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January 03, 2009
4:01
Letters: Shootings devastate officers
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Jan. 3, 2008
4:00
Mark Steyn: Gaza has its version of rocket scientists
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Westerners seem to expect more civilized behavior from Israel than from its adversaries.
January 02, 2009
4:00
Cartoons: Did you see this parade float?
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Also: Mideast peace, the perennial New Year's wish, facing the future with fear.
4:00
The Orange Grove: What we're leaving our kids
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Government is running more of our lives, and many of us don't mind

December 27, 2008
16:02
2009 Career / Professional Resolutions for a Challenging Economy
» ‎ college-debate.com

Your 2008 resolutions might have been about fitness, weight, entertainment, and vacations, but you are looking at a different world as the year ends.

A lot of students and career professionals find that today is the right day to make the resolutions that will lead to employment in 2009 and beyond. Faced with budget and staff cuts, managers are likely to look at each employee or candidate in terms of their credentials, degrees, certification, leadership, and flexibility.

This is the perfect storm to make yourself an indispensable asset to your employer or future employer. It takes planning and resolve but those who make the cut will look back on 2009 as the foundation for their success.

Take advantage of online education to go back to school. Today, you can easily find the online courses that will help you update your skills or develop those that make you more employable. A decade ago, you might have needed to quit work to attend school. Today you can study nearly any subject online with experts from around the world. In your pajamas, before or after a day of work, you have the option to get a degree, an advanced degree, or simply take the next classes that are values in your field.

Pursue that certification. Most industries offer a certification to those who follow a schedule of courses and then pass a qualifying exam. In others, experience alone may qualify you to take that exam. Once again, much of the study or even the exam can be done online. For those in the IT industry, Oracle, Microsoft, and other certification may give you needed flexibility. Talk with your manager to find out future needs, then pursue needed study and testing as quickly as possible.

If there are opportunities to give talks to other employees, perhaps as party of a professional group with the company, you may find that an organization such as Toastmasters will help you develop the speaking skills so that you are remembered not only for what you say but how you say it.

A programmer is wise to use this time to develop expertise in a language that is in demand. With online education, this has become easier and easier.

Another certification for those in or focused on management, becoming proficient in Microsoft Project and getting project manager certification is an asset. Another important area for managers may be to become certified in public relations. The Public Relations Society of America offers a program for certification that helps you develop skills and knowledge that will improve your ability to succeed. For more information, go to www.prsa.org.

Personal development and leadership development. It is surprising how many seminars by personal development experts such as Tony Robbins, Brian Tracy, Jack Canfield, Joe Vitale and others are offered free of charge to corporate employees. Many who attend sit in their chairs long enough to be counted as attendees, then slip out to the bar or golf course. Take advantage of any opportunity to attend and, afterwards, talk about it with your boss, emphasizing points that make it clear that you participate fully and developed skills you can use in your job.

Perhaps only executives at your company are compensated for working with personal coaches, but anyone can read relevant books and create a Mastermind Group to help you develop your expertise and challenge yourself to come up with new approaches and ideas to the challenges in your field. One book is read by almost everyone who has a passion to succeed: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Another classic recording that urges you to think creatively is “Lead the Field” by Earle Nightingale, recently reissued.

Amazon.com Widgets

Network, network, network. The largest professional networking group in the world is Business Networking International, started by Dr. Ivan Misner. (Check out www.bni.com,) Whether participation is relevant for you or not, you will quickly learn on the website. What is relevant for almost everyone, however, is Dr. Misner’s most recent book, The 29% Solution-52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies. Creating successful business relationships and fully understanding the value of networking is essential for those in sales and higher levels of management. As a member of a solid network, those who require information, skills, or people in a hurry will find that their network is the best resource.

The old saying is that, in hard times, those who are dependent build resumes while those who prize independence build networks. The dependent trade time for money while the independent leverage their networks. Which group do you want to belong to?

Two key traits for success are insistence and persistence. Excelling tomorrow is very, very likely to require more and different skills than today. Resolve to yourself that you will insist on making yourself indispensable and persist in developing the skills to make it true. By going back to school, pursuing self-development, networking, and focusing on success, you have an opportunity to develop the flexibility that is valued by managers. Here is to you in 2009 and beyond!

December 22, 2008
21:58
Grants for College
» ‎ College-Review-Talk

One of the best ways to finance your college education is through grants. Unlike loans, grants won’t need to be repaid. Essentially, grants are free money for college, and are available through the federal government, state governments, colleges, and other institutions.

