agents in 2008 ranged able to meet deadlines imposed by the patent may register as patent agents without taking the from $110,000 to about $121,800. Wages vary office. In addition to having a thorough under- registration exam.
Diverse ideas, and people, are essential to our success. At Matheson, one of the world’s foremost suppliers of specialty gases and gas-handling equipment, we appreciate the value of variety in the concepts that drive our work — and in our teams of talented professionals. The unique qualities of each individual bring us a broader perspective, enhanced innovation, and greater success. Established as an industry leader for more than eight decades, we have professionals from every walk of life, providing the wide array of attributes essential to the superior research, technology, resources, experience, safety, and performance our clients expect. In addition to a culture conducive to learning, growth, and advancement, we offer excellent compensation and benefits.
Apply online at: https://mathesongas.silkroad.com/epostings www.mathesongas.com
EOE M/F/D/V
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Patent Technology Specialists
Patent technology specialists usually work as technical or scientific advisers under the supervision of patent attorneys. Because of their expertise, specialists perform research and deal directly with inventors to better understand an invention, how it operates, and its patentability—as well as the likelihood that the invention may infringe other patents. After gathering facts about an invention, patent technology specialists analyze the information and communicate findings to a patent attorney. They might also draft, or help to draft, patent applications and may be involved in the technical aspects of defending a client’s patents or challenging patent applications for similar creations or discoveries. Employment and wages. BLS does not collect data on the employment or wages of patent technology specialists. Industry
equal opportunity employment journal sources suggest that, like patent agents, patent technology specialists usually work for intellectual property law firms or for the intellectual property departments of large general practice law firms. And their wages are similar to those of patent agents. Training. Patent technology specialists need at least a bachelor’s degree in a technical or scientific discipline. An advanced degree may be required to work at some firms and in certain technological and scientific areas. The emphasis on scientific training underscores the technical expertise that specialists provide. Working as a patent technology specialist is often a path to obtaining a law degree and becoming a patent attorney. Because most law firms expect technology specialists to attend law school, firms encourage and frequently subsidize specialists’ legal education.
For more information
Learn more about the job of patent workers by visiting your local library or searching online for information about patent, trademark, and copyright law. In your research, you might come across information from BLS. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, available in many libraries, includes a profile of lawyers that describes their job duties, training, wages, outlook, and more. And the Career Guide to Industries has similar information about occupations in the Federal Government, where most patent examiners work. (Online, see www.bls.gov/oco/ocos053.htm and www. bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs041.htm, respectively.) For information about opportunities in the U.S. Department of Commerce Patent and Trademark Office, call its contact center at (571) 272–1000 or toll free, 1 (800) 786– 9199. To find job postings in the Office, visit its search page at USAJobs online: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9pto. aspx. For information about patent technology specialists, patent agents, and patent attorneys, including requirements for taking the patent bar exam, contact: American Intellectual Property Law Association 241 18th St. S. Suite 700 Arlington, VA 22202 (703) 415–0780 aipla@aipla.org www.aipla.org
THE KNIGHTS
®
May 2013
OF COLUMBUS In service to One. In service to all.
Article provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Your Digital World. Now. We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, race and ethnicity, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
It is Mediacom’s policy to affirmatively support equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, medical condition, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Mediacom has an immediate need for Direct Sales Representatives, Commercial Sales Representatives, Customer Sales & Service Representatives and Installers. To view a complete listing of available vacancies, please visit our Career Center online at careers.mediacomcc.com 1533 S. Enterprise Avenue • Springfield, MO 65804
DIVERSITY I S
I N
O U R
C U LT U R E
At Covance, you can make a difference, not only by helping to bring life-saving and lifeenhancing medicines to market sooner, but also by helping us become a great company - one that energizes our people with a stimulating environment and growth opportunities. Imagine contributing to cutting-edge projects which impact the lives of millions of people around the world. You can do this at Covance, and at the same time enrich your own life by building a rewarding career. We foster an inclusive and productive culture by acknowledging our employees’ unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to be the place to build a rewarding career, regardless of background, beliefs, gender or sexual orientation. Diversity, in all its dimensions, is a key element of our people and our client strategy. We continue to invest in diversity and inclusion knowing it is a key driver of innovation and a critical component in our success. We invite you to bring your bright ideas and unique perspectives to Covance. See our career opportunities at: careers.covance.com
EOE
May 2013
In
equal opportunity employment journal
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A Day in The Life of A Solar Photovoltaic Installer
solar PV systems, solar cells—devices that convert sunlight into electricity—are joined to create different types of solar modules, which are usually further connected. Solar electric systems can be installed on the ground, on poles, or on the roofs or sides of buildings. The most common type of solar modules is the 3- by 5-foot flat, framed solar panel that is mounted on top of a roof. But solar cells are also manufactured as flexible panels, roof tiles, and shingles. Other cells may be integrated with building materials, such as siding or windows. Most of Rebekah’s installations are on the roofs of houses. Atop a roof, her first order of business is to make sure that there is enough room for the panels and that the roof can hold the weight of the system. If the roof meets both criteria, Rebekah bolts structural framing, or racking, to the roof. Next, she attaches the panels and Together, we can recruit and hire qualified applicants connects them with wires. Parker Hannifin The wires are then brought down to a basement, garage, Parker Hydraulics or outside box to be hooked up to an inverter, which turns Hydraulic Pump & Motor Division the direct current (DC) generated by the solar cells into an 2745 Snapps Ferry Rd. alternating current (AC) that can be used to power homes Greeneville, TN 37745 and businesses. Some systems include battery backup to store electricity for later use. The wiring of the inverter to the utility box and main Continued Progress to All Minority Communities electrical grid must be done by a licensed electrician. In Parker Hannifin Corporation’s Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action commitment is to recruit fact, some municipalities require that solar PV installers and hire qualified applicants and to take affirmative action to recruit, hire and promote females have an electrician’s license. Rebekah has a license, so and minorities, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic characteristic, or veteran status. she does the wiring on her installations. Each installation is unique, especially in residential work. That one-of-a-kind feel to every job keeps it interesting, Rebekah says: “Installation never goes flawlessly, www.parker.com/careers so there’s always something new or different to consider.” For example, installers might need to reinforce a roof that isn’t strong enough to hold the panels. Or they might alter their design to work around a chimney. Your Safety Is Our Business Before finishing, installers activate the system, check Learn more about us online at: Meggitt PLC is a global engineering group specializing in that it’s working correctly, and help with site cleanup. extreme environment components and smart sub-systems for www.meggitt.com Lead installers or those who have an electrician’s license aerospace, defense and energy markets. ********************************************** might be respon sible for arranging work permits and Meggitt Safety Systems, Inc. is an industry We stand in support of equality for and advancement inspec tions, or they may work with utility companies leader in the design, development, and production of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, of aviation safety equipment for commercial, SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. to connect the system to the main electrical grid. Some national origin or disability. military and general aviation industries. installers also repair solar electric systems that are already hooked up. 1800 Highland Avenue For Rebekah, a typical residential installa tion takes 1915 Voyager Avenue Duarte, CA 91010 Simi Valley, CA 93063 Currently seeking: about 3 days, and she spends half of that time placing 11700 N.W. 102nd Road, Suite 6 • Electrical Engineers Currently seeking: the modules. Large, commercial installations may take Miami, FL 33178 • Engineering Technicians • Electrical Engineers • Manufacturing Engineers several months. As a result, work schedules of solar PV Currently seeking: • Facilities Manager • Buyer • Mechanical Engineers • Reliability & Safety Engineer (RAMS) installers can be similar to those of construction workers, • Buyer/Planner • Production Associates (Assemblers, Sewers) • Software Engineer • Customer Service Manager • Production Technicians with long hours on some days followed by periods of no • Supply Chain/Materials Manager employment. Please submit resume and apply online at meggitt.com. Please reference eoej on your application. Also like construction workers, an installer’s days often start early to beat the worst of the heat. And their work
Powered by people.
Stantec’s goal is to recruit, motivate, and develop our employees with diverse ranges of talents and perspectives to ensure that we have the breadth of The key to our success is our people. viewpoints, experiences, and intellectual skills needed People, passion, and progress have made our Company to succeed across our global environment.
Stantec is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to Affirmative Action, Workforce Diversity, and the principles of Employment Equity. If you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation is an Equal Opportunity Employer to complete anyStantec part of the application process, you may contact dedicated our Helpline at 1-855-917-7440 or Action email access@stantec.com. to Affirmative and Workforce Diversity
stantec.com/careers
One Team. Infinite Opportunities.
orientation, religion, belief, education, physical ability, personality, experiences and even our diverse approaches to work. Stantec strives to attract leaders for today and tomorrow. If you are seeking an opportunity with a dynamic, growing company, we invite you to review our career opportunities online at www.stantec.com.
Powered by people. The key to our success is our people.
Stantec has been recognized as a top People, passion, and progress have made our Company 50what global design and firm. it is today, and create the consulting foundation for what it will be tomorrow. We are a strong, dynamic, growing company with virtually infinite career opportunities. V1
AD-RA-IRV-2011APR18-P1V1
what it is today, and create the foundation for what it will be tomorrow. We are a strong, dynamic, growingDiversity expresses itself in so many different ways. company with virtually infinite career opportunities. Some examples include gender, race, culture, sexual
Stantec is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to Affirmative Action, Workforce Diversity, and the principles of Employment Equity.
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equal opportunity employment journal
depends on the sun in more ways than one. “If it’s raining, a lot of times I can’t work,” says Rebekah. That’s because wet weather can make installation dangerous. Working up high requires taking special precautions, such as wearing a harness, but safety equipment is often no match for hazardous outdoor conditions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish employment data on solar photo voltaic installers. But industry sources suggest that there are about 7,000 solar photovoltaic installers—who may also be known as solar photovoltaic technicians or solar installer-roofers—in the United States. About half of all solar PV installers work in California, a State that provides many incentives for solar electric power. Because solar power requires a large upfront investment, tax credits and other government incentives help make it a more affordable option for individuals and businesses. Given the trend in favorable government incentives, analysts expect that the solar-power industry will continue to grow rapidly.
As the use of solar power expands, the job tasks of solar PV installers are evolving. Some workers concentrate primarily on installing the panels. Others, especially those at small companies, do everything from sales to planning to wiring. Experienced installers in any size company may advance to lead installer, system designer, sales representative, or other positions. Solar PV installers need mechanical skills and must be able to work with the power tools and hand tools used to construct and fasten equipment. Electrical knowledge and an understanding of basic math are helpful, as are good problem-solving abilities. Attention to detail is important, because completing an installation often requires following diagrams and instructions. Heavy lifting is also required at times: Solar panels typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds; batteries can weigh double that— or more. And workers can’t be afraid of heights. Although most commercial installations take place on flat roofs, many residential
May 2013
installations take place on pitched roofs— often with a steep slope—and on loose or fragile materials, such as cedar shake and clay shingles. “The scariest part of the work is being up on the roof,” says Rebekah. “You have to be a certain type of person to climb up on roofs and do high-voltage electrical wiring.” Most solar photovoltaic installers have a high school diploma and mechanical, electrical, or related experience. People with construction backgrounds are often well suited for the work; roofing experience is particularly valuable. Some employers prefer to hire applicants who have an associate degree in an electrical or related field. Rebekah says that solar panel installation also attracts career changers from a variety of fields. New workers frequently learn on the job, although specific training in solar installation or solar power is helpful. Voluntary certification is also available and is sometimes required. Industry analysts estimate that wages for entry-level solar PV installers are about $12 to $15 an hour and vary by location, with crew leaders making between $20 and $25 an hour. Workers with an electrician license or other qualifications typically earn more. But for Rebekah and other solar PV installers, their work isn’t just about earning a paycheck. “What I really love is installing a system and knowing that it will be creating clean energy for 25 years,” says Rebekah. “It’s exciting to be making a difference.” Article provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Sysco Food Services of Sacramento opened in October 2001 serving the greater Sacramento area. We deliver to the Oregon border, Fairfield, Lodi, and east Fallon, Nevada. Our facility is located northeast of the Sacramento International Airport in Pleasant Grove, CA.
Learn more about us and our current job opportunities at:
www.syscosac.com Sysco Sacramento, Inc. 7062 Pacific Avenue Pleasant Grove, CA 95668 Equal Opportunity Employer
American Packaging Corporation is a flexible packaging converter specializing in Flexographic and Rotogravure printing, multi-ply Extrusion and Adhesive lamination of film, paper and foil and the Fabrication of Pouches and Bags with a variety of special features. View and apply online for current open positions at:
www.ampkcorp.com
777 Driving Park Avenue • Rochester, NY 14613 • EOE
It is the policy of Seneca Foods Corporation to provide equal opportunity through affirmative action in employment and educational programs and activities. Discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and special
Seneca Foods recognizes that it is our employees who have contributed to our success as a world leader in agribusiness. As an employee of Seneca Foods, your contribution to that success is rewarded by many opportunities to grow and develop. Seneca seeks a workforce that is diverse and desires to hire or promote the individual best qualified for the position. For more information on a career with Seneca, visit www.senecafoods.com.
disabled veteran, other eligible veteran or Vietnam era veteran status.
3736 South Main Street Marion, New York 14505
For over 40 years, Harris Ranch Beef Company, the processing and marketing component of the beef division, has continually strived to produce the highest quality beef in the world. Learn more about us and our employment opportunities online at www.harrisranchbeef.com.
HARRIS RANCH BEEF COMPANY PO Box 2250 • Selma, CA 93662
Harris Farms Inc. and all company subsidiaries is an Employment Equity/Affirmative Action employer.
May 2013
equal opportunity employment journal
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Solar Industry Grows 13.2 Percent, Adds 13K Jobs
N
ews of job growth is always a good thing. But when that news just so happens to apply to a segment as beset with challenges as the solar industry, it crosses the line from good to great. Today, The Solar Foundation (TSF) announced encouraging statistics that show despite recent setbacks and reports of layoffs, the U.S. solar industry is expanding at a clip nearly six times that of the overall economy. According to TSF’s National Solar Jobs Census 2012, the U.S. solar industry added 13,872 jobs between September 2011 and September 2012. Bringing the total of employed solar industry workers to 119,016, this leap represents a 13.2 growth in employment. In comparison, the overall economy poked along at a sluggish 2.3 percent during the same time period, according to information obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In a press release issued by TSF, Executive Director Andrea Luecke said, “The solar industry has grown at significantly higher rates than most other industries in the past several years, making it one of the foremost creators of new jobs in the United States. These new solar industry jobs are sustainable, cannot be outsourced and play a critical role in our country’s economic recovery.” Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Washington, D.C. based non-profit Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), said, “The solar energy industry is creating jobs in America when we need them most. The rapid growth of jobs in the solar industry clearly demonstrates that smart policies, including the federal investment tax credit, are putting Americans back to work.” Information gathered from the voluntary online census, which queried more than 1,000 solar companies, also provided illuminating information as to the principal driving factors
By Vince Font
behind the industry’s surge in growth. The biggest percentage of participants, almost one third, cited falling prices for solar components as a primary driver of growth. Others pointed to federal tax incentives and state legislation allowing third-party system ownership, as well as the enacting of Renewable Portfolio Standards to foster the increased production of solar energy. “This is what happens when government provides a stable policy environment,” Resch added. “The private industry does what it does best – creates new jobs for Americans.” Monique Hanis, spokesperson for SEIA, said continued growth of the U.S. solar industry will hinge greatly upon the protection and expansion of successful state and federal policies, in addition to continued financing for solar projects and operations. Public perception about the state of the solar industry is another factor critical to that growth, and has recently come under scrutiny due to recent reports of layoffs — but as Hanis points out, the solar companies most impacted by layoffs have been in the manufacturing sector, which accounts for a small percentage of all solar jobs. According to TSF’s 2011 solar census, that percentage was less than 14 percent. “This is similar to other industries that have evolved over time,” said Hanis. “We’ve seen this in the automotive industry, in the IT computer industry, and in
www.uinet.com UIL Holdings Corporation is a diversified energy delivery company serving more than 700,000 electric and natural gas utility customers in 66 communities across two states. For more information visit us at www.uinet.com. UIL Holdings Corporation | 157 Church Street | New Haven, CT 06510 We are an equal opportunity employer seeking the most qualified person, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, disability, veteran status or cultural upbringing.
telecommunications. It’s a natural progression as an industry matures. You’re going to see consolidations in some sectors.” Presently, the total installed solar capacity in the U.S. adds up to 5.7 gigawatts (5,700 megawatts). By the end of 2012, it is expected that another 3.2 gigawatts will be added, nearly doubling last year’s growth. Estimates indicate that 2013 will see the addition of another 3.9 gigawatts of solar capacity in the U.S. Conducted by TSF and BW Research with assistance from Cornell University, the figures gathered by the National Solar Jobs Census 2012 included a wide range of jobs within the solar industry, for a total of 31 different occupations including manufacturing, sales, installation, and software development. Article provided by www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
Ranked a “Best Firm To Work For” by Structural Engineer magazine!
