Pmp Certification- An Important Career Move

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As a project manager with many years experience under your belt, still you will find many circumstances which challenge your abilities and skills to mange projects successfully. As the projects come in all sizes and shapes, it makes your job all the more challenging and tough. With some of them having no past history the job as a project leader becomes more daunting as the learning and gathering information phase extends. This brings a lot more pressure to perform within the timelines and budget. For a project manager the responsibility delivering quality results with limited resources often builds up stressful working situation. Importantly as a good project manger you are expected to work against all these odds and still perform.
Some of the challenges that project mangers come across in projects can be listed as:

Unrealistic deadlines
Change in project scope
Failure to manage risk
Insufficient team skill
Customers and end users are not engaged during the project
Lack of well defined vision and goals
Ineffective communication

So much at hand necessitates a tool, an approach that provides project manager with the right knowledge and skills. Project Management is the answer and obtaining a PMP certification would be the right move for your career. Project management not only equips project individuals with skills to mange projects but also provides value to organizations. Project Management Certification Exam (PMP) is a globally recognized and most respected certification. PMP Certification is offered by Project Management Institute (PMI), which addresses the requirements of project managers in communication management, integration, quality, cost, human resources, risk and time. For PMP Certification in India, AstroWix a Registered Education Provider of PMI provides Project Management training to help professionals with the PMP Certification, USA.

The buzz of project management is going around and in coming times there would be a very high demand for certified professionals. To acquire a PMP certification for you would certainly be a decision that will pay off. Moreover, there are likely to be tens of thousands of qualified professionals who will pursue and gain their PMP certification in the coming years. The impact of these newly certified Program Managers would see a strengthened link between programs, initiatives and organizational strategy in both the public and private sector. No competitive project professional or an organization should miss this train!

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Starting Your Desktop Publishing Career

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Are you considering a desktop publishing career? Well to begin with, make sure you know what desktop publishers do. Desktop publishers use computer software, format and combine text, numerical data, photographs, charts, and other visual graphic elements to produce publication ready material. This material can range from books to business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters and newspapers, packaging, slides, and tickets.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statics, there were about 32,000 people employed as desktop publishers in 2006 in the United States. Most of these worked in the printing and publishing industries. You can pursue a desktop publishing career nationwide from home, however many jobs are located in major cities.

You do not need a college degree to start a desktop publishing career, but the BLS strongly recommends it. Those with either certificates or an associates or bachelors degree will have more, and better, job opportunities available to them. Many people working in this field learn on the job, but many others learn by taking classes and specialized desktop publishing programs.

It is strongly recommended that anyone considering a desktop publishing career have all or most of the following: good communication skills, basic computer skills, a strong work ethic, the ability to compute ratios to estimate job costs, good manual dexterity, the ability to pay attention to detail and work independently, good eyesight (including visual acuity, depth perception, field of view, color vision, and the ability to focus quickly), and artistic ability.

Though the BLS does not predict any serious growth in the desktop publishing industry through 2016, jobs will be available due to natural attrition in the workforce, which will need to be replaced. The BLS also states that the median earnings for someone in a desktop publishing career were $34,130 in 2006.

Those entering a desktop publishing career with limited training and experience may start as helpers receiving instruction from experienced desktop publishers. As one masters more skills and learns how to use new software, he or she can advance to positions with greater responsibility. This may include supervisory or management positions. Some desktop publishers may start their own companies or work as independent contractors, many of these publishers work at home. Those who are more artistic talent and can further their education may find opportunities in graphic design or commercial art. These are often higher paying careers, that can also be done from home or in a major city.

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Career Assessment – To Stay or Go

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Career Assessment: Now is a good time to carefully evaluate and assess you career.

Here
it is mid-October and the other day I noticed a well decorated
Christmas tree in a department store while the leaves are still on the
trees and I was still mowing my grass. Talk about rushing the season.
But maybe there’s another season that needs to be brought to the
present. Instead of waiting until the New Year to perform a thorough
career check up, with the holidays and everything else is in the way,
now is an excellent time for you to take a careful look at your career.

