Former Thinx CEO responds to allegations of Stalin-like behavior

Former Thinx CEO responds to allegations of Stalin-like behaviorFormer Thinx CEO responds to allegations of Stalin-like behaviorOn Friday, Miki Agrawal, ex-Thinx CEO, now-self-proclaimed SHE-E-O of Thinx,responded to Rackedsexpos of her alleged mismanagement and coercion of her employees.Among the many highlights of the Racked piece Agrawal was accused of being inappropriatein professional settings (staff complaints were called a gelungener streich) beinga hostile salary negotiator to her younger employees (Oh youre in your twenties, you dont need a lot of money) and coercing some of them to write fake Glassdoor reviews to offset other, bad reviews calling her Trump-like and filled with Stalin-like paranoia.Like many Silicon Valley thought leaders, Agrawalchose Medium as the space to write her explanation. Agrawal has used the platform before to share advice and debunk criticism. Her previous heart-to-hearts on Medium includeMy Lessons from Burning Man 2016 and An Open Letter to Resp ectfully Quit Telling Me How to Do Feminism (and to just support one another,please)Unlike some CEOs mea culpas, though, Agrawal shows little evidence of an intent to change. She kicks off herfirst paragraphwith a disclaimer of being a menschenwrdig being, not a Thinx representative, and compared her ongoing plight to the culminating scene of Braveheart.Earlier this week, Ladders wrote about how Agrawalsmismanagement offered valuable lessons on how not to treat onesemployees. Agrawals explanation offers more lessons on what not to do.Yes, I have made a TON of mistakesIn her Medium post, Agrawal admits she made mistakes while running her company, but on her personal Instagram, she still refuted the allegations in the Racked report, calling them a classic media take down and baseless. Instead, Agrawal said she was compelled to respond to clear her good family name and simply share the truth of what actually happened.Human resources as an afterthoughtIn the Racked report, one employee said the companys $200 monthly healthcare premiums were so prohibitive that she couldnt even afford birth control. Maternity leave was alsowell belowthe industry standard of 20 weekswith two weeks of full pay and a week at half-pay.For a period underwear company founded to help women, employees were especially bothered by the companyshypocrisy of not being able to help its own women.Agrawal defended Thinxspoor maternity leave policy with the rather flimsy rationale that no one was yet pregnant on the staff at the time we didnt have any pregnant women on the team unlike now where we have 3, including me-)The protections of your employees should be built into the foundation of ones company, not tacked on as an afterthought.Explaining why employeeshad no philanthropisch resources to deal with issues like health care, Agrawal said it was not a priority in the beginning as she was working to brand herself and the company I didnt put HR practices in distributions-mix because I was on the road speaking, doing press, brand partnerships, editing all of the creative and shouting from the rooftops about THINX so we can keep going.As Motherboard reported in 2016, when Silicon Valley startups leave out human resources, its women who disproportionally feel its lack companies, led by enterprising 20- and 30-somethings, reject the cubicled infrastructure of the offices of their parents generations in favor of an ostensibly open, streamlined approach. In turn, the securities those older employers maintained- eight-hour days, parental protections, and incremental pay raises, for example- often disintegrate.Low salaries? startuplifeAgrawal used startuplife as her justification for why employees were being paid belowmarket rate. She also mentioned that staff got bonuses to make up for their lower pay.And yet, no amount of irreverent hashtags can justify underpaying your employees when your startup is raking in millions of dollars in revenue.Things are changing at Thinx. Agrawal s aid Thinx has hired anHR manager who will be putting much more rigid HR practices in place. But although Agrawal said she is using the whole experience as an opportunity to learn and grow, she is not taking much responsibility for her actions, continuously reframing employee dissatisfaction as HR issues that all of a sudden and kept happening.Some useful lessons for potential leadersShow true humility to keep perspective Agrawal started her post comparing herself to Braveheart and ended it by comparing herself to Theodore Roosevelt. Agrawal uses Roosevelts quote if (s)he fails, at least s/he fails while daring greatly, so that her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. This is heady company to keep. While maintaining inspiring role models is necessary, dont share the pedestal with your idols until youve achieved what theyve achieved in this case, either the liberation of Scotland, or the creation of U.S. national parks.Pay attention to what employees tell youUnder Agrawals logic, staff complaints were technical bugs, and not a built-in feature of poor leadership. That kind of view can only decrease dissatisfaction. Learn to shut up, and your company may actually improve.Take responsibility Dodging accountability is a losing game. Rather than quoting Roosevelt, Agrawal could have considered different kindof presidential advice. As President Truman recognized, when youre a leader, every problem your staff has is your responsibility the buck stops here.Know when to step aside Founders frequently have to know when to fire themselves, and let someone with operational experience take over.Agrawal said she has been replaced by an unnamed professional CEO, so she can go back to doing what she is better at the promotion of shouting from the rooftops about why period underwear is the bees knees.Good luck to whoever that new CEOwill be. The consequences toThinxs mismanagement are piling up. CNN reported that Thinxcancell ed its South by Southwest lineup for Fridayand after the Racked report came out, model Tyler Fordcameforward with their story of Thinx managements humiliating transphobic mistreatment.

