CeeBee: CareerBuilder.com's Job Search SmartyPants

Rural Food Animal Veterinarians Wanted

I recently came across an article by Mikel Alderman describing the increased need for vets in rural settings. Alderman’s article includes reported findings by The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association stating that while the demand for veterinarians is increasing, few graduates are setting off to work in these areas. 

The job fill shortage is bad for the animals, but it can also have a potentially deadly effect on all of society.  While most people are not aware of it (as I wasn’t before reading this article) the secondary role of vets is to report early detections of unusual diseases.  With a large number of veterinarians currently up for retirement and a lack of qualified veterinarians available for replacement, there is an increased risk of eating contaminated foods.

Before a lot of people make a career decision, they want to know if the job will be a good fit for them. I’ve listed some animal-work related jobs to get you started.  Maybe they’ll be the experience needed to inspire filling some of our country’s rural vet needs.

Animal Behavioral Trainer:

What they do: Teach animals how to act in response to different conditions or stimuli.  Training is conducted for entertainment, protection, detection or companionship.

What they earn: *$36,000 is the median salary with one to four years of experience.

Animal Caretaker

What they do:  Assist in grooming, training and companionship for animals staying in pet spas, kennels and similar temporary locations.

What they earn:  A median salary of $30,000 when working for a company.

Marine Biologist:

What they do: Study and interact closely with the lives of species that spend all or most of their lives in water.

What they earn:  $45,000 is the median salary.

Park Management:

What they do:  Oversee daily park maintenance and operations.  They are in charge of preserving and protecting wilderness areas.

What they earn:  $40,000 is the median salary for state and local government positions.

Secondary School Science Teacher

What they do:  Educate students on the methods of observation, experimentation and study of different topics in science, including animal life.

What they earn:  A median salary between $41,400 and $45, 920.

Animal Groomer

What they do: Maintain the appearance and hygiene of animals.

What they earn:  A median salary of $30,000 when working for a company.

Veterinary Pathologist:

What they do: Study the scientific causes, development and results of diseases in animals.

What they earn:  A median salary between $120,000 and $160,000 for industry work.

Animal Welfare Lawyer

What they do: Practice law with special focus on how it deals with animals.  Cases can range from veterinary malpractice to anti-cruelty issues.

What they earn:  The median annual earnings of all lawyers are $94,930

Zoo Director:

What they do: Organize and direct zoo operations.  This position includes everything from analyzing the annual budget to organizing the special care of animals.

What they earn:  The average starting salary for zoologists is $28,000, increasing to $36,000 after five years.

Animal-Assisted Therapist

What they do: Study behavioral patterns in animals and apply techniques to improve mental, social and physical issues within humans through animal/human companionship.

What they earn:  Median annual earnings of physical therapists are $60,180, but the concentration of animal-assistance may increase or decrease earnings.  Some animal-assisted therapy is considered volunteer work. 

* Salary sources: Payscale.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),

American

College

of Veterinary Pathologists (AVCP), The Princeton Review

By Candace Corner

CareerBuilder.com

What Can I Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?

Perhaps the most persistent -- and often most annoying -- question college students hear throughout their years (second only to "What's your major?") is "So what are you going to do with your major?"

The truth, for many of them, is that they simply don't know. And that is totally okay.

While choosing a major will help you prepare for a career in a specific field, it can also provide a solid basis for pursuing a career in a seemingly dissimilar field. For example, history majors can go into government, journalism or even museum work, and it's not unusual for theater majors to work in business.

Before you think about what you're going to do with your major, find out what you can you do with your major.

Art:
So daddy wasn't thrilled when you announced that you were switching from pre-med to art history, eh? "At least I'll be rich in spirit," you offer as the smallest hints of tears replace the dollar signs in his eyes.

But art majors aren't necessarily destined to be starving artists. You can go into any number of fields, ranging from commercial art, media and photography to art therapy. If you've still got a place in your heart for scrubs, supplement your studies with psychology or counseling courses to pursue art therapy. If commercial art appeals to you, intern with a photographer, magazine or other media outlet and compile a portfolio as you go along. The same goes for studio art, wherein interning or volunteering for a museum will help you see the administrative side of this field.