How
is your career progressing? Where are you now, what do you expect in
the near future and are you satisfied with your progress? Is it
necessary for a new beginning?

Don’t be like a lot of people that
make job and career decisions based on only one or two factors. These
decisions need to be carefully thought out before you change employers
or to go into a different career. If you perform a wide-ranging career
evaluation you won’t be caught up in making career decisions on
superficial slights or minor disparities. There are more important
considerations that completely outweigh these minor short term
distractions.

Instead of making career decisions based on short
term factors like did you get the last promotion, is your current pay
competitive or even how well you are getting on with your boss, your
career assessment should be based on a whole range of factors. Don’t
make the mistake of hastily jumping into another job or becoming
unemployed and later you have to regret the move.

Here are four basic factors involved in a Career Check-up. Take your time to carefully evaluate each factor.

What is Your Employer’s Situation?

How
well is your employer performing financially? Are sales and market
share increasing or decreasing? Is your employer a leader and keeping up
to date with the latest trends and technology? Evaluate your company’s
reputation in your industry and community, and how does this impact your
own career goals.

Is Your Career Marketable?

What is the
current demand for your skills? Be honest with yourself and consult with
others in the same position with other employers. Are you up to date
with the professional demands of the job and the job one level above
you? Examine this factor critically. We all, at one time or another,
tend to inflate our skills and job knowledge. What’s been the recent
experience of others in the same field that elected to change employers?

Is Your Own Professional Career Development on Track?

Are
your skills being used in your current job? What is your potential for
future career growth? Does your present job utilize your interests and
strengths? Is your current job challenging? Do you have a say in how
your job is performed? Are your ideas sought and listened to? What is
your potential to advance further with your current employer? And how
does your future at your current employer mesh with your career plan?

What are Your Personal Preferences?

Do
you enjoy your job? Are most days positive? How do you feel about
getting up every day and going to work? Is your job personally
satisfying? Have you been thinking about changing jobs?

If you
decide your current job and career situation is promising and rewarding,
even in the face of minor distractions, this assessment will validate
your current position. If you uncover areas that you need to improve,
develop a plan to address the short fall. However, if you’re faced with
mostly negative answers, and there are limits on your career prospects
with your current employer, you might consider looking at other
employment prospects.

Posted in: Career \ Tagged:

Career Planning People Preferences and Job Choices

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Very often students face considerable problems while choosing a career for their future lives. They cannot properly evaluate their skills and achievements in order to choose occupation and be able to succeed in it. In this article, you can find out the description of peoples preferences and the list of jobs that may be chosen by these people. It is quick possible that these ideas will help you plan your own career and be satisfied with the results.

1.You are an athletic person who likes to work with different machines, tools, plants, animals. You prefer to work outside and spend as much time in the open air. What you need is the career of automobile engineer, logger, machinist, farmer, plumber, watchmaker, sailor, glazier, etc.

2.You are eager to work with numbers, data, and calculations. You like to evaluate everything and follow concrete details all the time. What you need is the career of accountant, file clerk, secretary, assistant (library, medical, business), cashier, typist, etc.

3.You cannot imagine your life without communications with different people. You would like to persuade, inform, support people in order to make their lives better and to organize their actions. What you need is the career of journalist, social worker, housekeeper, insurance or travel agent, lawyer, sales manager.

4.You prefer to observe, find out, analyze, and solve problems. You always want to learn more and share these findings with the others. What you need is the career of statistician, geologist, biologist, web site developer, pharmacist, dentist, ecologist, etc.

5.You always use some innovative approach to the decisions of different problems. You are always eager to develop new skills and gain new knowledge. What you need is the career of actor, copywriter, museum curator, graphic designer, dancer, music teacher, etc. Do not hesitate to use this scheme and make the necessary decision while planning your career. Mind that you can always change your mind and try something else, but still you need to be ready and do not forget to train your skills.

Posted in: Career

Considering A Career In Acting Film Acting School

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Have you thought about a career in acting? Most people who are successful in acting school know they want to act from a very young age and base their life decisions on it. Film school is one of the things you will need to think about. In fact which acting school to attend could be the most vital choice you make it in your acting career.