How to Promote Yourself at Work

How to Promote Yourself at WorkHow to Promote Yourself at WorkHow to Shamelessly Self-Promote at WorkSometimes you have to toot your own horn.We all know that one person at work the one who never misses an opportunity to pump up his own work. Did you see that I landed the Jennings account? Boom A braggart, a blowhard, and annoyingly successful. Meanwhile, you keep your head down, work hard, and keep the faith that your accomplishments will get noticed and youll get the recognition you deserve.Unfortunately, unless youre hoping to build up a stash of karma points, youre not doing yourself any favors by keeping quiet. Like it or not, promoting yourself at work is a necessary part of your career. You dont have to be a blowhard like the Jennings account guy, but you do need to be able to let your co-workers and your bosses know what you do, what you excel in, and what you accomplish in your job.If youre not sure how to departure, herbeie are some tips to help you promote yourself at wor k without annoying your entire office.1. Change how you think about self-promotingIf the very idea of self-promotion makes you cringe, you need to change your perception entirely. You probably think it means bragging and pumping yourself up above others, but it doesnt have to be like that. In fact, it shouldnt be like that.First, accept self-promotion as a part of your career. Just like the tasks you do on a daily basis, promoting yourself is a necessity. Think of yourself as a great product you may be amazing, but if you dont advertise to the right crowd, no one will know. If you think its your boss job to take note of who is kicking butt and performing at a high level, youre kidding yourself. Your boss has a lot on his or her plate and a lot of employees to handle, and thus simply cant see everything that goes on. In that light, youre not bragging, youre simply keeping your boss in the loop. Simple, right?2. Understand your best skills and accomplishmentsThis may seem like one of those things that go without saying, but it really needs to be said. Before you can actively promote yourself within your work environment, you need to take note of what it is that you do best. Do you excel at training new employees? Have you developed new methods or procedures? Are you a deadline beater extraordinaire? Make a list of your strengths and then think about the successful projects that youve worked on. How did your skills help create that success?3. Focus on the projectsNow that youve done your personal inventory, its time to let your office know just how much you contribute. To make this easier, dont focus on yourself, but on the successful projects that youve been a part of recently. By providing updates at team meetings and commenting on the success of your projects, you can demonstrate your successes without hammering the team with I did this and I accomplished that. Instead of being boastful, youll come across as a team player who is only concerned about the succe ss of the company, but youll also make your part in things clearly known.RelatedHow to Successfully Track Your Work Wins Throughout the Year4. Share kudos with your teamVery few successes come from working alone. You probably had help, right? Take time to recognize those who helped make your accomplishments happen. Even if you have to soe into your own pocket to reward them with free lunch or a simple card, the benefits will outweigh the cost tremendously. Here are a few suggestionsGive your helpers recognition during an office meeting or even a private meeting with your boss. Youll come off as gracious, endear yourself to your team, and casually promote your success on that project.Have a party (even if its just a lunch date) to celebrate successes. Your team will love you for it and the rest of the office will notice.Not the team lead? No worries. Talk to the team lead to see how the project came out and give some kudos to those who helped you do your part. The team lead will noti ce your interest and your ability to notice the efforts of others.5. Make yourself an industry expertIf you are serious about building your career, youre probably already on LinkedIn and some other social media sites. Take the time to do mora than just create a profile. Post blogs about your profession and share your insights. Welcome connections from others in your field. If you consistently pop up on other peoples screens as a resource of information in your field, youll quickly brand yourself as an industry expert. How cool is that?Are there people who you consistently see on your Linkedin or Twitter feed who are providing valuable tips and information? Dont just read their posts, comment on them and start dialogues. Then, create your own posts and add your name to the field. Its an easy task and, frankly, its kind of fun to get out there and discuss the tips and tricks that you have learned.Think your boss wont notice? Think again.6. Reach out to other departmentsIf you find you rself with a little downtime, even if its in the break room, talk with the people in your company who work in other departments. Try to get a feel for what they do well and where they may need a helping hand. If you are able to provide that help, youll quickly become a resource for that department and build a name for yourself outside of your own team.The bonus to this strategy is that youll also learn new skills while working with other departments, adding even more to your resume.7. Be ready for chit chatWhat does office chit chat have to do with self-promotion? Everything If you wind up at the coffee machine with your boss who says, Whats new? you may be inclined to blurt out the typical Nothing much.Opportunity wasted.Casual office conversations comprise a large percentage of the communication you have at work every day. Dont miss this opportunity to discuss a project that you are working on and how it will impact the company. Again, make sure to focus on the project and the tea m, not yourself. Show your enthusiasm for the project and its potential. These little conversations serve to build a positive reputation for you throughout the office.Learning to promote yourself at work comes much more naturally to some people than others, and thats okay. The fact is that you need to think of it as another part of your job if you want to further your career. Does that mean you need to become the office braggart? Not at all. Just continue to find little ways to let your peers and your bosses know what youve been up to and how successful youve been. Its not bragging, its simply keeping them in the loop.When you learn to change the way you think about self-promoting, youll learn that its not as hard as you think. If all else fails, look at someone you admire in your office and pay attention to how they do it. Just like the skills you learned in school that trained you to be good at your job, the skill of self-promotion is essential for being successful in your career. Click on the following link for more advice on getting ahead.Your resume is another opportunity for self-promotion. Make sure youre doing it right with a free resume critique.Recommended Reading6 Ways to Impress Your anfhrerHow to Brag on Your Resume Without Sounding Like a Jerk7 Questions to Ask Your Boss on a Regular Basis

