Will getting an MBA give my career a jolt?

By Career Advisor

Question:

I am 42 year old, senior DBA with 12 years of DBA experience (before that I was a programmer). I make decent $ and to some extent enjoy what I do. But I feel stuck in a rut - most organizations want DBAs to be DBAs and I have kind of hit the ceiling on that. The work is very stressful, thankless and somehow I don't see myself as a DBA manager (that is logically perhaps what I can hope of getting to).

I want to be involved in senior management roles, decision making, especially technology related decisions. I considered techno MBA and have admission to a prestigious school for that. The problem is that it is hugely expensive (57 K) and most organizations I checked out do not sponsor anymore,  other than small sums of money.

Would this be an advisable career move at this point? Are there others out there with same or similar situations?

Thank you!!

Answer: At 57K it sounds like it may be an Executive MBA Program. If that's the case there are more affordable options available. Executive MBA programs are great and worth the money but are geared to people who are sponsored by their employers. That's why they can charge the higher rates.

I recently decided to obtain my MBA also. I'm 40 and understand where you're coming from. I found out that the University that I got my undergraduate degree from, offers a Distance MBA program. This is an online degree program. The good thing is that I'll be getting the same degree if I had gone to the University in person. It's a State University. You may want to check some of your local Universities for this type of program.

If you decide to get your MBA online, I recommend that you stay away from the Universities that are known for online degree programs. Some of these are University of  Phoenix and these.

Check into Loans, scholarships, and Financial Aid. If you can find a way to afford it, it will be worth it.

Privacy Plus for your resume

By Career Advisor



I was talking to my neighbor last night. He works in Logistics at Schering-Plough. They have laid off several people at his location, so he's getting a bit nervous about his job.

He was asking me what he should do. I told him to just wait it out. Not to jump ship. Just because other people are being laid off does not mean that he will. He insisted that he wanted to put his resume online to test the waters. I told him to make sure that he used the "Privacy Plus" feature that Monster has if you post your resume.

If you post your resume on Monster.com you can use the "Privacy Plus" feature to block up to 20 companies from being able to see your resume. It's important to use this feature when posting your resume. If your company has a Monster.com Employer Account (and most medium to large size companies do) you can enter your company's name and block them from knowing that you're looking for another job.

Reasonable 3 & 5 year plans to succeed in IT

By Career Advisor

Question:

I'm searching for some advice as to what path in IT I should choose. A brief background of myself might help.

I'm turning 25 next week, and am ready the reinvent myself as a IT professional. After high school, I went to a 1yr tech school, passed my A+ and Network+ Comptia exams. Worked for a little bit as a Repair Technician at a small business. Did similar work on the side for the last 5 years or so. Skip a few years in my early 20's where I didn't accomplish much, as I think i was trying to find myself.

Now I have been working for a major hospital in Philadelphia for the past year or so. Started part time doing mail and hand carries, worked my way in with our IT guy and told him that I was using this job as a "foot in the door". I have been hired as full time staff for 4 months with my title as Admin Assistant, but in my job description it lists me as working for the IT Manager 40% of the time.

I'm trying to decide on what path in IT to take. I think networking, server administration, virtualization (VMWare), and maybe security are up my alley. I like to work on projects vs. repeat routine tasks. I don't mind working alone or in teams, I prefer the idea of working closely with 1 or 2 other people.

Here is my plan:
Take a CCNA course from Sept-May 2 nights a week, and take MCSE course 2 nights a week Sept-June. While taking one class a semester (English/Math) on Saturday's at my local community college towards an Associates. I know I can sacrifice the time required to attend all of these classes, I'm single and don't have any other commitments in my life. I'm currently reading "CCENT/CCNA ICND1 SE" by Wendell Odom & "MS Windows Sever 08 Beginner's Guide" by Marty Matthews.

This would leave me hopefully next year at 26, working towards a Associates with a MCSE,CCNA,A+ and Network+ with 1-2years of relative IT experience.

Here are some questions I have.

Is the MCSE worth it if I want to get into the networking area? I know that there are MCSE's by the boatload out there anymore. Is the MCSE course worth it for the experience and knowledge, even if I'm thinking about going into networking?

Getting educated on some emerging technologies seems like a good idea to me, does anyone know about the VCP certification offered my VMWare?

Is there any adivce for self studying? Good books, websites, conferences etc...

What else is out there that I don't know about, other certifications, emerging technologies etc...

I'm trying to create myself a reasonable 3 & 5 year plans to succeed in IT. I know I have the determination, intelligence, and building blocks in place.