Biological Sciences:
Lest you shy away from concentrating on the biological sciences (biology, microbiology, zoology, etc.) because you don't want to go to grad school, know that there are plenty of career options for those with bachelor's degrees in biology. Not only does an undergraduate degree prepare you for a career in the rapidly-growing healthcare industry, it also qualifies you to work as a laboratory assistant, technician, technologist or research assistant.

Should you feel the need to break out of the lab, you could also do non-technical work like writing, illustration, sales, photography and legislation by signing up for relevant electives, doing part-time work or interning.

Psychology:
Yet another major that seems to ensure that, unless you have a graduate degree, you'll be reduced to spouting Freud to the patrons you serve at the local café after graduation.

Not so. Psychology provides a strong liberal arts background, allowing graduates to pursue work in several fields like public relations, retail management, sales, market research, advertising and education. Again, it's important to pursue outside interests in different fields, both to further your work experience and make contacts.

English:
Majoring in English isn't just for future teachers anymore. Those with a background in English have a variety of options when it comes to choosing their fields of work, including law, public relations, advertising, publishing and well, okay, teaching. English majors looking to work in law should obtain summer work at law firms and tweak their speech and debate skills. Picking up an LSAT prep book probably wouldn't hurt, either.

Foreign Language:
Yes, you've taught all of your friends dirty words in three different languages, but what else can you do? Well, a lot, actually.

For one thing, the government (including the FBI, CIA, Customs Service and the Library of Congress) is one of the largest employers of people with foreign language skills. Foreign language majors can also go into arts and entertainment by working at museums, book publishers and film companies, or into commerce and work at American firms abroad or international firms in the U.S.

Travel, tourism, service and education are also popular industries for foreign language graduates. Try to become as accustomed to the culture of the language(s) you're studying as possible, in any way possible, from studying or working abroad to renting foreign language movies and books.

Political Science:
So you want to go into politics, but you're neither an Austrian bodybuilder/movie star nor a former professional wrestler... that's probably okay. In fact, some might say a more typical approach would be to supplement that political science major with participation in student government, a model United Nations or local political campaigns if they hope to go into government, law or politics.

Other career options include journalism, non-profit work, business, broadcasting or education. A degree in political science can also be good preparation for post-graduate studies in psychology, law and business.

Whatever your major, keep your options open by volunteering, interning, doing part-time work or taking classes in other areas that interest you. Involve yourself in community events and get to know local professionals who can give you contacts, advice and references.

And the next time someone hassles you about what you're going to do with your major, resist the urge to tell that person where you'd like to stick it; instead, say with every confidence that you have a variety of options to pursue, but you don't want to narrow them down quite yet.