The first thing you are going to need is determination; have you any idea how many times most top actors were turned down for jobs before they made it big? If you are the type of person who cannot cope with rejection or falls over at the first hurdle, you can stop looking for an acting school right now. Acting is not for you.

If you think you are tough enough to handle the inevitable rejections that are coming your way as you try to make it in the acting profession then consider the next important point. Have you got any talent? Any acting school worth its salt will not let you past the door unless they genuinely think you have got the talent it takes to make it in this extremely competitive industry.

Popular opinion would have it that you need to be super attractive to make it in the film industry, this is not always true. Much more important than looks is talent. If you do not have it, you will not make it; it is as simple as that. You do not have to be one of the most beautiful people around but you do have to be the most talented. Most reputable film schools will assess your ability in this area and give you a frank account of your chances. Any film college that fails to do that is letting you down and leading you to waste your time and money. You should look for a film school that will be honest with you.

It is entirely possible that for you a career in film is not an acting career and you may not even realize this until you get to acting school. For that reason a film school that offers other options and some flexibility may be just what you need. Film production school or even film editing school may be more up your alley so a school that allows you to give each of these a try is essential if you have any doubt about acting school.

If, however you are set on being an actor then you are probably one of those people who has a true passion for it. You will need a film school that can turn that passion into the acting skills that you will need to make it in this highly competitive field of film production. IAFT is emerging as one of the leading authorities in this. Their professional website is full of information

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Your Career According to Your Zodiac – Career Horoscope 2010

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In today’s cosmos, having a successful vocation has become
increasingly crucial. Now, everyone is interested in having a high
profile career and their career development. Many times, it has been
hard to choose a powerful career. Career astrology is the channelizing
force to clear the confusion in deciding the correct path and stand out.
A learned astrologist can draw a career horoscope on grounds of your
birth information. Subsequently a deep analysis of this career
horoscope, the astrologers can provide job forecasting and remedies to
get rid of the ill touches on your career caused by planets

TAURUS- CAREER HOROSCOPE

If you choose to work with a trustworthy partner then this
association would prove beneficial and fruitful for you. The clash of
Saturn and Jupiter on August 16 may cause you to change your field of
work. Your job will be both rewarding and satisfying for you. You will
need to be prudent and cautious about your work because you will feel
vulnerable to stressful situations during 14 Jan to 31 may 2010. During
this period you are advised to make not make any important strategic
decisions.

You must not undertake the execution of any new
ventures as they may not be fruitful. Friends and family members will
help you to boost your career. Your career graph will see a rise in Nov
2010. You should not be arrogant or egoistic while dealing with work
issues during the time of Feb 7 to March 2, 2010. A decline in the
career graph between Jan 14 to May 31, 2010 is indicated. Your earlier
investments will be profitable and the time between May- Oct, 2010 and
Dec, 2010 will witness a rise in income. This year is generally good for
self employed Taureans. You will see a spurt in business in terms of
increased work order placements. For private and Government employees,
though, this period will be stressful and trying

LEO- CAREER HOROSCOPE

The period around April 26 and July 26 will be trying and difficult
for you and you will be stressed during such situations. You must keep
yourself calm and composed so that you can concentrate on your
objectives. You will be able to make most of the opportunities that
present themselves on May 23 and Aug 16.

The favorable combination of Jupiter and Uranus on June 8, Sept 18
And Jan 4, 2011 will bring pleasant surprises in terms of work results
and job front. The influence of Jupiter will bring success, affluence
and good fortune. There would be a few financial problems and
obstructions like delay in promotions and difference in opinion with the
seniors. This difficult period will test your resolve and patience to
only see you emerge stronger and with flying colors.

There are
radical career changes foreseen for Leo people, be it for self employed
or serviced. People could change their work or business and can switch
on to a completely new profession. This is due the position of Rahu and
Jupiter in their sign. Do not get influenced or carried away by your
friend’s or relative’s opinion as they might flummox your determination
levels or confound your plans. This year, you will need to be careful in
legal matters. You are advised to be cautious and alert to save your
time and energy from these entanglements.

