The Grass Isnt Always Greener But Your Employees Are Still Looking at the Other Side

The Grass Isnt Always Greener But Your Employees Are Still Looking at the Other Side The Grass Isnt Always Greener But Your Employees Are Still Looking at the Other Side The corporate world doesnt always warm up to the idea of change, but change can certainly be good. Corporate cultures change. Outdated policies change. Occupants of those big comfy chairs in the boardroom change, sometimes. Even people well into their careers seek change every once in a while.According to Time for a Change, a survey conducted by the University of Phoenix School of Business, more than half of working adults are interested in changing careers, with nearly 25 percent expressing that they are extremely or very interested. Thedesire for change is highest among young professionals under 30, with 86 percent expressing interest. More surprising is that 66 percent of professionals in their 30s and 60 percent of professionals in their 40s express a desire for career change.While the desire for change exist s across various ages and demographics, the individual reasons behind the desirevary.We are seeing employees leave their current industries or their current jobs for many reasons, says Ruth Veloria, executive dean of the school of business for University of Phoenix. A few of the biggest trends we are seeing that are driving change is the nature of work through mobile access and cloud technology that are impacting jobs from a technological standpoint. Also, the growth of even more advanced robotics and autonomous transportation are impacting many jobs that have been around for a long time, like administrative roles, that will either change or be diminished.New opportunities developing from advances in technology and best practices appeal to members of the existing workforce.More and more, were seeing companies from all industries looking for and attracting talent that can help them apply tools such as big data, analytics, and data visualization to better compete and cope with organiz ational challenges, Veloria says. As many adults including those well established in their careers are re-entering the workforce or staying in the workforce much longer, they will need to upskill in many areas to keep their wealth of experience viable. Change Is Good, But leid Always EasyEighty-one percent of survey respondents said there were barriers that prevented them from making a career change. Twenty-nine percent said they couldnt afford to start over, while 24 percent had no idea what career theyd like to change to. Another 24 percent felt they lacked the experience or education to make the change they wanted.Despite the obstacles, success stories do exist.Oftentimes, we see individuals making a change into a career that they have had an interest in for quite some time, Veloria says. For example, I recently heard the story of one of our alumni who had worked in credit unions for the entirety of his career. On the weekends, he would volunteer at hospitals, network with medi cal professionals, and expose himself to the healthcare space knowing, someday, he wanted a career in healthcare. After obtaining his bachelors degree, he was able to apply his years of experience in finance to an operations role within a healthcare organization.Making a plan and following it can be key to working through any obstacles that stand in the way of a change.It is all about knowing the industry you want to get into, assessing the skills needed to get there, and making the commitment, Veloria says. Whether it is through volunteering, networking, finding a mentor, or pursuing professional development courses, address the gaps that make it hard to achieve your ultimate goals and seek out relevant opportunities that can help.Be a Company Worth Staying AtIf youd rather employees stick around than consider career changes, youll have to do some work to make sure you provide jobs worth staying in. The payoff reliable, long-term employees will be worth the cost.Companies today o ften find themselves managing multigenerational workplaces in which each group has its own unique values, attitudes and work habits, Veloria says. Understanding the implications and strategies needed to manage evolving workplace needs will be essential as we progress into the next decade.For example, younger workers are demanding flexibility, virtual schreibstube spaces, and real-time coaching. To convince these employees to stay put, companies will have to create innovative environments that offer all these things and more.Places of higher learning also have a responsibility to the students they send out into the workforce. They should be preparing these students to successfully navigate the shifting landscape of work.Higher education and industry have a leadership role to play in ensuring the skills being taught are aligned with the skills needs of employers, Veloria says. By staying as relevant and agile as possible on the competencies needed to keep pace with the changes in busi ness and the global marketplace, we can better prepare our students to be career-ready.