Thanks,
MK

Answer:

Question #1: Is the MCSE worth it if I want to get into the networking area? I know that there are MCSE's by the boatload out there anymore. Is the MCSE course worth it for the experience and knowledge, even if I'm thinking about going into networking?

Answer: To complete your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification, you must pass seven exams. Four of those exams must be on networking systems.

Here they are:

Core exams on networking systems (all are required)

Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment

Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

If you look at the skills measured on the links for the exams, you can see that Networking is a fundamental part of the MCSE Certification. I would recommend it. As a recruiter, I can tell you there are not as many MCSE's as you may think compared to the amount of open positions.

Question #2: Getting educated on some emerging technologies seems like a good idea to me, does anyone know about the VCP certification offered my VMWare?

Answer: The VMware Certified Professional (VCP) would be good to have but at this point in your career it's unnecessary. You need to get the basics first. I would recommend you putting that time and money into getting a Bachelor of Computer Science.

While certifications are nice to have. The more accomplished I.T. Professionals only get certifications after they have completed a Bachelor and/or Masters in Computer Science from an accredited University. Certifications will get you a J.O.B., but a Degree + Certifications will get you a Career.

Marathon

This will be my first marathon. The farthest that I've ever run at one time is 8 miles. I'm running the St. Jude Memphis Marathon.

I've set up a Blog to let people keep up to date with my training and progress. Jason's First Marathon Blog.

I'm 40 years old. In October of last year I had enough of being 40 pounds over weight. Tired of being tired. You know what I mean? My family has a history of Colon Cancer. If I continued to sit on my ass every minute of the day, I knew I would not live a long and healthy life. I've lost 30 pounds so far. I have 10 more pounds to reach my ideal weight.

In October I couldn't run a half a mile without getting out of breath. I took small steps with my running. Started with short distances. Slowly increased speed and distance. I am now running 20 miles per week. I've run 4 - 5K races and 1 - 10K race.

I'm never going to win any of the races that I enter. It's not about that. It's about living a healthy life. It's about getting off my ass. It's about changing my life.

I would also like to help change the lives of the Children of St. Jude. I am running this marathon so that I can raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Would you please join me in donating money to St. Jude?. I have a web site where you can donate. CLICK HERE for a secured St. Jude Web Site where you can donate.

If everyone who reads this just gives $1 Dollar, It will touch the children's lives.

What is the next move?

Question:

My girlfriend told me about a couple of jobs at her place. She told the department head about me and he said apply but don’t call. I actually have his email address and I did apply on line for them.

Although she knows the department head but she is not really that close to him. I also sent her my resume and some documents I created.

I am wondering if there is any thing I can do or she can say or do. I do not want to push too hard and blow it.

Answer:

Follow up with an email in a week. Ask your girlfriend to keep a check to see if the job is filled.

There really isn't much more that you can do. If you're qualified for the job opening and have clearly stated why and how you're qualified on your resume and cover letter, you should get an interview. Unless there is a huge amount of applicants that are more qualified (which happens). Keep applying to more job openings in the mean time. It's a numbers game even if you have someone working for you on the inside of a company.

Why Companies Insist On Staffing Firms?

Question: 

I set up my own corporation a while back, but have only entered into contracts with staffing firms, not directly with the companies for which I do the work.  It's become apparent that corporations looking to have software development work done will only use staffing agencies to find people to staff their projects.

I'd like to get to the point eventually where I have the sales literature (e.g., proposals, sales pitches, etc) that will allow me to pitch my services directly to corporations looking to staff their projects.  However, it seems to me that these corporations won't even look at me unless I work with a staffing agency.
Why is that?  Thanks.

Answer:

You're probably finding out that many corporations work on Preferred Vendor Lists for staffing. This is usually a list of somewhere between 2 to 10 staffing companies that are awarded the staffing rights for that corporation usually through a bid process.

The Purchasing or H.R. departments select a few staffing companies that they will deal with for Staffing. If they did not do this, they'd be bombarded with phone calls and emails from the thousands and thousands of staffing companies out there. It's a way of managing the chaos.

This is also a way for the corporations to control costs. The staffing companies usually have to stick within a certain profit margin in order to get the business. They also have to be properly insured.

The key to getting around this is to find that one hiring manager that is desperate for your specialty and can't find it though the Staffing companies that he or she is supposed to work with. There are ways for that hiring manager to use you if it's deemed a business necessity.

How do you find that desperate Hiring Manager? It's a numbers game. The more managers you talk to, the more you're likely to find them. If you're not comfortable with this, you should work through a staffing company.