GEMINI- CAREER HOROSCOPE

Courtesy the presence of Jupiter in the 10th house of career from
Jan 17 to June 6 and from Sept 9 to Jan 22, 2011, Gemini individuals
will see a surge in their career in 2010.

This Jupiter Uranus
combination will pave out new career paths, open up new job ventures and
bless upon unexpected success in the work. The presence of Saturn on
April 26, May 23, July 23 and August 16, would see you face a few
obstacles. The early half of 2010 will see you collaborating with
partners from foreign shores with positive results. All your sustained
hard work will see a growth in your career after May 2, 2010 then a lull
period will continue till Oct 31, 2010. You will see new avenues
opening up and we advise you to grab them.

Nov 2010 will witness
good fortune and profits for you. Never let issues like ego and
arrogance affect your work performance in any case, as they will pass as
easily as they come. The period during March 15 to March 30 is good for
people in creative fields.

Be careful while managing your
finances, because there is an indication of cash inflow but expenses as
well. Entrepreneurs or self employed people will expand their business
and venture into new fields. Foreign trips for business purposes will
prove beneficial. You will have a good social standing and reputation
too. You will be respected for your opinions. This year is also good for
students as they will get good results. So in a nutshell, there will
mostly be gains for Gemini people in this year.

ARIES- CAREER HOROSCOPE

Ruled by planet Mars, you are ruled by sign driven by power and
ambition. The year 2010 will prove to be a mixed bag for you. The
presence of Saturn in your 7th house of partners will make you face a
few roadblocks in your career path and you have to remove them on your
own, don’t expect any outside assistance. Your timely action and
intervention will prevent much of the unnecessary complications and help
you to stay focused on your work. Remember, teamwork is vital and of
utmost importance to your success. You must work in tandem with your
colleagues to achieve maximum results. The later half of 2010 should see
your tensions and worries ease off. You might find yourself in line for
a promotion or see an opportunity for a new work avenue.

You will
have your priorities in place and good solid work ethics will help you
to gain administrative positions. Those in hotel industry will
accomplish a lot. Achievements will wait for them and bestow them with
good stead and reputation in future. The same, though, cannot be said
about those in nursing and care giving fields. They will find themselves
in a stagnant phase and see being dominated and their opinions being
oppressed. They could also think to change careers or shift jobs. By the
end of year, it is possible that they might feel their career is
dormant. For that, they are advised to rely on their own inner strength
to take charge of the situation.

VIRGO- CAREER HOROSCOPE

They need to understand that obligations cannot be fulfilled at
once, all by themselves. This situation will continue till June 12th
when the new moon will enter 16th house of Career and you will be
swamped with work.

You will be satisfied and happy with your job
as you will make progress at the work place. You will be able to
negotiate with your co-workers and by being a tem player you would be
able to realize common goals. Your financial condition will improve
because you will be rewarded by the means of salary hikes and
promotions. This is a good year for budding entrepreneurs. Their hard
work will pay rich dividends in future. There is slight obstruction
though, Virgo individuals constantly strive for change and this may have
an adverse and unfavorable affect on your work.

You are advised
to not start any new business venture between May and July as this is an
inauspicious period to start something new. Be prudent and judicious
while solving your problems and you will find a solution. 2010 is an
especially good year for students. The positive effect of Saturn on
memory will cause the students to achieve good results in their exams.
They can pursue higher studies with ample help and support from parents
and relatives who will generate resources in terms of finances for the
students.

SCORPIO- CAREER HOROSCOPE

The planet of action, Mars is receding from your 10th house of
career. This spells a period of sluggishness and a noticeable decline in
your professional growth. However, this trend is for small period- to
be seen till March 10.

Your work will fall short of the
expectations. So it is advised that you abide by the time and try to
finish the work on hand. The situation will improve on June 6 when
Jupiter enters your 6th house of employment. This positive trend will
continue through September 9, which will allow you to innovate and
implement fresh ideas into action.