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) is a national engineering firm that designs, investigates, and rehabilitates structures and building enclosures. We are always looking for talented engineering candidates for all of our offices. To learn more about SGH and current job opportunities, visit our web site at www.sgh.com. SGH is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our work force. We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package in a corporate culture based on learning and growth.
Boston | Los Angeles | New York | San Francisco | Washington, DC Photos clockwise from top left: Sacred Heart University, Linda E. McMahon Commons, Fairfield, CT; Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco State University, J. Paul Leonard & Sutro Library, San Francisco, CA; Ames Hotel, Boston, MA.
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May 2013
Learning From Failure: How It Increases Your Chances of Succeeding
1. Take The Risk and Pay The Price get to learn from failure. It’s that simple. Think Nothing ventured, nothing gain. You have to be willing to take the risk venture beyond the comfort zone regardless of what area you are in to gain some form of success. Think about the entrepreneurs, scientists, leaders and businesses which took the path less trodden and how they were rewarded handsomely. If you are willing to pay the price with the risk you take, then the returns may just surprise you. But, but what if I fail, you ask.
L
earn from failure, you probably have heard it all from articles, stories and books. I won’t bore you with them here. This article is to drive home some key points about learning from failure. Lessons you probably are very familiar with but need reminder about. Or if you are new to this thing called failure then it will serve as a springboard to better success. I hope. You hear stories about failure. You hear stories about success. You hear how failure is the mother of all successes. Yet, you are still fearful of failure. As if it is a black mark that will appear in your report card of life if you did fail. And fail you will, if you are like the rest of us mere mortals. Does that mean you stop trying?
2. It’s OK To Fail, Really
about failure as lessons paid in the journey of life.
4. Freedom to Fail
Allow yourself the freedom to fail if you want to learn from failure. When you are too cautious, you do not allow yourself to take any risks. If you are safe all the time, then you are not giving yourself the opportunity to learn from failure. Give yourself the freedom to fail and see how the lessons of success open up for you.
5. Fear of Failure
The fear of failure may not necessarily be bad as it propels you to succeed. Some people use Yes, it’s OK to fail. The adage we learn from failure is true. Be open with your mind, eyes and it as a motivating factor to ensure they succeed. ears. The lessons are there for you to understand As long as you do not get paralyzed into inacand do better next time. Think about what you tion and limit your appetite for taking risk, I have done right, what you can do better and believe the fear of failure as a propelling factor what you should stop doing. That is one of the can be of good use. easiest ways to analyze how to learn from fail- 6. Welcome Failure ure. One side point, in cases like these I dislike There can be no success without failure. You to use the word failure. Setback is my preferred should welcome failure as an opportunity to word. learn and you will learn from failure. The fees 3. Experience is the Best Teacher for learning from failure may seem too high Think about this, if you do not fail in any of sometimes, but in the long run you will someyour endeavor, how do you learn to be better? how discover it a worthwhile price to pay. How do you become wiser? People say experiLong Yun Siang or Long, as he is popularly known runs ence is the best teacher. If you accept that to be http://career-success-for-newbies.com with his wife Dorena as their way of paying it forward. Their website – based on their real life true then you need to accept failure as one of the experience - provides tips, tools and advise for newbies pursuing many lessons you gain from experience. So, you career success.
Our Employees Connect Brilliant Minds Every Day We at IEEE realize how fortunate we are to work with the best and brightest. Our mission is to advance technology for humanity, and we do so from one of the best places to work in New Jersey. Come Join Us! Visit www.ieee.org to view details about open positions in one of our four offices: Los Alamitos, CA; New York, NY; Piscataway, NJ; and Washington, DC
2013
The IEEE is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer M/F/D/V.
13-HR-0095-BPTW 2013 Ad-EEOC-Final.indd 1
3/15/13 4:13 PM
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The Best Way to Find Top People Is Still
I
NETWORKING By Lou Adler
f everybody knows that one thing is true, why do so many people try something else? Most companies will tell you that their employee referral program is the best way to find top talent. Most recruiters, including me, will tell you that networking with former and current candidates is the best way to find top talent. So if we all know that networking in some form is the best way to find top talent, why do we waste so much time on things like advertising and Internet data mining? The hard truth is that advertising works well only if you can move quickly and you have compelling and highly visible ads, and that Internet data mining is too time intensive?? unless you can network exclusively with a targeted group of well-connected people you find online. We were promised that the Internet would solve our problems. All we had to do was post ads, search through resume databases, or cleverly find some names in other electronic ways. For a wide variety of reasons, it didn’t work out quite this way. And in the process we seem to have lost the real art of recruiting. For those who have forgotten, here are some basic networking rules: 1. A few good names are all you need to get started. 2. You need to create instant interest when you first connect on the phone. So don’t describe the job first, or ask how the person is doing. Instead ask, “Would you be open to exploring a situation that’s clearly superior to what you’re doing today?” If the answer is yes, tell the candidate you’d like to first review their background before you get into any details about the job. This prevents the person from saying they’re not interested. This is a very critical step. Getting the candidate to respond first establishes credibility and leaves the recruiter in the driver’s seat. Don’t ever discuss the job first, other than in vague terms. Something like, “We’re looking for a senior project
position in marketing,” is okay. Even if the candidate is unqualified or uninterested, the initial five to ten minute dialogue increases the likelihood of obtaining a good referral. 3. Whether you’re networking with a current employee, a candidate or some other contact, the objective is to get a few names of some top people from each person. Never ask the person who she knows who’s looking. You won’t get anybody good this way. You don’t want people who are looking; you want great people who are open to exploring a better situation. Instead, get the names of previous best coworkers in the same department, or a previous boss or subordinate who the person thought was great. Try to get three names from each person. Ask for names of people who might know someone else. Once you have the name, ask the candidate to describe the person. Find out why she considers the person highly qualified. Asking questions this way allows you to pre-qualify the candidate before you even make the call. You can save lots of time when you’re only calling top people to begin with. 4. Backtracking is a creative way to find more good candidates. It’s based on the concept of one degree of separation. To start, ask yourself who would know the person you need. Then network with this person. This type of networking is quite effective, because people will more openly refer a good person to you if they’re not working in the same company, or if they know of the person in a non-work related way. To obtain lots of ideas on where to network, conduct a brainstorming session with all members of the hiring team. Start with this target list of categories: Competitive and source companies Customers / Vendors Trade and professional associations Academic relationships Social connections including hobbies Online discussion groups
5.When you first contact a person to network, make sure the job is compelling. No one will refer a person to a boring job, unless it’s someone they don’t like. 6. Don’t forget to include your suppliers, professional service providers, and even your customer in your network. Suppliers know experts in their field. A lot of companies ask their accounting firms for leads when they want to hire financial people. Expand this to include your bankers, legal advisors, consultants and business associates. One of our clients, a large chain of furniture stores, asked their customers to refer their children. We got the names of good medical device sales people by calling local clinics and asking for the best sales reps who visited them. We found some top marketing people by calling ad agencies. 7.Call or join the trade associations of people you want to attract. Material control people belong to APICS. For electrical engineers, it’s the IEEE. Financial managers belong to the Financial Executives Institute and the CPA Society. Property Managers belong to IREM. Get in touch with the local chapters and start spreading the word. Send letters to the officers conferences as a source of names. These people are already recognized as experts in their field, so it’s a terrific way to network with top people. The Encyclopedia of Associations is a great place to start to get the names of appropriate trade groups and professional societies. You can also get these names from the resumes you receive from your ads. Networking with the best people is the best way to find top people. Employee referral programs should be formalized and expanded. Recruiters should start calling their best candidates and rebuilding their networks of top talent. The recovery will soon be here. Don’t get seduced by the latest new Internet solution. Instead, go back to old-fashioned networking. All you need is a phone. Article first published on www.ere.net. Recruiting Intelligence. Recruiting Community.
Tosoh Bioscience, Inc. (TBI) provides highly sophisticated diagnostic systems to doctor’s offices, hospitals and reference laboratories.
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
The employee work environment is fast-paced, challenging and offers opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. TBI employees are focused on the collective vision of providing quality products and services through innovation. For information regarding job openings at TBI, or to submit an application, please visit the Tosoh Jobs Portal online at www.tosoh.iapplicants.com. Learn more about us at: www.tosohbioscience.com 6000 Shoreline Court • Suite 101 • South San Francisco, CA 94080
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May 2013
TECH NEWS:
Why Mobile Technology Is Where Its App! conferencing and audio streams in mobile format. This Games, weather reports and Facebook, has empowered developers to create more diverse apps, which are applicable and relevant in all walks of life. all are now freely Did you find getting a job available on our difficult? How did you use your phones. We talk to a previous experience to help you? The current competition for jobs is tough because recent grad about there are so many people looking for work. Employers the growing app are able to place high demands on applicants and select development only those with a broad range of skills and previous industry and why it’s experience. In the developer world, where once you could specialise in just a single language such as HTML not just for geeks.
T
his week market analysts Juniper, predicted that by the year 2015 over 25bn mobile apps will have been downloaded. That's an awful lot of Angry Birds games. With new phones, new features and new updates being created every day, it's a growing industry and young graduates with their lifetime knowledge of mobile phones are in high demand. We chat to Alex Jones a recent graduate from Kingston University, and now a developer with Grapple Mobile, about coding, communication and geekery.
People are not only reliant on mobile phones now but they are constantly finding new ways to use them to enhance their daily lives; whether to improve their productivity at work or simply ordering their groceries. This technological growth is comparable to the popularity of the internet in its early years and is continuing at a quickening pace. As perhaps one of the first graduates of 'the mobile generation', who have grown up with mobile phones and use them as our primary means of communication, it What attracted you to working is exciting to be right at the cutting edge in the mobile industry and why of development in an industry that is in an did you choose mobile rather evolutionary phase. It is a particularly exciting time for app than web development? Mobile is becoming a more and more developers, with more device functionality significant part of life around the world. appearing every week such as GPS, video The Agricultural Division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, L.L.C. is located in Des Moines, Iowa, stands on almost 120 acres and has 1500 employees. Our company offers a competitive benefits package and many development opportunities for our teammates, including an on-site college program, leadership training and technical training. To view current openings or to apply online visit www.firestoneag.com or fax your resume to 515-235-4079. Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, L.L.C. Agricultural Division 4600 N.W. 2nd Avenue | Des Moines, IA 50313 | EOE
or Javascript; you now need to have mastered several different languages and have years of work experience to interest the top employers. In my case it was the work I had done for my dissertation, studying and developing in multiple languages, combined with my enthusiasm for combining technologies and media, that helped set me apart from other applicants and secure my role in mobile. If you can choose a topic for your dissertation that is directly relevant to the industry you want to get in to after University, it is definitely a huge advantage.
What are your career goals? Can you plan a career in an industry which is constantly evolving?
I had initially planned to do a Ph.D in advanced algorithmic computing after I graduated; however I was also interested in getting into a role at the forefront of modern technology. When several recruiters suggested I consider a job in mobile app development I realised this would combine both creative and technological elements I was looking for. I was keen to put my academic skills in software architecture to use and create practical streamlined apps. In the future I hope to create some pioneering and high profile applications for global clients and to become one of the top developers in Europe.
What advice would you give to recent graduates looking for a job in mobile?
Keeping abreast of new technologies and tools is imperative – in an industry that is moving so rapidly you need to be constantly learning and experimenting.
If you’re interested in helping TABASCO® Brand Products in “defending the world against bland food”, then you’ve come to the right place. With a variety of products to create and promote each day, we’re always looking for the best and brightest for our available positions. To learn more about us or apply online visit:
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MCILHENNY COMPANY • HWY 329 • AVERY ISLAND, LA 70513 • EOE
May 2013
equal opportunity employment journal
Developers . . .(are) made up of a variety of people from different backgrounds, ages and who have diverse interests outside of work – dj-ing, yoga, football, and even cake decorating. Having a genuine enthusiasm and humility is something that is also important and attractive to potential employers.
What is your favourite app, either your own or someone else's and why?
I am a big fan of DAPP (the app design app) it is a great piece of software that lets you mock up basic apps with construction tools. Once you've dragged and selected your chosen buttons, frames and images you can export the app code into real objective-c; this being the language that iphone apps are written and developed in. Great for fast prototypes.
Is the stereotypical image of coders and developers as geeks who sit in dark rooms fair?
As technology has started to play a larger role in mainstream culture, with people comparing phones and swapping notes on apps with their friends all over the world, the industry seems to have attracted a broader spectrum of individuals, rather than just those from traditional computing backgrounds. In my experience there are many types of developers. In my present company the development team is made up of a variety of people from different backgrounds, ages and who have diverse interests outside of work – dj-ing, yoga, football, and even cake decorating. However, given the industries need for a significant number of specialists who understand very complex computer systems, shaking off the geek tag might take a while! © 2013 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
T
he growth and competition within mobile markets has spurred a plethora of new sectors and enterprises. Cutting edge, disposable, and readily-available systems have allowed traditional businesses to provide customers with faster and more convenient services. With reports suggesting that 75 percent of customers preferring a mobile-friendly site, businesses large and small can ill-afford to ignore the opportunities presented by the mobile market. “In the last three years, more than 300,000 apps have been built, showing businesses are voting with their feet. Mobile commerce isn’t just going to hang around for the next few years - this is a revolution in the way we interact and do business,” says Mobile Technology Report Executive Editor Simon Blake.
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“While driving operational excellence and restoring growth, we want to refocus our efforts to improve diagnostic information services, continue to simplify our organization to enable growth and productivity, and deliver disciplined capital growth development. By accomplishing these initiatives we will make this a healthier world, build value for our customers, shareholders,and ourselves and create an inspiring workforce.” -Stephen H. Rusckowski President and CEO
Quest Diagnostics world’s leading provider of diagnostic testing services, with a staff of approximately 900 MDs and PhDs, an extensive network of convenient patient locations and a broad range of diagnostic products. Join a diverse and inclusive workplace where you will be valued for your unique skills, background and experiences. A workplace that encourages new and different ideas and views. We celebrate the different ethnicities, ages and cultures that make up our workforce. As our marketplace becomes increasingly global, our ability to meet the needs of our customers, patients, physicians, suppliers and shareholders is enhanced by our commitment to valuing the diversity that mirrors the communities where we live and work every day. Our diverse workforce is one of our competitive advantages. We work to identify and recruit a diverse group whose strong skill sets and perspectives represent our company. Our success is borne out in the many “Best Places to Work” awards received by our U.S. and international business units. View and appy online for current career opportunities:
www.questdiagnostics.com
***************************************** QUEST DIAGNOSTICS • 3 GIRALDA FARMS • MADISON, NJ 07940
We are an equal employment opportunity employer and we recruit, hire and promote qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other status protected by state or local law.
