Opportunities in part-time college teaching and college teaching assistantships are growing significantly. Best of all, any master’s degree holder could qualify.
On the up side, college teaching jobs nationwide are expected to grow 22.9% through 2016. The pay isn’t high; beginning wages are only $15,660 and median annual earnings are $28,060.* But remember, this is usually part-time.
If you have a graduate assistantship, you’d be expected to be enrolled fulltime in the institution’s graduate study program. Assistantships frequently offer discounted tuition if you are pursuing a graduate degree. So career changers and “student scholars” should take this option seriously. Actual salaries range significantly by the type of institution: national, state or private; large or small.
However, before investing yourself into this career direction, you need to be strategic in looking into whether your field, and your geographic region, does indeed present these opportunities. The most likely opportunities in your area will be in colleges and universities that have high-growth, “big” (large enrollment) programs or those that offer a well-established career-technical or professional development tracks, like a certificate program.
Researching college teaching jobs take time and thoughtful self-evaluation. What’s your long-range goal? To teach? To change careers? Those questions are likely to come up in interviews. You might be expected to write a “Statement of Teaching Philosophy” when you apply. And if you’ve never taught before, you should think about what your teaching philosophy will be, and why; as well as talk to experienced professors to understand the issues in higher education teaching today.
Teaching assistants assist a department chairperson, faculty and professional staff by teaching lower-level courses and preparing course materials and examinations and participating in research.*
Adjunct and part-time college teaching opportunities are often sporadic (based on the current course enrollment and other course planning issues). The pay rate is "by the course". If you think you'd love teaching, you should pursue teaching a class, reflect on the experience, and then decide if you would want to stay in the profession. Then, networking with the department faculty and staff at each college is the best way to get on the list of part-timers. Your career as a college teacher may grow slowly, but if you've taking it this far, it's likely to be very satisfying in the long-run.
“The Teaching Professor” blog and web site is a great resource for learning about the realities of college teaching.
* Source: “50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Laurence Shatkin.
My mission is to empower youth with: - The knowledge about career possibilities, and the education and training needed to attain them - The creative-thinking and emotional skills that make for good career decisions and which employers prefer; - And the resilience needed to flourish in life.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Series: High-Demand College Majors in Ohio, Part 4: Pharmacist
Jobs for pharmacists are expected to grow 21.7% nationwide through 2016, although slower in Ohio at 15%. The greatest number of openings will be in social assistance and the non-store retail industries.
Average starting salary is $73.010 and median annual earnings are $100,480, which depends on length of experience, geographic location and employer.
In Ohio, The University of Toledo offers a program in Pharmaceutical Sciences: http://bit.ly/3BNfmo Specialization is possible in three distinct disciplines: Pharmacology/Toxicology, Pharmacy Administration, and Industrial Pharmacy.
Pharmacists compound and dispense medications, using prescriptions from physicians, dentists or other practitioners.
In Ohio, there are about 330 openings for pharmacists each year. By 2016, employment is expected to grow 15% to reach 11,540 jobs.
Sources:
The College Board
“50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx
Average starting salary is $73.010 and median annual earnings are $100,480, which depends on length of experience, geographic location and employer.
In Ohio, The University of Toledo offers a program in Pharmaceutical Sciences: http://bit.ly/3BNfmo Specialization is possible in three distinct disciplines: Pharmacology/Toxicology, Pharmacy Administration, and Industrial Pharmacy.
Pharmacists compound and dispense medications, using prescriptions from physicians, dentists or other practitioners.
In Ohio, there are about 330 openings for pharmacists each year. By 2016, employment is expected to grow 15% to reach 11,540 jobs.
Sources:
The College Board
“50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx
Friday, November 13, 2009
Series: High-Demand College Majors in Ohio, Part 3: Physical Therapist
Jobs for physical therapists are expected to grow 27.1% through 2016, with the largest openings in acute hospitalization, rehabilitation and orthopedic settings.
Average starting salary is $48,530 and median annual earnings are $69,760, which depends on length of experience, geographic location and employer.
Schools must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Schools in Ohio that offer a program in Physical Therapy are:
Cleveland State University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
College of Mount St Joseph (A2, A4, D6, F1, PR)
Ohio University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
The Ohio State University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
The University of Findlay (A1, A6, D6, E3, F3, PR)
University of Cincinnati (A1, A4, D6, E5, F1, PU)
University of Dayton (A4, D6, F1, PR)
University of Toledo (D6, D7, F1, PU)
Walsh University (A4, D6, F1, PR)
Youngstown State University (D6, F1, PU)
Physical therapists improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and decrease or prevent deformity from disease on injury. Ambulatory health care service providers are expected to provide the greatest job growth through 2016 (44.2%).
In Ohio, there are about 250 for physical therapists each year. By 2016, employment is expected to reach 8510 jobs.
Sources:
www.apta.org
The College Board
“50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx
Average starting salary is $48,530 and median annual earnings are $69,760, which depends on length of experience, geographic location and employer.
Schools must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Schools in Ohio that offer a program in Physical Therapy are:
Cleveland State University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
College of Mount St Joseph (A2, A4, D6, F1, PR)
Ohio University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
The Ohio State University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
The University of Findlay (A1, A6, D6, E3, F3, PR)
University of Cincinnati (A1, A4, D6, E5, F1, PU)
University of Dayton (A4, D6, F1, PR)
University of Toledo (D6, D7, F1, PU)
Walsh University (A4, D6, F1, PR)
Youngstown State University (D6, F1, PU)
Physical therapists improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and decrease or prevent deformity from disease on injury. Ambulatory health care service providers are expected to provide the greatest job growth through 2016 (44.2%).
In Ohio, there are about 250 for physical therapists each year. By 2016, employment is expected to reach 8510 jobs.
Sources:
www.apta.org
The College Board
“50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Series: High-Demand College Majors in Ohio - Registered Nurses
The nursing field is going to be on the rise for some time to come; 23.5% growth is expected through 2016. The average starting salary is $42,020 with median annual earnings of $60,010.
RNs with a bachelor’s degree have better job security than those without one. Four advanced specializations: clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse mid-wives and nurse anesthetists, who serve as primary care providers, are in highest demand. These specializations require post-basic education.*
There are 69 RN nursing programs in Ohio. Seven of them are in the Cleveland area:
Bryant & Stratton College, Parma
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland State University
Cuyahoga Community College, Metro and Western campuses
Lorain County Community College
Ursuline College
Typical duties include:
- Monitor, record and report patient symptoms and changes in patient conditions.
- Maintain accurate, detailed patient records and reports.
- Record patient medical information and vital signs.
- Many others!
In Ohio, there are about 4430 openings for registered nurses every year. By 2016, employment is expected to reach 138,640.**
* “50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
** http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx
RNs with a bachelor’s degree have better job security than those without one. Four advanced specializations: clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse mid-wives and nurse anesthetists, who serve as primary care providers, are in highest demand. These specializations require post-basic education.*
There are 69 RN nursing programs in Ohio. Seven of them are in the Cleveland area:
Bryant & Stratton College, Parma
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland State University
Cuyahoga Community College, Metro and Western campuses
Lorain County Community College
Ursuline College
Typical duties include:
- Monitor, record and report patient symptoms and changes in patient conditions.
- Maintain accurate, detailed patient records and reports.
- Record patient medical information and vital signs.
- Many others!
In Ohio, there are about 4430 openings for registered nurses every year. By 2016, employment is expected to reach 138,640.**
* “50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
** http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx
Monday, November 09, 2009
Series: High-Demand College Majors in Ohio - Physician Assistant
You can land a well-paid, high-demand job as a physician’s assistant by first attending a school accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant*.
This is a high-growth job with 27% growth expected through 2016. Average starting salary is $46,750 and median annual earnings are $78, 450**.
Schools accredited in Ohio are:
Cuyahoga Community College / Cleveland State University
Kettering College Of Medical Arts
Marietta College
Medical University of Ohio at Toledo
Mount Union College (*provisional)
University Of Findlay
Physician assistants diagnose and treat medical problems. Program applicants are usually required to have previous health care experience and some college education. The typical applicant already has a bachelor's degree and about four years of health care experience. Nurses, EMTs, and paramedics often apply to the programs. Continued education is required after graduation. ***
In Ohio, there are about 60 openings for physician assistants every year. By 2016, employment is expected to reach 1950 jobs.****
* Princeton Review
** “50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
*** http://www.aapa.org/education-and-certification/physician-assistant-programs
**** http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx
For more information, contact jill@whatsyourmajor.net
This is a high-growth job with 27% growth expected through 2016. Average starting salary is $46,750 and median annual earnings are $78, 450**.
Schools accredited in Ohio are:
Cuyahoga Community College / Cleveland State University
Kettering College Of Medical Arts
Marietta College
Medical University of Ohio at Toledo
Mount Union College (*provisional)
University Of Findlay
Physician assistants diagnose and treat medical problems. Program applicants are usually required to have previous health care experience and some college education. The typical applicant already has a bachelor's degree and about four years of health care experience. Nurses, EMTs, and paramedics often apply to the programs. Continued education is required after graduation. ***
In Ohio, there are about 60 openings for physician assistants every year. By 2016, employment is expected to reach 1950 jobs.****
* Princeton Review
** “50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
*** http://www.aapa.org/education-and-certification/physician-assistant-programs
**** http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx
For more information, contact jill@whatsyourmajor.net
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Three Questions to Ask Yourself to Find a College Major and Lasting Employment
Finding a college major that will result in a long-term job requires you to set a criteria:
1. Are you looking for a major where you have a good chance of being hired in your region; jobs that are high in number or growing fast?
Or, is salary more important to your definition of security?
Once you think about those questions, then set your criteria for your perfect college:
2. Should it be local? Lowest cost possible?
3. Now, before going further, take a pause. What will really make you happy while in college? And then, later, when on the job? What type of lifestyle are you looking for from both situations? What do you value? What type of students and coworkers, and school and work setting, study topics and duties will get you excited?
These questions aren’t at all easy to answer. First job experiences and networking are ways to help you answer them. But if you’re willing to research your opportunities thoroughly before making a decision, you’ll have a better chance of making the right choices.
When you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to start shopping for colleges and jobs. The following resources will help you zero in on a major and job, the job opportunities in your region, and the colleges in your region that offer the right major:
“50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future”, by Lawrence Shatkin
College Matchmaker search engine from The College Board
The Occupation Outlook search for job titles and growth projections in your region
For more help, email jill@whatsyourmajor.net
1. Are you looking for a major where you have a good chance of being hired in your region; jobs that are high in number or growing fast?
Or, is salary more important to your definition of security?
Once you think about those questions, then set your criteria for your perfect college:
2. Should it be local? Lowest cost possible?
3. Now, before going further, take a pause. What will really make you happy while in college? And then, later, when on the job? What type of lifestyle are you looking for from both situations? What do you value? What type of students and coworkers, and school and work setting, study topics and duties will get you excited?
These questions aren’t at all easy to answer. First job experiences and networking are ways to help you answer them. But if you’re willing to research your opportunities thoroughly before making a decision, you’ll have a better chance of making the right choices.
When you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to start shopping for colleges and jobs. The following resources will help you zero in on a major and job, the job opportunities in your region, and the colleges in your region that offer the right major:
“50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future”, by Lawrence Shatkin
College Matchmaker search engine from The College Board
The Occupation Outlook search for job titles and growth projections in your region
For more help, email jill@whatsyourmajor.net
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Two Fun, Easy Tools Will Guide You To Your College Major
The gigantic World of Work is a daunting concept for most students. Two easy and fun tools developed from the research of John Holland,: the RIASEC codes and Career Clusters can alleviate much of your confusion.
According to Holland, you can plug into the World of Work through your personality and interest in working with either data or ideas, and then and people vs. things. For many students, this is intuitive. You just “know” whether you’d rather work on spreadsheets or concepts for new products, when given a series of choices in an assessment.