You will not be averse and
think twice before taking risks and will face challenges
enthusiastically. You will be able to realize your career goals and
consolidate your professional standing.

Financially, this is a good year for you. Any new
collaborations and affiliations, if any, are indicated to be highly
successful. Your sincere and industrious work will be noticed and
rewarded by your seniors. Your expertise in your field will be
recognized. This is a good year for students and people in show business
as they will do good work and will have a steady flow of income. This
year will prove to be a good year for politicians and people in public
service.

SAGITTARIUS- CAREER HOROSCOPE

On April 26 and July 26 you might find yourself trying to create
harmony between your professional and personal life and his effort will
cause you some worry. This is because of the Saturn’s negative affect on
Uranus on the aforementioned dates. Saturn will again influence Jupiter
on May 23 and Aug 16. This will cause disappointment for you because
then, you will lose good opportunities on the professional front. After
this stressful period, influence of Saturn will subside and you will
make gains financially.

2010 is an overall good year for
Sagittarians in terms of finance. Your hard work and dedication will be
appreciated by others. Investments in real estate this year will prove
profitable in the times to come. Business men might land a new contract
or deal which would be of enormous financial gain.

You are advised
to be fair and transparent in your financial dealings. So, career wise
this is a lucky and fortunate year for Sagittarians due to the position
of Jupiter in 4th and Saturn in 10th house. All your professional
endeavors will be successful. This is a crucial year for Sagittarians
who are in the transit of the age of 27, 28, and 32 or 36 years as these
people will switch their current jobs or careers for good and break
into new fields.

LIBRA- CAREER HOROSCOPE

Librans comes under the category of team players. They give their
best when they work in coordination with other partners. They have good
synergy and work well in tandem with others. They are not lone rangers
and this fact, bring them favors and let downs as well.

You must
implement new plans on July 11 as the solar eclipse in the 10th house of
Career which will be supported by the planet of action -Mars. This time
is a really good time to realize your plans. There is also a good
indication that these plans will be successful. Be extra careful and
cautious in your financial dealings as a little oversight will cause a
major financial harm. This is not a very exciting year for you in terms
of job satisfaction. You might find yourself stressed out at work. In
addition to it you would be traveling that will add to the work
pressure. There is an indication of a change in job in the first half of
2010.

But you must not be disheartened though, there is silver
lining. You will come across some supportive people who will encourage
you and try to improve your life in every sphere- professional and
personal.

CAPRICORN- CAREER HOROSCOPE

The period during Oct 29, 2009 Oct, 2012 is very crucial for the
career of Capricorns. Due to the influence of Saturn on your 10th house
of career, they may either change career or assert in your present
profession. The circumstances at work will be less than amicable and you
are advised to navigate carefully through these troubled waters. You
might be handling additional work at the same time which will add to
your work pressure. This will happen primarily due to the combination
Saturn and Uranus on April 26 and July 26, 2010 and the combination of
Saturn and Pluto on Jan 31 and Aug 21.

New career opportunities
will occur and you will be more than happy to explore them. Somebody
with a bigger professional stature might help you in your business
venture. This year is particularly good for people in the entertainment
industry. It will also be favorable for those in medicine, labor
management, economics and real estate.

Financially, this year is
good for Capricorns. Young women would perform well at the work front.
Capricorn individuals living in villages will do as well. This is
definitely going to be a year of Capricorns. With profitable investments
and implementation of new ideas and projects, they will be productive
than ever and will march ahead with the execution of your plans.
Employees might get a promotion during March 2010.

PISCES- CAREER HOROSCOPE

The backward spiral of action planet Mars in the 6th house of Work
will leave you feeling sluggish on the job. You might feel restless in
your current position and start looking for a career change too. You
will feel ready to plunge into an exciting new job because of the
combination of Jupiter and Uranus on June 8 and Sept 18.

Pisceans
will be in a good financial condition due to the handsome returns from
some wise investments. Your family will encourage you in your
professional endeavors. Due to the negative influence of Rahu and Ketu
in the first half of year, you may feel your career growth is hampered a
bit but then after, their combined influence will reduce and you will
advance smoothly.