By: Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com

5 Job Hunting Tips for New Grads

Five Things New Grads Should Know About Job Hunting Brent Rasmussen, Chief Operating Officer of CareerBuilder.com The class of 2006 is looking at a bright future with promising job prospects and salary increases. Seventy percent of hiring managers say they plan to recruit recent college graduates this year, up from 62 percent in 2005, according to CareerBuilder.com’s "College Hiring 2006" survey. Plus, nearly one-in-five hiring managers expect to hire more recent college graduates in 2006 compared to last year and one-in-four plan to increase starting salaries. College grads can also expect a bigger payoff this year. Twenty-seven percent of hiring managers anticipate increasing starting salaries for recent college graduates in 2006 and only 5 percent plan to decrease them. How much should new grads expect to earn? Thirty-four percent of hiring managers expect to offer between $20,000 and $30,000 and 28 percent expect to offer between $30,000 and $40,000. An additional 10 percent will offer between $40,000 and $50,000 and 7 percent will offer more than $50,000. New grads won't have to pound the pavement for too long. Thirty-six percent of hiring managers say they will do the majority of their hiring of recent college graduates in the second quarter. Thirty-one percent say the majority of their hiring will take place in the third quarter. With promising job opportunities, favorable salaries and plenty of free time, new grads should have no reason not to look for that first job. Make sure you know these top five things hiring managers look for when sizing up a candidate: 1. Relevant experience Twenty-three percent of hiring managers say the candidate's ability to relate their experience to the job at hand is the most important factor in the hiring decision. Unfortunately, new graduates often underestimate the experience they have through internships, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities, but 63 percent of hiring managers say they view volunteer activities as relevant experience. 2. Fit within the company culture Just because you look good on paper doesn't mean you're a shoo-in for the job. To 21 percent of employers, the trait they most want to see in a candidate is the ability to fit in with co-workers and the company. Offering up a blank stare when the interviewer asks why you are the right fit for the job will not go over well. Just be yourself, but mind your i's -- never insult, interrupt or irritate the interviewer. This can also be evaluated by that "unimportant" small talk at the beginning of an interview or non-job-related questions like "What was the last book you read?" 3. Educational background Nineteen percent of hiring managers place the most emphasis on your educational background: the institution you attended, major, minor and degree earned. Be sure to also include courses taken and completed projects if relevant to the job. With grade point average, it's tricky. A good rule of thumb is to omit it unless it is 3.0 or higher and denote if it's your overall or major GPA. 4. Enthusiasm Passion for the job is the top characteristic 19 percent of employers look for in a candidate. Employees who are passionate about their jobs tend to be more productive workers. The answer to "Why do you want to work here?" should always focus on the strengths of the company and the challenge of the position, not the perks. A "take or leave it" attitude about the job will leave the employer feeling the same about you. 5. Preparedness Eight percent of hiring managers say the ideas you bring to the table and the questions you ask carry the most significance. Come in prepared to discuss how your qualifications can specifically contribute to the success of the company. Actually put yourself in that role and explain how you would perform your work and ways to improve it. Survey Methodology The new CareerBuilder.com survey, "College Hiring 2006," was conducted from February 21 to March 6, 2006. Methodology used to collect survey responses totaling more than 1,000 hiring managers for this study involved selecting a random sample of comScore Networks panel members. These Web Panel members were approached via an e-mail invitation, which asked them to participate in a short online survey. The results of this survey are statistically accurate to within +/- 3.09 percentage points (19 times out of 20). Brent Rasmussen, Chief Operating Officer of CareerBuilder.com is an expert in recruitment trends and tactics, job seeker behavior and workplace issues.

Restaurant Jobs vs. Retail Jobs

Whether it was the first job you had when you were 16, or something you dabbled in a few months ago for secondary income, chances are you have or will venture into restaurant jobs or retail jobs at some point in your life.  Once you get locked into your restaurant serving gig or log in a few years of cashiering, making the move from restaurant to retail or vice versa may be a little tricky.  High-end restaurants start looking for people with more experience and retailers will want to know that you’ve nailed the basics before you move to management. 

Both environments can offer flexible scheduling, and company discounts, but before you decide which way to go for a little extra cash, here are some things to consider:

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Restaurant-related work

Working at a restaurant or bar offers you flexibility, company discounts at your company and their affiliates and (depending on your position) fast cash in your pocket, Keep in mind that the schedule flexibility may come with the cost of mandatory holiday hours.  Pocketing your earnings after each shift means you won’t be getting much of a weekly paycheck, so remember to keep track of what you make and put it away before you blow it all on after-shift drinks with your co-workers.  While servers fill the bulk of restaurant-related employment, don’t rule out applying for a job as a cook, host, delivery driver or bartender.  Choose the position based on what the job requires and find what fits you best.

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Retail-related work

Retail work also offers flexibility and company discounts, but if the bulk of your pay is commission, you may have to fight for customers.  Weather plays a key role in when and what people buy, so your income may follow accordingly.  Turnover is high, so you may be frequently working weird hours with new people.  Sales associates and cashiers are the majority, but stocking, tagging, driving, cleaning and marketing-related positions are also available.  Putting your foot in the door in sales could provide you with a start to move up with the company.

