How to Match Military Skills to Private Careers

How to Match Military Skills to Private Careers How to Match Military Skills to Private Careers Smart human resource professionals are going to find success by staying ahead of the trend and smart military job hunters are going to find careers by availing themselves of numerous government and career programs.Unemployment numbers overall are dropping, but younger veterans trail the general population. The jobless rate for veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time since September 2001- a group referred to as Gulf War-era II veterans- declined from 12.1 percent to 9.9 percent in November 2013 (the latest data available), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The jobless rate for all veterans welches 6.7 percent, a slight increase from November 2012.More recent veterans are going to be seeking work after the military. As reported in an article at the Society for Human Resource Management website, According to estimates from the Departments of Defen se and Veterans Affairs, approximately 300,000 active-duty personnel will leave the armed services in the next few years and seek to transition into private-sector jobs.One example of a corporate program for veterans comes from German automaker Audi. It has launched the Veterans to Technicians program. It said the benefits are there for both employer (in tax benefits) and employee (with career training and resources).One example for employers is they can qualify for the Special Employer Incentives (SEI) program for eligible veterans who face extraordinary obstacles to obtaining employment. The program covers expenses incurred for cost of instruction, loss of production, and additional supplies and equipment. It enables employers to hire qualified veterans trained to their companys specifications at an apprenticeship wage, and delivers the necessary tools, equipment, uniforms and other supplies from the Veterans Administration.The Audi website also points out that as a result of the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, the U.S. Government extended and expanded this tax credit for veterans. Employers can receive up to $2,400 and $9,600 in tax credits by hiring veterans with certain disabilities and those unemployed for specified periods of time.Audi has also partnered with Snap-on tools, in one example of how employers can help veterans transition, to make the crossover into a career as an Audi technician easier. Audi and Snap-on Tools have partnered together to offer all hired participants in the Audi Veterans to Technicians program an incredible absprache on a Snap-on tool package.The SHRM article also pointed out, Although thousands of employers have pledged to hire more veterans and reservists as the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have wound down, the reality has oftentimes been disappointing. It quoted Bernie Hyland, manager of Audis program and a program manager for the Alexandria, Va.-based consulting group Calibre. He said, I believe employers who make these pledges have good intentions. Its just that many of the intentions were never followed up and many of the hiring efforts have fallen flat.Hyland added in the article that he sees an opportunity for human resources personnel who want to specialize in placing veterans into civilian careers. First, though, they have to overcome misconceptions about military personnel leaving the service. In a way, the mainstream media has created a stereotype that most veterans suffer from PTSD post-traumatic stress disorder and can be highly volatile and violent, he said in the article. But with the counseling now available, the number of vets who struggle with lingering problems or have violent tendencies is very low. Still, employers ask me all the time about the risks of hiring veterans. Some corporate recruiters have told me outright that the risks are just too high.Veterans looking to translate their skills to a civilian career are advised to head over to the Her o2Hired website. Its a program of the Yellow Ribbon Integration Program for military personnel and those who support them.The Hero2Hired website has a career assessment that could be a good tool for both recruiters and veterans. Its a 14-question quiz that will help determine what careers might best match a persons skills and interests. The site also offers advice on finding a job, creating a resume and portfolio, interviewing skills and educational opportunities.

