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In the world of social networking, job hunters can have a difficult time maintaining a professional online presence that still effectively markets their personal brands. Today, having a traditional resume with a nice layout, extensive job experience, and a master’s degree might not be enough to get your name to potential employers. For networking and other job-hunting activities, LinkedIn can be a career professional’s best resource. (more…)
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Considered working as a Software Analyst? This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect in the position, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more. (more…)
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Considered working as a Developmental Therapist? This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect in the position, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more. This is a true career story as told to LatPro.com for its ìWhat They Donít Teachî series ñ a collection of interviews with Hispanic and bilingual professionals from a Accounts Manager to a University Professor, and everything in between.
My job title is Developmental Therapist, and I have one year of experience in this field. The tasks I complete on a typical day are therapy sessions with babies aged 0-3 that have a developmental delay.
I recently graduated from college and have experienced struggles because I am a younger therapist. However, there are many more experienced therapists that will lend a helpful hand. One therapist in general really took me under her wing and trained me. I have worked with some amazing women and learned a lot from experienced as wells as inexperienced therapists.
On a typical day a therapist will spend time playing with a child to determine the delays he or she may have. The results therapy sessions should show progress. Over a period of time, a therapist hopes to see their client progressing with speech and language development.
I speak a little bit of Spanish. Most of the families I worked with throughout this year only spoke Spanish and they taught me a lot. Learning about different cultures is important; itís what makes America the melting pot of the world!
I am very satisfied with my job but there are a few downfalls. No one can determine the amount of cases a therapist will carry. Caseloads may be high or low. However, the work is truly rewarding; Iíd say a 10 by far on a satisfaction scale. Itís important to be flexible and allow the kids to take the lead on occasion. Learning a second language, such as Spanish, is a very rewarding skill to have as a Developmental Therapist. If you know more than one language, you can reach more families.
I learned the hard way that experience is everything. Families choose a developmental therapist based on experience and not education. However, I understand that experience will come with time and am open to learning as much about Developmental Therapy as possible. My degree is in Education, yet it did not prepare me to become a therapist. I became certified through the state and one of the requirements was having a BA in Education.
The requirements for this position have changed; Early Childhood or Special Education degrees are necessary. This is crazy because the ECE degree only requires 2 years of education, and Elementary Education prepares you for lots of different scenarios, many of which I have found in my job. I can take a vacation and time off whenever I want, but donít get paid for time off.
When I first started this job I was with a different agency that ended up leaving the field. However, I was fortunate to find another agency that cares about children with special needs. My current agency is very helpful.
There were a lot of cuts because I work in a state funded program. I am simply holding on to this job because I know itís a very helpful intervention program to those who need it.
The strangest thing that has ever happened in this job is miscommunicating between my Spanish speaking only families and me. It is important to have clear communication because performing effective therapy depends on it. Agencies are looking for therapists that have passion and drive and want to make a difference.
If a friend were considering this line of work I would tell them to go for it. Every occupation experiences its highs and lows. I think that getting to know and teach a child is a gift; this is an excellent field to experience such a passion!
This job moves my heart because I know that I’m making a difference. Every time I go to a clientís home, I know I have an hour with them each week to change their lives. Also, a therapy session is a great time for the family to bond. A lot of times we forget to spend quality time with our children. During a therapy session parents can learn positive ways to enhance their childís learning experience and environment. On a side note, this is a flexible schedule position because a client can reschedule a session and so can the therapist.
This job can make a person a substantial amount of money. When I first started working with children I was making a decent salary. However, now it is down to an hourly wage. Getting paid by the hour is nice because I can focus on each family and spend the whole hour with them. I like to take my time to know the family and the child well. The better we know the families, the more the children learn!
In five years, I would still love to be doing developmental therapy. I hope I could find a full time position again.
As mentioned before, this is a very rewarding job. If you love children and have a passion for teaching ages 0-3, I would say go for it! I love working with this age group of children and helping them reach their goals. Teachers are special people and they make a true difference in the world.
I learned a lot from the families Iíve worked for as a developmental therapist. I received my certification while having two children and being married. This is an obtainable career; you only need a caring heart to begin!