Federal Grants
To determine your eligibility for federal grants, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Pell Grants are usually the starting point for students in attaining grants. The maximum Pell Grant in 2008/09 was $4,731. Those with considerable financial need can qualify for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which awards between $100 and $4000 a year. Other federal grants include the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant), the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), and the National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant). Information about federal grants can be found on the Federal Student Aid website.

State Grants
Another way to finance your college education is through state-based grants. State grants include those for low-income families, minorities, and for students pursuing high-need fields, such as nursing and teaching. To learn what grants your state offers, see College Scholarships.org.

Individual College and Other Grants
Free money for college can also be found through individual colleges and other institutions. Colleges base grant eligibility on financial need and academic achievement. Some colleges offer grants to minority students and those with special needs. Other grants can be found through professional and local business organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce and civil groups and clubs.

Sources
College Scholarships.org: State-Based College Grants: An Essential Resource List
Federal Student Aid: Campus-Based Aid
Federal Student Aid: Funding Your Education
Federal Student Aid: Grants

December 14, 2008
18:45
Prepare Yourself for Flexibility in Your Career and Workplace
» ‎ college-debate.com

Your 2008 resolutions might have been about fitness, weight, entertainment, and vacations, but you are looking at a different world as the year ends.

A lot of students and career professionals find that today is the right day to make the resolutions that will lead to employment in 2009 and beyond. Faced with budget and staff cuts, managers are likely to look at each employee or candidate in terms of their credentials, degrees, certification, leadership, and flexibility.

This is the perfect storm to make yourself an indispensable asset to your employer or future employer. It takes planning and resolve but those who make the cut will look back on 2009 as the foundation for their success.

Take advantage of online education to go back to school. Today, you can easily find the online courses that will help you update your skills or develop those that make you more employable. A decade ago, you might have needed to quit work to attend school. Today you can study nearly any subject online with experts from around the world. In your pajamas, before or after a day of work, you have the option to get a degree, an advanced degree, or simply take the next classes that are values in your field.

Pursue that certification. Most industries offer a certification to those who follow a schedule of courses and then pass a qualifying exam. In others, experience alone may qualify you to take that exam. Once again, much of the study or even the exam can be done online. For those in the IT industry, Oracle, Microsoft, and other certification may give you needed flexibility. Talk with your manager to find out future needs, then pursue needed study and testing as quickly as possible.

If there are opportunities to give talks to other employees, perhaps as party of a professional group with the company, you may find that an organization such as Toastmasters will help you develop the speaking skills so that you are remembered not only for what you say but how you say it.

A programmer is wise to use this time to develop expertise in a language that is in demand. With online education, this has become easier and easier.

Another certification for those in or focused on management, becoming proficient in Microsoft Project and getting project manager certification is an asset. Another important area for managers may be to become certified in public relations. The Public Relations Society of America offers a program for certification that helps you develop skills and knowledge that will improve your ability to succeed. For more information, go to www.prsa.org.

Personal development and leadership development. It is surprising how many seminars by personal development experts such as Tony Robbins, Brian Tracy, Jack Canfield, Joe Vitale and others are offered free of charge to corporate employees. Many who attend sit in their chairs long enough to be counted as attendees, then slip out to the bar or golf course. Take advantage of any opportunity to attend and, afterwards, talk about it with your boss, emphasizing points that make it clear that you participate fully and developed skills you can use in your job.

Perhaps only executives at your company are compensated for working with personal coaches, but anyone can read relevant books and create a Mastermind Group to help you develop your expertise and challenge yourself to come up with new approaches and ideas to the challenges in your field. One book is read by almost everyone who has a passion to succeed: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Another classic recording that urges you to think creatively is “Lead the Field” by Earle Nightingale, recently reissued.

Network, network, network. The largest professional networking group in the world is Business Networking International, started by Dr. Ivan Misner. (Check out www.bni.com,) Whether participation is relevant for you or not, you will quickly learn on the website. What is relevant for almost everyone, however, is Dr. Misner’s most recent book, The 29% Solution-52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies. Creating successful business relationships and fully understanding the value of networking is essential for those in sales and higher levels of management. As a member of a solid network, those who require information, skills, or people in a hurry will find that their network is the best resource.

