Career Advisor

Systems Support to Project Management?

By Career Advisor

Question: I’ve set a goal for myself, I want to move into project management and away from systems support (after 15 years). What is the best way to do this over say a 4 year period, I have lost interest in IT systems and want to change.
I do not have a degree but have certs and a diploma, mainly systems support stuff (mcse, ccna etc). I got into IT the long way round, failed the leaving, got into a fee paying tech college then Fas. After Fas I got a placement in a support role and have been stuck in support roles since… obviously this is not how I planned things but its been a means to an end.

This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve changed careers as I used to be a Chef but gave up because of the hours I was putting in, huge difference in the type of industry and the types of people etc.. However I’m a lot older now and could not take the financial hit of starting out as a junior type project manager. I’ve recently done a diploma in project man, but its difficult to break into my area as infra PM, as roles are very rare these days.
There seems to be a lot more of programming type PM roles, from a programmers point of view what skills would a PM need to work successfully in a similar role.. Obviously PM stuff like PMP and prince2 but would the PM need programming skills also?

Answer: 

A software project manager is a project manager with a firm background in software development and related fields. They are often responsible for overseeing the Software development life cycle.

So, while there are Project Managers that manage Systems the majority of Project Managers are in Software Development. This is just that the Software Development Life Cycle has a need for more PM’s. It would improve your job chances if you gained experience in the Software Development Life Cycle preferably as a programmer to start.

The other issue that you are trying to avoid, is your education. While there are PM’s without a college degree their careers are not as stable and typically do not make as high a salary as one that has. You will find that the majority of successful PM’s will have at least a Bachelors Degree and usually a Masters. Most Universities are graduating large numbers of graduates with Management of Information Services (MIS) degrees. They will usually get the Project Manager position before you would. You need to go back to school.   

Want more meaning from work

By Career Advisor

Question: Hi there, I’ve been a full-time pastor for the last 12 years and I think its time to be done.  I’ve enjoyed the job: most of the time, but it is so draining.  Meetings, nights, weekends, etc.  There’s never time to take a break.  My kids are growing up so fast and I hardly ever have the time and energy to spend with them that I’d like to and then when I do I feel guilty about not doing something else that needs to be done, etc.

When I headed down this path my hope was to make a significant impact into the lives of people.  I get to do that some of the time, the rest of the time I’m just running around plugging holes in the dam while other people watch me or they point out the leaks.  I want to make a real difference in the lives of others, helping folks discover their passion for life and living it out loud.  I’m tired of just swimming upstream and getting nowhere.

I’m worried about putting undue pressure on my spouse as I change careers, don’t want to feel like a failure because I’ve “left ministry with the church”, don’t want the folks at the church thinking they were the absolute reason why I’ve decided to leave…not sure where to begin.

I’ve got 2 degrees, thought I knew what I was going to do for the rest of my life, I’m very good at it but I just don’t love it anymore.

Answer:  I can feel your passion for your work in your writing. My first question to you is, “Do you really want to change careers or are you just burnt out?” Also, are your feelings something that a prolonged vacation can cure? Is there someway that you can change to improve your work - life balance?

If you finally decide to make a career change. I would suggest as a counselor. This may give you the ability to affect the lives of people while still maintaining your work - life balance.

How to become a counselor?

Professional counselors can be found in a variety of settings….

• Private Practice
• Schools
• Colleges/Universities
• Hospitals
• Mental Health Agencies
• Public Employment Agencies

School Counselor: A school counselor is a counselor and educator who works in schools, and have historically been referred to as “guidance counselors” or “educational counselors”, although “Professional School Counselor” is now the preferred term.

According to CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs), a school counseling program must be a master level (or higher) graduate program. Each state has its own certification or licensure requirements, and at least one state, California, merely requires a bachelor’s degree, causing concern about competence of school counselors in that state (National Clearinghouse. However, California does have a Pupil Personnel Services credential (PPS) that requires completion of 48 semester hours in a Commission approved program specializing in school counseling (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2004). You can find our more about being a school counselor at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_counselor#Job_growth_and_earnings

You can find extensive information about the different counselor careers at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm

Relocate or stay local?

By Career Advisor

Question: I need some advice. I’ve been unemployed for about 3 months and finally got a couple of offers out of state. The offers have minimal relocation assistance, which is a plus. But the problem is that I really don’t want to pack up my family and move. With the housing market the way it is, I’m afraid my house will not sell. I live in Houston and have done extensive job searches here. But after not receiving any offers other than a job with a 50% pay cut, I was forced to do a national search.

So, should I take the best job out of state and move, or stick it out in Houston and take a survival job until a better one comes along?

Answer: There is no easy answer to this question. Many people are facing this issue and I have in the past.

You have to weigh the pros and cons. Make a list. Here is what my list would look like:

Should I relocate?

Before me and my family relocated we had a family meeting to decide. I have three kids. Everyone got a say, but ultimately it was me and my wife’s final decision. I think it helped the kids that we consulted them. I outlined what life would be like if we moved and what life would be like if we stayed where we were. It wasn’t easy.  In the end, we decided there was more potential by relocating.