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equal opportunity employment journal
May 2013
Nursing Self-Care: Why It’s Difficult To Say ‘No’
RECR91B
Spartanburg, South Carolina
A
by Elizabeth Scala
couple of things have been showing up lately, which, for me, is a sign that something important is revealing itself. In May I spoke at my local chapter meeting for my nurses association. My topic was on slowing down and checking in at a mind-body-emotion-spirit level to decide on one area for nursing self-care change. As we went around the room, there was a lot of discussion about saying “yes” to everything, even when we don’t have time. Then, I was a participant on a call about the art of saying “no”. We went through several exercises: how it feels to say “yes” when we really want to say “no”; saying “no” to ourselves when we want to say “yes” to something; and how it could feel if we said “no” and “yes” when we actually wanted to. These are just two examples of many experiences I have had in the past two months around this concept of saying “no”. As a nurse - and then double-whammy - as a woman, often we put the needs of others before our own. We keep saying “yes” to more and more things, piling up tasks on our already “full” plates. Why is it so hard for us to say “no”? How come we want to try to “do it all”? I will share from my own experience, as that is what I live and breathe each day, and I am sure that in my words some of you will hear your own stories. So be gentle, read on, and just know that it helps to uncover these uncomfortable tendencies. The more that we can become conscious of what we are doing, the more we can choose to change what we want and don’t want to occur. So how come I find it difficult to say “no”?
A job that matters at Spartanburg Regional You entered health care to make a difference. Spartanburg Regional offers a cutting-edge, team environment where you can do just that. Having achieved top honors—including the Magnet award for nursing excellence—we make it a priority to remain on the forefront of health care. And, recognizing that
Prove Myself
top honors are a result of top professionals, we offer
When I worked on my inpatient psych unit, I was notorious for saying “yes” all of the time. “Sure, I’ll be on the committee!”, “Of course, I’ll head up that project!”, “Yes, I can work for you…” Reflecting back on what was going on, I realized that I was trying to prove myself to my colleagues, my manager, the physicians, etc. I was looking for them to value me. I was attempting to demonstrate I was important enough to receive their respect and admiration. Instead of looking inward, loving me for who I was, I was looking externally for validation of my worth.
competitive salary and benefit packages, a nationally recognized child development program and more. Consider joining our team, and make a difference forLife Areas of availability:
Perceptions of Others
• Women’s & Children’s Care
No one wants to be labeled as the “mean girl.” We want people to see us as nice, kind, helpful, and friendly. We worry that when we say “no”, other people will not like us… at least I have. I’ve worried that if I don’t do what my co-workers ask of me they will gossip, spread rumors, or look down on me. o one wants to be judged by another human being… but guess what? Those judgments are just the self-critics inside of us. We have the capacity to stand up for ourselves and to do what we know is right (and healthy) for us.
• Gibbs Cancer Center • Heart Center • Surgical Care • Emergency Center • Regional Hospice
Clarity
• Home Health
Maybe part of our saying “yes” all of the time is because we forget to pause and really feel if “yes” is the proper answer. I know I rush into things sometimes without really thinking them through only to find myself halfway through a project and wanting to back out! If we are unclear with ourselves, we may just head for a “yes” answer as a quick decision. Instead of really thinking it through and creating clarity around a situation we jump right in saying “yes” when we are actually unsure... or mean “no”.
For more information or to apply, please call a hospital recruiter at 800-288-7762 or visit spartanburgregional.com.
Missed Opportunity
For me, lately this is huge. As a new business owner, I feel compelled to say “yes” to every little thing that comes my way. What if I say “no” and wind up missing out on a huge opportunity? What if I pass up the next EOE
Article by Elizabeth “Coach” Scala, The Balance Coach. The Coach to Call When You’re READY to Make Yourself #1. Want to Set & Reach Your Health Goals? Visit www.livingsublimewellness.com
May 2013
equal opportunity employment journal
“best thing”? How will I feel if I realize I made the wrong choice? Well guess what? There will always be another opportunity. There will always be someone else asking you to do something. We cannot do it all. In fact, we will burn ourselves out by trying to and compromise our nursing self-care. On nursing self-care, we have a tendency to take on more and more, even when we really cannot handle much else. We are natural caregivers so it makes sense that we desire to help from a space of compassion. Yet these tendencies make it common for us to say “yes” when we really want/need to say “no”. Do these sound familiar? “Sure, I can stay late…” “Yes, I can come in to cover…” “No problem. I can help you…” I’ve heard it so often. When I speak with nurses during self-care workshops, they tell me the major barrier that gets in their way is the challenge of saying “no”. They notice that because they always say “yes,” their plates fill up, making time for themselves non-existent. This affects nurses health in many ways: from digestive issues to sleep disturbances, from stress headaches to high blood pressure, from chronic fatigue to impaired immunity functioning. Yes, our health is impacted by our ability to be in alignment with what is best for us! In addition to the problems we create when we do this, we place our body into a state of confusion and miscommunication.
When I remember that I’m a beautiful being with gifts and talents, I release the worries of perceived judgments. It doesn’t matter what other people say. I free up space to say “no” if that’s what I want to do.
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We have a tendency to take on more and more, even when we really cannot handle much else. We are natural caregivers so it makes sense that we desire to help from a space of compassion. We say “yes” to a request but everything in our minds, bodies, and spirits feels a “no” about it. We cannot fool our “selves”. We may go through the motions to perform the task, but only to create inner turmoil and stress. Have you ever noticed how you feel when thishappens? Here’s an example: A colleague calls you on your day off and asks you to work for her. She goes into a long story about how her husband is sick and she has errands to run and there just isn’t time for her to get it all in. She shares more and more details and soon enough you begin to feel bad for her. You worry she will be very unhappy with you if you do not help. But you have a lot going on! Since it’s your day off you already planned to hike with friends, work on your scrap-book, and cook a delicious dinner. You really don’t want to do this. Your body tenses up and pressure builds behind your eyes as you hear yourself say “Yes, I can work. Let me just change some of my plans and I will call the unit…” Yikes! Even reading this vignette I sense a knot in my throat and my breath quickens. How many times do we do things when we really don’t want to? How awful is this for our well-being? So what are some strategies we can implement that can shift these behaviors? Here are some tips that speak to those to get your started:
Value Me for Me
Instead of continuously trying to prove my value to my colleagues, I can look inside for my self-worth. I can create exercises that have me loving myself so I feel empowered to say “yes/no” when I desire. An easy way to begin is to write down three things you are grateful for about yourself at the end of each day. Realizing you embody unique gifts helps you to do less just so that others “recognize” you.
Forget about it
Instead of obsessing about what other people might be saying about me, I can just accept the fact that people will judge me. When I realize that I’m a beautiful being with gifts and talents, I release the worries of perceived judgments. It doesn’t matter what other people say. I free up space to say “no” if that’s what I want to do.
Pause and Reflect
Instead of rushing into a “yes”, I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. I can pause before immediately reacting in the way I usually do. I take a moment and answer with clarity. If I can help (and want to) - it is a “yes”. If I feel overburdened, I am relieved to clearly say “no.”
Let Go
Instead of rushing into a “yes,” I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. I take a moment and answer with clarity.
Instead of worrying about a “missed chance” I can relax in the trust that everything happens for a reason. If I have to pass this time, I am glad to know another opportunity will come my way. I don’t have to do it all. I have hope that my path in life reveals itself to me.
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equal opportunity employment journal
May 2013
Higher Pharmacy Technician Salaries
P
by JulMur99
harmacy technicians are getting an growing role inside pharmacies because the pharmacists they’re assisting are getting busy. They’re not substitute to licensed pharmacists but an extension of their hands. These technicians are frequently mistaken for the pharmacists simply because they share practically similar responsibilities. Due to this expanded role of the pharmacist and the shortages of pharmacists in some locations, pharmacies have come to rely on these technicians even more. The good thing about having more responsibilities is that their pharmacy technician salary will boost, too. These are the issues that somebody pursuing this career wants to know. Pharmacy technicians are supposed to be the extra pair of hands of pharmacists. They carry out various tasks, each administrative ones and various pharmacy-related responsibilities. Various State boards of pharmacy regulate the issues that the technicians are allowed to perform, so their actual responsibilities might differ by States. In the event you need convincing on why this really is a rewarding career, the pharmacy technician salary rate ought to convince you. If you are a pharmacy technician, you may have all the opportunities to succeed within your chosen profession but you do need to work tough and be qualified. Calls for tighter restrictions on who can perform as pharmacy technicians have been going
on for quite some time now. These calls collect more strength for each prescription error that makes it to national news. Errors can be minimized, at least, through correct coaching, which is why a formal training requirement is becoming asked. There should also be a registration or certification requirement to create certain only qualified ones are filling out prescriptions. Giving the technicians greater pharmacy technician salary rates wouldn’t hurt helping elevate the level of professionalism of these technicians. Providing greater salary will be the technicians’ incentive for getting these more stringent specifications in their employment. In other western countries, there’s a coaching requirement in place for pharmacy technicians. In the United States, this really is sadly not the case since the only requirement is actually a high school diploma. Fortunately, a certification is really a requirement in some States, but not all. It makes one wonder why this cannot be a requirement in all States that are employing pharmacy technicians. To make certain they are hiring capable technicians only, most employers prefer applicants with formal coaching. There is a growing appreciation for certification amongst employers, too. Securing ones’ certification is a great means of ensuring that the pharmacy technician salary he is receiving may be the very best possible one he can generate. The pharmacy technician salary rate is also
dependent on the type of coaching you have had, could it be formal training or not. If you will undertake a formal training, you need to go for an associate’s degree because this will result in even better salary rates from your prospective employer. Most technicians these days don’t cease at their formal coaching, as they continue on looking for their certification. Most employers wish to have certified pharmacy technicians operating for them, which is why they’ll supply higher salary to entice applicants. Pharmacy technicians have become vital members of the whole pharmacy teams. Sadly though, there are some pharmacy technicians that haven’t totally comprehended the importance of doing their tasks and responsibilities very properly. Concerned government agencies and groups must recognize that there really should be enough safety guidelines to make sure prescription errors are minimized. The technicians really should prove that they are deserving of their pharmacy technician salary by securing all the required specifications. On the portion of the employers, they need to hire only those that have completed all the requirements to be pharmacy technicians. With the quickly growing demand for pharmacy technicians, you are able to also anticipate a much better pharmacy technician salary within the future. Article provided by TextCafe.net
Dedicated. Compassionate. Caring.
Birmingham VA Medical Center 700 South 19th Street Birmingham, AL 35233
At the Birmingham VA Medical Center,
We Strive to Recruit only the Best Talent!!!!!
The Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (BVAMC) is an integral part of the Medical community that provides acute, tertiary, medical, and surgical care to Veterans of Alabama. You may view our announcements online and receive application materials at the following websites. Please ensure you read the entire vacancy announcements to include all required documents for proper consideration.
http://www.vacareers.va.gov • http://www.usajobs.gov These sites will acquaint you with the career path within the Birmingham VA Medical Center that most closely matches your expertise and ambitions. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
North Florida Regional Medical Center is a special place. Expert providers work with state-of-the-art technology to deliver award-winning quality care in 14 counties throughout North Central Florida. We are growing. Having just finished a $35 million expansion, our $62 million expansion is underway. We are Gainesville’s only community hospital, and our staff truly care for their patients and each other. We invite you to learn more about us. Find out why you should join us in saying . We continuously look for ways to further develop our professionals through:
Current RN Openings:
• Our Clinical Ladder Program
• Med/Surg
• Case Managers
• Oncology
• Cath Lab
• Cardiac Telemetry
• Wound/Ostomy
• Critical Care
• Senior Healthcare Clinic
• Labor & Delivery
• Nursing Director
• OR & PACU
• Ortho/Neuro
• Specialty Training & Certifications • Preceptors & Mentors • Leadership Development • Facility Certificate & Recognition
Sign-on & Relocation Bonuses Available Apply Today www.NFRMC.com/careers NFRMC is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/V/D Tobacco-Free Campus.
May 2013
equal opportunity employment journal
Page 29
2013 Job Forecast for Nurses by Lynda Lampert
Y
ou’re the kind of person who’s in the right place at the right time. No, I mean it. Look at yourself. You’re a nurse when it’s a great time to be a nurse. Plus, you’re obviously thinking about your future (You’re reading this article, right?). You want to know where you need to be in 2013 in order to make the most money –– and be in the most demand. I’ve pulled together the numbers to help you plan your next steps (and determine where your competition lies). These stats from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) may surprise you with some interesting projections.
Where the Jobs Are
If you love med-surg, get ready for some good news. According to the BLS, nurses can expect to find a variety of employment opportunities in privately owned, general medical surgical hospitals. This includes physician’s offices, local medical surgical hospitals, home health care agencies and nursing care homes. Job seeking nurses may also want to consider government agencies, nursing education and administrative roles in hospitals and insurance companies.
“Statistics show that growth for the nursing profession is expected to increase exponentially by the year 2020.” Salary Forecast
Although it may not seem like it sometimes, nursing is among the higher paid professions. In May 2010, the average annual median salary for nurses was $64,690 per year (the top 10 percent earned more than $95,130). So how will your salary stack up in the near distant future? Nurses in private medical surgical hospitals can expect to earn $66,650 per year. Those who work in doctor’s offices, local medical surgical hospitals and home health agencies can all expect a salary just above $60,000.
Where the Competion Will Be
Although anecdotal evidence in the nursing community doesn’t necessarily point to a nursing shortage, statistics show that growth for the nursing profession is expected to increase exponentially by the year 2020. In fact, growth is projected to increase by 26 percent, while all other professions are only expected to grow by 14 percent. That isn’t to say that some venues aren’t more competitive than others. Hospital nursing is a good place to find a job due to the relatively high turnover of nurses and the progressive aging of retirement-eligible nurses. The competition is expected to be much higher for positions in doctor’s offices and outpatient care centers as well due to the family-friendly shifts and relatively lower patient care demands.
All advanced practice registered nurses, such as certified registered nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists are expected to be in higher demand.
Should You Beef Up Your Credentials?
The demand for nurses with at least a BSN is expected to rise in the US. Additionally, all advanced practice registered nurses, such as certified registered nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists are expected to be in higher demand. If you’re looking for the hot jobs in this profession, you would do well to advance your education as far as possible. Lynda Lampert is a registered nurse and a certified third shift worker and writes aricles for Srubsmag.com where this article was first published, November 6, 2012. Visit www.Scrubsmag.com for more articles like this.
Together, we are improving lives.
What’s the pay-off from a diverse workforce? At Durham Regional Hospital, we believe it’s an infusion of energy and ideas that come together to create the best possible environment. It also reflects the multicultural nature of our region, and helps us to serve each patient more effectively.
McLean Hospital, a leader in the evaluation and treatment of patients with mental and addiction illnesses is now hiring in all areas. As the largest psychiatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, McLean provides an array of specialized mental health and substance abuse services.
View job openings and apply online at
www.mcleanhospital.org Equal Opportunity Employer
U.S. News & World Report ranked McLean Hospital first among all freestanding psychiatric hospitals. McLean Hospital is the largest psychiatric affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a member of Partners HealthCare.
If you would enjoy working in a dynamic and diverse setting, then explore our excellent nursing and allied healthcare opportunities at: www.durhamregional.org. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
© 2007 NAS (Media: delete copyright notice)
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equal opportunity employment journal
May 2013
Emotional Intelligence in Nursing
S
by Dr. Val Gokenbach
uccess in the world, whether it is at work in a professional environment or personally, depends on our behaviors, especially those that affect the feelings of other people. Unfortunately, many people cannot see, or refuse to admit that their behavior contributes to relational problems that they have. I am sure that you have worked with individuals like this. What they lack is the competency knows as emotional intelligence. Conversely, those individuals that get along well in relationships have a high degree of emotional intelligence.
Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a corporate culture which promotes integrity as a fundamental basis for all decisions by its employees and those with whom the company deals. To find out about employee opportunities, please visit:
www.brookeglenhospital.com Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital 7170 Lafayette Avenue • Fort Washington, PA 19034
People come from
ALL OVER THE WORLD to study here, to practice here, and to be treated here.
It’s a big responsibility. One we’ve carried for almost 200 years. Can you live up to it? For more than 175 years, Jefferson has defined quality in medicine. Throughout our system, our employees are the best in their fields — people who have helped us gain national and international renown for our work.
Careers here are more than sought-after. They are life-defining. Apply online and learn more about all you can achieve.
www.jeffersonhr.org As an employer, Jefferson maintains a commitment to provide equal access to employment. All present and future employees at Jefferson can be assured that they will not be judged on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age disability or veteran’s status, but by their individual performances.
ligent person realizes that they are looking through their own set of lenses and that they may have something to do with the situation. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Once you understand the concept of three sides to each story, it is important to give others the benefit of the doubt. Even in the same situation, all of us will react differently based on our value systems, experiences and personal emotions. Do not make assumptions for what was done or why people behaved the way they did. We are all different and cannot project our own personal feelings or logic How emotionally on the behaviors of others. competent are you? Think before you speak. Thumper in There is science that supports the concept Bambi said “if you don’t have nothing nice of emotional intelligence which begins to say, don’t say nothing at all.” Oftentimes with the study of the anatomy of the human brain. Daniel Goleman in his book Primal if we do not think before we speak, things Leadership describes the root of all behav- that are said can be damaging and hurtful iors as physiologic responses to human to others. The emotionally intelligent peremotions evoked through interactions with son will not hurt others and will manage others. The limbic system in the brain is an their words well. Respect others at all times. Respect in open loop system which receives transmisthe workplace can mean many things such sions secondary to personal interaction or as the support of co-workers, being part of thought processes that can alter hormone practice here, and to be treated here. levels,toaffect cardiovascular function, dis- the team and refraining from gossip, esperupt sleep rhythm and reduce the response cially damaging gossip. Those individuals of the immune system. In other words, that start or partake in destructive goshuman emotions are the most powerful sip lack personal integrity and are generally motivator of our behavior, personal feel- not respected by others. You cannot help but wonder what is being said about you by ings and bodily functions. Remember a time when you were angry the person who enjoys gossiping. Perhaps or humiliated or frightened and how did they gossip because information is power that make you feel? Just as powerful as the and gossip makes them feel important. If effects of others on your emotions, are the people are gossiping, simply walk away. Do not take anything personally. What effects of your behaviors on the emotions people think about you is their own reality of others. Those individuals who evoke and not a reflection on you. Although it is positive emotions in others are emotionally intelligent. Daniel Goleman describes hard at times, stay firm in your self-confitwo important components of the emo- dence and do the best you can to ignore the tionally intelligent individual. The first reality of others. Find good in all people. Whenever faced is that of self-awareness translated as the with a difficult relational situation, it helps ability to read your own emotions, know your strengths and opportunities and emit to try to find something good in them a self-confidence, and positive self-image. whether it is the fact that they are a good AfterNumber: the understanding of JD self, the second parent, student, competent nurse or philanJob 160018.1 component is that of effective self-man- thropist. Stay away from negative percepClient: agement. This Jefferson includes- Allied socialHealth awareness tions and focus on the positive. Publication: Eoe Journal Be an optimist. Lastly, stay optimisof behaviors and ability to positively Size: 3.8”the x 5.25” Artist: vu manage relationships. The reality is that tic and attempt to look at the bright side. Ad Delivery: email all of us throughout our lives is going to Coming from a positive state of mind Insertion Date(s): 2/28/10 find ourselves inbwuncomfortable situations. begins to channel a positive outcome. Color: The first step to becoming emotionally It is Address: how we understand our own personal Email graphics@eoejournal.com intelligent is first of all to understand the Confirmation: vu we relate to others that behaviors and how This material is developed by, and is the property of Alstin Advertising, Inc. and is to be used concepts as well as make a conscious deciwill makewith management difficult situaonly in conjunction services rendered by Alstin of Advertising, Inc. and its agents. It is not to sion to begin the process to improve this be copied, reproduced, published, exhibited or otherwise used without the express written consent of tions effective. Alstin Advertising, Inc. ©2006 Alstin Advertising, Inc. competency. Life is all about growth and Color depicted is for presentation purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the So what final product. Every effortdo and care emotionally has been made to simulate the colors of the finished product. self-exploration. At times it is painful but See first page of Insertion Order for actual size and insertion date. intelligent people do? it is the road to improving ourselves and In every situation there are three sides to becoming good people. every story: your side, the other person’s side and what really happened. We all see Dr. Val Gokenbach has a true passion for leadership things the way we want to see them and and has been in administrative healthcare positions for everyone’s personal perception in their over thirty years. Article first published at www.nursetogether.com own mind is correct. The emotionally intel-
May 2013
equal opportunity employment journal
Do You Know What “Success” Means for You?
I
by Ali Luke
t’s a pretty good bet that you want to succeed in life – whether that’s at work, in your relationships, with your hobbies, or in any other domain. But how will you know when you get there? Have you thought about what success really means to you? It might seem like a silly question. Perhaps you think success is obvious like making a good salary, being healthy, and having a happy family life. But what exactly is a “good salary”? Depending on where you live in the world, and depending on what sort of lifestyle you want, a “good salary” could mean almost anything. What I consider to be “good” might seem like peanuts – or wild extravagance – to you. Unless you’re clear on exactly what a “good salary” means to you, it’s going to be hard for you to be satisfied. And the same goes for other areas, like your health and your family life. Sure, you can’t put a figure on those – but you can write down a detailed description of what success will look like in those areas.
Don’t Just Follow the Crowd
Society and the media tend to portray a shallow, one-dimensional idea of success. It looks something like this: a fast car, a big house, expensive vacations, fancy food and pricy wine, a beautiful partner, flawless skin Is that really what your own version of success looks like? Personally, I’ve got no interest in fast cars, and one of my favorite vacation activities is to go walking in the countryside with my husband – hardly expensive. You might feel the same: perhaps you’d much rather be healthy and strong than have flawless skin, or you’re really a beer-and-chips kinda
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guy/gal, and you don’t even like pricy wine. Don’t let peer pressure or the media warp your vision of success. Decide what you want from life, and go after that. Stay true to your values and your dreams.
Define Success Step by Step
Thinking about success in the context of your whole life can be pretty overwhelming. Instead, you might want to break it down a bit. What would a successful year look like? (What projects do you want to complete? What experiences do you want to have?) How will you know when you’ve succeeded with a specific project? What’s your goal? Make it measureable, if possible. Where in your life have you already been successful, by your own standards? How can you build on that success, little by little? Even if you’ve already set yourself some goals, you might want to take another look at them, and come up with a definition of success. Let’s say you’ve set a goal of “write a book” in the next two years. That could mean: • Write the first draft of a book • Complete a book to publishable standard • Get the book published • Self-publish the book At what stage can you say you’ve successfully completed your goal? There’s no right answer here: you need to decide for yourself.
Keep a Success Journal
Perhaps, to you, success isn’t about making lots of money or living in a big house. It might simply be about enjoying life more. That’s obviously a tough thing to measure. What you can do, though, is keep a record of how you’re feeling at different times. For instance, you might write in a journal once or twice a week and note how happy you are, paying particular attention to anything you’ve done that’s helped. When you regularly reflect on how you’re getting on, you’ll see your life from a broader perspective. This helps you make changes – if you need to – or encourages you to stick with what’s going well. And as time goes by, you can flick back in your journal to see how far you’ve come. So, what might success look like in your life, or in a particular project that you’ve got on the go? Take a few minutes to think about that today – and share your thoughts with us. Article provided by www.DumbLittleMan.com
San Francisco VA Medical Center
At SFVAMC, we strive to hire only the best!
4150 Clement Street San Francisco, CA 94121
Working with and for America’s veterans is a privilege, and we pride ourselves on the quality of care we provide. If you have what it takes, please consider applying for one of our available positions. You may view our announcements online and receive application materials by visiting the websites at www.usajobs.opm.gov or www.vacareers.va.gov or call job hotline 415-750-2107.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
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equal opportunity employment journal
May 2013
Seven Jobs in Health Care That Require Moderate Training by Anthony Balderrama
3. Medical transcriptionists
What they do: Transcribe audio recordings made by doctors and other medical staff. The recordings are often of medical reports or notes that need to be formally documented. Training: Transcriptionists can obtain certification, which helps employment opportunities. Depending on the employer, adequate coursework or an associate degree in a relevant field can qualify you for a job. Salary: $31,250
4. Pharmacy technicians
No
What they do: Perform administrative tasks in pharmacies and assist pharmacists preparing medication for patients. Training: No nationwide regulations for a pharmacy technician’s education exist, so each state has its own guidelines. Certification and formal training are definitely positives for job seekers, but expect plenty of on-the-job training as well. Salary: $26,720
job is guaranteed to last forever, but certain industries offer more hope for longevity, an especially attractive quality 5. Medical secretaries these days. Thehealth-care industry employed 14 million What they do: Work with physicians and scientists to write articles, workers in 2006, making it the largest sector in the nation, according to speeches, presentations and reports. the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Its outlook is promising, with the potential Training: Requirements vary, but all secretaries should have a strong to add 3 million new jobs between 2006 and 2016. Many jobs in health command of grammar and possess excellent communication skills. care require an extensive education that combines formal schooling with Knowledge of medical terminology, procedures and insurance pracon-the-job training. Naturally, you want surgeons to have several years of tices also helps. practice before they begin operating on patients. You might be surprised Salary: $28,950 to learn how many jobs—none of which allow you to perform a transplant, thankfully—you can find in health care with a moderate amount of 6. Medical records and health information technicians formal training. What they do: Ensure that patient records are complete and accurate. Here are seven jobs in health care that offer plenty of on-the-job training They review medical charts and other documents that need to be on or require less than a bachelor’s degree. Not only do these jobs allow you file regarding the patient’s medical history. to work in a thriving field, but you also have the satisfaction of helping someone’s well-being. Training: An associate degree is standard, although relevant health care experience or status as a Registered Health Information 1. Physical therapists aides Technician improves job opportunities. What they do: Prepare the physical therapy site for a patient’s treatSalary: $29,290 ment and assist with other duties that a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant requests. 7. Personal and home care aides Training: On-site training is typical, though related education is helpful. What they do: Help patients live comfortably in their own homes or Salary: $22,990 in a live-in facility that is not a hospital or institution. Their patients can range from elderly individuals to people with disabilities. 2. Clinical laboratory technicians Training: On-the-job training is standard, although some states and What they do: Perform various tasks -- ranging from collecting blood samples to preparing tissue samples -- in a clinical lab. employers require further education, which you can obtain from a Training: An associate degree or certification is preferred by most vocational school or community college. employers, but expect plenty of on-the-job training as well. Salary: $18,480 Salary: $34,270 Content copyright AOL, Inc. Reprinted with permission.
May 2013
equal opportunity employment journal
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Physical Therapist Jobs in Travel Therapy Gain as Career Choice
R
ated one of the best jobs in 2012 by U.S. News & World Report, more physical and occupational therapists are turning to travel therapy jobs to enhance career opportunities, say recruiters at Travel Force. Demand for physical therapist careers is projected to increase 39 percent by 2020, adding 77,000 more positions to therapy job rolls, reports the Labor Bureau. With an unprecedented number of baby boomers facing retirement in coming years, physical and occupational therapists are finding work in all four corners of the country. The top ten percent earn more than $100,000 a year and work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient physician practices. Though physical therapy jobs in travel continue to grow in popularity year-over-year, career consultants at Travel Force have noticed an emerging trend: more requests from mid-career professionals in search of diversifying their experience with disparate patient populations. “Whereas at one time many therapists used to sign up for short-term travel therapy jobsbecause they wanted to visit family, friends or just see the country – which is still the case, more now are looking at physical therapist travel in terms of professional development,” said Beth Beam, Regional Manager of Business Development for Travel Force. Beam said not only will a doctorate degree soon
be required to enter the physical therapy profession, sensitivities and techniques involved in treating patients from different cultures and backgrounds is paramount as millions more gain access to healthcare through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With U.S. News reporting the highest paid therapy jobs in Texas and California - and with Florida, Arizona, New York and New Jersey close behind, said Beam, the time is right for practitioners to get experience working with diverse patient populations as healthcare reform enters into law. The ACA includes numerous provisions explicitly intended to reduce health disparities based on ethnicity and race. “High salaries will go to top educated therapists and ones who can communicate effectively with all types of patients. Practitioners raised and educated in the U.S. now need to think in terms of treating naturalized citizens from India, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America as part of their duty as a practicing therapist,” Beam said, adding that those who speak two and three languages are increasingly marketable
and an asset to urban healthcare providers. For those considering a physical therapist career in travel, Travel Force Staffing experts suggest practitioners consider personal and professional needs, talk to travel therapists currently on assignment and find a reliable, experienced recruiter to learn about Physical Therapist Career options and a direct approach to marketing skills and qualifications. “There are many reasons therapists choose to travel. Some want to save money by taking advantage of housing subsidies and health insurance benefits, while still others look to expand professional horizons, augment their work experience and look at career marketability as an ongoing process,” Beam said. Article provided by www.TravelForce.com Physical Therapy Jobs staffing agency Travel Force Staffing supplies hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health and outpatient rehabilitation centers in all 50 states with physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and other allied health practitioners. With more than 25 years of healthcare staffing expertise, Travel Force specializes in concierge service and support and promotes the use of green technologies in the procurement and onboarding of allied health professionals.
54389 VA NJ EDE Journal 1/4 pg 4.90” x 6.65” 3.11.13
At VA New Jersey Health Care System, we strive to hire only the best! Working with and for America’s veterans is a privilege and we pride ourselves on the quality of care we provide. If you have what it takes, please consider applying for one of our available positions. For career opportunities at our East Orange or Lyons campuses, or at one of our Community Based Outpatient Clinics, please visit www.USAJobs.gov. To learn more about us, visit www.newjersey.va.gov. VA New Jersey Health Care System cultivates an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of our global community. We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, parental status, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, or political affiliation.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Adena Health System is always looking for highly motivated, success seeking individuals to join and enhance the organization that already encompasses over 2800+ of Ohio’s finest physicians, employees and volunteers. We are a growing and progressive organization that offers highly competitive compensation as well as a wide range of employee benefits. A listing of available positions can be found on our website at:
www.adena.org
Adena Health System is an equal opportunity employer. We employ the persons best qualified for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age (40 and over), veteran status, the presence of a disability or any other legally protected status.
272 Hospital Road • Chillicothe, OH 45601
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equal opportunity employment journal
May 2013
Examples of What a Cover Letter “Hook” Might Encompass
H
ave you heard of a hook? Individuals who write professionally (e.g., writers for press releases and sales letters) will be the first to tell you that your material needs a hook. The complicated part of the process is that no one can tell you what the hook should be because it’s different for each jobseeker. A hook is something that draws readers in from the start, and entices them to continue reading. Since every cover letter will require a different hook, researching businesses will definitely be very advantageous for you. Your ultimate goal is to input uniqueness into each of your cover letters that others will overlook, or not spend the time to address.
Mention specifics about the company recently announced in the media
Do you keep up on current company events? If you’re not reading the local newspaper at least twice a week, you’re missing critical information that can make a huge impact on your job search. Press releases and articles are continuously written on company happenings; and without knowing this information, you’re somewhat being left in the dark.