The old saying is that, in hard times, those who are dependent build resumes while those who prize independence build networks. The dependent trade time for money while the independent leverage their networks. Which group do you want to belong to?

Two key traits for success are insistence and persistence. Excelling tomorrow is very, very likely to require more and different skills than today. Resolve to yourself that you will insist on making yourself indispensable and persist in developing the skills to make it true. By going back to school, pursuing self-development, networking, and focusing on success, you have an opportunity to develop the flexibility that is valued by managers. Here is to you in 2009 and beyond!

December 13, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: Bonuses and bailout fatigue
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Also: Blagojevich hasn't gone away, layoffs strike "The 12 Days of Christmas."
4:00
Is Congress steering auto bailout in the right direction?
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Dec. 13, 2008
4:00
Column: You may want to reconsider a 4-year degree
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Column by Jay Ambrose
4:00
Larry Elder: Obama likable, but that's not enough
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Larry Elder column
December 10, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: Blagojevich on Santa's 'naughty' list
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Also: North Pole pink slips, what makes Big 3 balk, Dubya lost in space.
4:00
Editorial: Forecast sees tough 2009 for O.C. economy
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Chapman's outlook bleak; stage could be set for housing recovery in 2010
4:00
Letters: California's pending financial apocalypse
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Dec. 10, 2008
4:00
Dan Walters: State budget gap now $40 billion
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Legislature remains stalemated on efforts to narrow deficit.
4:00
Cartoons: Layoffs at the North Pole
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

And more on the economy, OJ in jail, the Bush legacy, Big 3 bailout
December 06, 2008
4:00
Mark Steyn: Jews get killed, but Muslims feel vulnerable
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Mark Steyn column
December 05, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: Pot calling kettle black on Big 3 bailout
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Also: Governors give Santa their wish list, no parking at the computer.
4:00
Editorial: County hung over from budget partying
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

What happened to all the money collected during the housing boom and strong economy?
4:00
Letters: The Big Three are in big trouble
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Dec. 5, 2008
4:00
Letters: Most Americans against auto bailout
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Dec. 6, 2008
4:00
Amity Shlaes: Wall Street has a case of nerves
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Recession? No kidding. Then why the nosedive when it's official?

December 03, 2008
13:03
Careers for Tough Economic Times
» ‎ College-Review-Talk

The Best Careers for a Tough Economy

In these times of cutbacks and layoffs, you’ve likely put any possible career-changing plans on hold, for fear of not finding work. But if your current work isn’t satisfying, or if you’ve already found yourself downsized in your current field, you should know that some industries are not only surviving in this economy, they’re thriving.

When it comes to caring for our health and that of our loved ones, expanding our minds, or protecting our money and our information, professionals with the right career training will always be needed, regardless of the economy.

Health Care
A renewed government commitment to reforming the system; medical advances keeping people alive longer; baby boomers who are retiring, leaving their positions in the industry and increasingly facing the physical tolls of age – it all makes the health care industry particularly healthy right now. It’s expected to generate 3 million jobs from now through 2016 – more than any other industry. In particular, pharmacists, physical therapists, and nurses will be in especially high demand – many even project labor shortages in these fields, which may result in dramatic wage growth.

Pet Care
Many experts are calling the pet care industry recession-proof. Americans spent more than $43 billion on their pets in 2008; that’s 26 percent higher than 2004 figures. Market research suggests continued growth in pet care product sales of more than 13 percent by 2013. Employment of veterinary technicians – a career generally requiring at least two years of formal career training – is projected to grow by a whopping 41 percent through 2016.

Education
You’re reading this article for the same reason that education is particularly important now – the need to improve upon your skills only grows in a recession. Demand is high across the board for teachers and administrators – particularly in higher education, where many working professionals are turning. Postsecondary teaching jobs are expected to grow by 23 percent through 2016. Most full-time, tenured positions require Ph.D.s, but there is a growing trend among employers who are hiring those with master’s degrees or a combination of a bachelor’s degree and career experience, in order to fill the growing demand.

Accounting
If there’s one thing people need more of when the economy’s bad, it’s help managing their money. Individuals and businesses alike are turning more than ever to accountants for help navigating the increasingly complex tax and reporting laws. CFO.com reported earlier this year that accounting will not only experience tremendous employment growth, but salary growth as well; average salaries are projected to grow by more than 7 percent. Companies are increasingly finding a scarcity among professional accountants with CPA career training, making this one of today’s hottest jobs; employment growth of 18 percent or more expected is by 2016.