10 Skills to Transition from Engineering to Project Management

10 Skills to Transition from Engineering to Project Management 10 Skills to Transition from Engineering to Project Management 10 Skills to Transition from Engineering to Project ManagementOne of the advantages of an engineering degree is that its flexible. Theres a lot more you can do with your degree and experience than the hands-on problem solving that youre probably used to.And you dont even need to give up the STEM aspects of the job.Higher-level, more hands-off positions such as project management provide engineers with the opportunity to continue working directly on engineering projects while gaining new skills and, most importantly, offering you the chance to move up in your field.What Is Project Management?A project manager is responsible for the planning, oversight, and completion of a project, overseeing workers, the schedule, and the overall budget. They work on engineering projects, as well as software, IT, construction, and a wide variety of other large-scale projects.Th is is a vital role for any project. Without proper planning and execution, a given project could get held up by any unexpected problem, which could cause a serious hit to the projects overall efficiency or even lead to project failure.For You Artificial Intelligence Transforms Manufacturing Even though the job involves planning and oversight, a lot of problem solving is totenstill involved in project management. A project manager is also responsible for process development, which means youll be solving the biggest problem of all How to ensure each project is completed in the most streamlined, efficient way possible. Its also the responsibility of the project manager to conduct risk assessments and develop contingency plans to make sure there is a solution to every potential problem, so that the projects dont experience any unnecessary delays or expenses.What are the skills required for project management?Project management is no easy task. In addition to great analytical skills, project managers must have strong people skills. After all, itll be your job to manage and interact with a wide variety of people every day, such as the clients, bosses, engineers, and crews youll be overseeing.Terry Suffredini, PE, an engineering-focused career coach, says these are some of the most important skills to develop if you want to be a project managerEffective listeningUnderstanding and working collaboratively with different personality stylesMotivating your team membersDiplomacy and conflict resolution between competing interestsFlexibilityAvailabilityto your clients and your team members, even after muster work hoursManagement of time and resourcesUnderstanding how to budget and control costsSchedule maintenanceBeing both a strong leader of your team and crew and a strong follower of your own managers and clientsAdding these to your analytical skill will help you with more than just a project management position. These skills are transferrable across multiple disciplin es, meaning they can help you in your engineering role, make you a desirable candidate for career advancement, and help you entirely pivot your career.Engineers who have good people skills to go along with their understanding and knowledge of the technical side will always be in demand, says Suffredini.Why Get into Project Management?First, the obvious advantage Positions involving management and oversight typically come with a higher salary range. While the median salary for mechanical engineers in the United States is $124,000 according to a recent ASME survey, the median income for project managers can often be well above this amount.As a project manager, there also tend to be more career opportunities with a wider variety, which means less chance of getting bored as you progress through your career.But higher compensation often comes at a price. You might have to work longer hours, be on call at all hours, and generally bear the weight of much greater responsibility.When you mak e a mistake, it can impact a lot of peoples lives and careers because it impacts the business. Theres just a lot thats involved, Suffredini says.A Changing FieldThe project management career path has changed quite a bit over the past 10 years, becoming much more client-centric and focused on the big picture.It has become increasingly important to focus on giving the client a good experience. Competition is fierce and clients are looking for value for their dollars.Terry Suffredini, engineering career strategistIt has become increasingly important to focus on giving the client a good experience, Suffredini says, explaining that this has become especially true in the wake of the downturn in the oil and gas industry. Competition is fierce and clients are looking for value for their dollars.As such, its become all the more important for engineering firms to stay on schedule and on budget, while bearing the clients preferences in mind. Project managers need to be responsive and view the project from the clients perspective in order to help meet the clients needs and goals as efficiently as possible.A person with excellent technical skills does not always make the best manager, and thats OK technical experts will always be needed. An engineering project cant be completed without the engineer, after all.But if youre ready for new responsibilities, want to hone your people skills, and are looking for an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, then project management might be the right step to take you in that direction.Tim Sprinkle is an independent author.Read more from ASME.orgEnergy Storage Smooths the Duck CurveHandheld Dronut Brings Drones IndoorsUltrasound Patch Monitors Critical Components For Further Discussion