Holland also theorized that you can make a match between job, and appropriate work environments using six RIASEC codes. Career Centers often do an exercise called “The Career Party” because, again, this process is pretty intuitive. You already know what type of people you’d like to work with, when you read the descriptions of a Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, or Conventional personality. You might fit into one or more of the codes. More structured assessments do this, too.
Career centers might give you a list of job matches that fit your codes. But I find that this idea unfolds more naturally when you visually overlap Career Clusters over your RIASEC codes, such as assessment provider Lawrence Jones explains.
So you’ve taken over 30,000 job titles and chopped your list down to 5000. Progress, right? Now the ball is back in your court. You’re now going to decide if college, other training or work is your next step. Each path has an “opportunity cost”, because you have to give something up when you follow it. But there are gains too, of course. Which decision fits you best? That’s another blog entry!
Info@whatsyourmajor.net
According to Holland, you can plug into the World of Work through your personality and interest in working with either data or ideas, and then and people vs. things. For many students, this is intuitive. You just “know” whether you’d rather work on spreadsheets or concepts for new products, when given a series of choices in an assessment.
Holland also theorized that you can make a match between job, and appropriate work environments using six RIASEC codes. Career Centers often do an exercise called “The Career Party” because, again, this process is pretty intuitive. You already know what type of people you’d like to work with, when you read the descriptions of a Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, or Conventional personality. You might fit into one or more of the codes. More structured assessments do this, too.
Career centers might give you a list of job matches that fit your codes. But I find that this idea unfolds more naturally when you visually overlap Career Clusters over your RIASEC codes, such as assessment provider Lawrence Jones explains.
So you’ve taken over 30,000 job titles and chopped your list down to 5000. Progress, right? Now the ball is back in your court. You’re now going to decide if college, other training or work is your next step. Each path has an “opportunity cost”, because you have to give something up when you follow it. But there are gains too, of course. Which decision fits you best? That’s another blog entry!
Info@whatsyourmajor.net
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sizing Up Campus Culture
The best time to dig deep into a college's culture is after you've determined that the college meets your academic and financial and practical needs, and you've visited once. When you're ready to put together your final list of eight to ten colleges that meet all of your basic criteria, you need to further evaluate your chances for success at them:
1. Read about the college‟s mission statement, strategic plan, and President‟s message on the web site. Ask to see the most recent student satisfaction survey, which should be on file in the President's office.
2. Don't assume that a college that is affiliated with a religious institution will express that heritage in daily campus life. The influence of that institution may or may not be dominant on campus.
3. Ask the tour guide and college representatives about the social tone, campus culture (or campus climate) and to provide examples of how they experience it.
4. Visit your final choice colleges a second time, after you‟ve been accepted, but before you accept the financial aid offer. On this visit:
- Pay attention to verbiage used in event posters, student newspapers and presentations. And ask random students on campus for their opinion about the campus climate.
- Take advantage of overnight stay programs that are commonly offered by the Admissions Department.
- Have your child visit or call the residence halls, explaining that he/she is a prospective student and ask the same questions that you asked of the tour guides and official representatives.
5. To fully understand how diversity and collaborative learning impacts daily campus life, take the extra effort to interview faculty members (especially those in your child‟s field of study). Be sure to ask for specific examples or data about the following questions:
- How does the institution encourage activities where students from different backgrounds meet and work together? Ask for examples where the activities impacted the majority of students, not just members of club or academic program.
- How often do students work in teams to complete assignments, solve problems or apply course content?
- How frequently do students engage in service learning or take part in community-based projects to fulfill class requirements?
- How many students collaborate on research with faculty members?
- How many interdisciplinary courses are offered? Are they open to all students?
- How many students are involved with living and learning communities? How is the faculty involved with these communities?
7. Since retention and graduation rates are correlated with student satisfaction, look them up on the College Board College Matchmaker, or other, college search engine, and compare your final choice colleges.
8. Consult student-written guides and forums about campus life, which are available for selected campuses. The most popular guides are:
“The Insider‟s Guide to The Colleges,” The Yale Daily News
“Students‟ Guide to Colleges”, The Penguin Group
“The Big Book of Colleges”, College Prowler
Visit online forums, where you can read comments and pose questions to experienced parents and students:
www.collegeconfidential.com
www.campusdirt.com
9. You may want to have a discussion with your child about the importance of campus diversity and culture to his or her happiness as a student. But don‟t expect tremendous insight. Your child‟s personality is still in a formative stage and he or she has a limited worldview.
10. Resist the urge to judge the campus morals and values, superficially. What you think is best for your child might not, in fact, be best. Listen beyond what your child says about a campus. He or she wants to please you and may be telling you what you want to hear. Look for signs of genuine enthusiasm.
1. Read about the college‟s mission statement, strategic plan, and President‟s message on the web site. Ask to see the most recent student satisfaction survey, which should be on file in the President's office.
2. Don't assume that a college that is affiliated with a religious institution will express that heritage in daily campus life. The influence of that institution may or may not be dominant on campus.
3. Ask the tour guide and college representatives about the social tone, campus culture (or campus climate) and to provide examples of how they experience it.
4. Visit your final choice colleges a second time, after you‟ve been accepted, but before you accept the financial aid offer. On this visit:
- Pay attention to verbiage used in event posters, student newspapers and presentations. And ask random students on campus for their opinion about the campus climate.
- Take advantage of overnight stay programs that are commonly offered by the Admissions Department.
- Have your child visit or call the residence halls, explaining that he/she is a prospective student and ask the same questions that you asked of the tour guides and official representatives.
5. To fully understand how diversity and collaborative learning impacts daily campus life, take the extra effort to interview faculty members (especially those in your child‟s field of study). Be sure to ask for specific examples or data about the following questions:
- How does the institution encourage activities where students from different backgrounds meet and work together? Ask for examples where the activities impacted the majority of students, not just members of club or academic program.
- How often do students work in teams to complete assignments, solve problems or apply course content?
- How frequently do students engage in service learning or take part in community-based projects to fulfill class requirements?
- How many students collaborate on research with faculty members?
- How many interdisciplinary courses are offered? Are they open to all students?
- How many students are involved with living and learning communities? How is the faculty involved with these communities?
7. Since retention and graduation rates are correlated with student satisfaction, look them up on the College Board College Matchmaker, or other, college search engine, and compare your final choice colleges.
8. Consult student-written guides and forums about campus life, which are available for selected campuses. The most popular guides are:
“The Insider‟s Guide to The Colleges,” The Yale Daily News
“Students‟ Guide to Colleges”, The Penguin Group
“The Big Book of Colleges”, College Prowler
Visit online forums, where you can read comments and pose questions to experienced parents and students:
www.collegeconfidential.com
www.campusdirt.com
9. You may want to have a discussion with your child about the importance of campus diversity and culture to his or her happiness as a student. But don‟t expect tremendous insight. Your child‟s personality is still in a formative stage and he or she has a limited worldview.
10. Resist the urge to judge the campus morals and values, superficially. What you think is best for your child might not, in fact, be best. Listen beyond what your child says about a campus. He or she wants to please you and may be telling you what you want to hear. Look for signs of genuine enthusiasm.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Rankings vs. Reality: How Do You Assess Your College Choices?
College rankings publishers are getting smart about answering students’ real questions about what makes for a great higher education experience. Whether you use or believe these rankings, or the methodology used, the newer, more creative rankings publishers, can open students’ minds about what might really be important in their college decisions.
Look on the home page of any college web site. If it made the cut on one of the U.S. News and World Report or The Princeton Review’s favorable lists of distinctions, it will certainly be promoted there. U.S .News and World Report rankings are developed by peer ratings from college administrators, while The Princeton Review’s come from student surveys.
So, despite the controversy over rankings, colleges care about them.
Most students make final college choices on the basis of some reality: financial, career or just how the campus “feels” to them. However, it’s also worthwhile to look at how the college might impact you as a person.
Some publishers have responded creatively to new and different issues raised by the public, the media and even higher educators themselves about what makes for a great college experience. Since 1996, Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) , a non-profit organization, has member schools who are recognized as having “students heavily involved in cooperative rather than competitive learning, and a faculty of scholars devoted to helping young people develop their powers, mentors who often become their valued friends."
And this fall, the Washington Monthly evaluated schools based on:
- “Social mobility” - the recruiting and graduating of poorer students
- Research - the support of scientific and humanistic study, by producing PhDs and by the winning research grants
- Service – the school’s effectiveness at giving back to the country, through either military or civilian service
One can certainly imagine the positive impact on character that would come from a collaborative learning experience in an environment that focuses on social impact. Ask creative questions of your prospective faculty on these matters when you whittle down your college list.
Look on the home page of any college web site. If it made the cut on one of the U.S. News and World Report or The Princeton Review’s favorable lists of distinctions, it will certainly be promoted there. U.S .News and World Report rankings are developed by peer ratings from college administrators, while The Princeton Review’s come from student surveys.
So, despite the controversy over rankings, colleges care about them.
Most students make final college choices on the basis of some reality: financial, career or just how the campus “feels” to them. However, it’s also worthwhile to look at how the college might impact you as a person.
Some publishers have responded creatively to new and different issues raised by the public, the media and even higher educators themselves about what makes for a great college experience. Since 1996, Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) , a non-profit organization, has member schools who are recognized as having “students heavily involved in cooperative rather than competitive learning, and a faculty of scholars devoted to helping young people develop their powers, mentors who often become their valued friends."
And this fall, the Washington Monthly evaluated schools based on:
- “Social mobility” - the recruiting and graduating of poorer students
- Research - the support of scientific and humanistic study, by producing PhDs and by the winning research grants
- Service – the school’s effectiveness at giving back to the country, through either military or civilian service
One can certainly imagine the positive impact on character that would come from a collaborative learning experience in an environment that focuses on social impact. Ask creative questions of your prospective faculty on these matters when you whittle down your college list.
Washington Monthly ranks colleges by social mobility, research and "giving back" to the US. http://ping.fm/VJGHw
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
New career & college articles - national scope: High-demand majors/careers, more! http://ping.fm/czQt4
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Here we go again! Payscale's high-pay college majors list. Filter this 4 yur region! Ask us how to find programs. http://www.pop.ly/2u16
Monday, September 07, 2009
Ashland U - More majors/smaller college! hotel/rest mgmt, radio/TV, int'l studies, tox/environ. science, sports med.! http://ping.fm/paZkD
Gates Foundation "College is knowledge"-- DMC for getschooled. Watch the video: http://bit.ly/8qxLH education
Sunday, September 06, 2009
You Control the The "You" Factors in Career Planning
Don’t know what you want to be when you grow up?
If you’ve already graduated from high school, you may not know yourself well enough to give a career counselor all the information he or she needs to help you.
He or she will probably suggest one or more of the most reliable career assessments: perhaps the Strong or Campbell Interest Inventories. They’re quick, a good investment and the results statistically represent your age group results. Or, a career counselor could use a values assessment, to determine what’s important to you and where you could find those qualities in a job.
These assessments work on the premise that you will be successful at things you like, and believe in. That’s very true, but how do you know what you COULD be good at, and interested in, if you never get exposed to new ideas and get a chance to try them out? For young adults, in particular, assessment results are limited to what they’ve been exposed to up until now.
The most sophisticated tests used to guide career planning are available through a psychologist or someone trained in tests of personality, ability (like the DAT for PCA) and intelligence. Still, the results here are somewhat fixed, and speak only to the potential for you to fit a career. They’re more apt to help an employer make decisions, not you.
Even if you could get interested in a new skill, there is a ticket to admission into this career path: Your skills may have to be developed. Should you go to college, or to a career center? Or somewhere else?
Discouraged? Please don’t be!
Yes, these decisions are expensive, both in time and money. And, like any service, even a medical doctor, your career counselor needs your direction and thoughtful responses to their questions. No one can give you all the answers.
The thing to remember is that you are in charge of this process; not the professionals. And it’s a lifelong process. That’s why so many college students change majors; many more than once. And so many college students are undecided about a major. Many college graduates never pursue the job that they went to college for. Any many adults change careers.