Information Technology and Computer Systems
As industries – particularly fast-growing ones like health care or education – increasingly make technology a priority, those who understand how to operate it and monitor its security will be in demand. Unemployment is at a record low among college-educated IT professionals, whose average starting salaries rose approximately 5 percent in 2008. Career training for such positions vary from on-the-job experience to two- or four-year college degrees. In particular, network and systems administrators – those who design, install, and manage computer systems – who will experience staggering employment growth of 27 percent through 2016.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Accountants and Auditors”
Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators”
Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Health Care”
Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Teachers - Postsecondary”
Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Veterinary Technologists and Technicians”
CFO.com, “Hot Jobs in ‘08″
Datamation.com, “Hot Jobs in IT for 2008″ by Katherine Spencer Lee
The Earth Times, “2008 Hot Job List - The Top 10″ by IBISWorld, Inc.
The Seattle Times, “Pet-products industry growing despite bad economy” by Ashley M. Heher

December 01, 2008
15:14
Are Student Loans a Blessing or A Curse? Or Both?
» ‎ college-debate.com
The Blessing
Once upon a time, possibly a long time ago, student loans were simple and their interest rates were lower than that of average loans. Banks and the Federal government worked together to give students a break. And, to qualify, a student needed a decent GPA and career outlook. Future teachers, for instance, found it easy to get loans. They were in demand and knew loan payback, although likely to take10 years, would eventually end. And that the interest rate would stay the same.

The Curse
Enter the loan dragon. Somebody figured out that some kinds of students, perhaps with lower GPAs or less optimistic job outlooks, were not qualifying for government loans. Some of these dragons could have been good hearted—“Let’s help those slightly below GPA students” while others may have thought, “Golly gee whiz, perhaps these kids will pay a lot for a loan because they don’t have any other way to finish school. And, if they don’t pay, we know where they live.” And, wow!, with all that interest to be earned, we can probably market these loans to investors!

This may sound a bit harsh, but we’ve all seen Enron and we’ve all seen the real estate market boom and bust. Why not the student loan business?

At rates somewhat below hard-to-get credit card rates, non-government loans became available. And somewhere along the line, the rates started to look like credit card games: 0% financing until 200X!” And then, boom, gotcha! 17% interest! In case your background isn’t in finance, 17% is a heck of a lot of payback for a student who, upon graduation, starts out near the bottom of the pay scale. Instead of 10 years to pay off, it’s looking like a chunk of one’s lifetime. Take a look at how student loans relate to the financial crisis in the US: washingtonpost.com - Student Loan Aid Is Test for Treasury.

So, when it is a right time to get a student loan that isn’t government supported? Harshly speaking, only when you use the loan $$ for school expenses. What never to pay with a student loan: car expenses, dinners out, beer nights with friends, weekends away, new electronic must-haves. Sorry to say, but these kinds of purchases are best made with money from a part-time job or other non-loan money source.

Once school costs get expanded to include lifestyle costs, doom and gloom are only a distance away. Do you really want to pay 300% more for that new cell phone just so you can have it this month? Because, 300% of purchase price is what is may cost you to pay off the loan amount you used to purchase it.

The Choice
Here are some questions you should ask yourself when thinking about a non-government student loan:
1. How much will it REALLY cost you to pay off this loan? How long will it take, given a realistic salary and job outlook? (Find a counselor or banker to help you with this one. Do NOT base your decision solely on what the loan agent is telling you.)
2. How bad do you need it? Is it realistic to consider taking fewer classes so that a part-time job works for you? Or even a full-time job combined with night classes?
3. Are there scholarships you can qualify for? Does the career you are planning for offer any financial aid?
4. Do you have friends or relatives who might combine money for a loan, as long as it is drawn up by an attorney and signed by all.
Whatever you do, research any loan carefully, get a second or third opinion, and think it over before you commit to such a loan. Worst-case scenario: Age 32, working second job to pay more on loan, up all night with sick young child.

Think it over.

4:00
Letters: Is O.C. jail expansion report realistic?
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Dec. 1, 2008

November 25, 2008
15:15
U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry (and community college teacher), Kay Ryan: Interview
» ‎ college-debate.com

What validation for community colleges! When my catalog arrived for College of Marin, the cover photo announced a prestigious award for a long-time faculty member. Okay, okay, here’s the first paragraph of the article: “On July 17, 2008, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington announced the appointment of Kay Ryan as the 16th U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry. She joins a distinguished roster of poet laureates, including Robert Penn Warren, Richard Wilbur, Louise Gluck, and Robert Pinsky among others.”