Dental Technician - Career Information

Dental Technician - Career InformationDental Technician - Career InformationDental technicians manufacture dental prosthetics including bridges, crowns,and dentures. They construct these devices based on impressions dentists and dental hygienists take of patients teeth. Dental technicians also follow dentists written and oral instructions. They have no direct contact with patients themselves. Areas of specialization include orthodontic appliances, crowns and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, or ceramics. Dental technicians are also called dental laboratory technicians. Quick Facts Dental techniciansearned amedian annual salaryof $37,680(2016).38,100 people work in this occupation(2016).They typically work full time.Most dental technicians work in small laboratories but some work in laboratories that employ hundreds of technicians.This occupation has an excellentjob outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. The agency classifies it as a bright outlook occupation. A Day in a Dental Technicians Life These are some typical job duties taken from online ads for dental technician positions found onIndeed.com Trim andpourdenture modelsFabricate porcelain veneers for crowns, fixed dental prostheses, implant restorations, and all-ceramic crowns usingceramo-metal techniquesBuild and finish porcelain fused to metal restorationsFinish full and partial dentures with and without implantsFabricate accurate models from doctors impressionsMaintain dental laboratory records and prepare reports on laboratory activities How to Become a Dental Technician Most employers provide on-the-job training. You will learn how to do simple tasks like pouring plaster into an impression a dentist has made of a patients teeth. As you progression on your job, you will learn how to make crowns and dentures. If you choose, you can also get formal instruction at somecommunity colleges and technical schools. You may wantto become certified,but it is voluntary to do so. Certification may make you a more desirable job candidate. The National Board for Certification, an independent board established by the National Association of Dental Laboratories, offers the CDT credential. To earn this certification, you will have to take written and practical exams that demonstrate your knowledge and skills in your chosen specialty. WhatSoft SkillsDo You Need to Succeed in This Career? Dental technicians need thesesoft skillsor personal qualities Manual Dexterity As a dental technician, you will have to work with your hands and keep them steady for long periods of time.Attention to Detail You must follow dentists prescriptions and work orders exactly.Time Management SkillsIt is essential to complete work in a timely fashion.Critical Thinking SkillsWhen you encounter a problem, before you can solve it, you will have to weigh all the possible solutions and choose the best one.Listening Skills The ability to understand what others are telling you is essential. Reading Comprehension You must be able to understand written documentation as well as work orders and prescriptions from dentists.Interpersonal Skills Some projects will require working on a team with other technicians. WhatWill Employers ExpectFrom You? Here are some requirementsfromactual job announcements found onIndeed.com Strong communication, organization skills, and customer follow upAbility to conduct physical work, frequently lift 15 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbsOutstandingtelephoneand customer service etiquette skillsNaturally persuasive with some leadership potential mixed inAbility to travelHighly motivated, dependable, individual with a strong work ethic Is This Occupation a Good Fit for You? Is a career as a dental technician right for you? Yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related valuesall play a role in your decision. Individuals who have the following tra its, are best suited for this occupation Interests(Holland Code) RIC (Realistic, Investigative, Conventional)Personality Type(MBTI PersonalityTypes) ISFJ, ISTJ, ISTP,ISFP,Work-Related Values Support, Independence, Working Conditions Related Occupations TitleDescriptionMedian Annual Wage (2016)Minimum Required Education/TrainingMedical Appliance TechnicianMakes, fits, and repairs medical supportive devices$35,980H.S. or equivalency diplomaMolding and Casting WorkerPerforms tasks to manufacture a variety of products$30,610H.S. or equivalency diplomaOphthalmic Laboratory TechnicianMakes eyeglasses and contact lenses$30,640H.S. or equivalency diplomaWelderJoins or cuts metal parts$39,390H.S. or equivalency diploma with technical and on-the-job training Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETverbunden(visited April 5, 2018).

Study says social media is not making teens depressed

Study says social media is not making teens depressedStudy says social media is not making teens depressedThe Facebook depression panic in adolescents and teens may be premature, according to a recent study.Social media use in teens is thought to lead to depression, according to popular understanding. However, thats not true, according to recent longitudinal data and research published in Clinical Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraAccording to recent research, theres no evidence that social media use predicts later symptoms of depression.However, in an interesting twist, the same research shows that depressive symptoms predicted higher social media use over time, but only among adolescent girls. The researchers posited that the girls were using social media to make themselves feel better.The study survey ed junior high school students in Canada once a year for two years. They also surveyed annually undergraduates over a time period of six years. Participants answered questions about depression, how much time daily they spent on social media, looking at screens, and non-screen activities.Social media was created for many purposes, researchers say, and like anything, its outcomes are complicated.There may be different groups of people who use social media for different reasons, said lead author Taylor Heffer of Brock University, in a release. For example, there may be a group of people who use social media to make social comparisons or turn to it when they are feeling down, while another group of people may use it for more positive reasons, such as keeping in contact with friends,

