Career Advisor

Interesting jobs for analytical thinkers

By Career Advisor

Question:  I’m a software developer and have been working at an amazing
software company since graduating from college 2.5 years ago.  The job
is perfect on paper but I’m not happy.  I enjoy the “figure stuff out”
aspect of my job so much more than the “build stuff” aspect.  I love
figuring out how some obscure system works, understanding how it
should work, exploring solutions, arguing semantics.  But when it
comes time to take all of that and make decisions, then go build
something - I freak out.  It’s too much pressure and I lose interest.
Are there jobs for analytical thinkers where the actual *thinking* is
valued above *doing*?  My first thought is research, but I’m motivated
by instant gratification, which you don’t get from a research job as
far as I can tell.  I suspect there are interesting
“interdisciplinary” opportunities that would fit the bill, but I don’t
know what they would be.  Any ideas?  I’m looking for someone who has
some outside-the-box career advice.

Answer:You’re not alone in wanting instant gratification in your career (insert the common Blah Blah Blah about everything worth while takes time and effort here). Truthfully, everyone likes the figuring things out part and everyone freaks out about the responsibility of actually delivering on your thoughts. But employers tend to pay the people that not only can come up with the ideas but can also deliver.

Software Architects are the ones that figure things out and have others usually (but not always) deliver the solution. Most companies that I’ve found are actually looking for Architects that do the coding also. Unfortunately, the people that become Architects are the most experienced developers that have delivered solutions to their employers over many years.

You are right that there are “interdisciplinary” opportunities that would fit the bill depending on the directions that you want to go. Here are two:

1. Software quality assurancecan possibly give you that Analytical vibe on the reverse side of things. Instead of figuring things out you could figure how to break things. I’ve always preferred breaking things.
2. Business Analysis. With this you can work with users to gather the requirements needed to make the software. Then explain these requirements to the software coders in a way that they can understand. This can be a very creative problem solving endeavor.

Good Luck and please contact me if you have anymore questions.

Searching for a Career with an MBA

By Career Advisor

Question: I am currently working on earning my MBA, but I am unsure
about where I should look for a career change.  Do you have any advice
on where I should look, and how I should go about putting myself out
there for a job?

Answer:

“The things taught in schools and colleges are not an education, but the means of education. “– Ralph Waldo Emerson

An MBA can open doors in many career fields. It depends on what you like to do.

MBA recruitment used to be dominated by banks. That has seen a sharp decrease due the mortgage mess. While the banks may be on more stable ground now due to the bailout, their reputation as a good career move has taken a tumble.

I see the best opportunity for MBA graduates in the near future to be Entrepreneurship. If you have a good idea, now may be the time to take a chance on your own business. I see small businesses as potentially the big winner in the Obama Administration stimulus money. It will trickle down giving the average american more money to spend which will in turn pay off for small business.

The government sector is another area you may want to look into. I just got a job with a Department of Energy Subcontrator. We are seeing increased hiring due to stimulus money.

First, look inward to find the job that you want. Take the job that you want and see if it is a career that will stand the economic realities of today’s economy. You have a broad broad degree that can be applied to almost any career. That’s the best thing about the MBA. The worst thing if you’re trying to decide what to do.

Good luck

I.T. Career Change

By Career Advisor

Question: After years in Market Research related jobs, I would like to steer my career into the IT sector. I think the tasks involved might suit my talents and personality better (I’m detailed oriented obsessive compulsive but also a creative problem solver. I’m also looking for a better career outlook and remuneration.

I currently have good computer literacy and took some classes in things like HTML/CSS and PHP/MySQL. I have no practical programming experience.

What would be a good course of action for me to pursue this career change?

Should I get a degree and if yes what kind of degree? I already have a Masters in History. Do I need an undergraduate degree in Computer Science? Or is a certificate or Associates degree sufficient to get my foot in the door? Can you recommend any such programs? I appreciate any suggestions or recommendations here.

Or should I go for an internship somewhere? I feel like just taking a couple of classes and maybe taking tinkering with some web projects  on my own will not do it for me. I think I rather need some actual “real world” projects to gain experience.

I also learned about the field web analytics. It seems that this would be a good transitional job for me since I’used to research and data analysis. Any insights about that?

Answer: Deciding to make a career change is difficult. My experience is that individuals that do it, rarly earn equal or more money when they first make the change. The people that make more are those that are able to use their past education and experience in their new career.

I think you’re looking in the right direction with your thoughts on Web Analytics. However, Web Analytics (SEO) job openings are rare if you do not live in a major city like New York or L.A. which may make it an impracticle option for most people. Maybe you should look into database development? Enterprise level Database Administration will please your obsessive compulsive side beyond belief. I suggest Oracle or M.S. SQL server database administration because employers value certifications for these positions.

While it would be best for your long term career goals to have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, you may be able to get an entry level DBA position by a certification alone. Here is a good place to get started http://www.oracle.com/technology/dba/index.html

And

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcdba.aspx

Good luck on your journey.