As you move through your work life, you will make better decisions when you understand all the factors that uniquely drives your satisfaction in a job: interests, abilities, personality, and values. You’ll be more motivated and confident about the investment you might need to make in training or education. Our Career Explor-a-tion workshop might just be a good place to start! Write to info@whatsyourmajor.net
If you’ve already graduated from high school, you may not know yourself well enough to give a career counselor all the information he or she needs to help you.
He or she will probably suggest one or more of the most reliable career assessments: perhaps the Strong or Campbell Interest Inventories. They’re quick, a good investment and the results statistically represent your age group results. Or, a career counselor could use a values assessment, to determine what’s important to you and where you could find those qualities in a job.
These assessments work on the premise that you will be successful at things you like, and believe in. That’s very true, but how do you know what you COULD be good at, and interested in, if you never get exposed to new ideas and get a chance to try them out? For young adults, in particular, assessment results are limited to what they’ve been exposed to up until now.
The most sophisticated tests used to guide career planning are available through a psychologist or someone trained in tests of personality, ability (like the DAT for PCA) and intelligence. Still, the results here are somewhat fixed, and speak only to the potential for you to fit a career. They’re more apt to help an employer make decisions, not you.
Even if you could get interested in a new skill, there is a ticket to admission into this career path: Your skills may have to be developed. Should you go to college, or to a career center? Or somewhere else?
Discouraged? Please don’t be!
Yes, these decisions are expensive, both in time and money. And, like any service, even a medical doctor, your career counselor needs your direction and thoughtful responses to their questions. No one can give you all the answers.
The thing to remember is that you are in charge of this process; not the professionals. And it’s a lifelong process. That’s why so many college students change majors; many more than once. And so many college students are undecided about a major. Many college graduates never pursue the job that they went to college for. Any many adults change careers.
As you move through your work life, you will make better decisions when you understand all the factors that uniquely drives your satisfaction in a job: interests, abilities, personality, and values. You’ll be more motivated and confident about the investment you might need to make in training or education. Our Career Explor-a-tion workshop might just be a good place to start! Write to info@whatsyourmajor.net
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Job security depends not just on college major; also region & employer. But start here: http://ping.fm/3xUS8
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Ohio families: Get smart about financial aid strategy! State assistance is down almost 50% FYs 2009-2011 http://www.aicuo.edu/Graphs%20-%20Financial%20Aid.html
Siegal College (Cleveland) Jewish Studies - academics, adult, continuing ed - graduate, adult, distance: http://ping.fm/hYIkW
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Youngstown State University accreditations: Business (AACSB); Education—
NCATE; Engineering—ABET http://www.ysu.edu/
info@whatsyourmajor.net
NCATE; Engineering—ABET http://www.ysu.edu/
info@whatsyourmajor.net
Monday, August 31, 2009
New @ University of Akron: 3 programs 4 top students in polymer science & engineering! Get graduate degree in 5 yrs! http://tiny.cc/Vduxb
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Academic counseling matters! Northeast Ohio community college study - a great start: http://ping.fm/Elj9O
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Career pathways to pharmacy from www.neucom.edu reaches 1800 students in 40 cities! http://ping.fm/xIscb
Career pathways to pharmacy program from CVS and www.neoucom.edu
reaches 1800 high schoolers in 40 cities!http://ping.fm/rLNYo
reaches 1800 high schoolers in 40 cities!http://ping.fm/rLNYo
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Slash tuition costs! 40 degrees thru Lorain County Community College's University Partnership Program! http://ping.fm/kCFoj
Slash tuition costs! 40 Bachelor's/Master's degrees thru Lorain County Community College's University Partnership Program! http://ping.fm/kn4lG
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Slash tuition costs! 40 Bachelor/Masters degrees thru Lorain County Community College's University Partnership: http://ping.fm/r0RK9
Saturday, August 22, 2009
National Academic Programming News!
New academic programs were announced this week at:
• Arcadia University - graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, a technique used to help those with autism and communication disorders.
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Ph.D. in organizational leadership.
• Hudson County Community College, (NJ) - associate degrees in hospitality: hotel and restaurant management, entrepreneurship, and travel and tourism
• Arcadia University - graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, a technique used to help those with autism and communication disorders.
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Ph.D. in organizational leadership.
• Hudson County Community College, (NJ) - associate degrees in hospitality: hotel and restaurant management, entrepreneurship, and travel and tourism
Write to us at What's Your Major? sm for advice and workshops for college planning and success!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Students now prep for professional dance @ expanded prog @ Lakeland Community College: http://ping.fm/EJhqn
www.whatsyourmajor.net
www.whatsyourmajor.net
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Kent State’s new MBA program for health care executives rated top-tier by CEO Magazine:
http://ping.fm/oLuDE
www.whatsyourmajor.net
http://ping.fm/oLuDE
www.whatsyourmajor.net
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Hiram College offers students hands-on exp with bacterial genome (DNA) research!http://ping.fm/1of7t
www.whatsyourmajor.net
www.whatsyourmajor.net
Monday, August 17, 2009
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) has 2 new health care career cntrs! Finish programs in wks for jobs earning $10-16/hr
http://ping.fm/dhfrv
Info@whatsyourmajor.net
http://ping.fm/dhfrv
Info@whatsyourmajor.net
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Five “Simple” Steps to Find High-Demand Jobs and High-Demand Majors
http://ping.fm/LEV5z
info@whatsyourmajor.net
http://ping.fm/LEV5z
info@whatsyourmajor.net
Five “Simple” Steps to Find High-Demand Jobs and High-Demand Majors
When deciding among over 20,000 job titles and over 3000 colleges, it’s important to best your best advocate. No one can tell you what’s right for you. The following steps sound easy, but will require you to do some reading and thinking about your own interests, values and skills before making final decisions. And you’ll probably have to back-track through these steps several times before you have information that feels actionable to you.
You’ll also have to carefully consider what you’re willing to do to attain these jobs. And realize that “everything depends”:
- on what you’re willing to do to get the job (including taking steps to increase and broaden some of your natural skills), and
- on the specific opportunities available from the specific employers in your area, and their hiring criteria.
Once you’re armed with the facts and a plan, you’ll be more motivated and confident, with the greatest chance of meeting your goals.
1. Research the high-demand jobs and high-demand majors can be researched for each state at http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20024.htm
The Department of Labor currently publishes projections for growth, number of openings, and salary levels through 2016.
2. Once you know the projections for your state, you can read about the job requirements in the Occupational Outlook Handbook by plugging in the SOC code.
3. Learn about job requirements, including education by reading the job description.
4. If you’re college-bound, use a search engine like College Board’s Matchmarker to plug in the type of degree you need to get the job. If you register at this site, you can also create and save a list of potential colleges, using your criteria for cost, location, and many more factors.
If you’re not college-bound, or want to make a career change without returning to college, look into training programs at your local community or career colleges, or certifications available through professional associations.
5. Talk to faculty, not just the admissions folks, at the colleges or programs that you’re considering. Share your research and questions with your prospective instructors and get their reaction. The really “connected” faculty will be approachable and knowledgeable about where recent students are working today.
Remember, most hiring decisions are based on “soft skills,” so you must polish up your communication and team work skills. Nearly everyone thinks that they have these skills, but you must be able to show specific examples of your work style during interviews.
Write to us at info@whatsyourmajor.net for advice and workshops for college planning and success!
www.whatsyourmajor.net
Jill Bernaciak Linked In Profile
You’ll also have to carefully consider what you’re willing to do to attain these jobs. And realize that “everything depends”:
- on what you’re willing to do to get the job (including taking steps to increase and broaden some of your natural skills), and
- on the specific opportunities available from the specific employers in your area, and their hiring criteria.
Once you’re armed with the facts and a plan, you’ll be more motivated and confident, with the greatest chance of meeting your goals.
1. Research the high-demand jobs and high-demand majors can be researched for each state at http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20024.htm
The Department of Labor currently publishes projections for growth, number of openings, and salary levels through 2016.
2. Once you know the projections for your state, you can read about the job requirements in the Occupational Outlook Handbook by plugging in the SOC code.
3. Learn about job requirements, including education by reading the job description.
4. If you’re college-bound, use a search engine like College Board’s Matchmarker to plug in the type of degree you need to get the job. If you register at this site, you can also create and save a list of potential colleges, using your criteria for cost, location, and many more factors.
If you’re not college-bound, or want to make a career change without returning to college, look into training programs at your local community or career colleges, or certifications available through professional associations.
5. Talk to faculty, not just the admissions folks, at the colleges or programs that you’re considering. Share your research and questions with your prospective instructors and get their reaction. The really “connected” faculty will be approachable and knowledgeable about where recent students are working today.
Remember, most hiring decisions are based on “soft skills,” so you must polish up your communication and team work skills. Nearly everyone thinks that they have these skills, but you must be able to show specific examples of your work style during interviews.
Write to us at info@whatsyourmajor.net for advice and workshops for college planning and success!
www.whatsyourmajor.net
Jill Bernaciak Linked In Profile
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A Class of One @ College of Wooster! “Creative adventure” sr. capstone - self-discipline & self-discovery”: http://ping.fm/LctoJ www.whatsyourmajor.net
Friday, August 14, 2009
NOCHE colleges, businesses confer in Environmental Sustainability work grp to create “Green Collar” jobs, education in OH: http://noche.org/134
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
GREEN majors and courses now at 30 % of business and 22 % of engineering schools! http://www.newsweek.com/id/210906 www.whatsyourmajor.net
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Cleveland State University ranked #2 for city management/urban policy grad prog: http://ping.fm/flWAo
www.whatsyourmajor.net
www.whatsyourmajor.net
Monday, August 10, 2009
Music study for Grades 11-12 leads to informed career choices. See Young Artist Program @ Cleveland Institute of Music: http://ping.fm/klGX7
www.whatsyourmajor.net
www.whatsyourmajor.net
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Nifty video from Cleveland Institute of Art w/student POV re: job opportunities!
http://ping.fm/kQeBd
http://ping.fm/kQeBd
Nifty Admissions Video from Cleveland Institute of Art
The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is one of the top ten professional colleges of art and design in the country.
On YouTube, CIA offers a innovative student point of view about life on campus of this intimate community of 500 students; and the professional opportunities that lie ahead for its graduates of sixteen studio majors in four “learning environments” : Design, Material Culture-Craft, Visual Arts and Technologies, and Integrated Media.
http://www.youtube.com/user/CIAMakingArtWork
Write to us at info@whatsyourmajor.net for advice and workshops for college planning and success!
www.whatsyourmajor.net
Jill Bernaciak Linked In Profile
On YouTube, CIA offers a innovative student point of view about life on campus of this intimate community of 500 students; and the professional opportunities that lie ahead for its graduates of sixteen studio majors in four “learning environments” : Design, Material Culture-Craft, Visual Arts and Technologies, and Integrated Media.
http://www.youtube.com/user/CIAMakingArtWork
Write to us at info@whatsyourmajor.net for advice and workshops for college planning and success!
www.whatsyourmajor.net
Jill Bernaciak Linked In Profile
Friday, August 07, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Engineering Graduates Command Highest Salaries
According to NACE's Summer 2009 Salary Survey,. engineering majors claim four of the five college majors that get the highest starting salary offers. Like any field, the actual salary depends, in part, on the industry. For example, the average starting salary offers by engineering discipline are:
• Petroleum engineering = $83,121
• Chemical engineering = $64,902
• Mining engineering = $64,404
• Computer engineering = $61,738
• Computer science = $61,407
Salaries are driven up by a surplus of jobs for new graduates in these fields, even in today’s tight economy, says NACE officials. And, while the salary is high, the actual number of jobs available is not particularly exceptional, so it’s still a competitive field.
Contact Jill@whatsyourmajor.net for career and college advice and workshop registration. www.whatsyourmajor.net
• Petroleum engineering = $83,121
• Chemical engineering = $64,902
• Mining engineering = $64,404
• Computer engineering = $61,738
• Computer science = $61,407
Salaries are driven up by a surplus of jobs for new graduates in these fields, even in today’s tight economy, says NACE officials. And, while the salary is high, the actual number of jobs available is not particularly exceptional, so it’s still a competitive field.