The Entry Level Software Developer Resume Game

The Entry Level Software Developer Resume Game What You Should Do to Find Out About Entry Level Software Developer Resume Before Youre Left Behind Coding and software are enigmas of a kind, and if youre somebody who likes solving a mystery by considering the huge picture togetzu sich with the more compact steps on the way, youre going to be right at home developing software. Releasing an app is simply the beginning. Better still, you get a paid working trial to see whether the organization is an excellent fit. Before you quit your whole time job make certain to have a couple clients first If you employ an excellent freelancer and everything works out, a couple of years down the line you might find yourself sharing an office with that person. Your portfolio may be the sole thing an employer looks at when making a determination about you so make certain its a very clear and genuine demonstration of all of the incredible things that you can do. For quite a long time, it was a tre mendously rewarding and fulfilling role. If youre thinking about pursuing a computer science career, or only curious, heres a list of 50 of the top-paying work in the area. If you want to obtain tech abilities or begin an entirely new career, a bootcamp education may be the ideal springboard to help achieve your objectives. All the jobs are aggregated from SimplyHired. The Basic Principles of Entry Level Software Developer Resume You Will be Able to Learn From Starting Right Away Demand for different kinds of coding jobs can fluctuate by region, therefore its important to make sure that opportunities can be found in the city at which youll be job searching after graduation. Differences If resumes are gonna go to a temporary or entry-level agency, for instance, theyll be subject to basic staffing agency program. So when the hiring company hasnt provided a salary for work, we look at salary data from related businesses and locations to develop a sensible estimate for what you m ay anticipate. Interest companies contact you. Several in-demand roles at the moment, such as full-stack developer, will continue to entice heavy increase in the coming few decades, while some newer positions gain prominence too, Mukherjee explained. As you know by this time, specialization is vital. Youll get no lack of interest. How to Choose Entry Level Software Developer Resume You have to create a profile to start. No matter which way you choose, youll need to compose a great project brief and job description. With AngelList, you must make an account in plus-rechnen to profile before you begin searching for your fantasy job. Clearly, its essential that entry level programmers be inclined to spend the moment. Entry Level Software Developer Resume Secrets That No One Else Knows About Employers may decide to use distinctive titles. A few of the positions are at brand-new YC businesses, others at established. All employees ought to have a superior attitude, but its eve n more important for entry level employees. Folks are often reluctant to employ entry level developers since they are rather expensive to hire and it may take months before their productivity is high enough to warrant hiring them. Enterprise software is available to suit the demands and desires of a significant conglomerate. The skills of software developers are required in an assortment of industries. Systems developers will probably see new opportunities due to an increase in the range of products which use software. The very best software developers are creative and possess the technical expertise to perform innovative ideas. Internet producers go through much the identical procedure, except rather than pressing a last solution, they set up and maintain an online site that gives services to the user. As the great majority of organizations move important systems to the cloud, increasingly more are picking a hybrid strategy, with several vendors. Because developers are resp onsible for software from starting to end, they need to have the ability to fix issues that arise throughout the plan practice. Details of Entry Level Software Developer Resume An expected client is more inclined to hire you when it is possible to connect with her or him personally, so avoid being overly formal. You agree that youre accountable for your own conduct and the appropriate handling of any info made available when using the API and for any consequences thereof. The entire point of creating software is to produce programs that solve the users problem. The user is notified they can level up. Listed below are 7 ideas that will allow you to get some attention for a freelance web developer, grab a few projects and begin to construct your reputation. You might need to do things I truly hate recommending, like working for free on several projects. If at all possible, you should try out working with the developer ahead of making the last choice. A developer generally spea king is somebody who creates either a sheet of software, a site or other technical solutions to fulfil a business need. Its great to observe how writers say it together with words, because thats precisely what you hire them for. Whether you are searching for work, or wish to employ an independent developer, you should definitely have a look at a few of our resources. So, youre looking for an independent programmer and your focus is on their coding skills instead of anything else. Most freelancers obtain their clients from word of mouth. Entry Level Software Developer Resume Can Be Fun for Everyone Work in software and Internet development are anticipated to grow significantly throughout the next ten years. Entry-Level Software Engineer is a wide term. Software developers produce and maintain computer programs. They usually have a bachelors degree in computer science and strong computer programming skills. Be sure your portfolio consists of relevant work. Guarantee the apps in their portfolio reflect the sort of work you would like to have done for your business. At times, particularly if you get a strong portfolio, youve got to permit the work speak for itself. To make a huge impression with the client, you have to have a convincing portfolio.