The presence of Jupiter in the 12th house of
career would cause you some troubles at your work place. You may have
disagreements and unnecessary friction with your colleagues that you
will be able to overcome all obstacles with your inner strength and
ability and you will be working steadily towards your goal. Students
will reap the success fruit of their labor and would be able to choose a
vocation of their liking. For those in jobs, there will be good news of
promotion and salary hikes on the cards. They will land onto some new
contracts and deals which will be profitable for you.

The unique
positioning of Rahu and Ketu in your chart will bring surprises on the
platter for you. They will make you suffer from unanticipated gains or
losses. You might unexpectedly meet some of your old friends because of
the presence of Saturn. Career wise the year 2010 is mediocre for
Pisceans.

AQUARIUS- CAREER HOROSCOPE

The presence of Pluto in the 10th house of career on Jan 31 and Aug
21 will help you to deal strongly with oppressive forces at the
workplace. The sanguine presence of Jupiter will see a surge in your
confidence level. You will have a renewed vigor and strength to stand up
against opposition. There will be new prospects opening up from July 25
to Aug 3, 2010. This year is financially sound for Aquarians as they
will enjoy a regular income. People in the food business will do well in
this year.

If you are a part of family run concern, then you
would be doing very well. Although your functioning at your job would be
smooth, you might sense some troubles in your professional environment.
This year will be good for people working in the field related to
alcohol, auto and electronics industry. People working in space sciences
will achieve a breakthrough.

Career wise, this year will be very
lucky for Aquarians, all thanks to the presence of Jupiter in the 1st
house and Rahu in the 11th house of profits. Rahu will also make you
cynical and tactful. You might get involved in the work place
machinations at the instigation of your superiors which will win you
some favors from them in return. You will be able to complete all your
tasks on time. A word of caution- Be aware and extra vigilant while
working with your business partners. You might get entangled in a court
case over a property dispute.

Any god astrologer can easily
discuss about the following after analyzing your horoscope (Remember all
these are totally individualized)

1. AREAS SUITABLE FOR SUCCESS IN WORK WITH LESS HURDLES

2. SUITABLE MODE OF EARNING YOUR LIVING (BUSINESS/JOB)

3. YOUR HIGHEST PERIOD OF GROWTH/SETBACKS

4. PERIODS WHEN YOU SHOULD RESIST A CHANGE

5. SUITABLE REMEDIES TO IMPROVE THE PLANETARY CONDITIONS.

Astrology
has been my passion from last 5 years. We have a team of senior
astrologers who have collectively satisfied thousands of clients. For a
detailed and comprehensive career analysis you can visit our website. Do
remember ‘BEING FORETOLD IS LIKE BEING FOREARMED’.

Posted in: Career

Why Choose an Aviation Career

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Late nights. Early mornings. Long shifts spent cooped up in a cockpit, next to a jet engines blast, or shivering on the tarmac. Budget cuts, staff cuts, and contract negotiations. The smell of jet fuel in the morning. Why would anyone choose a career in aviation?

It turns out there are plenty of reasons why. Whether you want to work towards being an airline pilot or an aircraft technician, here are five perfectly good reasons to work in aviation.

You Crave Variety: In the air or on the ground, careers in aviation are never the same-old, same-old. Pilots get to travel the world and see amazing views. They also have the satisfaction of knowing theyve helped their passengers see their loved ones, have the vacation of a lifetime, or make the big meeting.

Technicians and mechanics get to work on different machines, learn new tools, and have the satisfaction of knowing they keep air travel safe.

You Love Solving Problems: If youre technically-minded and enjoy figuring things out, aviation is for you. Entering an aviation career requires rigorous study of aeronautics, mechanics, and scientific principles. Once youre on the job, youll have the opportunity to put your skills and knowledge to work every day.

Whether its the pilot who needs to make a course correction or the avionics technician testing a faulty radar, careers in aviation offer plenty of puzzles.

You Want a Stable Income: The aviation industry is one of the most resilient economic sectors. According to Boeing, the market for air travel has been growing at an average annual rate of 5% since 1964 — nearly fifty years of continuous expansion.