What to Do With a Degree in Economics - Alternative Careers

What to Do With a Degree in Economics - Alternative CareersWhat to Do With a Degree in Economics - Alternative CareersEconomics is the study of how individuals and organizations make choices regarding the manner in which they utilize available resources. These resources include intangibles such as time and talent, and tangible things such as money, labor, housing, equipment and supplies. When you earn a degree in economics you will leave school with skills that will make you very marketable in a variety of careers, in addition to the most obvious one, economist. These skills include reading comprehension, active listening and learning, science and math, critical thinking, decision making, research, and writing and speaking skills. Lets take a look at some occupations that are good choices for economics majors. Financial Advisor More About Financial Advisors Financial Reporter More About Reporters Management Consultant More About Management Consultants Loan Officer M ore About Loan Officers Legislator More About Legislators Stock Trader More About Stock Traders Assessor More About Assessors Entrepreneur More About Starting a geschftsleben Administrative Services Manager More About Administrative Services Managers Economics Secondary School Teacher More About Teachers

Learn How to Use Nonverbal Communication at an Interview

Learn How to Use Nonverbal Communication at an InterviewLearn How to Use Nonverbal Communication at an InterviewWhile on a job interview, you might think that if you have the best answers to the interview questions, youll get the job, but that isnt necessarily the case. A big part of the success of your answers is actually nonverbal communication. This includes your body language and what is known as paralanguage the elements of your speech besides the words, such as your intonation, speaking speed, pauses and sighs, and facial expressions. Nonverbal communication also includes your attire and grooming. Nonverbal communication is as important, or even more important than, verbal communication. The interviewer will be observing your nonverbal communication throughout the entire interview. If yournonverbal communication skillsarent up to par, it wont matter how well you answer the questions. Nonverbal Communication Matters Nonverbal communication matters as soon as you walk in the office door. If you come to an interview reeking of cigarette smoke or chewing gum, you will already have one strike against you. Too much perfume or not enough deodorant wont help either. bedrngnis being dressed appropriately or having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. Talking on your cell phone or listening to music while waiting to be called for the interview may be your final strike. Whats important when interviewing is to appear professional, attentive, and confident throughout theinterview process. How to Prepare Remember that the image the interviewer has of you when she first meets you is the one that is going to last. If youre slouchy, sloppy or messy, it wont matter how well you answer the interview questions. You are not going to get the job. When practicing for an interview, work on your nonverbal communications as well as your other interviewing skills. It could be what clinches the job offer for you.You can practice with a friend orinterview coachwho co nducts a mock interview and gives you feedback. You can also film yourself and review your nonverbal communication. Before you leave for the interview, make sure you aredressed professionally, are neatly groomed, your shoes are polished, and you havent overdone the perfume or aftershave (none is better than too much). What to Bring to an Interview There are things that you should bring with you to the interview and the things that you need to leave at home. Following the advice in these lists will help improve your nonverbal communication Portfolio or pad holderwith a copy of your resume and a list of references on quality paperWork samples (if relevant)leidepad and penBreath mint (before you enter the building)Women extra pair of pantyhose (keep in your briefcase or car) What Not to Bring to an Interview Cell phoneGumCigarettesCandySoda or coffeeScuffed shoes, messy and/or not-so-clean clothes While You Wait The way you sit in the lobby, the way you greet the receptioni st and the interviewer, and the way you wait, will all have an impact on whether you are going to be considered for the job. Be friendly and pleasant, but not overbearing. If you need to wait, sit quietly (no phone calls) and patiently. Shake hands with the interviewer. Your handshake should be firm - not sticky or wimpy. To avoid sweaty palms, visit the restroom, wash your hands, then run them under cool water prior to the interview. Keep your palms open rather than clenched in a fist and keep a tissue you in your pocket to (discreetly) wipe them. Nonverbal Communication During the Interview Make eye contact with the interviewer for a few seconds at a time.Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the interviewer is talking, but dont overdo it. Dont laugh unless the interviewer does first.Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech. Dont be too loud or too quiet.Dont slouch.Do relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged.Dont l ean back. You will look too casual and relaxed.Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair. Pay close attention to the interviewer. Take notes if you are worried you will not remember something.Listen.Dont interrupt.Stay calm. Even if you had a bad experience at a previous lage or were fired, keep your emotions to yourself and do not show anger or frown.Not sure what to do with your hands? Hold a pen and your notepad or rest an arm on the chair or on your lap, so you look comfortable. Dont let your arms fly around the room when youre making a point. Nonverbal Communication at the End of the Interview Before leaving the interview, be sure to give the interviewer another firm handshake and smile. On your way out, say goodbye to the receptionist or anyone else you spoke to during the interview. Your verbal communication is important too.Dont use slang. Speak clearly and definitely. Remember your manners and thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.