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Search Tip: When you click through to see the jobs linked through this article, narrow the job results by using the city & state links on the left side of the page. This way you can see these jobs located near you.

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By Candace Corner

Communications Specialist

CareerBuilder.com

Summer Partying Can Boost Your Career

Since we were kids, summer has been synonymous with vacation, long lazy days and time off from responsibility -- and it seems we never grow out of this way of thinking. Sometime around Memorial Day, hiring tends to slow and job hunters put their searches on hold for the summer.
         
The seasonal lag can't be attributed to any one thing. For example, many people want to take advantage of their accrued time off. Plus, who wants to start a job during prime vacation time when the prospect of any time off is pretty much out of the question for several months.
         
But just because your job search is on hold, it doesn't mean you can take a break entirely. With summer festivals, weddings, graduation parties and barbeques filling your social calendar, why not take advantage of your networking opportunities?
         
Most likely, you'll know at least one person at the social events you're hitting. You'll have to break away from your comfort zone of acquaintances to get started. Here are five ways you can network at parties from 'Make Your Contacts Count' (Amacom) by Lynne Waymon and Anne Baber:
         
Shelve your shyness
If you think of yourself as shy, you're not alone. Many confident, poised and easygoing people were once timid and uncomfortable. In fact, one study claims that 50 percent of people think of themselves as shy. You can learn to get over your shyness, however. Recognize that others feel the same way. Practice your body language. Find a role model and make something that person does, like a confident handshake, part of your technique.
         
Join groups comfortably    
At any gathering, people will be talking in groups. To join a group, use body language -- touch someone's arm gently but firmly, and usually the circle will naturally break for you to enter. Make eye contact with the person talking or smile at the listeners. Take a moment to tune into the conversation and participate when you're ready. Introduce yourself when there's a lull in the conversation.
         
Engage your partner
You can use body language to reward and encourage your partner. Establish eye contact. Nod your head for nonverbal encouragement. Be genial -- show your partner you're enjoying the conversation. Smile and use gestures. Aim your attention at your partner and ease your posture.
         
Be seriously curious
Networking isn't just about talking, it's also about listening. Don't monopolize the conversation; encourage dialogue. Everyone has a story, so use interview techniques to avoid dead-end questions. Ask people where they came from and how they got where they are. Make other people talk but remember, persistence is a virtue but know when to stop probing.
         
Be careful of turn-offs
Just as easily as you can enter a group, you can also have people scrambling to make a run for it. Don't give a monologue or tell all the details -- they're boring and will lose people's attention. At the same time, don't interrupt others. Be careful of flirting, becoming intoxicated or using offensive language. This type of behavior can make you an unattractive conversation partner at this and future events.

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Top-paying jobs for associate degree holders

More education usually brings more professional opportunities, and is correlated with lower unemployment and higher salaries.  But a four-year education isn’t always the ticket to a swollen bank account.  The following jobs – ranked by the BLS as the highest-paying jobs typically held by those with associate degrees – pay more than many jobs requiring a bachelor degree:

1. Computer specialist -- $59,480
Depending on the employer, computer specialists perform a variety of functions, ranging from technical support to coordinating network security.

2. Nuclear technician -- $59,200
Nuclear technicians monitor radiation and operate nuclear test and research equipment. They may also assist nuclear engineers and nuclear physicists with their research projects.

3. Dental hygienist -- $58,350
One of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation, dental hygienists provide routine dental services including cleaning teeth, taking X-rays and preventative care.

4. Radiation therapist -- $57,700
Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy to patients afflicted with tumors or cancer.

5. Nuclear medicine technologist -- $55,840
Nuclear medicine technologists administer diagnostic tests that involve using radioactive materials to monitor organ functions.

6. Fashion designer -- $55,840
Fashion designers study current fashion trends, sketch out new clothing designs, select the colors and fabrics and oversee the production of their items.