Contact Jill@whatsyourmajor.net for career and college advice and workshop registration. www.whatsyourmajor.net
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Read w/caution re: top 10 college majors: not correlated with top jobs: http://ping.fm/c6rAK Info@whatsyourmajor.net
Monday, August 03, 2009
Cleveland Institute of Art: Information Design program for stem cell research: http://ping.fm/iomP4 Visit www.whatsyourmajor.net & http://ping.fm/qJrVF
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Scholarship at Case Western Reserve University helps science & math majors become hs teachers. Info@whatsyourmajor.net & http://ping.fm/oOuW3
Saturday, August 01, 2009
New Ohio State Agriculture BS includes AS in Vet Tech (for natl cert) & animal sciences minor: http://ping.fm/9QtA5
whatsyourmajor.net
whatsyourmajor.net
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
WSJ: The global/tech job market pays best for skills NOT learned in college. http://ping.fm/QQHPm
Info@whatsyourmajor.net
Info@whatsyourmajor.net
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
College Graduates, Avoid Job Shortage: Choose a High Demand Career and a High Demand Major
Here are ten tips for picking a high demand major and the right academic program:
According to the US Department of Labor, only 13% of jobs will require a bachelor’s degree by 2016. This means that there will be over 1.4 million college graduates with a job supply of only 670,000. Selecting a college is tricky, even if you have a major in mind. If job placement is a critical consideration, do your research!
1. Make the connection between high-demand jobs and high-demand college majors. Take some time to read deep into several interesting job categories published the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). Read a few of the job descriptions and you’ll get the hang of how it’s organized.
2. Make sure the job projections published in the OOH reflect a larger than average growth rate and a higher than average number of jobs projected. Of course, if your job growth isn’t higher than average, it doesn’t mean this isn’t a good field for you. Your personal passion and preparedness is really what makes you employable. But it’s good to know how intense the competition for jobs will be!
3. Check further in the OOH information about the regions of the country where you want to work. Is there growth expected there too?
4. Compare the OOH descriptions of training and education required to the academic programs offered by the top colleges you’re considering. The descriptions won’t match perfectly. But you’ll ask better questions in class the more quickly you pick up the “lingo” of the field that you’ll be working in.
5. Check out the coursework offered in the majors. The course catalog is probably online and will describe what each course will cover. Do the classes teach you what the OOH says you need to know to work in this field? Not sure? Call the instructors or ask to speak with them when you’re on a campus visit!
6. Learn about the hiring trends in the industry you’ll be working in. Locate an appropriate professional association and read the blogs and white papers from the leading experts in the field. What are their insights about where the field is going?
Finally, find out about the reputation of your top majors at your top three colleges:
7. Where did the faculty graduate from?
8. Are any colleges cited in the trade or professional association web site?
9. Where did the top industry experts go to college?
10. What awards, publications, student/professional activities and/or research is your college professors involved with? Will you have a chance to work with people in your field while you’re a student?
You might be able to shortcut this research process, if you’re willing to pick up the phone and call people who are working (preferably, hiring) in this field. Explain that you’re a student seeking career advice and you may be surprised at how much information you can find out!
Contact me at www.whatsyourmajor.net for more information.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Five Simple Steps to Picking a Major!
When you’re down to your final choices of a college, it’s time for you to really scrutinize their academic offerings (courses and majors).
Purchase an easy search tool like “Major Decisions”, published by Wintergreen Orchard House to take with you on college visits. In an easy- to-read and easy-to-carry thin handbook, it describes 150 of the most popular majors and describes the plan of study in plain English.
Compare your college’s offerings with the core subject areas and typical course titles described in the book. This can help you make your final college choice, and to ask better questions when you visit all of your top college choices.
Again, make sure you talk to the faculty of the academic programs, if you have a major field or fields picked out. However, if you’re one of the 30% of freshmen who don’t know what your major will be, at least understand what’s offered and make plans to further explore the majors and career paths, as you enter college.
The college (faculty, your advisor or the career and academic advising departments) can help you get clarity, as you move into your freshman and sophomore years. “Major Decisions” lists career possibilities. Explore them with your career center, and also talk to people in those professions to truly understand the quality of life that you can expect in this job.
In these conversations with the college and working professionals, prepare the right questions to ask. For example, “Major Decisions” tells you what skill areas are critical for success in the major and career. If this field is a passing interest and not a passion, and the skills required seem daunting to you, you need to think carefully about whether this is the right path for you. Consider taking an aptitude assessment such as DAT for PCA to verify your skill level in specific areas like math or language. The career center or psychology department at your college may be able to refer you to a testing center.
You can approach your search for a major three ways:
- A limited search (to learn about all the majors in a given field, such as psychology or engineering).
- An extended search (to also learn about the entries in the “related majors” sections of the “Major Decisions” handbook.
- Or just random reading - to get acquainted with the scope of majors in the Table of Contents and then read deeper into areas that sound interesting.
Purchase an easy search tool like “Major Decisions”, published by Wintergreen Orchard House to take with you on college visits. In an easy- to-read and easy-to-carry thin handbook, it describes 150 of the most popular majors and describes the plan of study in plain English.
Compare your college’s offerings with the core subject areas and typical course titles described in the book. This can help you make your final college choice, and to ask better questions when you visit all of your top college choices.
Again, make sure you talk to the faculty of the academic programs, if you have a major field or fields picked out. However, if you’re one of the 30% of freshmen who don’t know what your major will be, at least understand what’s offered and make plans to further explore the majors and career paths, as you enter college.
The college (faculty, your advisor or the career and academic advising departments) can help you get clarity, as you move into your freshman and sophomore years. “Major Decisions” lists career possibilities. Explore them with your career center, and also talk to people in those professions to truly understand the quality of life that you can expect in this job.
In these conversations with the college and working professionals, prepare the right questions to ask. For example, “Major Decisions” tells you what skill areas are critical for success in the major and career. If this field is a passing interest and not a passion, and the skills required seem daunting to you, you need to think carefully about whether this is the right path for you. Consider taking an aptitude assessment such as DAT for PCA to verify your skill level in specific areas like math or language. The career center or psychology department at your college may be able to refer you to a testing center.
You can approach your search for a major three ways:
- A limited search (to learn about all the majors in a given field, such as psychology or engineering).
- An extended search (to also learn about the entries in the “related majors” sections of the “Major Decisions” handbook.
- Or just random reading - to get acquainted with the scope of majors in the Table of Contents and then read deeper into areas that sound interesting.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Linking Majors and Careers was Never Easier! (Still, You Have to Do Some Legwork)
It’s never too soon for students to explore careers; and conversely, it’s never too late for an adult. You can learn about the types of high school and college coursework needed, and -- whether or not you go to college -- the types of jobs that you can prepare for, in each cluster. At the States Career Clusters Initiative, there are 16 Career Cluster Plans of Study; and 81 Pathway Plans of Study across them.
According to the site, “A Plan of Study can serve as a guide, along with other career planning materials, as learners continue on a career path.” Course recommendations should be individualized to meet each learner’s educational and career goals and each school’s entrance and graduation requirements.
Knowledge and Skills Charts are available at the links provided for each Cluster and under the "Resources" tab on the site. Secondary and post-secondary coursework is detailed “across the disciplines” of math, science, social studies and English/Language Arts. Other required courses, electives and learner activities are also provided.
Since many professional jobs these days don’t require a college degree, coursework in both career and technical programs and degree major courses are provided for each cluster. A sample listing of job titles gives you an idea of the types of jobs that can result from following these study programs. For example, in the Marketing, Sales and Service cluster, common job titles include:
►Copywriter/Designer
►E-Commerce Director
►Entrepreneur
►Field Marketing Representative
►Forecasting Manager
►Interactive Media Specialist
►Inventory Manager/Analyst
►Logistics Manager
►Merchandise Buyer
►On-line Market Researcher
►Public Relations Manager
►Promotions Manager
►Retail Marketing Coordinator
►Sales Executive
►Shipping/Receiving Clerk
►Telemarketer
►Trade Show Manager
►Warehouse Manager
►Webmaster
Armed with this information, you can jump over to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook to learn about salaries, what the jobs are like, and the growth projections in your region. Contact me at jill@whatsyourmajor.net for help with streamlining this process.
According to the site, “A Plan of Study can serve as a guide, along with other career planning materials, as learners continue on a career path.” Course recommendations should be individualized to meet each learner’s educational and career goals and each school’s entrance and graduation requirements.
Knowledge and Skills Charts are available at the links provided for each Cluster and under the "Resources" tab on the site. Secondary and post-secondary coursework is detailed “across the disciplines” of math, science, social studies and English/Language Arts. Other required courses, electives and learner activities are also provided.
Since many professional jobs these days don’t require a college degree, coursework in both career and technical programs and degree major courses are provided for each cluster. A sample listing of job titles gives you an idea of the types of jobs that can result from following these study programs. For example, in the Marketing, Sales and Service cluster, common job titles include:
►Copywriter/Designer
►E-Commerce Director
►Entrepreneur
►Field Marketing Representative
►Forecasting Manager
►Interactive Media Specialist
►Inventory Manager/Analyst
►Logistics Manager
►Merchandise Buyer
►On-line Market Researcher
►Public Relations Manager
►Promotions Manager
►Retail Marketing Coordinator
►Sales Executive
►Shipping/Receiving Clerk
►Telemarketer
►Trade Show Manager
►Warehouse Manager
►Webmaster
Armed with this information, you can jump over to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook to learn about salaries, what the jobs are like, and the growth projections in your region. Contact me at jill@whatsyourmajor.net for help with streamlining this process.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Look and See! Use the New Interactive College Search Tools to Understand the Intangibles
Data are great, but when push comes to shove, your choice of college will most likely be based on intangibles: a feeling of connection that's hard to describe.
When your college meets your hard academic, financial and logistical requirements, AND just feels right, you've found your "best fit".
College search road trips can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Prepare yourself with a "look and see" approach before getting in the car:
1. Start with the usual list of 20-some schools on your consideration list. You'll wind up with fewer than ten at decision time. Contact me at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/index.php/Contact-Us.html for free advice about how to compile your list.
2. Use student-directed interactive tools to develop an understanding about what life is really like at your first 20 choices.
US News and World Report, for example, now offers online videos of 150 campuses, with student commentary and blogs .
Collegeconfidential.com offers a topic-specific forum where parents and students can share impressions and experiences openly. You can submit a question about your colleges and someone with experience is very likely to respond quickly.
Some printed college guides are written from a student's point of view, such as "The Insider's Guide to the Colleges," and "Students' Guide to the Colleges". These are great places to do a first screening of your list of 20 colleges.
3. Visit five to ten schools on your list during the first go-around. Through the visits, you'll find yourself developing the criteria for the intangibles that matter to you: The social culture on campus, the teaching philosophy of the faculty you will meet, and more.
4. If a faculty presentation is not on your campus visit agenda, make sure you make an appointment with a faculty member from either the core curriculum or your field of interest. Ask about the teaching philosophy on campus and how it's realized in the classroom. Inquire about job opportunties and hiring trends in the field.
5. Don't omit any colleges from your list based on indirect internet or book resources. Look and see for yourself! But be sure to get details from college officials about any areas of special interest or concern.
Happy Hunting!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
College Grads: Rally Your Enthusiasm During Job Interviews
In a job interview, a recent college graduate was asked what she thought of the opportunity.
Her answer: "It wouldn't be my first choice."
The result: No job offer
Author Barbara Pachter says that many millennials limit their job options by making poor choices in etiquette (http://barbarapachter.blogspot.com/2009/05/mistakes-to-avoid-when-looking-for-work.html)
The graduate above was essentially insulting the interviewer by demeaning the job, in telling the "truth".
It's not necessary to lower your career goals, but it is important to show that you spent your time well right after graduation. You need a job as soon as possible to provide proof of your ambition.