Lost

By Career Advisor 

Question: I am currently enrolled in a community college.  I graduated
from HS 2 years ago.  Now being 21 and finding that I let some time go
by and now find myself not knowing what I want to do (career).  I just
don’t want to waste more time doing the HS thing with friends that
have no interest in college.  I need direction or advice.

Answer: Finding a career will be one of the most challenging accomplishments of your life. Some people choose their career at an early age. Most people have their career choose them. You are still very young, relax.

Community College is a perfect place to find our what you want to do. Take a wide variety of courses in your first year. Use a wide variety of electives because you don’t have to declare a major during this time. Take intro courses in such things as Business, Psychology, History, English, Math, Science, etc… These courses should give you an insight into what you may like doing. Follow this up by doing research on your own. Example: After taking intro to business you may want to visit a business to ask questions to the people working there.

Once you have narrowed your choices down to two or three careers go to the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. It’s here: http://www.bls.gov/OCO/

For hundreds of different types of jobs—such as teacher, lawyer, and nurse—the Occupational Outlook Handbook tells you:

• the training and education needed
• earnings
• expected job prospects
• what workers do on the job
• working conditions

Most of all, relax. You’re still young. I do think that it’s awesome that you’ve come to the realization that you have to do something to change your life. Many people never come to that realization. Please feel free to post again if you have more specific questions. Good Luck.

Relocating in tough economic times

By Career Advisor 

Question: Hi, I left my home state to attend graduate school and got a
job right after graduation. I want to move back home, but all my
connections are here and I’m having a hard time getting my foot in the
door. I was recently told that my resume and cover letter were great,
but they didn’t want to interview me because they didn’t have
relocation budget and they needed someone quickly. Any advice?

Answer: I was recently downsized from my recruiting job in Memphis. My wife wanted to move back to East Tennessee to be closer to family. I just started a new position in East Tennessee and this is how I did it.

1. I placed an address located in the area that I was moving to on my resume as my home address. It’s a fact that employers want local candidates. Local candidates tend to stay on the job longer. Use an address from your parent’s home or another relative on your resume.
2. I didn’t ask for relocation assistance. When my employer asked me if I was still living in Memphis, I replied that I could start tomorrow. That’s all she needed and wanted to know. The day after I interviewed I got in my car and drove 5 hours to start the next day. I need a job and I was willing to go that extra mile. I am writing this now from my hotel room in Knoxville. My family is moving here on the 28th because my kids had to finish the year at school.
3. Do your research. What companies in the area that you’re moving to hire people with your education and skills? Identify those companies and then find contacts on www.linkedin.com   Check out how to search company profiles on linkedin here: http://learn.linkedin.com/company-pages/ 
4. Are you willing to take a pay cut to make the move. If you are, make sure you know your bottom mark before you interview.

Good Luck. 

Changing your profession

By Career Advisor 

Question: I recently registered on www.jobster.com and you popped up as a "similar person".  I noticed you are a recruiter and was curious if you would take a look at my resume’.  I am currently trying to change/begin my career after graduating in 2007.  Over the last 10 years I have basically worked in Travel (call centers) and am having trouble getting that label removed. I am looking for a position that would allow me to utilize my computer, problem solving and communication skill.  I know this is asking a lot from someone that I have never met so I understand if you are too busy to reply but if you have any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate them.

Answer:

First,  your resume has too much formatting. Resumes stand out from the competition by being clear to the point and relevant to the job being applied for. All that formatting is not necessary.

Second, I think you are suffering from lack of direction in your job search. You resume reflects this.

Your resume objective is vague and confusing. Here is what you have:

Objective _____________________________________________________________________

An Environmental or Social Sciences Career allowing for full utilization of my communications skills and education while generating higher levels of job fulfillment through helping others.

It’s confusing because you mention Environmental but you have no environmental experience and your degree is in Criminal Justice. If your include an objective on your resume, it should state the job title of the position you are seeking and the location. Here is an example:

Dynamic person seeking challenging entry level Sales position within a fifty mile radius of Tampa, FL.

You’re more likely to get a position that you apply for if the objective describes that position directly.

You have to find out what is the job that you want. You don’t want to work in Travel (call centers) you know that. What positions are you interested in? Once you find out. Change your resume to highlight the skills that you have and done that make you a good fit for your new position.

Laid Off and Hating It

By Career Advisor

Question:

Hi.  I’ve been working with the same company for 14 years,
and during that time I’ve done VB/VB .NET (Winforms), RPG/400, and
classic ASP.  These skills were learned on the job and I was never
formally trained.  I was laid off in November and I’m having a hard
time finding something because 99% of the positions I’ve found require
skills in applications I never used in my previous position.

Question 1: I was hoping to market myself as a .NET developer, but
how do I pull that off when I don’t have essential skills like MS
SQL Server experience? Do I go for a training class or am I wasting my
time without the work experience?

Question 2:  What do you suggest as the best way to utilize my
jobless hours?  I just completed my BA in CS and graduating in June.
Do I learn open-source languages or do something more constructive?
Thanks for any suggestions!