Whats more, this growth trend shows no sign of stopping, especially with rising demand for air travel in China, India, and many African nations. While nothing is guaranteed in life, choosing to make your career in this industry is a smart bet.

You Want Options: Training in an aviation-related field doesnt mean you need to get a job at a big-city airport. Pilots can opt to fly for sightseeing tours, gain instructor certification, work for cargo companies, fly planes for aerial surveys, or participate in search, rescue, and recovery operations.

Mechanics can take jobs in repair shops, work towards inspector certification, or even open their own maintenance companies. In fact, mechanics and technicians have skills that can transfer to industries other than aviation. Many go on to work in other transport sectors, heavy industry, or even for amusement parks.

You Actually Love the Smell of Jet Fuel in the Morning: Or any time at all! Many adventurous souls are drawn to careers in flight or aviation. If youre one of them, its likely theres almost nothing that will stop you pursuing your dream. Some people are just burning to fly.

Whether you want to become a pilot or maintain and repair aircraft, make sure you choose an FAA-approved training program. Work hard, put your hours in, and watch your career take flight.

Posted in: Career \ Tagged:

Career Planning – Are You Following a Planned Career Path or Simply a Series of Jobs

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Successfully managing your own career is critical for your
financial and personal well being. Yet it is rarely pursued on a
strategic or informed basis. Career planning, particularly in the
technology field, is more and more the responsibility of the individual.
Particularly, since most people today end up working for many
employers.

The overall basis for more successful career management
includes developing plans that are applicable at different stages in
your working life. And even more important if you plan on a career
change after 50.

Although living in the information age, there is
few comprehensive job information and planning resources available
online. Exploring a career versus job information is more readily
available once you have focused on a career path, such as technology or
even further, within a specific industry.

When employed the
employer generally provides training, successive jobs, and a defined
career ladder to the degree that it unites with the organization’s needs
and objectives. Outplacement counselors generally help people focus on
job searches rather than career plans. Recruiters are looking to fill
job positions with top candidates for employers who are their clients
and normally do not provide career planning services for individuals.

We
can generally fit career planning as having three major phases: early
stage from ages 16 to 33; middle, from 34 to 52; and later, beyond 53.
Many times, early career choices are highly influenced by parents,
relatives, teachers or close friends. The choices of technical schools,
colleges or graduate schools, as well as majors, begin to focus
interests for career paths.

It is important, in the early stages
of a career planning, to carefully make choices, as initial decisions
can have a major impact on longer term career success and ultimately,
happiness.

Mid-stage career planning and effort usually reflects
the initial experiences and jobs one has had with his or her early
career. It generally is an extension of that experience. At this stage,
there may be a thread of a career track, but job moves and knowledge
growth during this phase that are not well planned or executed can
result in important limits to career-growth.

Late-stage career
planning frequently results from the need to find the right position in
one’s career after an early retirement or a reduction in force. After 50
career planning at this stage generally reflects more entrepreneurial,
part time, or flexible working arrangements. This is when traditional
employment limitations as well as long developed interests come more
into focus.

Career planning at each stage of a person’s working
career can best be analyzed by considering the following: (1) Take stock
of your career. Define your career and objectives at regular intervals
preferably at least once a year. Do it in writing. (2) Research and
identify possible career options that could meet those career
objectives. (3) Evaluate your skills, personality, training and
experience. Develop a plan so you can pursue your career objectives. (4)
Make a decision as to which career options are the best. Build a plan
in the near, medium and long term to reach your career objectives. (5)
Be flexible as you monitor your progress. Refine the plan, challenge
yourself.

It’s critical for you to invest in career planning
during each stage of a successful career for short-, medium-and
long-term achievement. Ask yourself, are you following a well defined
career roadmap or simply working a succession of jobs? If you said yes
to the latter, it’s never to late to get started.

Posted in: Career

Why Consider A Career In Sales

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Certainly if you make the decision to shift into sales it can be a highly rewarding and satisfying career, both from a financial perspective as well as from a personal point of view. To help you make the decision for yourself, five common reasons for making a career shift into sales are discussed.