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In this day and age, it is very hard to find jobs. There are so may people out there searching, so no matter what job you are applying for, there are bound to be lots of competitors. (more…)
Criminology is the study of how crime is defined, why people commit crimes, and the effects it has on society. There are certain factors that help to explain criminal mindsets, such as childhood experiences, social environments, family relations and more. The criminal justice system comprises of police stations, rehabilitation services, courts and prisons. (more…)
Healthcare is one industry that tends to be immune to challenging economic times. Healthcare is a basic need that people will always have. The medical field is expected to remain a vital asset for those seeking a rewarding and productive career for at least the next decade. (more…)
The nursing profession began its trail to what it is today during the Crimean War in the 19th century when Florence Nightingale and her corps nursed soldiers back to health. Even though nurses have been essential during wars, it was not until Florence Nightingale came onto the scene that the profession transformed into what it is today.
During the Civil War in the U.S., there were over 5,000 nurses caring for injured soldiers on battlegrounds all over the country. The Army’s official Nursing Corps began in the year 1901 and has been a vital part of the United States Military since.
Where Can Military Nurses Be Found?
There are many different positions that nurses in the armed forces may be found. They may work full-time as active duty, or they may work as civilian contractors, and there are many other positions in between. The positions that these nurses chose determines how long their service is required. Active duty nurses will have much longer terms of service than nurses in the reserves. Civilian contract nurses often serve shorter terms than either active duty nurses of nurses in the reserves. These nurses can be found most anywhere where there are armed forces. They may work on the battlegrounds in other countries, military bases all about the world or military hospitals in the U.S.
Basic Requirements Of Nurses In The Armed Forces
Not only are nurses in the Armed Forces able to use all of their acquired nursing skills, but they are also able to enjoy a higher level of satisfaction than regular nurses, since military nurses are serving their country. Although the duties of military nurses are often quite stressful, these daily rigors give these nurses valuable experience in emergency and critical care. People, who want to become nurses in the Armed Forces, will have to obtain their bachelor’s degrees in nursing before they can begin working. They may also need to obtain some experience in emergency rooms and in critical care before enlisting.
Are There Any Benefits Of Becoming A Nurse In The Armed Forces?
There are many terrific benefits in choosing a nursing profession in the military, and most of them pertain to reimbursements of educational expenses. The government will pay for up to 3/4 of a person’s educational costs if students decide to obtain a master’s degree and become registered nurses. There are many different reasons why students may choose to obtain their master’s degrees. However, the main reason is that a master’s degree is required for anyone who wishes to be promoted to a major or a higher-ranking officer. Another reason that many students choose to obtain higher degrees is that nurses with master’s degrees enjoy larger pension benefits than those with lower degrees.
In conclusion, nurses in the Armed Forces are an essential part of keeping a strong military force. The extreme range of conditions that these nurses must work among each day provides them with valuable experience that can help them in civilian professions, as well. Many military nurses enjoy a vast array of medical career opportunities after they have served their terms in the military.
Sarah writes for Team24 a healthcare jobs specialist. Team24 work within locum recruitment and are always looking out for qualified doctors and nurses countrywide.
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Interview with a Bilingual Instructional Assistant
Considered working as an Intermediate Clerical and Bilingual Instructional Assistant? This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect in the position, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more. This is a true career story as told to LatPro.com for its ‘What They Don’t Teach’ series; a collection of interviews with Hispanic and bilingual professionals from a V.P. of International Marketing to a University Professor, and everything in between.
What is your job title? How many years of experience do you have in that field?
I’m an Intermediate Clerical Assistant and a Bilingual Instructional Assistant for 9 years.
Would you describe what you do on a typical day?
If I’m working with kids, then I work with small groups of children who are still learning English as a second language. I give additional instructional time to these children in all different areas, language, math, science, etc. In the school district office (where Iíve been working for almost 3 years now) I have clerical duties, such as answer phones, run reports, enter data in the student information system, etc. Iím currently moving into a new department dealing exclusively with the student information system.
What is your ethnicity? How has it hurt or helped you? I’m Hispanic and at least here in California, I feel it has helped me. Since the majority of the population in California is Hispanic, I have an advantage because of my ethnicity and the ability to speak Spanish fluently.
If you’ve experienced discrimination, in what ways have you responded and what response worked best?
Amazingly I donít believe I have experienced any discrimination here at my workplace. I work at a school district so the diversity of races that work here is great.
What languages do you speak? How has speaking another language helped you?
I speak fluent Spanish, fluent English and a little of French. In California, speaking Spanish has been a great advantage due the majority of Hispanic people here. I honestly believe it’s been the main reason I get hired initially. A lot of people here speak Spanish but cannot read or write, or translate.
What did you learn the hard way in this job and how did that happen? To actually be on time. I was reprimanded 2 times on my tardiness, which I’ve always had a problem with.