Working for a small company, Yes or No?

Question: I currently work for a mid-sized company of 280 staff. In the IT department we have 6 staff.

I am going for a job interview at a small firm of less than 20, it's for a software implementation position. What is it like working for a small company? What are the pros and cons?

Answer:

Pros: Working for a small firm can allow you the opportunity to take more responsibility for the implementations. With fewer people doing the project it's often necessary to jump into situations and gain experience that you might not get.

Cons: You may not have the support (manpower) that you would get in larger companies.  You may be forced to work longer hours with increased stress.

Those are the obvious ones without knowing specifics.

Risky to apply to more then one job in the same company?

Question: 

I never encountered a dilemma such as this one in any of my job searches. This sounds a little far-fetched, but here is the scenario:

I am applying for an entry-level position (a great opportunity) that has opened up on the East Coast. The hiring company's headquarters is in Los Angeles. As I began to read the company's website entirely, I became very interested in its work culture, history, news, and accomplishments. Then I found two related openings of which I feel I'm qualified, but they are located in two different cities on the West Coast. If I choose to apply for these two, then my resumes will be sent to two hiring managers in charge of the corresponding offices from the same territory (keep in mind that this a huge international company). I chose the first one after finishing my research, although I want to apply to the two others as well.

Right now, I have a million questions. However, one of them came to mind. Although it is tempting to apply for all three at the same time for one employer, even in the midst of an economic downturn, is this a risky move?

I am open to suggestions. Thank you in advance.

Answer:

It would be more risky to NOT apply to all three positions. Applying to the most job openings that you're qualified for increases your chances of getting one of those job openings.

Look at it from the Hiring Manager's point of view. Don't you think that it shows that you really like that company and what they're all about?

(APPLY x Job Openings) = Employed

Key to getting a job in Information Systems Security

Question:

I graduated with a Masters in Management with concentration in Information systems, however my entire career has been an administrative one (secretary, HR, clerk). I want to break into the IT world (information systems security in particular), but my degree has only left me with a lot of "book knowledge" but barely any practical experience.

To obtain an entry level position in the IT world somehow they expect you to have at least three years experience for something so simple as a help desk customer service rep.

I'm considering going back to school, but choosing a school in which the classroom experience is purely or mostly consists of "hands-on" exercises and lesson plan.

Am I making the right choice? If so, can anyone suggest a school or course within a school that I need to look into? Or, should I continue to try to apply for internships (if any come available), do volunteer work, or self-study?

Thanks,

 

Answer: If you want to break into Information Systems Security, I recommend you get a certification. A certification in Security may substitute for experience with some employers.

There is the CompTIA Security+™ Certification

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification

and the  Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) Certification

Telecommunications Degree used in the Airline Industry?

Question:

Hello,

I am currently at university pursuing a Bachelor degree in
Telecommunications Engineering. Apart from working for
Telecommunications Companies, is it possible for me to work for an airline company or are the two fields completely different?

Regards,
Chanel.

Answer: Lets first look at the type of courses that you may have taken for your degree. I don't know what University your attending so I will reference one in the US and one in India for examples.

The Degree requirements for a Bachelor in Telecommunications Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas are: http://www.te.utdallas.edu/degree.html

The syllabus for the Electronics and Telecommunications degree at Bharatratna Indira Gandhi College of Engineering, Solapur in India are: http://www.bigce.org.in/html/syllabus.htm

You just need to find a job opportunity in the Airlines Industry where you'll be able to use the knowledge that you gained through your studies. I don't think this will be difficult since the Airlines / Airports are very dependant and invest a great deal of money in Telecommunications.

I searched the career web sites for some of the top US and International Airlines to get some examples of jobs that may apply to your education, unfortunately I could not find any. The Airline Industry is being hit hard in the U.S. because of Gas Prices and have limited their hiring at this time. Your best bet is to work Internationally for one of the Airlines such as Emirates or Air China.  Research International Airports also, the Mumbai Airport has recently gone through a major Telecommunications overhaul and is recognized as a World leader in their Telecommunications Technologies.

Sorry I couldn't find a specific job opening to use as an example, but the Airline Industry is in a downturn right now except for certain International airlines and airports.

How to Interview for another Job when you have one

Question: I've got a special situation and I need serious advice, please.
I've been looking for a job for some time. I've had 2 jobs that I've been interested in.