Best of luck to you and your family in making this decision. The bright side is that you have job offers. There are many people that don’t even have the choice that you have.                                                  

Have not job hunted for 20 years

By Career Advisor

Question: I know that this is rare in these days and times, but I have been with one company for almost 20 years in a variety of jobs over that time.  I’ve been a programmer, technical beta program leader, manager of a support team and a development team, and recently a high level software project manager.  I have a Masters degree in Computer Science/Information Systems and am PMI certified.  Anyway, my project (which I really loved) has been recently canceled by the company and I fear that in first quarter of 2009, I may lose my job through a layoff.  Nothing is definite at this time, but there is no internal movement going on and I am just getting a “bad vibe”.  I continually update my resume “just in case” but am a novice in the ways of finding a job these days.  I could use some “how to get started in finding a job” advice.  Again, 20 years ago was a different time and with the Internet, etc. much has changed on the job search front and I want to make sure that I’m ready if the ax falls. I’m sure I have some good skills that can be used by other companies, but I want to make sure I can…well…find those companies .

Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

Answer: Although the tools of  job hunting have changed dramatically in the last 20 years, the basic principles have not.

The basic principles that have not changed:

- Network with people that you know

- Present yourself in a concise manner while focusing on your strengths

- Follow up after you submit resume and after interview

- Stay current

- Perform

Here is what to know about new technologies:

- Human interaction is best. It is better to talk to someone by phone or in person rather then via email.

- Use networking sites to research companies. Web sites like www.linkedin.com allow you to see who is hiring and find people that you know that may be able to get you in the door.

- There are many job boards on the Internet. Use Job Search Engines to cut down on your search time. A job search engine is a website that facilitates job hunting. These sites are more commonly known as job boards and range from large scale generalist boards to niche job boards for categories such as engineering, legal, insurance, social work, teaching and seasonal jobs. Users can typically deposit their résumés and submit them to potential employers, while employers can post job ads and search for potential employees. Here is a list of job search engines: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Job_search_engines

Simple Salary Negotiation

By Career Advisor

Question: I had an initial phone interview this morning and I believe that I can expect to be scheduled for a face to face.  I live in an area where salaries are a bit lower than where this position would be located. Also, the position would just not be a Sr. Project Manager position (which is what I do/am). It would be the first person in a brand new office for a particular geographic area. It’s a very exciting opportunity.

However…I sort of blew it when the firm’s recruiter asked me about salary. I tossed out there a typical Sr. Project Manager’s salary, although I did caveat it with a comment that it might depend on the actual responsibilities for the position. As soon as I hung up the phone, I realized that I’d made a mistake. For the position she is describing, I believe that I was off by $10-15K (10 - 20 percent).

I initially tried to skirt the question but she said that the Regional Manage and VP, who would be interviewing me, would want that number when reviewing my phone interview info. So, these two people will have that target already in their heads.

Was the comment about salary depending on the actual position enough to keep that discussion open-ended? Or do I need to follow-up with her in some way? I had mentioned to her that salaries in the small town where I currently live are not really commensurate with salaries where the new office is being opened.

Dang. Do I need to do anything before the face to face to be sure that I haven’t already dinged my salary potential in the foot?

Answer: First if I were interviewing you, there is no way that you could skirt the question and still be considered for the position. As an interviewer, one of my first salary questions is “What is your current salary?” not “What do you want to make?”. Most companies are going to find our your salary history. If you are currently making for example $100,000/year, would it be feasible for a company to offer you $200,000/year? That’s why company’s ask you for salary history’s.

In the future tell the prospective employer what you’re currently are making. Most companies are going to offer you a 5 to 10% increase to switch jobs. This of course changes if you are moving to a higher cost of living area. If you are taking a position that is beneath the level you currently are at, expect to be offered less money.

In the end, a company is going to offer what the market rate and what you’re experience level dictates without giving away the bank.

What to include on my resume

By Career Advisor

Question: I left a permanent position six months ago. I was absolutely drowning with no relief in sight. The idea was to leave, take a breather, and start my own business. I was in a living situation where I was not paying any rent or utilities.

I spent 2 -3 months taking care of a sick family member who lives out of the area. Then I had to deal with some of my own personal ‘things’. Needless to say, my own business has not gotten off the ground. I spent a lot of time and some $$ marketing and pursuing work but, well, not enough.

I’m now in a different living situation which includes the requirement to pay rent and utilities again. (Not hard to figure out what has changed, right?)

So, on my resume, it shows that I spent the last six months working for myself.

I THINK that it looks better to show that I was working on starting my own business rather than leave that six months blank and try to cover it with family matters. It might look like I’m a job hopper but it’s better than showing nothing…isn’t it?

Any input on this one?

Answer: I agree with you. I think it is better to show that you were working for your self. It’s a common perception that most small business fail for one reason or another. Whether if this is true or not most people will respect your entrepreneurial abilities.