At first, I thought, “How fabulous it was to have someone in Marin County, CA, named as U.S. Poet Laureate”. But where the community college bit comes in is that she not only teaches at a community college, she also graduated from one! That shocked me a bit: Kay Ryan is not some lofty college professor with a degree from an Ivy-league school, steeped in decades of university glamour. Instead, she teaches at College of Marin, an excellent community college, and she graduated from Antelope Valley on California’s Mojave Desert!

Her poetry is unique, simple, and compelling. One poem read, I searched for another. And another. How could I have attended that college and not come across this woman? Probably because she teaches English to a particular student population. In her words, “As a teacher at a community college for over thirty years, I have taken particular pleasure in working with the kind of students who come to community colleges — people who are hungry for education and are willing to sacrifice to get it. It means something, to see night students arrive in their work uniforms from hospitals, construction sites, restaurants. I admire my students for their courage to start over in life, often having taken some knocks and having had the guts to think how to make things better for themselves and their families by coming back to school.”

Is this a wake-up call to all those who say community colleges are best avoided for those who want to succeed in their careers? That community college students will have to settle for less? The interview with Kay Ryan says otherwise. That got me thinking: Which is the better choice: (a) To do whatever it takes to attend a four-year school (perhaps including a student loan) or (b) To stay close to home and take advantage of an excellent community college and faculty? While circumstances vary from school to school and student to student, this interview is very validating for community colleges, faculties, and students.

I had occasionally felt a little embarrassed because I had received my AA degree before going on to graduate from a California state college. The interview with Kay Ryan points out that I am not alone. Some of the others who have done so and gone on to succeed include: “Tom Hanks, actor; Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Governor; Eileen Collins, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut; George Lucas, film maker; Joyce Luther Kennard, California Supreme Court justice; Jim Sinegal, Costco Wholesale Corporation CEO; Annette Bening, actor…”

The story / interview is short and includes one of Kay Ryan’s poems: http://www.marin.cc.ca.us/new/press_release/071708.htm.

And please check out the community colleges and other schools on my web sites: College-University-Directory.com.

November 21, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: Obama pardons a turkey
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

And more on politics, the economy and latter-day pirates
4:00
Letters: Straight shooting on O.C. gun permits
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Nov. 21, 2008
4:00
Editorial: Arnold's misplaced global-warming alarm
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

His and other's efforts are likely to cause more harm than warming itself
4:00
Supervisor Norby: Gun permit hearing clears the air
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Sheriff, who wants to tighten permit process, heard from many affected
November 20, 2008
4:00
Orange Grove: What happened to 'Do no harm'?
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

FDA drags out drug approvals in name of safety while endangering public
November 18, 2008
4:00
Local column: Fearing family history lost to fire
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Typically hectic weekend turns somber as flames threaten parents' home

November 17, 2008
14:20
Deciding on a Career
» ‎ college-debate.com

In the 20th century, men and women often made a career decision only once. They tended to stay with the same type of work for all of their lives and often remained with one company

Today, in the dawning of the 21st century, most employees will change the company they work for and embrace the opportunity to change careers one or more times during their working lives. Changing business climates, corporate ups and downs, the worldwide web, greater mobility, family, and more attention to personal growth and development are some of the reasons.

Whatever your career choice, do you realize there is a smart ways to prepare for and enter a career and there are also smarter and smartest ways? Take the time to learn the difference.

Is Career Choice One Big Decision?
Not really. It is more often a series of smaller decisions about personal aptitude, likes and dislikes, preparation required (college, university, career school, and / or on-the-job training), skill set, geographic location, and knowing what it takes to make a good living as well as to be promoted. One important decision, for example, is to acquire skills and knowledge that can be applied in several related fields. For instance, expertise in team management and goal achievement can be used in many kinds of jobs whereas being an expert in repairing only one kind of engine can be very limiting.

Smart: Learn the Basic Skills for that Career in a College or Vocational School
Which candidate is more likely to get the job? The one who is eager to learn but has no relevant experience or the one who is not only eager to learn but who has expertise in required skills and a degree or a certificate? Check out ads for the kinds of jobs you want and find out what skills employers are looking for. If you don’t already have these skills, find a school that teaches them. Get the certificate or degree to prove you know what you are doing.