An Honest View of Unusual Resume Writing

An Honest View of Unusual Resume Writing Check and re-check what youve written. Resumes are not something which a person composes every day. Try out LinkedIns Resume Assistant, which will help you through the principles of making your industry specific resume. The Unusual Resume Writing Pitfall Every work applicant knows the way to compose a resume. A simple approach to change up your resume to reflect the particular job is to get a Summary of Qualifications section close to the top. Lots of people dont highlight their skills at the very top of their resume, or they might not include them in any way. Your resume must have a section for an expert summary at the surface of the document to outline the qualifications and techniques, and combine all of the info is a chronological method. The Foolproof Unusual Resume Writing Strategy For everybody whos retired, and attempting to discover part-time work that could earn you extra income, you might want to appear into building yo ur own company through Internet Marketing. Utilizing a resume distributing service may be a superb method of covering a large geographical area thats too large to cover through your own research alone. Share your work as soon as youre completely content with your design and work, you can share it to the world via your social networking accounts, personal site, or quite a few different channels you might utilize. Furthermore, the web site provides a list of TOP rated authors to ensure it is simpler that you choose the appropriate person for the job. Top Unusual Resume Writing Secrets Mentioning an extensive collection of hobbies and individual interests on resume might be an issue as the man or woman may come out to be very distributive. In the event the info isnt confidential, be specific concerning the dollar value of your schlussverkauf in preceding positions. You are also able to get a feeling of the internal language used within a specific industry or company. Luckily, the re are many resume writing examples available that could supply the guidance you should acquire your foot in the door. Reading content backwardsawkward and time-consuming though it might beis an excellent way to catch minor mistakes which you might otherwise miss. Men and women that are short think they arent being hired since they are short. Possessing quirky and distinctive hobbies and individual interests on resume is a remarkable means to assemble attention If youre beginning to feel as if youre writing for the interest of writing, stop. The impression you make it from the second illustration is far more powerful. Work life is changing, however, and its no longer unusual for employees to change positions many times during their careers. You could possibly be applying for work in the identical broad field for instance, trauma care, adult ICU or pediatric ICU but for each application, you might have to make modest adjustments to highlight your experience and accomplishmen ts in the specific place. The times you need to use a creative resume are fewer than when you ought to use a formal resume. A Secret Weapon for Unusual Resume Writing Employing a free resume builder is just one of the quickest and simplest methods to compose a resume today. Resume writing is extremely important. Creating your video resume is a substantial step in the contemporary quick paced, digital job market. Creating a resume may also take longer because you should customize your own resume template. Strong resumes dont need to be lengthy. Functional resumes are excellent for highlighting transferable skills which will be applicable to your new field of work. Chronological resumes arent the very best fit for fresh graduates since they dont have a lot of knowledge in the very first spot.

Sample Resume for Energy Engineer Job Position

Sample Resume for Energy Engineer Job PositionSample Resume for Energy Engineer Job PositionIn the current economic landscape, energy management remains a hot topic. A cutting-edge, updated resume will ensure potential employers that youre on pace with changes in the field and help to position you as a desirable employee in this field.Certifications are important in this realm, so be sure that any certifications you currently hold are listed on your resume. Innovation is key. Provide examples on your resume of instances where you showed innovation in your work, whether by participating in groups or by coming up with your own ideas for energy efficiency.See the energy engineer resume template below for an example of a well-constructed resume that not only contains relevant education and certifications but also properly highlights industry experience in a positive fashion. Create this Resume Robert Pompa4766 Willison StreetCrystal, MN 55429(999)-974-8648r.pompatmail.comObjectiveAn exp erienced Energy Engineer looking for an opportunity to join a highly motivated and effective team to support the technical aspects of the companys sales process, advisory services as well as product development.Summary of QualificationsEnthusiastic, self-motivated and result orientedDisplays technical expert in building energy systemsStrong customer communication skillsExperience in energy efficiency, energy management, conservation and facility operationsFinancial modeling capabilities, navigating utility energy efficiency programsCertified Energy Auditor and LEED certifiedProfessional ExperienceSenior Energy Engineer, January 2007- PresentNexamp, Albany, NY ResponsibilitiesParticipated in producing energy by the use of natural resources. Formulated innovative ways to provide clean and efficient energy. Participated in the design, development and building of renewable energy technologies. Supervised the consolidation of renewable energy propagation.Formulated and enforced strategi es relating to renewable energy and corporate sustainable development. Junior Energy Engineer, May 2004- December 2006FTI, Colorado Spring, CO ResponsibilitiesPerformed analysis and designing of energy solutions in full range. Performed technical and financial evaluations of energy efficiency and management solutions. Performed comprehensive energy audits of commercial, institutional, and industrial clients.Identified and developed energy reduction opportunities.Identified and developed associated estimates of cost and energy savings.EducationMasters Degree in Chemical Engineering, 2004Yale UniversityBachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering, 2002Yale UniversityCustomize ResumeMore Sample ResumesEnergy Engineer Resume Energy Manager Resume English Teacher Resume Environmental Consultant Resume Environmental Specialist Resume Epidemiologist Resume Equipment Operator Resume Equity Research Analyst Resume