I perceive that if someone starts their own business, they usually work hard, don’t quit, and are able to work as long as it takes to get the job done. If I perceive it this way, others should too. That should help you on an interview.

It’s better then saying that you were out of work for 6 months because of family issues.

Need a Change - But What Are My options?

By Career Advisor

Question:

I’ll do my best to summarize my situation. For easy reading, I’ll do so in an out-line format.

Personal

- Male

- Age 27

- Located in Providence, RI

- Single, no children

Education/Experience

- Earned BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Stonehill College in Easton, MA

- 7 years working in Human Services Field

- 3 years of Managerial experience supervising special-needs adults

My issues:

- As an assistant manager in my current organization, I’m only making $13 an hour.

- I’ve considered furthering my education, but I did not perform well in my under-grad program. I graduated with a mere 2.3 GPA.

- The Human Services field, in general, is not strong. It’s been difficult finding well-paid positions.

- I feel my resume needs work, but I can’t afford professional help.

And, well, that’s basically my situation. Where can I go from here?

All comments are appreciated!

Answer: Now, more than ever, Rhode Island children and youth with disabilities need highly qualified teachers who can make a difference in their lives. The Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities seeks to recruit and assist individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in Special Education and/or support services in Rhode Island.

Call this lady:

Keri L. Rossi
RISIG Recruitment Coordinator
Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities
Rhode Island College

(401)456-4730 or (401)456-8072
krossi@ric.edu

Here is the web site: http://www.ric.edu/sherlockcenter/RISIG/teachers/index.html

Work from home jobs on Monster.com

By Career Advisor

Question:
New to Monster.com and wondering if you have advice/tips as to how to find work from home jobs on it. I’m very overwhelmed by the site and can’t seem to find anything close to what I’m looking for.
Thanks!

  Answer: Put this search in the Keywords Box on monster.com: 

(”Work from Home” OR telecomute OR virtual)

I got 3851 results.  

Young Programmer looking for work

By Career Advisor

Question: I am a young programmer who has recently found myself out of work. I know quite alot of languages including some of the older ones such as COBOL but am having trouble getting that first interview. Is the market dead right now or is my experience hampering my ability? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

I know how to code in the following languages:

Visual Basic .NET
Java
RPG IV
JavaScript
HTML

But am much more advanced in the following:

Cobol 390
Embedded SQL
CICS
DB2 accessed by SQL/SPUFI
Eztrieve
JCL

I am much more comfortable programming on the mainframe but am willing to explore all opportunities.

I am from Lincoln, NE but would like to re-locate to Kansas City as I have family there. But I would be willing to relocate about anywhere if the job was right. Thank you much for your time, assistance, and advice.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Answer: First thing you should do is send Douglas King your resume with a cover letter explaining that you want to relocate to Kansas City to be close to family. He’s a great recuiter that is based in Kansas City. Here is his linkedin profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasalanking His email address is on his profile. 

Second: When you apply to job openings in Kansas City you need to modify your objective section on your resume. Here is what I recommend:

Objective: Programmer position with growth potential in the Kansas City Area where my knowledge of 9 programming languages can add value to a variety of I.T. Departments. 

Third: Include a coverletter that states that you are able to relocate back to Kansas City at no cost to a potential employer and that you’re relocating to be close to family. 

Here are some job openings that you can apply for. You may have applied to them already but here they are:

Mainframe Jobs:

http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-Mainframe/l-Kansas+City,+MO/mi-50

Cobol Jobs

http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-Cobol/l-Kansas+City,+MO/mi-50

DB2 Jobs

http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-DB2/l-Kansas+City,+MO/mi-50

CICS Jobs

http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-CICS/l-Kansas+City,+MO/mi-50

JCL Jobs

http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-JCL/l-Kansas+City,+MO/mi-50

Career Assessments

By Career Advisor

Question:

Hello,
I have a BS in Information Technology and I’ve been working at a very reputable Financial Services company for the last three and a half years but for at least a year or two now I’ve been unhappy doing what I’m doing. I realize that I’m unhappy with what I’m doing and I know I need to take action to change that. My problem is that I’m not sure what I want to do with my life or how to discover what really makes me happy in terms of a career. I don’t think I want to stay in IT and I don’t want to work for a corporation either.

Can you suggest some good resources (whether on the web or services provided by other professionals) that would be useful in self-analysis to help me find what will really make me passionate in the work I do?

Thanks

Answer: First you need to gather information about yourself in order to make an informed decision.

Make a list of the following:

• Interests
• Values
• Roles
• Skills/Aptitudes
• Preferred Environments
• Developmental Needs
• Your realities

Here is a great article that you should read about Self Assessments: http://careerplanning.about.com/od/selfassessment/a/self_assessment.htm

There are plenty of only career assessments on the Internet. Some are free and some are not. Have you ever visited http://www.careeronestop.org/ ?

CareerOneStop is a U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored Web site that offers career resources and workforce information to job seekers, students, businesses, and workforce professionals to foster talent development in a global economy.

Here are the assessments that I recommend: http://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/SelfAssessments/FindAssessments.aspx