Smarter: Make Yourself a Candidate for Promotion
One important area to pay attention to is the skill sets required. Let’s say you want to be a fireman. In many areas of the country, there are community college or trade schools that offer the required education and training. For many, that is enough. But you may be the person who would make an excellent battalion chief or trainer or even a fire chief. For that kind of advancement, a business or management degree is expected. Get that degree first, then get the training to become a fireman.

Smartest: Make Sure You Have the Skills to Move Laterally
Consider all the different areas of specialization in your career field. Which appeal to you and are a match with your aptitude? Let’s say you liked to work in the business world and decide on a course of study in accounting. One way to have more flexibility is to become certified in one or more of the accounting and / or bookkeeping software solutions. That way, you can help clients set up their own record keeping, ensuring what they do dovetails with what your company requires at tax time. Furthermore, should your company downsize, you may find you have better chance of being retained and also the skills to earn as a consultant to small businesses if you have to look for another job.

Consult an Advisor
Learn what experience you need for the particular field you are interested in and find an advisor who can help you make a high-quality decision. Although you may not keep the same career or job for life, you still need to take the time to understand your career options entirely. Make you are clear about your goals and understand all of the ins and outs of potential careers so that there are no unpleasant surprises and you can enjoy the work you do under the umbrella of that career.

Make an informed decision. Know your goals and stay positive as you work toward them.

Other Resources:
CareerPath.com
JobStar.org
CollegeNET
Insjobs.com

November 15, 2008
4:00
Letters: No on Prop. 8 voters keep fighting
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008
4:00
Governor's plan to salvage budget a good one
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Nov. 15, 2008
4:00
Larry Elder: Pro-Obama media bias confirmed
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Larry Elder's column
November 14, 2008
4:00
The economy: Laugh ... then cry
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Cartoon rewind: Looking back at the economic crisis, from Wall St. to Main St. to Detroit and back: 50 images
November 10, 2008
4:00
Letters: Fight the harassment law mandate
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Nov. 10, 2008
4:00
Orange Grove: High sales tax equal lower sales
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

There have to be better ways to lower the state budget deficit
4:00
Editorial: No more automaker bailouts, please
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Taxpayers should not reward the formerly Big Three for their incompetence
November 08, 2008
4:00
25 cartoons, you betcha
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Sarah Palin rewind, lest we forget

November 04, 2008
12:04
Deciding on a Career
» ‎ college-debate.com

In the 20th century, men and women often made a career decision only once. They tended to stay with the same type of work for all of their lives and often remained with one company

Today, in the dawning of the 21st century, most employees will change the company they work for and embrace the opportunity to change careers one or more times during their working lives. Changing business climates, corporate ups and downs, the worldwide web, greater mobility, family, and more attention to personal growth and development are some of the reasons.

Whatever your career choice, do you realize there is a smart ways to prepare for and enter a career and there are also smarter and smartest ways? Take the time to learn the difference.

Is Career Choice One Big Decision?
Not really. It is more often a series of smaller decisions about personal aptitude, likes and dislikes, preparation required (college, university, career school, and / or on-the-job training), skill set, geographic location, and knowing what it takes to make a good living as well as to be promoted. One important decision, for example, is to acquire skills and knowledge that can be applied in several related fields. For instance, expertise in team management and goal achievement can be used in many kinds of jobs whereas being an expert in repairing only one kind of engine can be very limiting.

Smart: Learn the Basic Skills for that Career in a College or Vocational School
Which candidate is more likely to get the job? The one who is eager to learn but has no relevant experience or the one who is not only eager to learn but who has expertise in required skills and a degree or a certificate? Check out ads for the kinds of jobs you want and find out what skills employers are looking for. If you don’t already have these skills, find a school that teaches them. Get the certificate or degree to prove you know what you are doing.

Smarter: Make Yourself a Candidate for Promotion
One important area to pay attention to is the skill sets required. Let’s say you want to be a fireman. In many areas of the country, there are community college or trade schools that offer the required education and training. For many, that is enough. But you may be the person who would make an excellent battalion chief or trainer or even a fire chief. For that kind of advancement, a business or management degree is expected. Get that degree first, then get the training to become a fireman.