Answer:

Question1: A training class in SQL Server would not be a waste of time. If you have the money put away, the best thing you could do is get a certification in SQL Server. You may have a New Horizons near you: http://www.newhorizons.com/content/landing.aspx?id=1588&cpid=google&kw={}&gclid=CJX17onXt5oCFRJexwodcS5Bbw

The certification will prove to potential employers that you have basic knowledge to start working on it immediately.

Question 2: Congratulations on completing your Computer Science degree. That should boost your resume considerably. I think you should focus on updating and increasing your skill set in .NET. Such as, get a certification, buy some books about it and practice. Or simply go to http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/fx6bk1f4(VS.71).aspx to learn. I’m sure you know that you can download a version of Visual Studio 2008 Express for FREE here: http://www.microsoft.com/Express/

Once you are up to speed go to http://www.brainbench.com/xml/bb/individuals/individuals.xml and take a Brainbench test on the .net development. Once you smoke this test with a 100%, include the test at the bottom of your resume. This may help to prove to potential employers that you know .NET better then you know your mother.

Good Luck.

Changing Industry

By Career Advisor 

Question:

I’m 24 years old and have a bachelors degree in marketing and
doing my masters in strategic human resource management. I worked for
8 months in an advertising firm then left for a banking position where 
I worked for 2 years. However, I wasn’t really satisfied so I resigned.
I want to pursue a career in either marketing or human resources and I
haven’t got enough experience . What should be my next step and what
should I expect. And do I need any certificates that might strengthen
my position in either fields.

Answer:

There is a certification that will strengthen your position in Human Resources significantly. That is the PHR Certification. PHR stands for Professional in Human Resources. This certification is administered by the Human Resources Certification Institute. You can see an overview here: http://www.hrci.org/certification/ov/

This certification test is only administered twice per year. Look at you local University or Community College for pre-certification training programs. These programs bring together people looking for the certification and costs usually include the instructor and course material. Most course run about $1,000 to $1,600 depending on your location.

You should have no problem getting a entry level Human Resources Generalist position once you receive this certification. 

Marketing is a broad area that includes many disciplines. In this economic environment most companies are looking for Marketing Professionals that are interested in a Sales Career. Does that interest you? Sales is something that you have to want to do. The good thing about Sales is that there is a possibility to make very good money. Much more money then you would make in a standard corporate marketing analysis position. You can read a great overview of a sales career here: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos119.htm 

Good luck on you career change.

Manufacturing is not a good choice

By Career Advisor

Question: I have a A.S. in Industrial Electronics. I am confused about
what to do next. I am trying to get my B.S in Industrial Technology,
Manufacturing degree, or Electrical Engineering since I have a degree in
electronics. Is manufacturing an Industry that’s a  good field to get in to?

Answer: Manufacturing is not a good field to get into in the U.S.A. The United States Department of Labor expects a continued decline in American Employment of Electronics Manufactures. Here is some information about the industry from the Department of Labor Career Guide.

Globalization has become a major factor in the electronics manufacturing industry, often making it difficult to distinguish between American and foreign companies. Many American companies are opening plants and development centers overseas and overseas companies are doing the same in the U.S. Many products are being designed in one country, manufactured in another, and assembled in a third. The U.S. electronics industry tends to be focused on high-end products, such as computers and microchips. Even so, many components of final products manufactured in the U.S. are produced elsewhere and shipped to an American plant for final assembly…

Employment change. Wage and salary employment in the computer and electronic product manufacturing industry is expected to decline by 12.0 percent between 2006 and 2016, compared with a projected increase of 11 percent in all industries. Although the output of this industry is projected to increase more rapidly than that of any other industry, employment will decline as a result of continued rapid productivity growth—the ability of the industry to produce more and better products with fewer employees. Employment also will be adversely affected by continued increases in imports of electronic and computer products, including intermediate products such as components and microchips. Although a great deal of the design work in this industry takes place in the U.S., much of the manufacturing process has been moved overseas.

I would recommend a traditional Electrical Engineering degree. I expect a rise in the need for Electrical Engineers as we invest in new power technologies to convert from a fossil fuel dependant country.

Getting a second chance to restart career

By Career Advisor

Question:

After I left a position in 2006 where I was at for 1.5 yrs,
I accepted an offer to work for another company. A medical injury
happened during the transition, no insurance coverage, left me
bankrupt. These last two yrs I’ve undergone another surgery that
left me temporarily immobilized again. During this period, I had to
find  jobs where ever I could sit so I did take a few  altogether I
have been at three companies no longer than 4-6 months. This appears
to  alert or raise concern with hiring Managers or professional
temporary agencies.  What do I need to do, to show this on the resume I
never get a call back and a opportunity to explain it. I was a
manager 4  3 yrs. for wireless retail sales & 12 years in Customer
service & Business to Business sales.

Answer: Lump this time together in one general statement. Your resume should only be relevant to the position that you are seeking. If you have been working outside your chosen career field for 4 to 6 months just simply list that time as one position with the title of "Working outside of career field". In the paragraph state that you worked at temporary positions while you continued to search for work in your career field.

Example:

11/08 - 02/09

Temporary work not related to career field

You can elaborate later if you are asked directly what you were doing. Chances are that you won’t be asked except to maybe put it on an application.