What Will You Do When You Grow-up?

An article in the December 27, 2014, of The Dallas Morning News, “My job has been a privilege, passion” by James Ragland got my attention about selecting and pursuing a career. 

With 30 years The News, Ragland reminisced about becoming a journalist. After considering law school, he took an internship with the newspaper where he found his passion.  Ragland says that doing something that you are passionate about is a common thread among successful folks.

How does one find such a job?  I remember when I was in high school someone ask me what I was going to do with my life.  I said that I wanted to be a success.  I thought I should be an engineer since I was fairly good at math.  However, a course in drawing led me to believe that I was not passionate about sitting at a drafting table.  I found my passion in computers and education.

It is difficult for a person to know how he/she should earn a living.  Many are fortunate and follow in a parent’s vocation or pursue God given skills and talents in the arts; others have no clue.  My advice to others is to get a job that is your passion; if it’s not, then keep on looking!

 Please describe your job that you have found to be your passion by posting on this bIog or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

 Thanks!  Glyn

Christmas & New Year - Time to Retool

As 2014 winds down and you look forward to 2015, perhaps it is time for job seekers to evaluate 2014 and prepare for 2015.  If your job search has been unsuccessful in 2014, you should evaluate your progress in finding employment.

What activities seem to produce quality job leads and what activities have yielded nothing?  If you have been rejected for a job for which you were qualified, what happened?  Were there better candidates or perhaps you received no feedback.

In order to prepare for job seeking in 2015, what steps should you take?  Here are some suggestions:

1. Maintain a positive attitude and high energy level.

2. Research possible job postings that meet your qualifications

3. Reach-out to all members on your contact list by sending greeting cards, telephone calls, or emails

4. Prepare a job search action plan for January 2015 including specific companies to contact and meetings to attend.

5. Attend job fairs and network with attendees as well as hiring companies

6. Seek counseling from a respected individual in your church or civic organization

As our economy picks-up speed, 2015 is the time to retool all your efforts to become employed.             

I encourage readers of this blog to provide suggestions to the unemployed by posting on this bIog or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

 

Thanks!  Glyn

Paid Positions at Nonprofit Organizations

An article in The Dallas Morning News, December 12, 2014, edition, “Career Opportunities Abound in the Nonprofit Sector”, on page 1J by Metro Creative Connection identifies several paid positions in nonprofit organizations.

We often think of jobs in nonprofit organizations being staffed by volunteers.  While it is true that almost all nonprofit organizations depend on volunteers to staff many of their positions, they usually also employ a number of individuals in paid staff positions. 

In most nonprofit organizations, volunteers typically work one or two days each week.  Some volunteers work periodically with no set schedule.  Consequently, in order to functions effectively, nonprofit organizations require a staff of full-time employees.

The article describes the following full-time paid positions:

1. Executive Officer:  The executive director reports to the organization’s board of directors and has the strategic and operational responsibility for nonprofit staff.

2. Chief Financial Officer:  Depending of the size of the organization, the CFO position will vary in responsibility and scope.

3. Fundraisers:  Since fundraising is a key component for nonprofits, the job includes annual funds, alumni affairs, direct marketing, grant seeking, and donor relations.

4. Public Relations: Public relations or marketing professionals work with senior management to develop a communication plan for the organization.  Use of multi-media in order to communicate with organization volunteers, donors, and clients is important to the organization’s success.

5.  Administrative Roles: Accounting and financial professional, office administrators, human resources, information systems and IT workers are some of the administrative roles.

Many of the above roles are consolidated in to one position depending of the size of the organization.  However, the functions need to be addressed.

If you enjoy helping improve lives of those in need, a full-time position with a nonprofit organization can be very rewarding with a competitive income.

Individuals who have worked for a nonprofit organization are encouraged to share your experience in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

 

Thanks!  Glyn

Programming Apprenticeships

An article in The Dallas Morning News, December 7, 2014, edition, “Cracking the Code”, on page 3D by David Nicklaus of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch discusses a programming apprenticeship named LaunchCode.  LaunchCode, a not-for-profit organization, founded by Jim McKelvey of St. Louis, Missouri, provides opportunities for individuals to become programmers.

With no programming experience, applicants are typically rejected from consideration by organizations needing immediate assistance with programming tasks.  Many individuals would like to get a programming job, but they lack any formal training in the field.  Further, many do not have the financial resources to get the needed training while maintaining a job to support themselves and their families.

The apprenticeship pays $5 an hour for a typical three months period.  Launchcode graduates have earned a medium salary of  $50,000!  Applicants to the program must pass a basic programming aptitude test and convince the Launchcode’s interviewers that they are motivated for success.

I encourage everyone who has the desire to get into programming to visit the Launchcode website to learn more about the career possibilities provided.  (https://www.launchcode.org/)

 

Please comment in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com if you are aware of other organizations in your area that have similar programs to Launchcode.   

 

Thanks!  Glyn