The simple approach to powerful networking conversations

The simple approach to powerful networking conversationsThe simple approach to powerful networking conversationsEditors note This article was originallypublished in 2016.Much has been said about the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali, the boxer, activist and global icon who passed away this past week at 74 from apparent natural causes.Im sure you saw or read countless stories about the people Ali impacted on virtually every continent. Of all the well wishes and memorializing, one line stood out to me the most. Forgive me, though, because I cant track down the nachrichten link to prove its veracity. But the line appeared in a CBS news story the day after Alis death.The person said, When Ali spoke to you, he made it seem as if you were the only one in the room.Online evidence or not, I think we can agree. That sentence above sure sounds like Muhammad Ali.**Rhyme scheme in deference to the man who could float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.Innately, Ali understood the power of one-o n-one conversation and how to build relationships. Like him, the best networkers in business recognize that to earn someones respect, you have to give your full attention.Heres a scenario. Youre at a networking session through your local Chamber of Commerce. You find yourself face to face with a small business owner named Paul, and right away you can tell its not going to be the most scintillating conversation. Beyond that, you see other people in the room with more clout and influence, and youd much rather talk with them.But right now, youre engaged in discussion with Paul. Channeling Muhammad Ali, you stay in the moment, face Paul directly, look him in the eyes, listen to his every word and try your best to create conversation (these six questions will help). You dont glance around the room or start messing on your phone.Your actions, then, make a small business owner feel like an industry tycoon.And like Ali, you have now made Paul feel like hes the only one in the room - no one else matters.No, you arent under obligation to talk with Paul the entire time. After several minutes, you have the right to say great meeting to you and then go to the bar for another drink. Ali honigwein a lot of strangers in his life, but at some point, the conversation had to end.But the second you and Paul part ways, he thinks to himself, Wow, what a great person. He respects you because you respect him, and the interaction feeds into your overall reputation in the business community.You have proven, like Ali, youre not too good for anyone - rich, poor, successful, struggling, educated, uneducated.The person youre talking to is the only one who matters. And in networking, thats all there is to it.RIP to The Greatest.