Get into the habit of reading about what’s going on with businesses that would make ideal employers.
Ethica is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethica is committed to non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of employment and is a Drug Free Workplace.
Vision Driven And Values Based Long Term Care Consulting Organization 1005 Boulder Drive • Gray, GA 31032
www.ethicahealth.org
In addition to reading newspapers, subscribe to a business journal. Nearly every city possesses a business publication, so visit your local library to review a copy. Business journals offer a niche over local newspapers because these publications cover the happenings of local businesses. Topics of interest typically include mergers, new contracts, expansions, and so on. What great “food” to “feed” your cover letter! A sample sentence for your cover letter might resemble: “Restructuring is a necessary part of doing business, in my opinion. Countless companies over recent years have had to audit and appropriately reshape their existing operation. Thankfully, KSZX-TV did a great job of positively speaking about your upcoming changes. Your story piqued my interest, since I’m a consultant for businesses going through change, which requires the realignment of staff, adjusting inventory levels, and streamlining internal procedures.” Other ideas could derive from commercials (e.g., company sponsoring an upcoming charitable function), a documentary on the owner or his/her invention, or about a comThe Greater Hazleton Health Alliance is committed to serving our community by attracting dedicated, talented people who want to make a difference in the healthcare of their community. As an Alliance employee, you’ll join a highly experienced and committed staff, and work with the latest technological healthcare innovations. We’re looking for professionals who share our mission of providing the highest standards of localized health care and expanded services. Our staff works in a challenging environment alongside colleagues who share the same standard of care for all who come to us for their health care needs. We encourage professional growth and skill development. Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and excellent benefit programs. We invite you to investigate the opportunities at GHHA as we work together for a better future. To find out more information about our career opportunities please visit our website at www.ghha.org or apply to our Human Resources Department at: 700 East Broad Street, Hazleton, PA 18201. The Greater Hazleton Health Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
At Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, you have all the challenge and growth you need in order to drive your career. Explore diverse areas of healthcare and find rewarding career advancement opportunities at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. 420 34th Street — Bakersfield, CA 93301 Equal Opportunity Employer
www.bakersfieldmemorial.org
changing lives... every day. Any job can provide you with a paycheck and benefits, but a job with Hillcrest HealthCare System will give you so much more. Your expertise, skills and knowledge will play an active and important role in providing high quality healthcare to an extensive patient base. And in doing so, you will gain the satisfaction that comes with helping people improve their health and their lives. At Hillcrest, we are changing lives, and we’d like you to join us.
Hillcrest.jobs
May 2013
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munity/networking event. For example, mentioning, “Mr. Franks, I heard your logistics manager speak at a conference last fall. With my recent employer, I’ve successfully implemented many of the suggestions that Mr. Franks outlined in his seminar, such as realigning our just-in-time delivery system and retraining our staff. I was able to save our company an estimated $1.2M within just 6 months. Do you have some time so we can get together to discuss the logistics training position currently open with your company? Inspired by Mr. Franks, I am now a certified instructor on manufacturing, inventory, and procurement.”
how you will apply it to help your target employer remain competitive … and maybe pummel their competitor into the ground. =] The company may be trying to catch up to integrate the new technology, so your letter could arrive at a pivotal time for them and you.
on items that interest you, and can be referenced later. Maintain a folder of clippings so you don’t go crazy searching through countless magazines or newspapers for that perfect mentionable. Increase your return by writing letters that focus only on an array of quality positions — avoid blasting a cover letter to “anything and everything.”
Written by Teena Rose, ResumeToReferral.com; The following was excerpted from “Designing a Cover Letter to ‘Wow’ Hiring Personnel” The book includes 100+ cover letter examples.
Provide details about product lines, and how you plan to expand market share
Certainly individuals who have a direct impact on a company’s market share — business development professionals, account executives, marketers, inside/outside sales teams, and customer service representatives — will probably find this suggestion the Congratulations on a new Publications can offer insight into your most fruitful. Don’t feel you’re restricted contract or expansion plan target industry, help you stay abreast of exclusively to market share, of course Everyone likes a pat on the back, including prospering and excelling comnew technologies, and enable you to splash you can cultivate and culminate specifics about product lines, present markets panies. Weaving a sentence or two into uniqueness into the content of your letter. and territories, and take that information an introductory cover letter with congrats and determine how to favorably impact of a recent announcement can provide a the company’s bottom line. Remember, nice point of interest to encourage the hiring rep to continue reading your letter, and subsequently call you for it’s about demonstrating to the hiring company that you have a vested interest in their financial success. an interview. The best way to learn about products, internal challenges, and untapped A sample sentence might resemble: “Reading Construction Management Essential yesterday, I learned your business will undergo a 345,000 square territories (among others), in my opinion, is by befriending a person on foot expansion over the next six months. That’s fantastic! The Indianapolis the inside. For a full arsenal of information about the company, find an ally willing to answer your questions and one who will educate you with area needs strong —and growing— businesses like yours.” specifics. Don’t feel that you’re seeking a modern-day Benedict Arnold, Highlight a recent article in a trade because much of the information you’re seeking goes home every day or industry publication Publications can offer insight into your target industry, help you stay with the company’s employees. Since you’re not tapped into that conabreast of new technologies, and enable you to splash uniqueness into the tinuous information stream, expand your network to include someone content of your letter. Noting specifics from a recent industry publication who is. Consider leveraging new networking tools, such as Twitter and can offer “freshness” to the body of any cover letter. Remember, noting particulars that your competitors oftentimes overlook is key to setting you LinkedIn. Attending networking events that cater to your industry (or and your letter apart. In fact, get into the habit of clipping articles from target industry) can also offer a much-needed platform for talking with magazines, printing columns from e-newsletters, and jotting notations to individuals about a particular company. Your primary goal is to be given use later when you’re knee-deep in your job search. Center your attention the information to penetrate the company for use to benefit the company.
Comment on a recent management change
While reading a newspaper or magazine, take special interest in a company’s upcoming or recent changes in management. One facet that is constant about business is employee turnover. Noting a recent management change tells readers that you are attentive to changes with the company. It may not catapult you onto the company’s payroll, but will offer a unique content slant to your cover letter. If you’re extremely fortunate, the recent management change involves someone you’ve worked with in the past — and have a good history with! Listing the person’s name within your letter, along with noting specifics about that person’s management style or by including a compliment about this person, can serve as “eye candy” for anyone skimming your letter. Listing the name strategically within the starting sentence, or prominently at the beginning of a paragraph, can get your letter the attention it deserves. In addition to beefing up your letter, clip the article from the newspaper, have it laminated, and include it in the envelope with your cover letter and resume. Laminating anything might sound like an odd suggestion, but it’s a unique action that is sure to draw attention. Individuals who track their public relations activities would enjoy a laminated copy of the article. The gesture is minute, but can make a huge difference.
Outline a competitor’s actions
Much as you think about jobseekers vying for your perfect job, businesses eye the competition too. Mentioning specifics about a business’s competitor can unquestionably grab attention. There are a number of ways to learn about companies, such as through the media, from news stories and corporate communications to trade publications and newspapers. Imagine mentioning the competitor’s name within your letter. If you were on the hiring end of the process, would that catch your eye? Spin the information into a positive for you. Let’s say the competitor is working with a new technology. Your response could be to outline your experience with the new tool/method, the depth of your skill level, and
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www.reno.va.gov/careers VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System
975 Kirman Avenue • Reno, NV 89502 • 775-829-5630 • EOE
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equal opportunity employment journal
May 2013
How to Keep Your Business Writing Clear & Up To Date by Mary Ann Gauthier
M
ost of us are busier than ever these days. We don’t have time to decipher the memos, e-mails, and other business messages we receive. We need to understand them the first time we read them. And we need to write them clearly so that our audience isn’t forced to labor over their meaning. Years ago, old fashioned business messages were often filled with redundancies and stilted wording, for example, “Upon procurement of the supplies, your request will be scrutinized and taken under consideration in a timely fashion.” Today, the most effective business messages are clear, concise, and easy to comprehend. We write pretty much the way we speak, in Plain English, which most eighth and ninth graders can readily understand. Here are eight things you can do to keep your business writing clear and up to date: Use every day words you and your audience understand. You need to impress your audience with clarity, not with words they have to look up in the dictionary. Write “old,” rather than “anti-
quated”; “certain,” rather than “unequivocal,”; “read,” rather than “peruse.” Omit, tighten or trim old-fashioned phrases. Rather than writing, “This is to inform you,” simply write your message. Use “because,” rather than “owing to the fact that”; write “I’ve just learned,” rather than, “It has come to my attention.” Write the way you speak with the appropriate level of formality. Use a conversational but professional tone. Obviously, you wouldn’t write the too familiar, “Hey Dude, How’s it goin’?” as a greeting for a business e-mail. You might write the words, “Hi Chris,” “Hello Jane,” or “Dear Mr. Johnson,” depending on how well you know the recipient. As you compose the rest of your message, ask yourself if you would use the words you’re writing when you’re speaking to someone in polite conversation. Avoid the passive voice--most of the time. The passive voice is indirect, wordy, and awkward. “The report was worked on by the team,” is written in the passive voice. Why not write, “The team worked on the report”? It’s stronger
8383 N. Davis Highway Pensacola, FL 32514 We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
For employment opportunities, please visit our website at
westfloridahospital.com
and to the point. A few words of caution--You might also use the passive voice when you want to be diplomatic and nonaccusatory: “The fax machine is broken,” rather than, “You broke the fax machine.” Write concise sentences and paragraphs, but don’t overdo it. A string of short sentences may sound choppy, and paragraphs that are too short may lack substance. Keep your audience in mind as you write only the words you need to make your meaning clear and focused. Sprinkle in transitions, such as “therefore,” “also,” and “however,” to make your sentences flow smoothly. Don’t use clichés. Clichés tell your audience that you didn’t make the effort to express yourself in your own unique way. Furthermore, if you’re writing for an international audience, clichés such as, “call the shots,” or “fall through the cracks,” may be meaningless. Use jargon with care, only when it’s appropriate for your audience. Jargon is language used by members of a profession or followers of a hobby. “Brasstacks,” “gravy plane,” and “TPN” are examples of jargon used in the finance,av iation, and nursing profesOpportunities for All sions, respectively. Jargon is The University of Connecticut Health Center is a leading like shop talk, so be sure to healthcare, educational, and research facility. UCHC is a major limit its use to the specific employer in the State of Connecticut with over 5,000 employees. We are an equal opportunity employer with a strong group you’re addressing. commitment to diversity. We provide: Always proofread your • Outstanding Benefits • Competitive Salaries messages. It’s tempting to • Upward Mobilit y • Excellent Training press “send” on an e-mail without looking it over. Check all your messages for correct grammar and proper punctuation. Even a forgotten comma can cause confusion: “After typing the secretary went home.” Did someone type the secretary? Or did the secretary go home after she finished typing? Your audience shouldn’t have to ask either question. Writing clearly in up-todate language saves time Department of Human Resources and money and can pre16 Munson Road • Farmington, CT 06034-4035 vent misunderstandings. It 860.679.2426 shows respect for your audiFor a complete listing of all open jobs and to apply online ence and builds good will. www.uchc.edu Implement the above guidelines, and your colleagues will look forward to your business messages. You’ll also enjoy a competitive edge in the workforce. KNOW BETTER CARE Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer
Article provided by www. DumbLittleMan.com
May 2013
equal opportunity employment journal
The Job Seeker’s Dilemma: Is it time to change career direction?
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Crawford Central School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap. Visit www.craw.org to view current openings and application procedures.
T
oday’s job market is tough. Millions of people are looking for jobs for the first time in years. They’re looking for jobs that don’t seem to exist. Recruiters don’t return phone calls. Job seekers are fed up and frustrated. They wonder if all the effort is ever going to pay off and if it’s time to change careers. You might be wondering the same thing. But, it seems so risky in this economy. If you are experiencing these feelings, it might be time for a career change: • You’ve always been interested in other career areas but went with the “safe” route • You don’t enjoy your work anymore and you wonder what other options are out there • You feel stuck and stagnant • You are finding fewer and fewer jobs available in your industry • You’re over-qualified for the jobs that are available in your industry • You feel the effort to get a new job in your industry is more than you want to undertake How do you know if now is a good time to change career direction? The reality is that job loss and job creation are natural components of the world of work. It happens all the time to varying degrees. So there probably isn’t one perfect time to change jobs or careers. The decision depends a lot on your personal situation. Before launching a job search or career change, though, there are several important steps to take which I also outline in my career guide and audio program, Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love.
Gaining Personal Insight
Before you change careers, you need to figure out what you want. By assessing your current situation you can determine what you need in your career to be satisfied. Analyze your values, skills, personality characteristics, interests, and lifestyle preferences. It’s also useful to take inventory of your financial situation, especially if the career you’re considering might require additional education and training or relocation.
Getting a Reality Check
A critical mistake in making a career change is making the leap without getting enough career information. By exploring career possibilities you’ll be able to identify options that are best suited to your personal attributes and preferences. There are online and print resources you can use to learn about job outlooks and industry trends. The people in your network can also be great sources for information about trends and opportunities in various career fields. In addition, they can make introductions and give you referrals.
Charting Your Career Path
After you’ve done some self-assessment to learn what you want in a career and done career research to generate options, you have to make a decision about next steps. Your transition and job search plans will guide you to successfully getting the job you want and expanding your professional network. You’ll also need to update your resume, cover letter, and other support materials and fine-tune your interviewing and networking skills. People change jobs or careers in search of greater satisfaction. By following the steps outlined above, you will increase your chances for finding a career that better suits your personal goals and uses your talents in meaningful ways. To learn more about the “Fast Track Your Career” Process, download the free audio program here: http://tinyurl.com/lh7bps If you’re thinking about a career change, purchase the The Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love career guide and audio program today. You will go through a step-by-step exploration and planning process by completing several exercises, so you can get clear about your career direction. Special thanks to Andrea Delgado for contributing to this article. For more than 10 years, Andrea, was a program manager at an international development organization during which time she held multiple positions involving program and grant management and administrative support. Andrea has been networking to find employment opportunities and has considered a career change into the private sector. Her dream job would take her into the international financial arena analyzing economic policy and regulations. Andrea has her M.A. degree in International Political Economy and Development from Fordham University; a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Politics & Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts at Boston and a B.A degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Markell R. Steele, Career Counselor and founder of Futures in Motion, Inc., is a national certified counselor, distance credentialed counselor, speaker, and author of Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love.“I help frustrated job seekers find career direction, so they can get the job they want in less time with less stress.” Follow Markell on twitter to get daily job search and career transition tips http://twitter.com/futuresinmotion. Find more career and job search articles at http://www.futures-in-motion.com/article_archive.php.
11280 Mercer Pike Meadville, PA 16335 Job Line: 814.337.4501 Fax: 814.333.9795
1801 East Lincoln Hwy. New Lenox, IL 60451 We are an Equal Opportunity Employer
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 is committed to providing the experiences and opportunities necessary to maximize the academic and social growth of all students. For employment information please visit our website at: www.lw210.org The Washington Parish School System does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, handicap, or national origin.
To learn more about our employment opportunities and application procedures, visit us online at www.wpsb.org or fax your resume to 985-839-5464.
PO Box 587 | Franklinton, Louisiana 70438 Phone: 985-839-3436 126 South 5th Street • PO Box 10000 • Montrose, CO 81402
For updated job postings and applications, please visit our website at www.mcsd.org. This school district subscribes to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, sex, religion, national background, age, marital status, and handicaps.
3214 EAST RACE AVENUE SEARCY, AR 72143 We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
At White County Medical Center, we offer a number of job opportunities in medical, surgical, and specialty clinical fields as well as business and administrative areas. We offer competitive wages and an extensive benefit package. For job opportunities, please visit us online at www.wcmc.org.