Financial Rewards

Sales usually earns you more than most other jobs. Successful sales people are rewarded generously, for example, through commission.

Companies value and reward good sales staff, because the more that they sell, the more money their company makes.

Personal Control

Generally, there is the flexibility to control your own time when you work in sales. There is a lot of autonomy – you make your own appointments and run your day the way you see fit.

You can usually control your own income stream. Many sales jobs are commission-related, so the more time and effort you put into it, the more you sell, and the more money you can earn.

Job Security

Companies are reluctant to make successful sales people redundant because they are so essential to securing the company’s income stream.

However if you do lose your job, or choose to leave it, it is usually easy to secure another job, especially if you can demonstrate a ‘track record’ of success in sales. Successful sales people should always be able to get a job and make a living.

Career Progression

Many senior managers either started their careers, or have spent some time during their careers, in sales. This is because it has given them an appreciation of what happens at the customer interface.

Almost all types of jobs in the corporate world requires you to sell ideas to your boss, your colleagues, your juniors, your suppliers or customers. Sales trains you and prepares you to communicate effectively, and can help you to progress further in your career.

TIP

If you have ever had any thoughts about starting your own business then having a good understanding of the sales process is essential. The reason most businesses fail is because they can’t sell their products or services.

It is easy to come up with great ideas!

Fun & Personally Rewarding

A big part of sales is about developing relationships between business people. It involves helping others achieve their goals, and solving their problems by introducing your company’s products or services. Sales is NOT about forcing people to buy things they don’t want. Its about understanding your customers’ needs and working hard to provide a suitable solution.

When done properly, solving your customers’ problems in this way will earn you their gratitude – and you get a genuine feeling of being useful to people!

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Career Options After 50 – Increase Your Career Opportunities!

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Career Options after 50 – increase your career opportunities by building your career options.

Career
options after 50 are an increasing concern of those employed and for
many who are unemployed. With layoffs, plant closings and outsourcing
all around us many have become increasing concerned about the security
of their jobs.

Now is a critical time with all the changes going
on around us to analyze your ability to keep your own job and/or build
up your career options. This activity will do a great deal to improve
and strengthen you overall career options after 50.

As you study
your career situation many are looking to create a measure of job
security. How you go about creating career security will go a long way
in developing you needed career options. And with more career options
your career opportunities and employability will increase.

First, build your career security
by taking a positive approach to your situation. No one likes to
associate with someone who is consistently negative. Your career
opportunities will brighten as you build a career plan exploring for
uncovered job opportunities.

Expecting the best will more likely give you positive outcomes and better results.

Second, take a hard and objective look at your situation.
What are your likes and dislikes? Why? What adjustments can you make in
your financial situation to reduce your stress? What are your
strengths? Why?

Now comes the hard part. What are your weaknesses? Be honest get help if you can’t seem to be able to dig deep enough.

As
you now study new careers and career options now is an excellent time
to look carefully at methods to fill in gaps in your qualifications and
experience. Or if staying in your present career what can you do to
build your qualification in that career?

Building your additional qualifications can be
achieved in a variety of strategies. Aside from formal education many
times you can speed up the educational process by self-study, distance
learning, seminars and workshops and working with a mentor. All are
valid methods of adding to your career related qualifications.

Third, stay productive if unemployed.
Join a career related organization and become active on appropriate
committees. Write articles for the newsletter. Work with a non-profit or
your church, hopefully in a skill set that will add to your required
career experience.

Use and build on your network to uncover hidden
job opportunities. Take short-term jobs, temporary assignments or
contract position to build on your experience. Help others in their job
search or career changes. Learn from all this added experience.

Lastly, work hard not to be defined by your career
or your job or whether you are employed or not. You are a parent, a son
or daughter, a friend, a mentor, a resource, a helper, the best
gardener, a fisherman, a person with good ideas, etc. If you are stuck
at defining yourself with you career and the career goes what is left?

So
as you develop added career options after 50 you increase your career
opportunities, and isn’t this what a productive life is all about?

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