5 Questions to Ask When You Start a New Job

5 Questions to Ask When You Start a New Job5 Questions to Ask When You Start a New Job Starting a new job can be an exciting, but nerve-wracking, experience. After all, theres so much information to take in, different coworkers to meet and a physical office space youll need to learn to navigate. If you want to make your life easier during this transition and start your new role on the right note, here are some key questions to ask early on.Even if youre not new to the industry, starting a new role generally means learning a bunch of things about how your company works. And chances are, your boss doesnt have the time to teach you every little thing you need to know. Thats why it pays to be proactive about getting up to speed. Ask your manager for some homework during your first few days on the job so you can find out more about your companys operations and learn to recognize key tasks and priorities.One of the best ways to learn at a new company is to observe those emp loyees who have been doing their jobs well for quite some time. In addition to your own independent research, express your interest in shadowing others so you can see how they spend their days, tackle key tasks and interact with other teams . Shadowing colleagues at different levels might also provide an opportunity for you to ask questions about the ins and outs of the business and pick up tips you might otherwise not be privy to.This is a good question to ask your boss, because itll not only make your life easier, but theirs, as well. It pays to find out whether your manager likes to discuss things over email versus phone versus impromptu meetings , because its a preference you can easily accommodate. And knowing the best way to reach your boss will help you avoid the frustration that might otherwise come with feeling ignored early on in your role.This is another key question for your boss, because the last thing you want is to mistakenly wurfpfeil out a little early one day, onl y to find out that your manager had planned on stopping by your desk for a chat. If your company doesnt have set hours for its employees, ask your boss when he or she typically arrives in the morning and leaves in the evening, and if your hours should match up to theirs. It may very well be that your manager is flexible and doesnt really care what hours you put in as long as your work gets done, but knowing that early on is important either way.A lot can change over the course of a week, especially when it comes to a new job . Thats why its crucial to schedule a check-in with your boss to review what youve learned and discuss any concerns you might have. Ask for a brief meeting early on - otherwise, your managers calendar might book up.Starting a new job can be both thrilling and stressful at the same time. Asking the right questions early on, however, can make that transition go much more smoothly - not just for you, but for your boss, as well. And thats something youll both com e to appreciate.This article welches originally published on The Motley Fool . It is reprinted with permission.

Breaking Down Online Job Platforms Indeed vs. Monster

Breaking Down Online Job Platforms Indeed vs. MonsterBreaking Down Online Job Platforms Indeed vs. MonsterSo, youre a candidate in need of a job, career change or are simply interested in testing the job market waters. Or maybe youre an employer in desperate need of a quality candidate to fit a new, niche role at your up and coming company. After quickly dismissing the idea of perusing the classifieds section of your local newspaper over your morning coffee, you hop online and find that times have certainly changed when it comes to matching quality candidates with open positions.While the easy access to job boards has certainly been a boon in the employment field, the easy access to build out a simple website or search platform has also increased the number of websites, blogs, email lists and other search platforms. Candidates and companies alike may be scratching their head over which choice would best suit their individual job search needs. Take for example two of the biggest names in the job hunting game Indeed.com vs. Monster.com. Each has a snazzy website and plenty of press coverage but which one wins out when it comes to the tools, job listings and quality that you need? Lets find outGreater Exposure and ChoicesWhile we all hope to be able to hop online, type in a few target keywords and find the job of our dreams, the reality is that most career seekers will need to sort through several to several dozen job listings to find one thats a good fit from a salary, experience and fulfillment perspective. It only makes sense, then, that the more options the better when it comes to an online job board.Indeed.com hands down has the largest selection of active and relevant job postings of any other hiring platform. On our most recent search, Indeed had added nearly 750,000 job listings within a 7 day period. Indeeds approach to matching candidates with open positions is also dynamic, acting as both a job posting board where companies can list positions and intera ct directly with candidates, as well as a job aggregator. The latter means that Indeed.com also goes out searching the web, from major company websites to other job listing boards, in order to bring back the largest variety and greatest scope of open positions of any other service.A perusal of Monster.coms website yielded no data on recent job additions. Also, while Monster is a well known and respected site for listing jobs direct, its aggregation function is a much newer addition, shrinking the pool of available jobs for candidates to sort through.All Types of Jobs for All Types of CandidatesSpeaking of job pools, many job sites focus on filling full-time positions, often specializing in a certain area such as openings that require a college degree, are in a set range of fields, or that offer traditional, in office career paths. Indeed.com has consistently strived to be the platform for all types of job candidates. Part-time, freelance and remote positions receive equal billing. B etter yet, indeed.com allows people using their platform to streamline their searches, filtering results for part or full-time or a host of other non-traditional work scenarios.Websites such as Monster have a distinct preference for traditional job routes. This approach to supplying information on open positions may work for a subset of potential employees, but also excludes a large swath of those in need of quality positions to fit the needs of their individual lifestyles.The Bottom Line on Indeed.com vs. Monster.comWhen it comes to the battle for job search supremacy between Indeed vs. Monster, Indeed handily wins in the number, and range of job listings available. From sourcing jobs both internally and from other career sites to be inclusive of a variety of candidate types and working styles, Indeed wins out in our book. While bigger isnt always better in many areas, when it comes to matching prospective employees with the career of their dreams, having options is never a bad thi ng.