We will retain the foundation of our family oriented, friendly, small town atmosphere. We will support a positive, diverse growth environment that maintains and enriches the quality of life for everyone.
Visit www.tollesonaz.org for exciting employment opportunities. 9555 West Van Buren Street • Tolleson, AZ 85353 Equal Opportunity Employer
equal opportunity employment journal
16th Judicial Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri 415 East 12th Street, 10th Floor Kansas City, MO 64106 Visit our website at
www.16thcircuit.org We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
We are the fourth largest independent community bank. For more information visit our website at: www.palmettobank.com
We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
301 Hillcrest Drive • Laurens, SC 29360 We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
Chattanooga, TN • Kingsport, TN Knoxville, TN • Memphis, TN Nashville, TN • Tupelo, MS Visit our website for information and current job opportunities:
www.powerequipco.com
Marten Transport, Ltd., with headquarters in Mondovi, Wisconsin, strives to be the premium supplier of time and temperature-sensitive transportation services to customers nationwide with more than 65 years experience in transportation. Marten serves customers with more demanding delivery deadlines, as well as those who ship products requiring modern temperature controlled trailers to protect goods.
At Marten Transport, Ltd. we believe our people are an important asset. We go to great lengths to enable individuals to gain the skills they need to develop to their fullest potential. Learn more about our open positions at www.marten.com. We are an equal opportunity employer. 129 Marten Street • Mondovi, WI 54755
Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers are always looking for professional, compassionate caregivers. We embrace a diverse workforce and we understand that hiring outstanding people is the key to quality care. Learn more about us at www.parkplacehealthcare.com or apply in person at 1500 32nd Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405. We are an equal opportunity employer.
www.eoejournal.com
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2005 Technology Way • San Marcos, TX 78666 United Technologies Corporation is An Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer
UTC Aerospace Systems is one of the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products. We design, manufacture and service systems and components and provide integrated solutions for commercial, regional, business and military aircraft, helicopters and other platforms. To learn more about us and for current employment opportunities, please visit us online.
www.utcaerospacesystems.com
Benefis Health System is Montana’s premier health system and the largest health care community in the state. Please visit www.benefis.org for more information. Benefis Health System 1101 26th Street South Great Falls, MT 59405 406-455-5175
Benefis Health Sytem is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re always looking for hard-working, dedicated people to join the Sargent Aerospace & Defense team. As a member of our team, you will find compelling and challenging projects, an expanding list of well-known, respected customers, opportunities for advancement, and our commitment to your personal and professional growth. Visit www.sargentaerospace.com to view current open positions and application procedures. For more information call 520-744-1000. 5675 WEST BURLINGAME ROAD • TUCSON, AZ 85743 We are an equal opportunity employer M/F/D/V.
313 Crescent Street • Valdese, NC 28690
Saft
The Worldwide Leader in Advanced Technology Batteries
For more information please visit our website at www.saftbatteries.com We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
BRYANT-DURHAM offers a full range of electrical construction services in every major field except residential.
5102 Neal Road • Durham, NC 27705 Ph: (800) 849-2526 • www.bryantdurham.com
We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to race, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
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equal opportunity employment journal
The Role of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists
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M
ental health counselors and marriage and family therapists help people manage or overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with their family and relationships. They listen to clients and ask questions to help the clients understand their problems and develop strategies to improve their lives. Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists typically do the following: • Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression • Encourage clients to discuss their emotions and experiences • Help clients process their reactions and adjust to changes in their life, such as divorce or layoffs • Guide clients through the process of making decisions about their future • Help clients develop strategies and skills to change their behavior or cope with difficult situations • Coordinate treatment with other professionals, such as psychiatrists and social workers • Refer clients to other resources or services in the community, such as support groups or inpatient treatment facilities
If you’re looking for a challenging career, DentaQuest is looking for you. www.dentaquest.com
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Our Vision We value the inclusion of all individuals and honor the differences in background and perspective that each person brings to the company. We recognize the strategic, economic, and customer value of a diverse population and strive to keep diversity a part of our everyday culture.
We have openings in: Customer Service Sales, Marketing Provider Relations Operations IT
One of the nation’s leading oral health companies
Reasons to work for DentaQuest Competitive Salary Excellent Benefits Package Work-Life Balance Growing Company Advancement Opportunities Community Service Oriented
Mission: To Improve the oral health of all.
www. eoejournal. com
Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists use a variety of techniques and tools to help their clients. Many apply cognitive behavioral therapy, a goal-oriented approach that helps clients understand harmful thoughts, feelings, and beliefs and replace them with positive, life-enhancing ones. Furthermore, cognitive behavioral therapy teaches clients to eliminate unwanted or damaging behaviors and replace them with more productive ones.
To apply visit dentaquest.com
HARRINGTON HEALTHCARE The Harrington Healthcare System is a comprehensive regional healthcare provider serving the needs of Southern Worcester County and Northern Connecticut. For more information or current job openings, visit our website at:
www.harringtonhospital.org WE STAND IN SUPPORT OF EQUALITY FOR AND ADVANCEMENT OF ALL PEOPLE BASED ON THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND ACTIONS ALONE WITHOUT REGARD TO COLOR, GENDER, AGE, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR DISABILITY.
Mental health counselors help clients process their reactions and adjust to changes in their lives.
2661 County Highway I • Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Intrigued by the idea of being a part of an organization that invests in their colleagues, promotes innovative technology and has redesigned their services—and patient areas—to better serve the healthcare needs of the community? Consider St. Joseph’s Hospital......
For employment information visit www.stjoeschipfalls.com for more information. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is a physician-led, nonprofit group practice. At Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, patient care always comes first. Because of our focus on excellence in patient care, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center continues to attract the best people across all departments and disciplines. Learn more about us at www.lahey.org. 41 Mall Road Burlington, MA 01805 Equal Opportunity Employer
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Mental health counselors provide treatment to individuals, families, couples, and groups. Some work with specific populations, such as the elderly, college students, or children. PENNSWOOD VILLAGE values a high-
quality work experience for staff by encouraging and supporting our employees in continuing their personal and professional education. Our Quaker values show us our lives together are enriched through diversity – we welcome women and men of all races, colors, religions, national origins, and sexual orientations. Pennswood Village is an Equal Opportunity Employer. View current open positions online at: www.pennswood.org Email: resume@pennswood.org
We Value Diversity 1382 Newtown-Langhorne Rd. Newtown, PA 18940 215-968-9110, fax: 215-504-6885 www.pennswood.org
Pennswood Village is a nationally respected, not-for-profit Senior Living community for people over 65.
May 2013
Some disorders can be overcome, but others need to be managed. In these cases, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists help the client develop strategies and skills to minimize the effects of their disorders or illnesses. Some mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists work in private practice. They must spend time marketing their practice to prospective clients and working with insurance companies and clients to get payment for their services. Mental health counselors provide treatment to individuals, families, couples, and groups. Some work with specific populations, such as the elderly, college students, or children. Mental health counselors deal with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, stress, and suicidal impulses. They also help with mental and emotional health issues, and relationship problems. Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families. Unlike other types of mental health professionals, they bring a family-centered perspective to treatment, even when treating individuals. They evaluate family roles and development to understand how clients’ families affect their mental health. They treat the clients’ relationships, not just the clients themselves. They address issues such as low self-esteem, stress, addiction and substance abuse.
Work Environments
In 2010, mental health counselors held about 120,300 jobs, and marriage and family therapists held about 36,000 jobs. Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists work in variety of settings, such as mental health centers, substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, and colleges. They also work in private practice and in employee assistance programs (EAPs), which are mental health programs that some employers provide to help employees deal with personal problems.
How to become One
Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 South Lincoln Ave. • Lebanon, PA 17042
We are looking for people who want rewarding and challenging work— people who have a heart for service. As you work to serve our Nation’s heroes, you’ll be rewarded with opportunities for personal and professional growth. To learn more about our organization and our employment opportunities, visit www.va.gov/jobs. Equal Opportunity Employer
Missouri Baptist Medical Center is a member of BJC HealthCare, one of the largest nonprofit health care organizations in the United States and the largest employer in St. Louis. We are excited to offer career opportunities to individuals who are compassionate and committed to providing an exceptional and personal experience for our patients. BJC HealthCare is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or as provided by law. BJC is a smoke-free and drug-free workforce.
www.missouribaptist.org 3015 North Ballas Road • St. Louis, MO 63131
All states require both mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists to have a master’s degree and a license to practice.
Education
A master’s degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy is required. A bachelor’s degree in most fields is acceptable to enter a master’s-level program. Counseling programs prepare students to recognize symptoms of mental and emotional disorders and to use effective counseling strategies. Marriage and family therapy programs teach students about how marriages, families, and relationships function and how they affect mental and emotional disorders. Both programs typically require a period of supervised experience, such as an internship.
Licenses
Mental health counselors must be licensed. Licensure requires a master’s degree and 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. In addition, counselors must pass a state-recognized exam and complete annual continuing education classes. Contact information for state regulating boards is available through the National Board for Certified Counselors. Marriage and family therapists must be licensed. Licensure requires a master’s degree and 2 years of supervised clinical experience. Like counselors, marriage and family therapists must pass a state-recognized exam and complete annual continuing education classes. Contact information for state regulating boards is available through the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.
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Important Qualities
Compassion. Counselors and therapists often work with people who are dealing with stressful and difficult situations, so they must be compassionate and empathize with their clients. Listening skills. Good listening skills are essential for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists, both of whom need to give their full attention to their clients to understand their problems and values. Organizational skills. Good organizational skills are especially important for counselors and therapists in private practice, who must keep track of payments and work with insurance companies. People skills. Being able to work with different types of people is essential for counselors and therapists, who spend most of their time working directly with clients or other professionals and must be able to encourage good relationships. Speaking skills. Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists need to be able to communicate with clients effectively. They must express ideas and information in a way that clients can easily understand.
Good listening skills are essential for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists, both of whom need to give their full attention to their clients to understand their problems and values.
PAY
The median annual wage of mental health counselors was $38,150 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,180, and the top 10 percent earned more than $63,630. The median annual wage of marriage and family therapists was $45,720 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,870, and the top 10 percent earned more than $72,280. Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists generally work full time. Because counseling sessions are scheduled to accommodate clients who may have job or family responsibilities, some counselors and therapists work evenings and weekends.
Job Outlook
Employment of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists is expected to grow by 37 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of mental health counselors is expected to grow by 36 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of marriage and family therapists is expected to grow by 41 percent over the same period, much faster than the average for all occupations. Insurance companies increasingly provide for reimbursement of counselors and marriage and family therapists as a less costly alternative to psychiatrists and psychologists. People seeking mental health treatment are more likely to see a mental health counselor or a marriage and family therapist over other providers. Furthermore, more people are expected to seek treatment for problems with mental and emotional problems than in earlier decades. As the population grows, the number of individuals entering therapy is expected to increase as well. This trend will continue a demand for counselors in mental health centers, hospitals, and colleges.
For More Information
For more information about mental health counselors, visit American Mental Health Counselors Association For more information about marriage and family therapists, visit American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Article provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Brooke Grove Foundation’s mission is to “Touch People’s Lives”® by providing excellent service, showing respect and radiating kindness. If you are interested in a rewarding job experience that will make a positive difference in the lives of others, we have a position for you! Our employment opportunities are listed on our website at www.bgrv.org. Brooke Grove Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in admissions, employment, contracting with consultants or acceptance of volunteers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, sexual orientation, or national origin. 18100 SLADE SCHOOL ROAD • SANDY SPRING, MARYLAND 20860
At Monadnock our values are deeply rooted in the shared experience of community within Peterborough, NH and the surrounding towns. We are committed to providing excellence in health care.
We invite you to learn more, and to apply on-line, by going to www.monadnockhospital.org mch.recruiter@mchmail.org • www.monadnockhospital.org • An Equal Opportunity Employer
6339 Mill Street Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Fax Resumes to: 845-876-2020 www.astorservices.org Astor Services for Children & Families is a voluntary, nonprofit agency sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, providing a range of services for children and their families regardless of race, creed or national origin in Dutchess & Orange County as well as the Bronx in New York City. For employment consideration including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses please submit your resume/cv along with copies of certification and licensure to careers@astorservices.org. Astor Services for Children & Families is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate against employees and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, natural origin, gender, actual or perceived age, citizenship, alienage, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, or as further provided by governing law applicable to the employee’s work location.
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4 Ways to Pursue Your Passion I by Markell R. Steele
re-evaluate their career progress. They take a look at their situation- evaluate their finances, lifestyle, retirement savings and determine they need to make a certain amount of money in order to maintain their lifestyle. The unfortunate part, they feel, is that pursuing a career they can be passionate about might not satisfy their practical needs now or ever. They feel stuck. Some would argue that if you pursue your career passions, everything else will fall into place to support it. That may be true to an extent, but many of us aren’t willing to take that risk. When kids’ education, mortgages and bills are involved it seems almost frivolous and selfish to pursue a passion. I love my career, but over the years have encountered challenges and setbacks like any other professional. I’ve been in work settings that weren’t a fit and worked on projects outside of my scope of interest. I’ve lost contracts and had salary cuts. Each time, I’ve made it through but not without effort and support. If you’re
Carlsbad Medical Center, a full service, 115-bed community hospital accredited by The Joint Commission, is dedicated to providing quality, cost-effective healthcare for families in Southeast New Mexico. If you would like to consider a career with Carlsbad Medical Center, please review our numerous available positions on our website at www.carlsbadmedicalcenter.com.
JAMES J PETERS VA MEDICAL CENTER 130 West Kingsbridge Road • Bronx, New York 10468
www.bronx.va.gov
The James J. Peters VA Medical Center (JJPVA) is a full service tertiary care facility. The Medical Center is a vital component of VA’s nationwide system of care; one of the largest health care systems in the world. If you are interested in joining our team, please visit www.va.gov/jobs. We can provide you with challenging, interesting and meaningful work, while caring for those who have risked their lives to protect our freedom. We are an equal opportunity employer.
2430 West Pierce | Carlsbad, NM 88220 | EOE
www.eoejournal.com
n the ideal world we’d all be able to pursue our passions and make tons of money doing that. I know that doesn’t always happen. The reality is that at times we have to be practical when it comes to the jobs we choose and other career decisions we make. Early in our careers, it doesn’t seem like such a big deal. We’re happy to get a job that pays decently, uses our college degree or career training in which there is a reasonable chance for advancement. We’re able to pay rent, save some money, get a car and life is good. Then, we arrive at a point, maybe 10- 15 years into a career, and wonder how we got there and what else is out there. This wondering can be prompted by the realization that our salary isn’t aligned with our experience and training, we got passed over for a promotion or on overall feeling of boredom. For whatever reason, we’re no longer as passionate as when we started, and the work we’re doing doesn’t really meet our needs anymore. It’s at this point that people start to
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feeling stuck in your career and dream of pursuing something more and for a local business organization. Those are two constituent groups satisfying, keep reading for my suggestions based on what I did to get I feel connected to, and I give 100% to my volunteer efforts. In turn, I back my career back on track. have made good friends, launched some major projects, and honed some important skills while providing value. Volunteering and pursuing interAdjust Your Attitude We all have moments when we think things just aren’t happening ests are great ways to get some perspective and have fun. like we want them to, or that our career isn’t progressing well. It seems Be Honest And Ask For Help everyone around us is experiencing amazing results in their career and When things aren’t going well, we all have the tendency to hide the moving right along with life. Dwelling on the unfairness of it all can lead truth. If you hide behind a façade people will assume everything is good to anger, frustration and a lack of clarity. These negative attitudes dimin- and won’t extend opportunities or suggestions. Countless times I’ve ish your ability to be objective. had people tell me about great It’s at the moments when we feel opportunities, then discount my Evaluate your progress, set a goal and make most frustrated that creativity can interest assuming I was too busy kick in. Some of the best solutions to participate. The reality was some plans. If you’re not where you want to emerge from a desire for change that I definitely could have used and improvement. You don’t have the business be in your life and career, ask yourself where to deny your feelings of disappointIt’s important to keep in mind you do want to be and brainstorm what ment, but this state of dissatisfacthat while it may feel like you’re tion has to be viewed a temporary alone in this situation, you’re not you can do to get there. state if you’re to get back on track. the first person to hit a snag in your career. If you’re honest with Do Something about Your Situation people, you’d be surprised at how sympathetic and even helpful they can Evaluate your progress, set a goal and make some plans. If you’re not where you want to be in your life and career, ask yourself where you do be. I’m not talking about whining and complaining. I’m talking about want to be and brainstorm what you can do to get there. Will updating admitting that things are not going as well as you’d like, but you’re workyour skills generate more career options? Can you pursue your passion ing on improving them. It’s even better if you have some clarity about work in your free time? Can you take on contract work to generate more your aspirations. It’s been my experience that pursuing passion is often a balancing act income and expand your skill set? Are there viable opportunities outside of your field you can transition into? Do some investigation to see rather than an either/or proposition. Request your free copy of my SPECIAL REPORT: 6 Tips For what’s out there for you. Talk with other people to get ideas, insight and Discovering The Work You Love By Working With A Career Counselor feedback. Then create a realistic action plan for achieving your goals and to learn how you can find your career passion. take action.