If you're going to accept an interview, make sure that you prepare, demonstrate openness and a positive attitude and followup in a way that keeps everything going in your favor. Don't assume anything about the position you're interviewing for, or the person doing the interview. He or she may even have other "unadvertised" opportunities.
True,
Your first job may not align with your college major.
It may be a hourly rate and not a salary.
It may be part-time.
It may not pay what you think you're worth.
But, in today's job market, you're competing with experienced professionals. They know something that you don't know.
1. Any seemingly great job offer can turn out to be disappointing, once you get there. And..
2. A position that seems inadequate at first can produce unforeseen opportunities, once you get there.
When your expectations about your first job are too lofty, you won't take interviews seriously, you won't get a job offer, and -- worst of all -- you will undermine your own confidence. Handle the interview well, and you're sure to get a boost in your self-image.
In an interview, it's best to focus on evaluating the job positively, thinking of ways it can help you, instead of assuming that it's not what you're looking for. Keep your options open. You don't have to make a decision until you get an offer!
Once you get a job, learn as much as you can while there, build professional friendships that will help you build your future; and create a reputation for reliability and expertise. You'll soon be in a position to control your own destiny.
Her answer: "It wouldn't be my first choice."
The result: No job offer
Author Barbara Pachter says that many millennials limit their job options by making poor choices in etiquette (http://barbarapachter.blogspot.com/2009/05/mistakes-to-avoid-when-looking-for-work.html)
The graduate above was essentially insulting the interviewer by demeaning the job, in telling the "truth".
It's not necessary to lower your career goals, but it is important to show that you spent your time well right after graduation. You need a job as soon as possible to provide proof of your ambition.
If you're going to accept an interview, make sure that you prepare, demonstrate openness and a positive attitude and followup in a way that keeps everything going in your favor. Don't assume anything about the position you're interviewing for, or the person doing the interview. He or she may even have other "unadvertised" opportunities.
True,
Your first job may not align with your college major.
It may be a hourly rate and not a salary.
It may be part-time.
It may not pay what you think you're worth.
But, in today's job market, you're competing with experienced professionals. They know something that you don't know.
1. Any seemingly great job offer can turn out to be disappointing, once you get there. And..
2. A position that seems inadequate at first can produce unforeseen opportunities, once you get there.
When your expectations about your first job are too lofty, you won't take interviews seriously, you won't get a job offer, and -- worst of all -- you will undermine your own confidence. Handle the interview well, and you're sure to get a boost in your self-image.
In an interview, it's best to focus on evaluating the job positively, thinking of ways it can help you, instead of assuming that it's not what you're looking for. Keep your options open. You don't have to make a decision until you get an offer!
Once you get a job, learn as much as you can while there, build professional friendships that will help you build your future; and create a reputation for reliability and expertise. You'll soon be in a position to control your own destiny.
Friday, May 29, 2009
A College Major is not a Career Choice! Get Out from Behind Yourself and Talk to People
In today's economy, many professional jobs do not require a four-year degree, and there is an oversupply of college graduates. This changes the equation for what the payback of a college education really is, and, the kind of investment you need to make to get the best results.
Many students, and certainly, their parents, say that they choose a major with the expectation of a particular job. The folly of this is that, too often, they act on incomplete information: what someone told them. They omit the critical step of finding out for themselves.
First, most professional jobs accept a variety of training options. College may not even be required.
And, if you are a college graduate, a variety of majors will be viewed by employers as applicable to your job of choice. You might be competing with more applicants that you planned on.
The only way to prove out your expectations for work after college is to use the principles of job shadowing that you learned about in high school: Talk to people!
Seek out people who are employed in the profession. How did they get there? What specific types of education, on-site training and networking would they recommend to you? If you don't know anyone employed in the field, go to the library or search online and find the professional trade association. Locate someone in your area and email them or ask for an in-person coffee meeting (your treat, of course).
College students, remember: You're the "customer" of your college. Use the faculty as a career resource. You're entitled to free access to them. Your instructors know the emerging trends in the profession and, best of all, they are connected. They know people who make the hiring decisions. They can assist you with your search for an internship, which is the best way to try on a job, before continuing to pursue it.
College is not just a monetary investment. It also occupies critical years of your life. Don't let that time produce lost opportunities.
Many students, and certainly, their parents, say that they choose a major with the expectation of a particular job. The folly of this is that, too often, they act on incomplete information: what someone told them. They omit the critical step of finding out for themselves.
First, most professional jobs accept a variety of training options. College may not even be required.
And, if you are a college graduate, a variety of majors will be viewed by employers as applicable to your job of choice. You might be competing with more applicants that you planned on.
The only way to prove out your expectations for work after college is to use the principles of job shadowing that you learned about in high school: Talk to people!
Seek out people who are employed in the profession. How did they get there? What specific types of education, on-site training and networking would they recommend to you? If you don't know anyone employed in the field, go to the library or search online and find the professional trade association. Locate someone in your area and email them or ask for an in-person coffee meeting (your treat, of course).
College students, remember: You're the "customer" of your college. Use the faculty as a career resource. You're entitled to free access to them. Your instructors know the emerging trends in the profession and, best of all, they are connected. They know people who make the hiring decisions. They can assist you with your search for an internship, which is the best way to try on a job, before continuing to pursue it.
College is not just a monetary investment. It also occupies critical years of your life. Don't let that time produce lost opportunities.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
If You Choose Your Academic Program Wisely, It Just Doesn't Matter Where You Go To College
Many students don’t realize that it isn’t their choice of college, or choice of major, that will determine success at college. They should consider your happiness first.
But what does that mean, exactly?
We tell students: If you can engage in the “community,” you will be more likely to optimize your experience, socially and academically, and be satisfied with the “value for the money” from your choice of college.
But the hidden secret of college shopping, is that your WILL depend of your choice of academic program within a college. It’s the “program” that you should be shopping for, once you’re sure that you will be comfortable with the social environment of top choice schools.
The latest National Survey of Student Engagement uncovered that 90% of the variance in student satisfaction campus quality is explained by students at the same schools not having the same experiences. The study reported that there are differences across academic programs at the same college when it comes to important factors like “social support”, “interactions with students from other ethnicities”, and “active and collaborative learning”.
And, this week, Forbes Magazine urged the 3.3 million newly minted high school graduates to save themselves pronounced anxiety by bargain shopping for their educations. Author and recent grad student/blogger Joie Jager-Hyman says that what's most important is a student’s “willingness to engage…, commit to learning and actively take part in classes that challenge…”.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/26/college-admission-officer-opinions-contributors-decision.html
Coming up! Workshops on College Essay Writing and Career Exploration (May 2), Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/Jill Bernaciak at Linked In
But what does that mean, exactly?
We tell students: If you can engage in the “community,” you will be more likely to optimize your experience, socially and academically, and be satisfied with the “value for the money” from your choice of college.
But the hidden secret of college shopping, is that your WILL depend of your choice of academic program within a college. It’s the “program” that you should be shopping for, once you’re sure that you will be comfortable with the social environment of top choice schools.
The latest National Survey of Student Engagement uncovered that 90% of the variance in student satisfaction campus quality is explained by students at the same schools not having the same experiences. The study reported that there are differences across academic programs at the same college when it comes to important factors like “social support”, “interactions with students from other ethnicities”, and “active and collaborative learning”.
And, this week, Forbes Magazine urged the 3.3 million newly minted high school graduates to save themselves pronounced anxiety by bargain shopping for their educations. Author and recent grad student/blogger Joie Jager-Hyman says that what's most important is a student’s “willingness to engage…, commit to learning and actively take part in classes that challenge…”.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/26/college-admission-officer-opinions-contributors-decision.html
Coming up! Workshops on College Essay Writing and Career Exploration (May 2), Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/Jill Bernaciak at Linked In
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Pursuing The Value-Add of a College Education
Marty Nemko's opinion-editorial in The Chronicle of Higher Education last spring raised challenges to both colleges and families to each create the "value-add" of a college education. Nemko contended that college students who have weak high school records often drop out from college without gaining much. They often leave the college experience with "devastated self-esteem, a mountain of debt, and a job they could have obtained without college."
Nemko, US News and World Report's contributing editor on career and college issues, cited several notable studies of low satisfaction with college among graduate and lack of preparedness for the work force. Among his proposed solutions: College view guides should include detailed scorecards on student progress.
In his blog, Nemko urges families to save money by making the most of college and to make college selection decisions accordingly:
"Choose professors carefully; for example, read online student reviews of them. Pick the professors most likely to teach you to think and write better and who will inspire you.
Take writing-and reasoning centric courses: for example, rhetoric.
Participate in extracurriculars such as debate, student govt, and student newspaper.
Take classes that expose you to a wide range of political perspectives.
Search out great peer and adult mentors."
Coming up! Workshops on College Essay Writing and Career Exploration (May 2), Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/
Jill Bernaciak at Linked In
Nemko, US News and World Report's contributing editor on career and college issues, cited several notable studies of low satisfaction with college among graduate and lack of preparedness for the work force. Among his proposed solutions: College view guides should include detailed scorecards on student progress.
In his blog, Nemko urges families to save money by making the most of college and to make college selection decisions accordingly:
"Choose professors carefully; for example, read online student reviews of them. Pick the professors most likely to teach you to think and write better and who will inspire you.
Take writing-and reasoning centric courses: for example, rhetoric.
Participate in extracurriculars such as debate, student govt, and student newspaper.
Take classes that expose you to a wide range of political perspectives.
Search out great peer and adult mentors."
Coming up! Workshops on College Essay Writing and Career Exploration (May 2), Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/
Jill Bernaciak at Linked In
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Four Northeast Ohio Colleges offer Human Resource Specializations, with Job Growth Exceeding 18%
Baldwin-Wallace, Cleveland State University, Ursuline College and Chancellor University offer Human Resource Majors; with job growth exceeding 18% in some specializations.
Generally, with a median salary of $88,510 and job growth exceeding 11 percent through 2016, the human resource profession is a broad category with lots of potential for the well-prepared job seeker. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, job growth approaching 18% is expected in specialties in employment, recruitment, and placement; compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists; and training and development, whose job holders can seek areas of specialization, for example, as:
- Compensation and Benefits, where managers plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities and staff of an organization. They can specialize in areas such as pensions or position classifications. For example, job analysts collect and examine details about job duties and prepare job descriptions that explain the duties, training, and skills that each job requires.
- Training and Development, where managers perform duties similar to the above and may also plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization, a key employee benefit.
Four northeast ohio colleges offer programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in personnel, human resources, or labor relations:
Baldwin-Wallace College – Human Resources
Cleveland State University – Management and Labor Relations
Ursuline College – Human Resource Management
Chancellor University (formerly Myers University) - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Human Resource Management
Beyond those four, courses leading to a career in human resources management may be found in departments of business administration, education, instructional technology, organizational development, human services, communication, or public administration.
Coming up! Workshops on College Essay Writing (March 28) and Career Exploration (May 2), Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/
Jill Bernaciak at Linked In
Generally, with a median salary of $88,510 and job growth exceeding 11 percent through 2016, the human resource profession is a broad category with lots of potential for the well-prepared job seeker. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, job growth approaching 18% is expected in specialties in employment, recruitment, and placement; compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists; and training and development, whose job holders can seek areas of specialization, for example, as:
- Compensation and Benefits, where managers plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities and staff of an organization. They can specialize in areas such as pensions or position classifications. For example, job analysts collect and examine details about job duties and prepare job descriptions that explain the duties, training, and skills that each job requires.
- Training and Development, where managers perform duties similar to the above and may also plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization, a key employee benefit.
Four northeast ohio colleges offer programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in personnel, human resources, or labor relations:
Baldwin-Wallace College – Human Resources
Cleveland State University – Management and Labor Relations
Ursuline College – Human Resource Management
Chancellor University (formerly Myers University) - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Human Resource Management
Beyond those four, courses leading to a career in human resources management may be found in departments of business administration, education, instructional technology, organizational development, human services, communication, or public administration.