6 Things to Do Before Leaving Your Job

6 Things to Do Before Leaving Your Job6 Things to Do Before Leaving Your JobI know how exciting that last day at work before leaving for grad school is Trust me, there is literally nothing better than deleting your office email account from your phone. Of course, your last few weeks and months can be anything but amazing- it feels like theres not enough time to get everything done, and I was aya that I would forget to do something really important before I had to turn in my work laptop. There are definitely some things you can do, however, to help ensure that you have a smooth work transition and a calm(ish) exit from the office. Ive put together a list of six things to do that will help you wrap things up efficiently so that you can spend less time worrying about work and more time getting excited for school in the fall. 1. Write a Transition PlanI know that planning doesnt always sound that exciting, but putting together a transition plan is crucial for making sure that youre able to get everything done before you leave. It doesnt have to be fancy, especially if youre not the planning type- but I would recommend including at least this basic informationWho will own each of your projects and tasks moving forward. Dont leave anything out, no matter how small it may seem The dates each of your projects and tasks will transition to their new owners. Ideally all of these transitions will happen at least a week before you leave so that you have a bit of a buffer. What specific tasks you will complete before exiting your organization and how long you think each action will take. Make sure not to forget administrative steps like exiting paperwork- I found admin items to take at least 1.5 times longer than I expected. Your manager will definitely thank you for putting this together, and it will also help you ensure that you have enough time to get everything done. I had all sorts of lofty ideas for what I was going to accomplish before leaving my job, but when I put e verything down on paper, I realized that I had signed myself up for alfruchtwein an extra weeks worth of tasks The transition plan helped me set realistic goals and make sure all of my work was accounted for. 2. Archive, Archive, ArchiveWhen most people leave their companies, they lose access to everything work-related email, documents, servers, professional development materials, and more. So make sure that you set aside enough time to archive everything thats important to you. I created a Dropbox account and saved everything I thought I might need access to on it, such as deliverables I might want to use as examples for my work or project plans I could use again in a future role, even if I couldnt decide how it might be relevant. I also dedicated half a day just to going through my emails so that I could make sure I wouldnt lose anything important. I copied over entire folders that seemed important (e.g., my Performance Reviews folder) and then forwarded other useful emails to my Gmail account. It took while, but it was definitely worth it. This step also includes taking a look at your passwords- you need to update all accounts that are linked to your work email address, such as your 401(k), paystubs, and health insurance to ensure that you dont get locked out of any important systems after leaving. 3. Figure Out Your Health InsuranceIt sounds boring, and it definitely is, but I would really recommend sorting our your health insurance options before your official exit date. Different companies have different policies about coverage- for example, my company only covered me through my final pay period, while others will cover employees through their final month- so make sure you really understand what your policy looks like before leaving. Usually a quick call with your human resources team will give you all of the information you need. You will also need to look into the health insurance plan at your school. Universities often offer at least basic coverage fo r full-time students, and some actually have pretty good benefits. Many schools will even start providing insurance the summer before you start, so hopefully youll be able to sort out a situation where you dont have any coverage gaps. If you do, check out sites like www.healthcare.gov and Macori for more information.4. Have an Exit InterviewRegardless of whether your company requires one or not, I think its always a great idea to have an exit interview with your manager. This isnt because I would recommend spending an hour venting about everything youve always hated about your office- quite the opposite, actually. While an exit interview is a good opportunity for you to share some (hopefully constructive) feedback, its also a great opportunity to hear any feedback your boss has for you as you leave the workplace. For example, you can ask him or her to tell you about the top three strengths and areas for development you should focus on as you consider how to optimize your professiona l development during grad school. Your manager may also be able to give you an idea about aspects of your previous role that you hit out of the park and should try to replicate in future jobs. If you want to leave the door open to coming back after school, you can also use the interview to highlight roles you could be interested in so that youll be on managements radar. 5. Keep in TouchDont forget to keep in touch with people after you leave the office. I worked at the same organization for five years, and many of my co-workers were also really good friends, so I made a big effort to make sure that everyone had my contact information and knew what I was going to be up to. I also set up future times to meet with a couple people so I knew when I would be able to talk with them and hear about life back on the ranch.6. Plan a VacationLets be honest, you deserve some time off Applying to grad school while working full time is no easy feat, and you should definitely set aside some time to put your feet up before you have to dive into school. You may not be able to take a trip for financial or logistical reasons, but I would really encourage you to think about taking at least a few days off even if to do nothing but relax and gather your thoughts before getting ready for your new phase in life. My last day at work was about three weeks before I moved to school, which I thought that would be tons of time- but it turned out that I spent pretty much all of it moving and running going-back-to-school errands. I was worried about money, which is why I worked so late, but I wish I had taken another week off so that I could have relaxed a little bit before getting back into gear. I hope these steps will help you close things out- I know a lot of them arent fun, but I found them to be incredibly useful during my last eight weeks on the job. Good luckPhoto of calendar courtesy of Shutterstock.