What don’t they teach in school that would’ve been helpful to you?
I think my school was an excellent school. I see the difference of the educational quality my school had compared to the current public school system we have here in California. If anything, I think my school gave me an advantage, since I never finish college, I’m still at the same level as many here who have finished and gotten degrees. Workwise, I mean.
How did you get started in this line of work? If you could go back and do it differently, what would you change?
I used to volunteer at my daughter’s school every day. Eventually the school administrators asked me to apply so that I could get paid for all that I was already doing. The only thing I would have changed, would be to have applied earlier. And of course, to have finished college.
On a good day, when things are going well, can you give an example of something that really makes you feel good? I love a busy day. If get a huge project and I finish earlier than expected or go beyond what was asked of me.
When nothing seems to go right, what kind of snafus do you handle and what do you dislike the most?
This happens every once in a while when the computers are down or the State system or our student system is not working properly. For my particular job, my work day practically stops because I rely on the systems for the information I need or to enter info into the systems. I still have other menial work like making copies or faxes to send. I really don’t like do this.
How stressful is your job? Are you able to maintain a comfortable or healthy work-life balance? It can be stressful at times when a report is due to the state or federal administrations by a certain time. Most of the time I love the stress but overall I would say it’s not as stressful as being a teacher.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your job satisfaction? What would it take to increase that rating? I would give it an 8. A higher salary would be better and or being able to come in later in the day because I’m not a morning person.
What’s a rough salary range for the position you hold? Are you paid enough considering your responsibilities? It’s around $40,000 a year. I believe it’s about right but I would still appreciate more. In my new department, I have the opportunity of earning more if I get the student info systems operator position because of the increased responsibilities.
What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced in this position? Of all the things you’ve done at work, what are you most proud of?
The most rewarding moment of the position Iím currently transferring was being handpicked by the director for my outstanding computer skills and overall attention to details and accuracy. Many people wanted and applied for this position. I’m proud of always being number 1 on all the lists of applicants for the jobs I applied for. I’m proud of the work I’ve done for the directors and assistant superintendent. I’m proud that I’m the person they still call upon for any reports or information they need even if I’m not in their departments anymore.
What’s the most challenging moment you’ve experienced? What would you prefer to forget?
I’m a quick learner so my challenge is dealing with new people and or environment. I was transferred to a new school 7 years ago where I knew no one. This was a challenge for me. I’m friendly but a little shy, especially back then. Now I feel more confident in meeting new people. There is nothing I would prefer to forget because I believe you learn from your mistakes.
What education and skills do you need to get hired and succeed in this field?
You should have some college years if not a bachelor or associate degree. Good English skills, computer skills (excel and word), a sense of logic to learn how to operate several different machines (fax, copier, scanner), and knowledge of a second language doesn’t hurt.
What would you tell a friend considering your line of work?
I would tell her this is great job for a person that pays attention to details and completes tasks assigned in a timely manner. Also I would totally recommend working for a school district because of the many benefits, retirement and health insurance available to you.
How much vacation do you take? Is it enough?
I used to get a month and a half because the school would close but now I work all year at the district office. I get 2 weeks paid vacation so I use that throughout the year. I havenít gone on an extended vacation since 2006. I wish I could a month of paid vacation but I do have the opportunity to take more time off during Christmas and Easter break, plus I have many paid holidays.
Are there any common myths you want to correct about what you do?
The only thing we do is make copies and type. Many people think we are just another name for secretaries.
Does this job move your heart? If not, what does?
Yes, I love creating reports and having to be 100% accurate when entering data into studentsí permanent files and reporting to the State or Federal administrations.
If you could write your own ticket, what would you like to be doing in five years? I would be Senior Student Information Systems Operator.
Is there anything unique about your situation that readers should know when considering your experiences or accomplishments?
I got married and became a mother at 17. I tried going to college while raising my daughter and being a wife, but I failed. I considered my family first, so I quit school and raised my daughter and Iím still happily married after 21 years of marriage. My daughter will start her last year of college this fall and plans to apply for graduate school.
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This makes us laugh… every time we see it |
The First Step to a Job You Love |
Palestinian Traffic Cop Loves His Job |
Beef up your email signature |
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Higher Learning Leads to Higher Earnings, Especially for Men [InfoGraphic |
How to Ace the Interview BEFORE it Starts |
Video Resume – May Work Wonders, But Not for Everybody |
How to Develop All Star Job References |
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