Connect with Others
When you are of service to others and take the focus off yourself the result is satisfaction. You are using your skills, interests, and knowledge to improve the lives of others. You don’t have to serve the poor and needy to make a positive contribution. I volunteer for my alumni association
Markell R. Steele, Career Counselor and founder of Futures in Motion, Inc., is a national certified counselor, distance credentialed counselor, speaker, and author of Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love. “I help frustrated job seekers find career direction, so they can get the job they want in less time with less stress.” Follow Markell on twitter to get daily job search and career transition tips- http://twitter.com/futuresinmotion Find more career and job search articles at http://www.futures-in-motion.com/article_archive.php.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the world’s leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that encourages new and different ideas and views. We celebrate the different ethnicities, ages and cultures that make up our workforce. As our marketplace becomes increasingly global, our ability to meet the needs of our customers, patients, physicians, suppliers and shareholders is enhanced by our commitment to valuing the diversity that mirrors the communities where we live and work every day. View and appy online for current career opportunities:
www.questdiagnostics.com
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS — 4770 REGENT BOULEVARD — IRVING, TEXAS 75063
We are an equal employment opportunity employer and we recruit, hire and promote qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other status protected by state or local law.
The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital is a highly affiliated acute care facility providing comprehensive tertiary care in medicine, surgery, neurology, and psychiatry. At William S Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, we strive to hire only the best! Working with and for America’s veterans is a privilege, and we pride ourselves on the quality of care we provide. If you have what it takes, please consider applying for one of our available positions online at www.usajobs.gov. For more information visit us online at www.madison.va.gov. We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability. WILLIAM S. MIDDLETON MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSPITAL | 2500 OVERLOOK TERRACE | MADISON, WI 53705
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Holy Redeemer’s holistic approach to healing is unique among healthcare providers. Caring for the total person goes beyond the act of delivering excellent medical care. It involves meeting the emotional, spiritual and social services needs of those we serve.
equal opportunity employment journal
May 2013
Great Employee Qualities: Do You Have Them?
From maternity and neonatal services, to end-of-life care and every stage of life in between, Holy Redeemer’s services focus on your total well-being. 821 Huntingdon Pike Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 For more information or for current employment opportunities visit us at www.holyredeemer.com and apply online. Equal Opportunity Employer
A
re great employee qualities fast disappearing in the workforce? If it is then you should quickly see if you can adapt some of these and make yourself competitive. Some great employee qualities that bosses appreciate include:
1. Managing Yourself
Manage yourself by knowing your roles and responsibilities in your company. In addition, learn to know what it takes to go a step beyond what your current role entails. Know what makes you a competitive advantage to your boss. How do you improve EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT JRNL SJA011159B 7 4/1/2013 yourself? Do you know your key strengths you can play up? Weaknesses you should 6 x 4” (4c process) BMILLIGA VNSNY0002 seek to lessen via training or even self learning? jb/gl/æ/jb/jb/jb/jb
STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER 113 Holland Avenue • Albany, NY 12208
www.albany.va.gov
Equal Opportunity Employer
DIVERSITY
Perhaps one of the more important great employee qualities is being able to manage your boss. That does not mean to suck up to him. It means knowing his likes and dislikes, and how he works. For example, does he like to be updated via email which means he is perhaps a very visual based person versus being updated verbally which means he is perhaps more auditory? Learn how to break bad news to him, prepare him
The Stratton VA Medical Center, part of the VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York, is located in the heart of Albany, New York serving veterans in 22 counties of upstate New York, Western Massachusetts and Vermont. We are looking for health care professionals at all levels who want a rewarding and challenging career and that have a desire to participate in the healthcare of our nations Veterans. As you work to serve our Nation’s heroes, you’ll be rewarded with opportunities for personal and professional growth. To learn more about our organization and our employment opportunities, visit www.usajobs.gov, or call 518-626-JOBS.
2. Managing Your Boss
Collaborative Atmosphere Opportunity to Advance Positive Work/Life Balance Rewarding Work
2013 Marks the Fifth Year that VNSNY is Among the Best Companies to Work For in New York State.
THE TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION YOU EXPECT As one of the most respected names in home and community-based health care, VNSNY provides the flexibility you need to set your schedule, the autonomy you want to customize your patients’ treatment, and the clinical support you look for to practice independently with confidence. At VNSNY, our employees are a reflection of the diverse communities and cultures that we serve in New York. Explore our wide range of clinical opportunities and specialty areas.
Best Companies to Work For in New York State, SHRM (2013) EOE M/F/D/V
Visit us at jobs.vnsny.org
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equal opportunity employment journal
for meetings and the unexpected. You will soon become a key competitive advantage in his team.
Village hospital
3. Managerial Attitude
Exciting Opportunities RECR111A
Even if you are in the lower rung, make sure you have a managerial attitude. This is one of the important great employee qualities. Behave like a manager and see to it that things are done the way they are supposed to be done. Manage expectations of everyone in the team from the boss to colleagues and peers within the department. Stick to time lines; follow up with next steps after every meeting, have progress reports ready even if they are informal ones like an email.
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4. Managing Your Time
Prioritize your work and manage your time well. Know when to do what. Do not procrastinate on work especially when they involve cross department participation. Your delay will affect other people’s work. Great employees know how to manage their time well and even manage their boss’s time well.
5. Work To Get Results
Work with objectives in mind. What is the overall objective of the project? Work towards the aim that everyone who is involved in a project big or small has a role. Everyone must contribute towards that goal. You must learn to get results and expect high performance of yourself. Do not just do enough to get by. This is one of the most important “great employee qualities”.
6. Outdo Yourself
Great employees have the stamina to do outstanding work. They set the pace for others to follow. If you want to be great at what you do and be appreciated by the boss, look for ways to outdo yourself. Be the best that you can be. Even if perfection is elusive, go out and get it. Even if you fall short of perfection, your near perfect would have pushed you further than you would have thought possible.
7. Can Do
Have a “Can Do” attitude. Ever worked with someone who is always so negative, that everything is impossible, nothing is easy, things are too troublesome and a million other excuses and reasons why things won’t work? Do you catch yourself making the same mistake? Have a “Can Do” attitude. Have the courage and patience to work things out and figure things out even if it sounds very challenging. Bosses trust people who have a “Can Do” attitude in approaching work.
8. Strive For Excellence
In everything you do, strive to be the best you can be. Take the initiative to ensure that things are going right and make sure that the details are tied down. Spend time doing what everyone else takes for granted.
9. Enjoys Work
Peter Drucker, the management guru said, “Those who perform love what they are doing.” Even if it means a routine work, as they know each step and each detail builds on another and helps achieve the company objective. A boss can feel whether employees enjoy their work or otherwise. Someone who enjoys their work will naturally bring their best to work.
10. Contribute Positively
A great employee takes personal responsibility for everything they do. To be a great employee you must contribute positively to the organization. Take initiatives, give suggestions, or even be the silent hero who solves challenges quietly, that is how a great employee works. They work to help achieve greater goals for the organization.
11. Work Relationships
Being nice to people and have great working relationships across departments and ranks is one of the important great employee qualities. It means you can get a lot more cooperation and strong network to help you get your work done. Hence, making your boss look good in the eyes of management. Your boss will have less people problems too. Do you have these great employee qualities? Perhaps you already have them and what you need is a plan to bring them to be noticed. If you don’t, start to see which of these qualities you can adopt and start on first. It will help you move up the corporate ladder a little easier. Long Yun Siang or Long, as he is popularly known runs http://career-success-for-newbies. com with his wife Dorena as their way of paying it forward. Their website – based on their real life experience - provides tips, tools and advise for newbies pursuing career success.
Do you want to be part of something that coulD reDefine your career? Join the Village Hospital and be part of a unique facility devoted to quality patient care. It’s this patient-centered focus that led to a national award in room layout from the Center for Health Design. The Village Hospital includes an emergency department, medical/surgical units with intensive care and more. And recognizing that quality patient care requires quality professionals, we offer competitive salary and benefit packages. Be a part of our innovative approach to health care at the Village Hospital. For more information or to apply, please call a hospital recruiter at 800-288-7762 or visit villageatpelham.com.
EOE
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Careers in Organic Food Production By Adam Bibler
Organic food is a growth industry. Find out about some of the jobs that bring organics from the farm— and the factory—to your table. Florida Health Care Plans located in beautiful Daytona Beach, FL employs over 800 employees with varied skills and talents. FHCP offers challenging careers and an excellent benefit package. A listing of current job openings and access to online application processing can be found at www.fhcp.com.
F
rom TVs to TV dinners, technology plays a role in nearly all aspects of modern life. But when it comes to food production, many of us are turning away from technology toward organic methods of food production—methods that combine science with traditional farming practices. Growth in the organic industry’s popularity should also sprout employment in its occupations. New technology developed over the past several decades have allowed farmers to grow more food using fewer resources. Compared with 60 years ago, today’s farm can supply more than three times more corn per acre, and the average dairy cow produces
FHCP realizes the value of diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of hiring Veterans, M/F/D/V
almost four times more milk. Even as technology improves farm yields, however, many consumers are looking for healthier, environmentally sustainable alternatives to typical food. The result has been a rapid growth in the growing, manufacturing, regulation, and marketing of organically produced foods. This article discusses some of the work ers who are involved in producing organic food, certifying it, and bringing it to consum ers. The first section explains what organic means and how this expanding specialty may offer opportunities. The next three sections describe some occupations in the organic industry, looking at ways in which the work involved might differ from that in the Port Huron Hospital, established in 1882 is a not-for-profit conventional food industry. hospital with a proven commitment to education and quality The final section provides patient care. Port Huron Hospital provides a full spectrum sources of additional inforof inpatient and outpatient healthcare services to residents in St. Clair and Sanilac Counties. mation. Learn more about us and our employment opportunities at: www.porthuronhospital.org EEO/AA Employer
1340 Ridgewood Avenue Holly Hill, FL 32117
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Port Huron Hospital is an EEO/AA Employer.
Colorado West is always looking for caring, compassionate, qualified individuals to join our 400+ person-strong team. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Plan and a tobacco-free work environment. Visit www.cwrmhc.org to learn more about the current job opportunities. Located within 10 Counties on the Western Slope
VA Long Beach Healthcare System 5901 East 7th Street • Long Beach, CA 90822
The VA Long Beach Healthcare System is one of the most diversified tertiary health care providers in the VA. It is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research. For more information about us and our current vacancies, please visit www.longbeach.va.gov. EOE
Opportunities in organic
Organic fruits, vegetables, and animal products— which include meat, eggs, and dairy items—are sold directly to consumers or to food manufacturers that make organic processed foods, such as bread and frozen meals. Foods that carry a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic label come from producers that have undergone a certification process guaranteeing they have met specific criteria during production. For example, fruits and vegetables must be grown without the use of chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and animal products must come from livestock that have not been given growth hormones or antibiotics. According to the USDA, certified organic
May 2013
equal opportunity employment journal
acreage—which includes cropland, pastureland, and rangeland—quadrupled between 1992 and 2008, and the number of organic operations nearly tripled. But organic farms and the organic food industry are still much smaller than their conventional counterparts. Nevertheless, organic foods are now available in nearly all retail food stores, and most consumers say they buy organic food at least occasionally. Growth in the industry seems likely to continue, and continued growth in demand may lead to career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that there were 1.8 million workers in the crop and animal production industries in 2008. But the organic segment is a small portion of that total. BLS does not currently collect wage or employment data for occupations that deal exclusively with organic goods—nor does it project employment for organic-specific occupations. Given the increases in organic food sales, however, opportunities are likely to continue in the occupations related to organic foods.
Growing organic: Farmers and other farm workers
Both conventional or organic food usually originates on a farm. The difference between conventional and organic farming is in the approach each uses to raise crops and animals. Where a conventional farm might use pesticides to fight insects that damage crops or livestock, for example, an organic farm might use predatory bugs that feed on such insects. Farmers and ranchers, agricultural managers, and farmworkers and laborers are among the workers involved in producing organic food. The following pages describe the scope of their duties—both those specific to organic farming and those that are not.
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Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers
Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers direct the activities of farms and ranches. On small farms, these workers generally oversee the entire operation; on larger farms, they may oversee a single activity, such as marketing. Farmers and ranchers own and operate their farms. Agricultural managers are hired to work on behalf of a farmer, absentee land owner, or corporation. On a crop farm, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers decide what and how much to grow and when to plant, harvest, and rotate fields. They supervise tilling and weeding to ensure a good crop. After harvesting is done, they make sure that crops are properly packaged and stored. For farmers raising animals, daily activities include feeding, monitoring the animals’ health, maintaining the animals’ living spaces, and, for dairy operations, milking more than once a day. Livestock farmers also oversee breeding activities. A year-round, 7-day workweek and the uncertainties of weather are among the realities of farm life. But organic farmers have additional challenges. Because synthetic fertilizers cannot be used on organic crops, these farmers instead use manure, compost, and other organic fertilizers. In place of herbicides, attention to weeding or use of cover crops is important. Controlling pests without pesticides requires use of other methods, such as sowing “trap crops,” plants intended to lure pests from the main crop. And on animal farms, organically raised livestock must have access to the outdoors. This requires that farmers manage their animals’ activities, such as rotating pastures for grazing cattle. Running a farm also has a business component. These tasks include marketing, sales, and bookkeeping. Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers may perform all or some of the required tasks. Workers on larger farms often delegate the physical tasks to farmworkers and laborers, as described below. Operators on smaller farms usually perform most of the work themselves. Because of the need for timely distribution of fresh food, marketing and sales are especially important in both organic and conventional farming. To get their food to consumers, farmers often make arrangements with buyers or wholesalers, who then sell the products.
Given the increases in organic food sales, opportunities are likely to continue in the occupations related to organic foods.
Schlumberger is the leading oilfield services provider, trusted to deliver superior results and improved E&P performance for oil and gas companies around the world. One of our greatest strengths is the diversity of our workforce, with men and women of many nationalities and backgrounds working together and sharing common objectives. Schlumberger does not have a ‘nationality’ that describes its culture, but operates in a truly global fashion throughout the world. As a company, we encourage fair employment practices worldwide and offer equal opportunities to all our employees. We’re looking for men and women to join our global family in this effort. If you’re ambitious, innovative, and hard working, a Schlumberger career may be for you. Learn more about us at
www.slb.com/careers.