Smartest: Make Sure You Have the Skills to Move Laterally
Consider all the different areas of specialization in your career field. Which appeal to you and are a match with your aptitude? Let’s say you liked to work in the business world and decide on a course of study in accounting. One way to have more flexibility is to become certified in one or more of the accounting and / or bookkeeping software solutions. That way, you can help clients set up their own record keeping, ensuring what they do dovetails with what your company requires at tax time. Furthermore, should your company downsize, you may find you have better chance of being retained and also the skills to earn as a consultant to small businesses if you have to look for another job.

Consult an Advisor
Learn what experience you need for the particular field you are interested in and find an advisor who can help you make a high-quality decision. Although you may not keep the same career or job for life, you still need to take the time to understand your career options entirely. Make you are clear about your goals and understand all of the ins and outs of potential careers so that there are no unpleasant surprises and you can enjoy the work you do under the umbrella of that career.

Make an informed decision. Know your goals and stay positive as you work toward them.

Other Resources:
CareerPath.com
JobStar.org
CollegeNET
Insjobs.com

4:00
Cartoons: We're so over it.
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

11 cartoons about the campaign that wouldn't end; plus: Detroit drives into a ditch
4:00
Letters: Plenty to do after the election dust clears
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Nov. 4, 2008
4:00
Editorial on Measure J: If you pay, you should get a say
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Vote yes to protect O.C. taxpayers from overly costly pension increases.
4:00
Cartoons: Last-minute hot air
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

And 13 more on the election
November 03, 2008
4:00
Editorial: Taxed to be lobbied for higher taxes
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

La Habra officials continue to abuse taxpayers to shill for a proposed tax increase. Residents should vote "no" on Measure T.
4:00
Letters: Prop. 8: assume your positions. Yes or no?
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Election Letters to the editor for Monday, Nov. 3, 2008
4:00
Letters: Railroad projects coming down the tracks
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Nov. 3, 2008
November 01, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: The finish line
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

More on the election, the economy, George Bush, Barack Obama and John McCain
October 31, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: Undecided on Halloween
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Ten more on the election and the economy
4:00
Editorial: Break O.C. taxpayers out of overtime jail
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Professional jailers could offer help to taxpayers.
4:00
Letters: Pay-as-you-go taxation will be our salvation
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Oct. 31, 2008
4:00
Yes on Prop. 8: Lawlessness in name of tolerance
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

With links to more Prop. 8 commentary
4:00
Mark Steyn: Obama's a better symbol than president
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

On Tuesday many Americans will vote for the two-dimensional Obama - the image, the idea.
October 30, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: The Beg Three automakers
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

More on the economy and the election
4:00
George F. Will: Wages of faux conservatism
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Republicans, McCain and Palin appear headed for voter rejection
4:00
Letters: Obama policies will hammer the U.S. economy
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Oct. 30, 2008
4:00
Editorial: New deficit. So now what?
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Gov. Schwarzenegger wants to raise the sales tax. Wrong
October 18, 2008
4:00
Anti-Proposition 8 letters
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor
4:00
Pro-Proposition 8 letters
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor
1:00
Mark Steyn: Plumber Joe didn't go with the flow
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Mark Steyn column
October 17, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: Joe the Plumber throws wrench into race
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

More about the California ballot, Sarah Palin and 401(k) woes
4:00
Editorial: Record vetoes one thing the governor got right
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Editorial
4:00
Letters: We can't trust either candidate to tell the truth
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Oct. 17, 2008

October 16, 2008
10:53
Advice for Career Changers
» ‎ College-Review-Talk

Advice for Career Changers
Higher pay, better hours, boredom, office politics, and more flexibility are some of the main reasons why you might want to change careers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a relative novice; if your current job or industry doesn’t meet your needs, there’s no reason why you should stick around. However, making the transition takes some careful planning. Below are some tips that can guide in the process:

Look for Tangential Areas to Your Current Career
The easiest careers changes are often to industries that are related to your current job. So social workers might become teachers. Restaurant managers might become caterers. Sometimes this transition can be smooth, while other times you might need additional training.

Become Certified for your Career Change
Additional education is one of the smartest ways to change careers. An associates degree or certificate is sometimes enough if you have sufficient professional experience. Other times you might need to go back for a full bachelors or master’s degree. If you can somehow relate this training to your current job, there is an outside chance that your employer might cover some or all of the cost. Although you might be expected to stick around at your current job for a few more years.

Expand Your Career Change Search Globally
Career requirements in the United States don’t always match those of other countries. To become an English teacher in the US, for example, you often need a specialized degree. To become an English teacher abroad, however, sometimes you only need to be a native speaker. This is just one example of course. The rigorous training and certification that might be required for a career change in the States can sometimes be bypassed if you go abroad.