Coming up! Workshops on College Essay Writing (March 28) and Career Exploration (May 2), Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/
Jill Bernaciak at Linked In
Sunday, February 22, 2009
With Passion for Fashion, Kent State Students are Well-Prepared to Compete in the Global Industry
There are two strategies that Northeast Ohio college students can take to choose a college major that ensures employment:
- Find a profession with largeness and growth and/or
- Find a school that’s the top in its field
Employment in the fashion design and fashion merchandising is not just a glamour job. Self-employment is common. Most jobs are highly competitive and located in New York and California. Job growth is slower than average, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
However, with top local training, students have the best chances of success.
Since 1983, the Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University’ has been turning out graduates who go on to lead their professions. Guided by a strong advisory board, students work side-by-side with top industry professionals from JCPenney, Sears and Simplicity Pattern Company, among others. Students consistently win national competitions sponsored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Target.
Recently, the fashion school received a $1 million gift from the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation. that provides “world-class quality leadership” for the next ten years from Elizabeth Rhodes, an exceptional industry visionary leader, according to Rick Kellar, the foundation’s president.
Over thirteen full-time faculty use hands-on and real-life experiences with over 700 students. Study tours to Europe and Asia are offered on a regular basis. Facilities include a studio in New York City, an international school in Florence, Italy and study opportunities in Hong Kong, London and Paris.
The NYC Studio is a new 4500-square-foot space with lecture room, computer lab and world class design studio, located in the heart of New York City's Garment District, where one-third of all clothing manufactured in the USA is designed and produced and home to America's world-renowned fashion talent.
The Kent State location has several CAD (computer-aided design) labs for digital fabric printing. pattern-making and 3-D merchandising. It houses world-renown library and museum.
A Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design is available on two tracks with different emphasis:
- Conceptual design with illustration
- Problem solving and technical design skills with strong construction skills.
In Fashion Merchandising, a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and a five-year MBA are available.
Basic coursework includes color, textiles, sewing and tailoring, pattern making, fashion history, computer-aided design (CAD), and design of different types of clothing such as menswear or footwear.
In addition to general admission requirements, applicants to the fashion design program must submit a skills assessment, including drawing and machine stitching samples, and a letter of intent and ‘statement of honor”. The school offers Academic Discovery days and shadowing for high school students for an in-depth exploration of the program.
Visit http://www.fashionschool.kent.edu/for more information
Median annual earnings for salaried fashion designers were $62,610 in May 2006. Earnings in fashion design can vary widely based on the employer and years of experience. Starting salaries in fashion design tend to be very low until designers are established in the industry. According to the Department of labor, some fashion designers also combine a fashion design degree with a business, marketing, or fashion merchandising degree, especially those who want to run their own business or retail store.
Coming up! Workshops on College Essay (March 28) and Career Planning (May 2)
Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/
Jill Bernaciak
See my Linked In Profile
- Find a profession with largeness and growth and/or
- Find a school that’s the top in its field
Employment in the fashion design and fashion merchandising is not just a glamour job. Self-employment is common. Most jobs are highly competitive and located in New York and California. Job growth is slower than average, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
However, with top local training, students have the best chances of success.
Since 1983, the Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University’ has been turning out graduates who go on to lead their professions. Guided by a strong advisory board, students work side-by-side with top industry professionals from JCPenney, Sears and Simplicity Pattern Company, among others. Students consistently win national competitions sponsored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Target.
Recently, the fashion school received a $1 million gift from the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation. that provides “world-class quality leadership” for the next ten years from Elizabeth Rhodes, an exceptional industry visionary leader, according to Rick Kellar, the foundation’s president.
Over thirteen full-time faculty use hands-on and real-life experiences with over 700 students. Study tours to Europe and Asia are offered on a regular basis. Facilities include a studio in New York City, an international school in Florence, Italy and study opportunities in Hong Kong, London and Paris.
The NYC Studio is a new 4500-square-foot space with lecture room, computer lab and world class design studio, located in the heart of New York City's Garment District, where one-third of all clothing manufactured in the USA is designed and produced and home to America's world-renowned fashion talent.
The Kent State location has several CAD (computer-aided design) labs for digital fabric printing. pattern-making and 3-D merchandising. It houses world-renown library and museum.
A Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design is available on two tracks with different emphasis:
- Conceptual design with illustration
- Problem solving and technical design skills with strong construction skills.
In Fashion Merchandising, a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and a five-year MBA are available.
Basic coursework includes color, textiles, sewing and tailoring, pattern making, fashion history, computer-aided design (CAD), and design of different types of clothing such as menswear or footwear.
In addition to general admission requirements, applicants to the fashion design program must submit a skills assessment, including drawing and machine stitching samples, and a letter of intent and ‘statement of honor”. The school offers Academic Discovery days and shadowing for high school students for an in-depth exploration of the program.
Visit http://www.fashionschool.kent.edu/for more information
Median annual earnings for salaried fashion designers were $62,610 in May 2006. Earnings in fashion design can vary widely based on the employer and years of experience. Starting salaries in fashion design tend to be very low until designers are established in the industry. According to the Department of labor, some fashion designers also combine a fashion design degree with a business, marketing, or fashion merchandising degree, especially those who want to run their own business or retail store.
Coming up! Workshops on College Essay (March 28) and Career Planning (May 2)
Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/
Jill Bernaciak
See my Linked In Profile
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Are You Efficient and a Strong Leader? Many Northeast Ohio Colleges Can Prepare You to be a High-Paid Administrative Service Manager
One of the only ways that a company can grow in today’s economy is to optimize the efficiency of its operations.
With the right degree and experience, you could be a key player as an “Administrative Services Manager”; which will be a higher-demand, high paid job through 2016 (and probably beyond).
While the job title is about as nondescript of an occupation as you could imagine, it pays an average of $67,000 annually and will have 276,000 people employed by 2016. This is an almost 12 percent increase from 2006.
Relevant majors depend on the work environment and include:
- Business (specifically finance or human resources)
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Construction management
- Facility management
What’s this Job Entail?
You don’t need to be an expert in the functional areas that you’d supervise, but you do need to demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, which is why lower-level experience is so vital. You must enjoy working with details, and a wide range of people; from managers, supervisors, and professionals, to clerks and blue-collar workers. You must be flexible, decisive and effective with meeting deadlines and managing multiple activities at once.
Administrative services managers coordinate and direct a broad spectrum of services that keep a company running smoothly. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, they can oversee:
- Secretarial and reception services and mail
- Administration and payroll
- Conference planning and travel
- Information and data processing
- Materials scheduling and distribution
- Printing and reproduction
- Records management
- Telecommunications management
- Security, parking
- Energy consumption
- Personal property
- Procurement, supply, recycling, and disposal
Specific duties for these managers vary by their level of responsibility and authority. Some advance to upper level positions, such as vice president of administrative services.
Experience and Courses Required
Managerial and industry-specific experience is the key to attaining this position. You might have to start in a non-managerial position and work up the ladder. Your chances for promotion to this position can be enhanced by earning the Certified Manager (CM) designation offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), along with the right experience and education.
The degree required depends on the work environment. In less complex organizations, a high school education and experience could suffice. But other employers, such as in contract administration or facilities management, require a bachelor’s degree. In facilities management, many managers have a background in real estate, construction, or interior design. Courses in office technology, accounting, business mathematics, computer applications, human resources, and business law would be expected, regardless of industry.
Sources: Occupation Outlook Handbook, 2008-09
With the right degree and experience, you could be a key player as an “Administrative Services Manager”; which will be a higher-demand, high paid job through 2016 (and probably beyond).
While the job title is about as nondescript of an occupation as you could imagine, it pays an average of $67,000 annually and will have 276,000 people employed by 2016. This is an almost 12 percent increase from 2006.
Relevant majors depend on the work environment and include:
- Business (specifically finance or human resources)
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Construction management
- Facility management
What’s this Job Entail?
You don’t need to be an expert in the functional areas that you’d supervise, but you do need to demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, which is why lower-level experience is so vital. You must enjoy working with details, and a wide range of people; from managers, supervisors, and professionals, to clerks and blue-collar workers. You must be flexible, decisive and effective with meeting deadlines and managing multiple activities at once.
Administrative services managers coordinate and direct a broad spectrum of services that keep a company running smoothly. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, they can oversee:
- Secretarial and reception services and mail
- Administration and payroll
- Conference planning and travel
- Information and data processing
- Materials scheduling and distribution
- Printing and reproduction
- Records management
- Telecommunications management
- Security, parking
- Energy consumption
- Personal property
- Procurement, supply, recycling, and disposal
Specific duties for these managers vary by their level of responsibility and authority. Some advance to upper level positions, such as vice president of administrative services.
Experience and Courses Required
Managerial and industry-specific experience is the key to attaining this position. You might have to start in a non-managerial position and work up the ladder. Your chances for promotion to this position can be enhanced by earning the Certified Manager (CM) designation offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), along with the right experience and education.
The degree required depends on the work environment. In less complex organizations, a high school education and experience could suffice. But other employers, such as in contract administration or facilities management, require a bachelor’s degree. In facilities management, many managers have a background in real estate, construction, or interior design. Courses in office technology, accounting, business mathematics, computer applications, human resources, and business law would be expected, regardless of industry.
Sources: Occupation Outlook Handbook, 2008-09
Monday, February 09, 2009
Building a Career? Look into Construction Management and Cleveland State University
Economic forecasts aside, the long-run job prospects in Construction Management are much better than average, from the perspective of salary and chance of hire.
The number of construction management jobs will grow 15.7% between 2006 and 2016. The median salary in 2006 was $73,700.
A bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, building science, or civil engineering or architecture are preferred and work experience is also expected, whether through an internship, a cooperative education program, or a job in the industry. The traditional path to advancement begins with long-term experience as, for example, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, or electrical installation.
In Northeast Ohio, five colleges have relevant four-year programs that would qualify you, after work experience, for a construction management opportunity:
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland State University
Kent State University
The University of Akron
Youngstown State University
For example, Cleveland State University’s Engineering program has made “large investments have been made in new labs and the renovation of classrooms and office space…” Its co-op program enables students to alternate between classes and work at many (related) “prominent companies”.
According to the Dean’s report in spring 2008, 63% of the faculty graduated from the top 26 engineering schools in the United States, including MIT, Princeton, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, Texas A&M and a variety of others. The Visiting Scholar program has hosted scholars from Carnegie Mellon University and internationally from Myong Ji University and Dankook University in South Korea, Fujian University and Shanghai Polytechnic University in China, Federal University of Sao Carlos in Brazil and JNTU in India.
In the Cleveland marketplace, there are an estimated 970,000 construction management positions, with an average hourly wage of $42.55 and an average annual salary of $88,510.
According to the Occupational Outlook, construction managers “plan, direct, coordinate, or budget…activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems”. Construction managers help conceptualize the development of a construction project and organize, schedule, and implement related activities with the help of supervisory subordinates. Specialties such as carpentry or plumbing are included in this profession, and job titles include general superintendents, project managers, and constructors.
The biggest employers of construction managers include petroleum and related wholesale, investment pools or funds, and travel accommodations. Most managers are involved with nonresidential, residential, building equipment, foundation, structure and exterior contactors.
Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.csuohio.edu/engineering/
The number of construction management jobs will grow 15.7% between 2006 and 2016. The median salary in 2006 was $73,700.
A bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, building science, or civil engineering or architecture are preferred and work experience is also expected, whether through an internship, a cooperative education program, or a job in the industry. The traditional path to advancement begins with long-term experience as, for example, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, or electrical installation.
In Northeast Ohio, five colleges have relevant four-year programs that would qualify you, after work experience, for a construction management opportunity:
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland State University
Kent State University
The University of Akron
Youngstown State University
For example, Cleveland State University’s Engineering program has made “large investments have been made in new labs and the renovation of classrooms and office space…” Its co-op program enables students to alternate between classes and work at many (related) “prominent companies”.