Dont Let Your Net Worth Dictate Your Self-Worth

Dont Let Your Net Worth Dictate Your Self-Worth Dont Let Your Net Worth Dictate Your Self-Worth Article by Aditi ShrikantWhen I graduated college and decide to pursue a career in writing, I knew I would not be making a lot of money. What I didnt anticipate was how bad that would make me feel. While all of my friends were taking girls trips to Miami and moving into one-bedroom apartments, I was sharing a bathroom with three other people and calculating whether I had enough money to fly home for Christmas.After a while, it became hard not to equate my value as a person with my value as an employee, and my negative attitude about both spilled into my personal relationships. I would have a bad day at work and find myself snapping at my roommates or whatever family member had the audacity to call me and landsee how I was doing.It was only when I started to focus on the value I had in all parts of my life not just the ones I was paid for that my net worth stopped dictating how I treate d people and how I treated myself. Here are four tips to help you keep your net worth from deciding your self-worth.1. Understand Your Market ValueIf you choose to enter a competitive field, sometimes you will have to make financial sacrifices. Half of New York City seemed to be pursuing a career in writing alongside me. This meant that I was easily replaceable and didnt have the leverage to ask for a whole lot of money. Those were, and still are, realities I had to face every day.If you feel you are being legitimately undervalued at your job, talk to someone about it. A mentor, the person who holds the position right above yours someone who will be honest with you about what you should be getting paid and how to ask your employer for mora if your salary is not meeting those goals.Once you flesh out what your market value is, it will be easy to feel less hurt by how much money you are making. Your salary doesnt define you, and it shouldnt be your only source of happiness. Your mark et value is just that your value in a specific market. Dont make it more than it is.2. Dont Bring Your Work HomeWhen you make a mistake at work, there are two things you need to do Learn from it and then let it go. According to Gail Saltz, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry at The New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell Medical College, work stress does damage. It causes a rise in blood pressure, G.I. issues, and brain cell death over the long haul.In other words, work life causes a lot of physical and mental stress. Becausewe dont want to show any stress or anxiety at work,we often end up bringing that stress home. We can fall into cycles of slipping up at work, being in a bad mood in our personal lives because of it, and feeling guilty about both. If you keep your work mistakes at work and out of the home, youll be less likely toconflate the value of the two.3. Engage in Fulfilling Activities That Are NotYour JobThe easiest way to feel more valuable is to find joy and p urpose in an activity that does not earn you money. A common and worthy suggestion is volunteer work. According to HelpGuide.org, Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and einbildung that can carry over into your personal and professional life.If you dont feel like you can commit to volunteering, try picking up an old hobby. Creating something on which you wont be judged gives meaning to how you spend your time and how you value yourself. You are more than what your company pays you it might just take you picking up knitting to believe it4. Dont Compare Your Market Value to OthersThis may seem obvious, but making a conscious effort to focus only on your own progress each day is actually a lot of work. There are endless numbersof people to whom you can compare yourself, andits likelyyouwill compare yourself to someone who has accomplished something you wish you did.Comparing yourself to others can keep you from being genuinely happy for those who are pr ogressing. Set personal goals for yourself that have nothing to do with those around you, and you will be more willing to celebrate your own and others accomplishments.A version of this article originally appeared on SUCCESS.com.