Lastly, be prepared to take a small salary cut or demotion during your first year or two. Without extensive work experience and without specialized training, you might have to make some momentary sacrifices. But if it’s a job you enjoy, the money should eventually come.

Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Journal

4:00
Cartoons: The incredible shrinking 401(k)
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

More about the stock market, bank bailout and Barack Obama

October 15, 2008
18:00
Places to Launch a Career 2008
» ‎ College-Review-Talk

Places to Launch a Career 2008
With the current financial crisis, you might need to reassess where you send future resumes and cover letters. Analyst firms on Wall Street and manufacturing plants in Michigan might not be the best options. There might be other places (industries and locations) where your current training might enjoy higher demand.

Industries to Launch a New Career in 2008
When it comes to the hottest industries of today and tomorrow, most of them seem to be in high-tech or health-related fields. Computer science, alternative medicine, nursing, programming, dentistry, and Web design are just some examples. They’re all service-oriented, and most of them are expected to enjoy faster-than-average growth over the next 8 years. Almost all of these areas, however, require specific training. So you usually need to become certified before you can begin practicing professionally. The flipside is that rising demand can potentially offer you greater job security and earning potential in the long run.

Locations to Launch a New Career in 2008
Despite our recent financial troubles, the US is still one of the leading forces in job creation and innovation. However, there are other countries that are doing as well, if not better. China, India, and Brazil are popular destinations for many globally oriented employees. But there are many other nations that desperately need to fill various sectors. For example, Australia actively recruits people form abroad due to its labor shortage. By sending your resume and cover letter out of the country, you can potentially tap into a much larger pool of opportunities.

Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
International Herald Tribune
Career Journal
12:21
Career Advice for Grads
» ‎ College-Review-Talk

Career Advice for Grads
With the job market being what it is, you might have serious doubts about your career prospects. Failing banks, closing plants, and dwindling budgets have a lot of people worried. But you can potentially increase your chances of finding that perfect job by relying on a number of useful resources and tips:

Career Services Can Be a Goldmine for Grads
Most schools have an office of career services. The people in this department can help you with resume crafting, letter writing, and job research. Although not used nearly as much as it should be, the office of career services is a veritable goldmine of information.

Stay in Touch with Classmates, Professors, and other Grads
In addition to career services, you should also connect with alums, students, and professors. They can help you with recommendations, networking opportunities, career advice, and even job placement. Your program probably publishes a directory of graduates, and this directory is sometimes broken up by year, location, and industry. Business connections are all about knowing the right people. Even if you never took any classes with a particular alum, he or she might be able to point you in the right direction.

Broaden Your Search Globally
Don’t limit your search to your home city, state, or even country. There exists global demand for a wide range of disciplines and careers. What’s more, international experience can be pretty impressive on a resume. After 2-3 years in Brazil or China, you might find that many more doors open up to you when you return to the US.

Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Journal

October 12, 2008
4:00
Column: Market's seen this movie before
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

The bailout package, filled with gimmicks, cash and earmarks, failed to reassure the markets.
4:00
Letters: Feeling the full impact of Reagan's fiscal legacy
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Readers weigh in on the financial crisis
4:00
Letters: Egg ranches won't survive under Prop. 2
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Other letters on California Props. 5, 4 and 7
October 11, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: The Great (stock crash) Pumpkin
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

More on the financial crisis, the election, the bailout(s), the global financial meltdown, the U.S.-India pact
4:00
Mark Steyn on Obama: Filling in the blank
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

"How do you solve a problem? Like, Obama! / How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?"
October 07, 2008
4:00
Letters: The politicization of the financial markets
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Readers weigh in on the bailout and the marker meltdown
4:00
Gov. Palin takes unfair punch from Commentary
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Letters to the editor for Oct. 7, 2008
October 06, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: O.J. off the marquee
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Plus: Sarah Palin clears a low bar, Joe Biden's truthiness, McCain bails on Michigan, Warren Buffett's bright idea.
October 05, 2008
4:00
Letters: The bailout deception
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

Readers weigh in on the Wall St. "rescue" plan
October 04, 2008
4:00
Cartoons: The pork bailout
» ‎ The Orange County Register - Opinion

14 more on the financial crisis -- and 1 on California's food-labeling law
October 03, 2008

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