According to the Dean’s report in spring 2008, 63% of the faculty graduated from the top 26 engineering schools in the United States, including MIT, Princeton, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, Texas A&M and a variety of others. The Visiting Scholar program has hosted scholars from Carnegie Mellon University and internationally from Myong Ji University and Dankook University in South Korea, Fujian University and Shanghai Polytechnic University in China, Federal University of Sao Carlos in Brazil and JNTU in India.
In the Cleveland marketplace, there are an estimated 970,000 construction management positions, with an average hourly wage of $42.55 and an average annual salary of $88,510.
According to the Occupational Outlook, construction managers “plan, direct, coordinate, or budget…activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems”. Construction managers help conceptualize the development of a construction project and organize, schedule, and implement related activities with the help of supervisory subordinates. Specialties such as carpentry or plumbing are included in this profession, and job titles include general superintendents, project managers, and constructors.
The biggest employers of construction managers include petroleum and related wholesale, investment pools or funds, and travel accommodations. Most managers are involved with nonresidential, residential, building equipment, foundation, structure and exterior contactors.
Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.csuohio.edu/engineering/
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Case Western Reserve University -- and several others in Northeast Ohio -- offers Best Odds for Hiring and High Pay in the Computer Science Field
Northeast Ohio has always been a tough job market. Unless you have a rich uncle -- it's paramount to have a solid strategy for your college education and career.
If you take the trouble to identify a top-paying occupation early in your college career, would you also want to know about where you can find a top-rated academic program, locally?
-- Or, would you also be interested in finding a top-rated program, locally and at the lowest cost?
Answering these questions may seem unwieldy.
You could define your "best fit" college by finding one that gives you a top education in a top paying, promising field. Of course, for most students, it's not quite that crystal clear. Your college lifestyle is also an important consideration.
In Ohio, Case Western Reserve University and The Ohio State University both offer a top rated program in Computer Science, according to both The Gourman Report and Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges. (The Gourman report was acquired by The Princeton Review in 1997.)
Rugg's includes Denison University in its best Computer Science majors list in the "most selective" category.
Hiram College and Kent State University are also included, although considered by Rugg's to be "very", not "most" selective in admitting students.
Baldwin-Wallace College and Mount Union College also make the cut in the more general, "selective" category.
Majors in computer and information sciences, computer systems analysis, networking and telecommunications or information technology can leads to a position as network systems and data communications analyst, the best job for college graduates, as defined by Laurence Shatkin.
Shatkin and Michael Farr, authors of the "200 Best Jobs for College Graduates", say that Systems analysts design, test and evaluate systems such as intranets and local area networks. The average starting salary is $40,100 and there will be over 35,000 openings for them annually, through 2016.
Sources: Forbes, 1/9/09
Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges, 2006
The Gourman Report, 1997
If you take the trouble to identify a top-paying occupation early in your college career, would you also want to know about where you can find a top-rated academic program, locally?
-- Or, would you also be interested in finding a top-rated program, locally and at the lowest cost?
Answering these questions may seem unwieldy.
You could define your "best fit" college by finding one that gives you a top education in a top paying, promising field. Of course, for most students, it's not quite that crystal clear. Your college lifestyle is also an important consideration.
In Ohio, Case Western Reserve University and The Ohio State University both offer a top rated program in Computer Science, according to both The Gourman Report and Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges. (The Gourman report was acquired by The Princeton Review in 1997.)
Rugg's includes Denison University in its best Computer Science majors list in the "most selective" category.
Hiram College and Kent State University are also included, although considered by Rugg's to be "very", not "most" selective in admitting students.
Baldwin-Wallace College and Mount Union College also make the cut in the more general, "selective" category.
Majors in computer and information sciences, computer systems analysis, networking and telecommunications or information technology can leads to a position as network systems and data communications analyst, the best job for college graduates, as defined by Laurence Shatkin.
Shatkin and Michael Farr, authors of the "200 Best Jobs for College Graduates", say that Systems analysts design, test and evaluate systems such as intranets and local area networks. The average starting salary is $40,100 and there will be over 35,000 openings for them annually, through 2016.
Sources: Forbes, 1/9/09
Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges, 2006
The Gourman Report, 1997
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Even High Demand Degree-Holders Need to Get Smart about Developing "Soft" Skills
College Graduates! Do You Know Who is Hiring? Or Who is Being Hired?
Don’t overlook the importance of proving your soft skills to employers when entering the job market for the first time. Everyone – regardless of your degree -- has to overcome employer bias against recent college graduates.
Employers want communication and team work skills but they believe that young people lack them. You will be better off in this flat job market, if you can demonstrate your team work experience and individual contributions from college classes, extracurricular experience, internships and “first jobs”.
According to the 2009 Job Outlook Survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the job market is flat. And it's more competitive. There are more job-seekers; recent graduates and job changers are pursing the same positions.
Engineers, accountants and computer scientists with "people smarts" will be very competitive in the 2009 job market.
The highest demand is for bachelor's degrees are in the following fields:
Accounting
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science
Business Administration/Management
Economics/Finance
Information Sciences & Systems
Computer Engineering
Management Information Systems
Marketing/Marketing Management
At the master's degree level, the highest demand is for:
M.B.A.
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Accounting
These hiring trends are likely to continue for awhile, so undergraduate students who are considering one of these majors will be well-advised to confirm that decision.
Where Should you Target your Job Search?
If you're a newly minted degree-holder in Accounting, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Business Administration/Management, the Federal Government is the best place to seek a job.
If you're an MBA, you will lead the pack at 60% of employers surveyed by NACE.
Who's Hiring by Employer Type
(Bachelor's Degree)
Accounting:
Accounting (public)
Financial Services
Utilities
Government (Federal)
Mechanical engineering
Government (Federal)
Chemicals & Allied Products
Food & Beverage Processing
Electrical engineering:
Government (Federal)
Electrical & electronic machinery & equipment manufacturers
Chemicals & allied products
Computer Science:
Computer software development& data processing services
Communication Services
Government (Federal)
Business Admin./Mgmt.:
Insurance
Financial Services
Food & Beverage Processing
Government (Federal)
Associate degree holders in business, engineering, drafting, design, and computer-aided design (CAD) are also in demand. Industries that are doing the most hiring for associate degrees are utility companies, research organizations, communications services, electrical/electronic machinery and equipment manufacturers.
High Demand "Soft" Skills
Employers want skills that they say recent college graduate lack; most importantly:
1. Communication skills, especially writing
2. Strong work ethic
3. Teamwork skills (works well with others)
4. Initiative
5. Analytical skills
6. Computer skills
7. Flexibility/adaptability
8. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
9. Problem-solving skills
10. Technical skills
High GPAs and Internships are Other Ways to Get Over the Hurdles
Over 50% of employers use a GPA cutoff of 3.0 to screen out candidates. Adding an internship or two in your field will show an employer that you’ve tested your new knowledge.
Even better, internships are a foot in the door. Employers often use them for try-outs; a talent pool for future employees. So, even if it's an unpaid internship, if it's with a desirable future employer, you should seriously consider it!
Don’t overlook the importance of proving your soft skills to employers when entering the job market for the first time. Everyone – regardless of your degree -- has to overcome employer bias against recent college graduates.
Employers want communication and team work skills but they believe that young people lack them. You will be better off in this flat job market, if you can demonstrate your team work experience and individual contributions from college classes, extracurricular experience, internships and “first jobs”.
According to the 2009 Job Outlook Survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the job market is flat. And it's more competitive. There are more job-seekers; recent graduates and job changers are pursing the same positions.
Engineers, accountants and computer scientists with "people smarts" will be very competitive in the 2009 job market.
The highest demand is for bachelor's degrees are in the following fields:
Accounting
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science
Business Administration/Management
Economics/Finance
Information Sciences & Systems
Computer Engineering
Management Information Systems
Marketing/Marketing Management
At the master's degree level, the highest demand is for:
M.B.A.
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Accounting
These hiring trends are likely to continue for awhile, so undergraduate students who are considering one of these majors will be well-advised to confirm that decision.
Where Should you Target your Job Search?
If you're a newly minted degree-holder in Accounting, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Business Administration/Management, the Federal Government is the best place to seek a job.
If you're an MBA, you will lead the pack at 60% of employers surveyed by NACE.
Who's Hiring by Employer Type
(Bachelor's Degree)
Accounting:
Accounting (public)
Financial Services
Utilities
Government (Federal)
Mechanical engineering
Government (Federal)
Chemicals & Allied Products
Food & Beverage Processing
Electrical engineering:
Government (Federal)
Electrical & electronic machinery & equipment manufacturers
Chemicals & allied products
Computer Science:
Computer software development& data processing services
Communication Services
Government (Federal)
Business Admin./Mgmt.:
Insurance
Financial Services
Food & Beverage Processing
Government (Federal)
Associate degree holders in business, engineering, drafting, design, and computer-aided design (CAD) are also in demand. Industries that are doing the most hiring for associate degrees are utility companies, research organizations, communications services, electrical/electronic machinery and equipment manufacturers.
High Demand "Soft" Skills
Employers want skills that they say recent college graduate lack; most importantly:
1. Communication skills, especially writing
2. Strong work ethic
3. Teamwork skills (works well with others)
4. Initiative
5. Analytical skills
6. Computer skills
7. Flexibility/adaptability
8. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
9. Problem-solving skills
10. Technical skills
High GPAs and Internships are Other Ways to Get Over the Hurdles
Over 50% of employers use a GPA cutoff of 3.0 to screen out candidates. Adding an internship or two in your field will show an employer that you’ve tested your new knowledge.
Even better, internships are a foot in the door. Employers often use them for try-outs; a talent pool for future employees. So, even if it's an unpaid internship, if it's with a desirable future employer, you should seriously consider it!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Innovative, Cross-Disciplinary Golf Management Program at Ohio State University
Try telling mom and dad that you want to major in “golf”.
Even the savviest college shopper might never ask him- or herself:
“What do science, business, and golf have in common?”
Ohio State University (OSU) provides all the right justifications for turning your golf passion into a lucrative career. The right facilities, broad cross-disciplinary coursework and specializations, premiere faculty and intensive professional networking can make you a sought-after candidate in a $62 billion industry.
OSU' s creative four-and-a-half year Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program collaborated across three academic departments and with a leading professional association to offer high-potential student golfers an opportunity to make their passion into a career. The program combines the academic requirements of The Ohio State University with the golf business knowledge and golf aptitude expectations.
The OSU College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) houses the program, which is delivered by the Horticulture & Crop Science Department. CFAES, the College of Education and Human Ecology, the Fisher College of Business, and the OSU Athletics Department partnered to develop the program, which is sanctioned by the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA). PGA requires students to become Class A PGA professionals after graduation
Why OSU? Why a Career in – of all things – Golf!?
According to program officials, about $4.4 billion of (the $62 million golf industry) is produced in Ohio, according to a PGA study. “The starting median salary for someone going through a PGM program is about $50,000 and can eventually reach six figures,” program literature points out.
Ohio is fifth among U.S. states for the number of golf courses (~ 800). Most of them serve as sites for OSU PGM students to conduct internships.
Ohio State was the 18th institution in the United States to implement a Professional Golf Management program, and has the distinction of offering the only PGM program in Ohio, and only the second in the Midwest.
What’s Involved with a Golf Management Major at OSU?
Applicants to the PGM program must be admitted to the University and provide proof of an 18-hole golf handicap of 10 or better. This provides evidence that PGM students have the potential to pass the PGA of America’s Playing Ability Test (PAT).
This degree is multi-disciplinary and incorporates on-campus courses required to complete the major and the General Education Curriculum. Students must also complete the course requirements for a minor in many areas of interest, such as General Business, Agribusiness, Coaching Education or Exercise Science.
All students majoring in PGM at Ohio State complete at least 16 months (five academic quarters) of internships prior to graduation.
Courses are offered in finance, personnel management, marketing, merchandising, plant science, inventory control, lesson planning, individual and group teaching, and social and professional interactions. Students learn to operate a golf course or resort, studying accounting, food and beverage management, event planning, turfgrass science - while honing their golf skills and teaching expertise.