Success without boundaries
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Aspiring farmers should enjoy working outdoors, be physically fit, and must understand the commitment required to run a farm.
WE DELIVER THE TOOLS & SOLUTIONS PEOPLE COUNT ON WHEN IT REALLY MATTERS Joining the Stanley Black & Decker team means joining one of the world’s largest, fastest-growing, and most dynamic companies. If you’d like to be a part of this team and make a difference in the lives of our customers, visit us online at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com for current openings and application procedures. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer (AA/EOE) and encourage applications from women, veterans and minorities. 12827 VALLEY BRANCH LANE • DALLAS, TX 75234
Subsidiaries of the Boehringer Ingelheim USA (BI), BI Roxane, Inc. and Roxane Laboratories, Inc. are recognized leaders in researching, manufacturing, and packaging more than 400 medications. For product information please visit us at: www.roxane.com We offer our employees demanding and challenging tasks and the appropriate chances for development and career advancement at national and international level, as well as performance-related and results-driven remuneration. For employment information please visit us at: us.boehringer-ingelheim.com
Boehringer Ingelheim, including Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane Inc., and Roxane Laboratories Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V
May 2013
Other farmers, particularly organic ones, sell their products directly to consumers at farmers’ markets, through community-supported agriculture programs, or, at crop farms, by allowing consumers to pick their own produce. Increasingly popular farmers’ markets allow producers to gather, often at a designated time and place, to sell their goods. In community-supported agriculture programs, farmers sell “shares” of their total goods for a set price before producing the food and then make regular food deliveries throughout the season. Some farmers arrange for self-pick, or pick-your-own, products, letting consumers come directly to the farm and pick their own produce to buy. This arrangement helps the farmer eliminate the costs of labor for harvesting and of transporting. Skills and training. There are no spe cific educational requirements for becoming a farmer, rancher, or agricultural manager, although postsecondary education in agriculture—including, for organic farmers, instruction on organic farming practices and techniques— is recommended. And working on an existing farm through an internship or other arrangement is a good way to learn more about the occupation. Aspiring farmers should enjoy working outdoors, be physically fit, and must under stand the commitment required to run a farm. They also need managerial ability for organizing a farm’s business operations, solid communication skills for dealing with consumers and other buyers, and knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping for the substantial recordkeeping required due to organic farming regulations. Proficiency in using a computer, including basic spreadsheet and word processing programs, is increasingly important.
Farmworkers and laborers
Agricultural farmworkers and laborers perform much of the physical labor on a farm. This includes the work of raising crops and livestock but also involves maintenance of the farm itself, such as basic repair of fences, pens, or farm equipment. Some of the alternative approaches to organic farming may make the work more labor-intensive than conventional farmwork. On organic crop farms, farmworkers and laborers plant seeds and prune, irrigate, harvest, and pack and load crops for shipment. They also apply fertilizers to crops, use organic methods for controlling pests and weeds, and may help with produce sales, such as at a local farmers’ market. On organic ranches and animal farms, farmworkers and laborers care for livestock by supplying the animals’ food and water, maintaining their living areas, and ensuring that they spend time outside. Farmworkers and laborers may need to transport cattle to grazing areas or move portable coops to pastures, which may involve driving machinery and lifting equipment or animals. Skills and training. As with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers, farmworkers and laborers have no specific educational requirements for entering the occupation; most farmworkers learn their skills on the job. But workers on organic farms often benefit from knowledge of, or experience in, organic farming techniques. And knowledge of the physical requirements of farming may be as important as the ability to perform them. Much farm work is strenuous and takes place outdoors in all kinds of weather. Work schedules are variable and revolve around crop cycles and weather. Therefore, farmworkers and laborers must be physically fit and be able to work extended hours. Communication and basic math skills are also important for farmworkers and laborers who deal with customers and sell produce.
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equal opportunity employment journal
Working with producers: Inspectors and consultants
To use the “Certified Organic” seal, a farm or a food manufacturer must pass inspection by an accredited certifying agency. Such agencies may be part of a State government, a nonprofit group, or a for-profit company. The USDA’s National Organic Program sets the standards for organic production of foods and also oversees accreditation of the certifying agencies. Agricultural inspectors and consultants are among the workers knowledgeable about the certification process. Agricultural inspectors Agricultural inspectors do preliminary research and site inspections to investigate farms and food manufacturing companies. These inspectors usually work for Federal or State governments. Inspectors examine food processing operations to ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality laws. The work of inspectors for organic certification differs from that for conventional inspections. Organic farms and companies are required to maintain organic production plans. These plans include detailed information about the farm, such as which crops are produced or which animals are raised, as well as information about the production process and the farm’s pest control or fertilization techniques. The inspector reviews this plan and other relevant information, such as the farm’s inspection history. The inspector then visits the farm, spending time in its fields and crop storage areas and examining its machinery. He or she talks to the farmer and observes farm operations to see that they match what’s in the organic production plan. Inspectors also review food manufactur ing plants using a similar process. In plants, however, the inspector looks at different things. He or she examines the cleaning, handling, and packaging techniques used by the facility, as well as reviews employee training programs. Inspectors ensure that a plant’s manufacturing procedures, like those on a farm, follow the description in the organic production plan. After completing the inspection, the inspector prepares a report of the farm or plant to document his or her findings. The certifying agency considers the inspector’s report in deciding whether the farm or manufacturer may obtain or retain organic certification. Skills and training. There are no formal educational requirements for becoming an agricultural inspector. However, most employers require work experience in a related field, such as food processing, or some college coursework in biology, agricultural science, or a related subject. Inspectors for organic certification are also usually required to have formal training in organic inspection. The largest training programs are offered by the Independent Organic Inspectors Association, which has separate trainings and accreditations for crop, livestock, and processing inspection. Employers often provide or sponsor ongoing training to keep up with the latest rules and regulations for organic production. Potential inspectors should be comfortable working outdoors. In addition to their technical knowledge, they also need good oral communication skills for talking with producers and good written communication skills for drafting reports.
Consultants
Consultants provide technical advice and assistance to producers seeking to expand their organic operations or to transition from conventional to organic farming. The transition can be lengthy; it may require farmers or manufacturers to adopt new methods, and it can be costly. USDA regulations require a 3-year transition
period for land used in organic production in most situations. By law, inspectors may clarify rules but are not permitted to advise the facilities they examine. As a result, some certifying agencies and other establishments offer consulting ser vices for aspiring organic producers. Consultants explain the organic certification process as fully as possible and provide suggestions, cost estimates, and more to help producers understand the complexity of an expansion or transition. Farmers and manufacturers may use the information from consultants to make a decision about whether to proceed. In addition to working one-on-one with individual farmers, some consultants present group training. Nonprofit certifying agencies and State governments often host educational events to disseminate information and answer producers’ questions relating to organic production and certification. These organizations employ consultants full time who specialize in this type of work. Skills and training. Consultants who advise or train organic farmers and manufac turers have diverse educational and profes sional backgrounds. Like consultants in other industries who have
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specialized knowledge, however, these consultants should have expertise in the organic industry—including a thorough understanding of the organic certification process as it relates to specific products. Because consultants usually work without direct supervision, they should be self-motivated, disciplined, and have good time-management skills. They should also have analytical, problem-solving, and creative abilities, as their work often requires them to suggest solutions to obstacles encountered with the certification process. And they should have good interpersonal and communication skills for working with a wide range of people.
Getting food to consumers: Buyers and sellers
In response to the growing popularity of organic goods, retailers have increased their offerings of such products. Once sold primarily in natural and health food stores, organic goods have become mainstream: most organic food is now sold in conventional grocery stores. Purchasing agents and buyers of farm products and wholesale sales representatives are some of the workers who help make organic foods more readily available.
Armacell is a manufacturer of engineered
foams and the world leader in the market for flexible technical insulation materials. Learn more about us online at: www.armacell.com 7600 Oakwood Street Extension • Mebane, NC 27302 Armacell is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing diversity among all levels of employees and offering and environment of opportunity and acceptance throughout our organization.
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Purchasing agents and buyers of farm products
To judge the quality of a product firsthand, agents and buyers often travel to visit farms, producers, or distributors. These workers also analyze sales data to determine what goods—and at what price—customers demand so they know what to buy and how much to pay. SIFCO Industries is dedicated to meeting the technical needs of the aerospace and power generation industries in the production and machining of turbine and other critical components. We have a variety of career opportunities in Cleveland and Alliance, Ohio; Minneapolis, Minnesota and Orange, California locations, including manufacturing, engineering, research and development, sales, customer service, quality, materials management, finance and human resources. SIFCO is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
970 East 64th Street • Cleveland, OH 44103 For more information and to apply online visit us at:
www.sifco.com
People are our strength and most valuable asset. We attract highly capable, diverse, innovative people and recognize their efforts and contributions to the company. We ensure a pleasant and safe work environment with trust, respect and equal opportunity. Reeves Construction Company offers competitive salaries and provides a wide range of benefits. Learn more about us at:
www.reevescc.com
Reeves Construction Co. 101 Sheraton Court Macon, GA 31210
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Minorities & women are encouraged to apply. EO/AA Employer
Reeves Construction Company policies, programs and benefits are administered in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, pregnancy or veteran status.
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Product manufacturing is the core service that MASS Precision, Inc. furnishes to a broad range of multinational OEMs in Silicon Valley. MASS is one of a very few remaining stateside companies offering vertically integrated metal manufacturing skills from product design through prototyping, preproduction and full production runs, through testing, distribution and aftermarket kitting. MASS Precision, Inc. is a well established company that is rapidly growing and offers highly competitive salary and benefits with the opportunity for advancement. ISO 9001 and 13485 certified. Visit us online at www.massprecision.com to view and apply for current job openings or send resumes to hr@massprecision.com.
Purchasing agents and buyers of farm products work on behalf of grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses. Their job is to obtain quantities of goods before they are resold to individual customers. Agents and buyers may also work on behalf of wholesalers, who serve as intermediaries in the path between producers and retailers. To get the needed products and negotiate on prices and delivery dates for goods, agents and buyers may visit the producer or wholesaler directly. Agents and buyers keep abreast of changing consumer preferences to make sure what they buy can be profitably resold. Purchasing agents and buyers of farm products who work with organic goods might be responsible for one category of goods, such as produce or cheese, or for many. Agents and buyers who work for a chain of grocery stores may oversee buying for one store or one region of stores. To judge the quality of a product firsthand, agents and buyers often travel to visit farms, producers, or distributors. These workers also analyze sales data to determine what goods—and at what price—customers demand so they know what to buy and how much to pay. Skills and training. Requirements for purchasing agents vary by the size and type of establishment. Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a college degree and who are familiar with the merchandise they sell and with wholesaling and retailing practices. Educational background should include coursework in supply-chain management. Formal education is especially important for agents and buyers working in the organic food manufacturing industry. Continuing education is often necessary for advancement.
Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company is hiring! Employing team members for over 50 years, Berk-Tek has become one of America’s leading manufacturers of high speed data communications cable.
Apply online today for current job opportunities.
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Nilfisk-Advance is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional cleaning equipment. Our products are primarily focused on the commercial cleaning market, which includes institutional and industrial customers, as well as professional contract cleaners. To learn more about us and our current open positions, please visit us online at www.nilfisk-advance.com. EOE 14600 21st Avenue North Plymouth, MI 55447
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equal opportunity employment journal
Professional certification is becoming increasingly important. There are many types of certification, based on specialty, but all require work-related experience and education followed by successful completion of written or oral exams. Buyers typically learn the particulars of their business through on-the-job training. Good communication and negotiation skills are a plus, as they help when working with suppliers. Strong analytical skills are also necessary in determining which goods to buy. Prior knowledge of the particular qualities of organic foods or other goods is beneficial. Purchasing agents and buyers must have basic computer skills and be proficient in various software. They also need an ability to analyze technical and financial data and have good skills in communication and negotiation.
Wholesale sales representatives
Sales representatives might handle organic products exclusively or as part of a larger portfolio. For example, a sales agent might sell ingredients to an organic food manufacturer, such as organic flour to a baker. Or, a sales rep migh sell finished products to retail outlets, such as packaged organic meat to grocery stores. In each case, sales agents must know which establishments in their area are likely to buy organic products. And they must know market prices and industry trends to sell the organic goods. Skills and training. Some wholesale sales representative positions require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree, but most jobseekers are fully qualified with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For these positions, previous sales experience is a plus. Companies often have formal training programs, which may last up to 2 years. In some of these programs, employees rotate among plants and offices to learn all phases of the employer’s operation. To create business, sales agents must be friendly and personable. The ability to com municate well is also important. General business skills, such as the ability to analyze sales data, are beneficial. A background in an aspect of organic food production or knowledge of organic regulations is helpful, too.
Farmers and producers who do not sell their products directly to consumers, retailers, or restaurants instead sell them to wholesale businesses. Wholesale sales representatives are the workers responsible for selling these goods to other businesses. Like any sales workers, wholesale sales representatives must find new customers to win new business. This effort sometimes requires making cold calls or traveling For more information to businesses—and being well informed This article provided only snapshots of about the goods and products they sell. the occupations featured. For more general
At Galion, we are always looking for someone that has the proven skills and experience in operating the following machines: Davenports, Janda welders, Hydromoats, Acme Screw Machines and CNC’s. Learn more about us and our application procedures online at www.galionllc.com or fax your resume to 419-468-1661. U.S. Citizenship (Permanent Residency) required for all positions.
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information about these occupations beyond their organic focus, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook provides detail about the work, employment, wages, outlook, training and more for farming, inspecting, buying, and other occupations related to food and food production—as well as for hundreds of other occupations. This resource is available in many career centers and public libraries and online at www.bls.gov/ooh. To learn more about becoming an organic farmer, contact World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. This organization is an exchange network through which farms and volunteer workers connect. Volunteers learn more about organic farming by working on farms in exchange for living accommodations and food. For more information about opportunities on farms in the United States, contact: World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms 430 Forest Ave. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 715-9500 info@wwoofusa.org www.wwoofusa.org Organic Trade Association 60 Wells St. Greenfield, MA 01301 www.ota.com International Organic Inspectors Association Box 6 Broadus, MT 59317 (406) 436-2031 ioia@ioia.net www.ioia.net Article provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Galion LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate with respect to employment conditions based on sex, creed, national origin, color, age, or disability. 515 North East Street Galion, OH 44833
to drive a company to excellence
As one of the largest diversified heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers in the United States, we strive to provide our customers with the highest standards of quality, value, and service on every project. Our people are the key to our success. We’re continuously looking for knowledgeable individuals who not only possess wide-ranging expertise but also share our Core Values. We have a culture that offers real opportunity, achievement, and advancement. Our culture fosters a spirit of pride, accomplishment, and camaraderie that makes Granite a great place to work. We invite you to learn more about our workplace and our winning team. For more information visit:
www.graniteconstruction.com As an equal opportunity employer, Granite does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, and or any other basis protected by law or company policy.
https://jobs.gkn.com
Encouraging achievement by individuals and teams is at the heart of GKN’s global drive for excellence. Every day our people strive to improve our business through our technology, our processes, our products and our internal and external relationships. GKN Driveline is the largest business within the global engineering group, GKN plc. Globally we employ 21,000 people at 49 locations in 31 different countries. We design, build and supply the most extensive and widely used range of driveline components in the automotive industry. If you’re excited by the quest for excellence, want a competitive compensation and benefits package along with development opportunities, we would like to hear from you. View and apply for current openings with GKN Driveline through our recruiting website: https://www.jobs.gkn.com An Equal Opportunity Employer
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The right I.D. takes you places
Our commitment to Inclusion and Diversity helps us match great people with great jobs. Fuel your career at Sunoco: www.sunocoinc.com