No.1 preference is Plant Manager position
No.2 preference is Supply Chain Manager position

I received SCM offer earlier while PM is still in process (in PM recruitment process, I made 1st interview with the recruiter that is from a different country on the phone)
I wanted to avoid the situation when I would reject offer for SCM and I wouldn't pass recruitment process for PM and that way I wouldn't have neither position. This has happened to me already and I learned from it.

So, I accepted SCM position and I am about to start next week.
I am still interested in PM position as it brings many advantages. I am waiting for a confirmation of the next meeting that is to be in the plant with a director who is coming from another country when he/she is available. The last meeting would be with the owner in another country if I pass the interview with the director.

To organize, it will be difficult as if they want to meet me, I will have to excuse myself from work.
Q. HOW SHOULD I DO IT TO NOT GET NOTICED?
Q. SHOULD I LET THE OTHER COMPANY (PM POSITION) THAT I JUST STARTED A JOB? My opinion is that I shouldn't let them know unless it comes to it.
Under the law, I have 3 months trial period when I can leave any time without justification.
I think one good excuse would be that I'm to see some apartments for rent.

A little background:
I am about to live in company's house (SCM) until I find a proper apartment. My wife is pregnant at the moment and will be far away from me and I will return on the weekend.

I will welcome your advice. Thank you in advance.

Answer:

Q.HOW SHOULD I DO IT TO NOT GET NOTICED?

- You're not very far along in the interview process with the PM position. As a recruiter, I typically talk to at least 10 people per job opening. Of those, I may forward 5 to the next step in the interview process.

Is the recruiter that you're working with part of the company that will hire for the PM position? If he is part of a Third Party recruiting firm your chances for another interview go down significantly. For example, if the PM Job Opening is being worked on by 5 third party firms, there may be 50 + resumes that'll be submitted to that Director.

I would not interview for the PM position because in this economy, a bird in hand is worth more then two in the bush.

If you get the next interview and you insist on doing it, here are some excuses to get the time off.

• Doctor's appointment
• Take Vacation
• Take a sick day
• Your wife has a doctor's appointment that you have to be at

It's nothing to stress about. Most people have or are currently interviewing for new jobs while they are still working at another. It happens everyday. I would guess that people in your current company are doing the same thing.

Q. SHOULD I LET THE OTHER COMPANY (PM POSITION) THAT I JUST STARTED A JOB?

Why wouldn't you? When I was young it seemed like the only time I got hit on by the opposite sex was when I already had a girl friend.  Having a job makes you look better because it shows that you're wanted.

just assure the PM employer that switching jobs will not be a problem for you.

Good Luck. 

Recareering

Term of the Day: Recareering

When an individual changes his or her career particularly late in working life. Recareering is not just a job change, but a move to a completely different career path. Money, power and prestige are prime motivators for many people switching careers, but others do it to pursue a passion or make a lifestyle change. 
Recareering can take two forms: it can be voluntary or it can occur unexpectedly. In voluntary Recareering, an individual's current career might not provide the interest, passion or money that the person is seeking. Recareering can occur unexpectedly when a person's job is eliminated and there are few other opportunities in that field of expertise.

People often recareer later in life as a way of transitioning into retirement. Many individuals consider changing their careers or lifestyle to pursue fields that have always interested them, or to step out to launch their own businesses

Want to complete your master's degree? Click here 

Technorati Tags: recareering retirement career change career advice

Automate your Job Search

The Internet is full of very useful tools to automate your job search. You shouldn't have to spend your job search time scouring the Internet for Job Openings.

Google Alerts 

Many people forget how important Google Alerts can be. Google Alerts can search the whole Internet for relevant job openings (just not a specific job board). It will also search company web sites where a lot of jobs are posted now. Just put in your search Keywords for example: "Java Developer" & "Memphis, TN". Select the "as-it-happens" option and jobs will be emailed to you as soon as they are posted.

Job Search Agents

All Job Boards to include Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, Hotjobs.com, etc... allow you to set up special searches where the results are emailed to you as often as you want. If you go to the individual sites you should see them pretty easily.

RSS Feeds

If you use an Aggregator to read news or Blogs, you can also find the feeds for specific Job Searches. It's good to use www.simplyhired.com or www.indeed.com. These sites take the RSS Feeds that involve Job Openings and put them in one place for you to search. Here is a List of feed aggregators.

 

CAREER ADVISOR

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Declaration of Independent Work

By CAREER ADVISOR



We hold these truths to be self-fulfilling, that all men are entitled to set their own work schedule, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain  Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness in their profession.

That to secure these rights, Companies are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from our own ability to achieve what we want, That whenever any Form of Work becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the Worker to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new form of Work, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Companies long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Work, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

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