A range of internship opportunities allow OSU PGM students to gain a breadth of experience in the golf industry, as well as focus on specific career interest areas. Students intern at high quality sites across the United States and internationally at university, municipal, public, private and semi-private courses/clubs, resorts, retail stores, learning centers, golf club manufacturers, and sport management companies.
The program is led by Dr. Ray Miller, who has been a member of the faculty at The Ohio State University since 1985 and was previously employed in the chemical industry and served as an environmental consultant.
"(Our PGM students) begin gaining the knowledge and skills required to become a resort manager, club pro, equipment representative or instructor in the golf industry," Dr, Miller notes.
"Other schools, especially the smaller ones, are very 'golfcentric,'" Miller says. "Even though students might learn human resource management or restaurant management, their programs are really focused on the golf part of that. Our students here, even if they decide to get out of golf, will have a broad enough background to do other things in life."
Dr. Miller helps students succeed in their academic program to become members of the Professional Golfer's Association of America. He carries a 7 handicap.
I’m Interested! What Do I Need to Do Next?
Prospective students must show proof of an 18-hole golf handicap of 10 or better. Proof of this handicap may be established by any one of the following:
· Confirmation of playing ability form signed by a high school golf coach
· Confirmation of playing ability form signed by a PGA of America member
· Current United States Golf Association Handicap card
· Confirmation of Playing Ability form - download form
Students can also visit the PGM website at pgm.osu.edu or call Mary Rose Molinaro at 1-866-367-5268 for further information.
Source: http://hcs.osu.edu/pgm/
Even the savviest college shopper might never ask him- or herself:
“What do science, business, and golf have in common?”
Ohio State University (OSU) provides all the right justifications for turning your golf passion into a lucrative career. The right facilities, broad cross-disciplinary coursework and specializations, premiere faculty and intensive professional networking can make you a sought-after candidate in a $62 billion industry.
OSU' s creative four-and-a-half year Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program collaborated across three academic departments and with a leading professional association to offer high-potential student golfers an opportunity to make their passion into a career. The program combines the academic requirements of The Ohio State University with the golf business knowledge and golf aptitude expectations.
The OSU College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) houses the program, which is delivered by the Horticulture & Crop Science Department. CFAES, the College of Education and Human Ecology, the Fisher College of Business, and the OSU Athletics Department partnered to develop the program, which is sanctioned by the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA). PGA requires students to become Class A PGA professionals after graduation
Why OSU? Why a Career in – of all things – Golf!?
According to program officials, about $4.4 billion of (the $62 million golf industry) is produced in Ohio, according to a PGA study. “The starting median salary for someone going through a PGM program is about $50,000 and can eventually reach six figures,” program literature points out.
Ohio is fifth among U.S. states for the number of golf courses (~ 800). Most of them serve as sites for OSU PGM students to conduct internships.
Ohio State was the 18th institution in the United States to implement a Professional Golf Management program, and has the distinction of offering the only PGM program in Ohio, and only the second in the Midwest.
What’s Involved with a Golf Management Major at OSU?
Applicants to the PGM program must be admitted to the University and provide proof of an 18-hole golf handicap of 10 or better. This provides evidence that PGM students have the potential to pass the PGA of America’s Playing Ability Test (PAT).
This degree is multi-disciplinary and incorporates on-campus courses required to complete the major and the General Education Curriculum. Students must also complete the course requirements for a minor in many areas of interest, such as General Business, Agribusiness, Coaching Education or Exercise Science.
All students majoring in PGM at Ohio State complete at least 16 months (five academic quarters) of internships prior to graduation.
Courses are offered in finance, personnel management, marketing, merchandising, plant science, inventory control, lesson planning, individual and group teaching, and social and professional interactions. Students learn to operate a golf course or resort, studying accounting, food and beverage management, event planning, turfgrass science - while honing their golf skills and teaching expertise.
A range of internship opportunities allow OSU PGM students to gain a breadth of experience in the golf industry, as well as focus on specific career interest areas. Students intern at high quality sites across the United States and internationally at university, municipal, public, private and semi-private courses/clubs, resorts, retail stores, learning centers, golf club manufacturers, and sport management companies.
The program is led by Dr. Ray Miller, who has been a member of the faculty at The Ohio State University since 1985 and was previously employed in the chemical industry and served as an environmental consultant.
"(Our PGM students) begin gaining the knowledge and skills required to become a resort manager, club pro, equipment representative or instructor in the golf industry," Dr, Miller notes.
"Other schools, especially the smaller ones, are very 'golfcentric,'" Miller says. "Even though students might learn human resource management or restaurant management, their programs are really focused on the golf part of that. Our students here, even if they decide to get out of golf, will have a broad enough background to do other things in life."
Dr. Miller helps students succeed in their academic program to become members of the Professional Golfer's Association of America. He carries a 7 handicap.
I’m Interested! What Do I Need to Do Next?
Prospective students must show proof of an 18-hole golf handicap of 10 or better. Proof of this handicap may be established by any one of the following:
· Confirmation of playing ability form signed by a high school golf coach
· Confirmation of playing ability form signed by a PGA of America member
· Current United States Golf Association Handicap card
· Confirmation of Playing Ability form - download form
Students can also visit the PGM website at pgm.osu.edu or call Mary Rose Molinaro at 1-866-367-5268 for further information.
Source: http://hcs.osu.edu/pgm/
Thursday, January 01, 2009
College Majors that Pay the Most!
In August 2008, Payscale, Inc. released its annual rankings for college majors that result in the highest salaries, based on data from 10 million users.
When looking at private sector jobs (excluding social work and education) and excluding graduate degrees, Computer Engineering is one of the highest paid occupations with the greatest demand. Furthermore, Computer Engineering achieves this salary range in under five years of experience.
The only downside of this occupation is that job growth isn’t particularly high and salaries don’t tend to grow with experience.
According to the College Board, "Computer engineering technology students learn the technical skills they need to help computer engineers design computer hardware and software. Class topics include computer electronics and programming, computer installation and testing, and report writing."
Nearest to Northeast Ohio, the Firelands campus of Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Huron offers an associate degree in Computer Engineering. For information, contact:
Admission Office
One University Drive
Huron, OH 44839 (419) 433-5560
Fax: (419) 372-0604 fireadm@bgsu.edu
Contact: Debralee Divers Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
According to the IEEE Computer Society:
"Computers are used in almost every aspect of today’s life: in automobile engines, microwave ovens, video games, watches, telephones, desktops at home and work, mainframe computers in government and industry, and in supercomputers extending the frontiers of science and technology. The computer, network and Internet industries are the fastest growing segments of our economy and of the new millennium."
BGSU says that "students who are interested in computer and network engineering technology can pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree or a two-year associate degree. Technologists with the bachelor’s degree may work creating scientific and engineering advances or producing high quality products and are more likely than the technician to take on a project-leadership role after a year or two of experience.
A student with a two-year degree can enter the industry as a member of an engineering team working with engineers, technologists and other engineering technicians. Technicians are often involved in the maintenance, repair, installation, industrial application, testing, trouble-shooting, sales and field service of computer and network systems. They are expected to keep up with the latest technological advancements.
Typical job titles include: computer systems specialist, computer support specialist, computer maintenance technician, software engineering technician, installation technician, field engineer, field service representative, systems integrator and applications specialist, and systems support technician."
BGSU's Program Requirements Include:
Communications (6 hours minimum), General Studies (6 hours minimum), Basic Courses (20 hours minimum) and Electronics and Computer Technology Major (37 hours minimum) covering:
Design (DESN 104)Manufacturing (MFG 112) or Basic Computer-Aided Design (DESN 131)Energy, Power, Instrumentation and Control (ECT 191)
Electric Circuits (ECT 240)
Electronic Circuits (ECT 241)
Digital Electronic Components and Systems (ECT 249)
Real Time Microcomputer Systems for Industrial Control (ECT 250)
Programmable Logic Controllers (ECT 310 or ECT 248)
Electrical Measurements and Instrumentation (ECT 247)
Digital Computer Analysis (ECT 349)
Network & Internet Principles (CST 181)
Network & Internet Implementation (CST 281)
Employment Outlook
The U.S. Dept. of Labor expects the computer and network engineering technology career to be the fastest growing field well into the 21st century. According to the latest figures from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, computer support specialists and computer engineers are the top two fastest growing occupations through 2008. Projected growth employment rates exceed 90 percent.
So, knowing the trade-offs in picking a major is critical. If you’re out for the quickest return on your investment in college, and you’re willing to stick out a tough academic program, don’t want to pursue a graduate degree and are fascinated with how computers work, Computer Engineering could be the perfect choice for you!
Sources:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/print?id=5304488
http://www.firelands.bgsu.edu/academics/asas_eeet-ect.html
www.collegeboard.com
When looking at private sector jobs (excluding social work and education) and excluding graduate degrees, Computer Engineering is one of the highest paid occupations with the greatest demand. Furthermore, Computer Engineering achieves this salary range in under five years of experience.
The only downside of this occupation is that job growth isn’t particularly high and salaries don’t tend to grow with experience.
According to the College Board, "Computer engineering technology students learn the technical skills they need to help computer engineers design computer hardware and software. Class topics include computer electronics and programming, computer installation and testing, and report writing."
Nearest to Northeast Ohio, the Firelands campus of Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Huron offers an associate degree in Computer Engineering. For information, contact:
Admission Office
One University Drive
Huron, OH 44839 (419) 433-5560
Fax: (419) 372-0604 fireadm@bgsu.edu
Contact: Debralee Divers Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
According to the IEEE Computer Society:
"Computers are used in almost every aspect of today’s life: in automobile engines, microwave ovens, video games, watches, telephones, desktops at home and work, mainframe computers in government and industry, and in supercomputers extending the frontiers of science and technology. The computer, network and Internet industries are the fastest growing segments of our economy and of the new millennium."
BGSU says that "students who are interested in computer and network engineering technology can pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree or a two-year associate degree. Technologists with the bachelor’s degree may work creating scientific and engineering advances or producing high quality products and are more likely than the technician to take on a project-leadership role after a year or two of experience.
A student with a two-year degree can enter the industry as a member of an engineering team working with engineers, technologists and other engineering technicians. Technicians are often involved in the maintenance, repair, installation, industrial application, testing, trouble-shooting, sales and field service of computer and network systems. They are expected to keep up with the latest technological advancements.
Typical job titles include: computer systems specialist, computer support specialist, computer maintenance technician, software engineering technician, installation technician, field engineer, field service representative, systems integrator and applications specialist, and systems support technician."
BGSU's Program Requirements Include:
Communications (6 hours minimum), General Studies (6 hours minimum), Basic Courses (20 hours minimum) and Electronics and Computer Technology Major (37 hours minimum) covering:
Design (DESN 104)Manufacturing (MFG 112) or Basic Computer-Aided Design (DESN 131)Energy, Power, Instrumentation and Control (ECT 191)
Electric Circuits (ECT 240)
Electronic Circuits (ECT 241)
Digital Electronic Components and Systems (ECT 249)
Real Time Microcomputer Systems for Industrial Control (ECT 250)
Programmable Logic Controllers (ECT 310 or ECT 248)
Electrical Measurements and Instrumentation (ECT 247)
Digital Computer Analysis (ECT 349)
Network & Internet Principles (CST 181)
Network & Internet Implementation (CST 281)
Employment Outlook
The U.S. Dept. of Labor expects the computer and network engineering technology career to be the fastest growing field well into the 21st century. According to the latest figures from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, computer support specialists and computer engineers are the top two fastest growing occupations through 2008. Projected growth employment rates exceed 90 percent.
So, knowing the trade-offs in picking a major is critical. If you’re out for the quickest return on your investment in college, and you’re willing to stick out a tough academic program, don’t want to pursue a graduate degree and are fascinated with how computers work, Computer Engineering could be the perfect choice for you!
Sources:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/print?id=5304488
http://www.firelands.bgsu.edu/academics/asas_eeet-ect.html
www.collegeboard.com
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