7. Aerospace engineering and operations technician -- $52,500
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians construct, test and maintain aircraft and space vehicles.

8. Diagnostic medical sonographer -- $52,490
Diagnostic medical sonographers – also known as ultrasonographers – administer diagnostic imagining technology used during pregnancy and to diagnose some diseases.

9. Registered nurse -- $52,330
Registered nurses treat sick, injured and convalescent patients, and provide education on post-treatment care.

10. Engineering technician -- $49,440
Engineering technicians perform a variety of research- and development-related tasks, including building and setting up equipment, conducting experiments, collecting data and recording results.

Summer Jobs for College Students

School’s almost out … what now?

College students are starting to wind down their school years, and high school students and teachers will follow soon.  Now’s the time to start thinking about summer employment.

While waiting tables at a local restaurant or working as a retail salesperson are always good options, there are plenty of summer jobs out there that let you take advantage of the sunshine.  Here are just a few ideas:

1.  Tour guide

2.  Theme park worker

3.  Tennis instructor

4.  Golf caddy

5.  Nanny

6.  Dog walker

7.  Construction worker

8.  Lifeguard

9.  Concession stand vendor

10.  Camp counselor

Or, log on to CareerBuilder.com to search for other great seasonal jobs.

Keywords: summer jobs, summer job, college jobs, college job, student job, student jobs, part time work, part time jobs, part time job, temp job, temp jobs.

Most Innovative Companies to Work For

I’d be lost without Microsoft Office at work.  And you’ll almost never see me jogging along Chicago’s lakefront without wearing my iPod ear buds.  The products I use every day were the result of some very successful innovations.

Business Week magazine teamed up with the Boston Consulting Group to survey more than 1,000 senior managers to determine the most innovative companies in the world.  The results ranged from technology innovators like BlackBerry creator In Motion Ltd. to Japanese motor giant Toyota.  Here are the top 20:

1.  Apple

2.  Google

3.  3M

4.  Toyota

5.  Microsoft

6.  General Electric

7.  Procter & Gamble

8.  Nokia

9.  Starbucks

10.  IBM

11.  Virgin

12.  Samsung

13.  Sony

14.  Dell

15.  IDEO

16.  BMW

17.  Intel

18. eBay

19.  IKEA

20.  Wal-Mart

CareerBuilder Job Forecast Q2 2006

CareerBuilder.com released our Q2 Job Forecast and 2006 College Hiring Forecast today. 

Highlights from the Q2 Job Forecast include:

31 percent of hiring managers expect to increase their headcount in the second quarter; 14 percent plan to add more than 50 new employees.

One-third of hiring managers report difficulty in finding candidates who meet their job requirements, up from 25 percent in the first quarter. 

One-in-ten workers plan to change jobs in the next three months.

Highlights from the College Hiring Forecast include:

70 percent of hiring managers plan to recruit recent college graduates in 2006, up from 62 percent in 2005.

Nearly one-in-five expect to hire more recent college graduates in 2006 compared to last year.

27 percent plan to increase starting salaries for recent college graduates in 2006.

See releases and report below for more details:

Download college_hiring_2006_careerbuilder.pdf

Download cb_job_forecast_q2_2006.pdf

Download q2_2006_hiring_forecast_careerbuilder.pdf

NCAA March Madness costs employers big

This is the one time of the year that I’ll willingly log on to ESPN.com.  And if I’m sucked into the NCAA basketball tournament, it’s a pretty safe bet that March Madness is striking offices hard – especially now that CBS offers free online viewing.

Nearly everyone in my department was happy to plop down $10 and fill out a bracket… but that’s not all the tournament is costing employers.

According to a report by global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, companies will see a significant drop-off in productivity during March Madness.  The company estimates that for every 13.5 minutes that workers spend on the Internet watching games, the cost to employers in lost wages alone exceeds $237 million.  In the 16 days of tournament, the total price tag could climb to $3.8 billion.

That’s something to think about before you let your work take a backseat to the game.