Resume Book Exposed

Resume Book Exposed Whats Really Happening with Resume Book When viewing students in the Students section of Purple Briefcase, you can choose the criteria which you would love to put in your search. Achievements show that which we actually did and theyre a highly effective approach to reveal your capability to really make a difference. Information is going to be provided over summer. The Resume Book Cover Up MBAs supply an exceptional networking opportunity. Employers utilize the Accounting and Finance Career Fair to ascertain which students theyd love to interview further. They have the opportunity to source talent from our pool of more than 1,000 MBA students. If a business or opportunity canelend rckendeckung the mission or breaches any policy, using services could possibly be terminated. For instance, if you have experience in more than 1 function ( for instance, accounting and investment banking) or in case you have strong understanding of over 1 industry, you should write various resumes for each one. Go to our site to learn how it is possible to manage your investments. Instead, youve got two options. Picking the most suitable words to describe job performance is really important. Excellent wording may be the difference between obtaining a fantastic reply and receiving no response for people carrying out job searches. Your resume needs to address an issue for employers (which is the reason why theyre hiring). Make certain you leave your present employer on good terms. The typical full-time realtor can expect to create upwards of $50,000 annually. You are able to supplement whats on the webpage with links to your work but you need to motivate the hiring manager to take the additional step required. Letting a possible employer know that you keep updated with and are actively involved with the actual estate community is yet another indication of how serious youre about the actual estate market. Utilizing an expert profile rather than a career objective is a remarkable approach to swiftly demonstrate a possible employer why they need to invest more time into reading the remainder of your resume. Employers know your goal is to find the job. If youve got a hiring need for one more office that isnt covered by the RBP, please inform us. Your aim is to find the job. Highly relevant expertise in a field is the very first thing employers search for. There are all kinds of ways you may go about crafting a resume that works, but theres no magic formula for a resume that will work all of the moment. Despite the fact that a good deal of the things that occur in the book are upsetting, make an effort not to let that stop you from reading it. During the time you are there, have a look at my other books. Developing a customized brag book for use for a leave-behind can be quite an effective strategy. If this is the case, youve got an excellent chance. Lots of people overstate or understate their achievements or struggle t o discover the proper words. Describe a time once you helped someone on the job. Once it does, its still true that you should hold their focus to make it to the following steps. Below is a list of numerous common filetype operators Quotations work great if you are searching for a particular word or phrase. Your name ought to be the biggest text on the webpage. You should have session cookies enabled in your internet browser before you may add items to your shopping cart. The resume wording ought to be employer-oriented so he knows what you could do for him. Things You Should Know About Resume Book Theres tons of page-turning action and though it is very moving additionally it is funny on occasion. At this time you merely have to highlight that fact on paper in the shape of a resume. Which format you select will depend, in part, on the kind of work youve performed and whether you will continue in the very same field. An industrial head shot can be a little more relaxed than a normal beauty shot. All About Resume Book Resumes could be organized in various ways. You need to make it simple for them. If this is the case, you already know you want a resume. Youre absolutely perfect

How to Better Engage Millennials as You Recruit - Spark Hire

How to Better Engage Millennials as You Recruit - Spark HireIts no secret that the recruiting process has changed drastically, particularly when it comes to appealing to the younger generation of workers. When you want to add millennials to your staff, continuing to use the old ways of recruiting will leave you spinning your wheels. In order to engage millennials as you recruit, youll need to keep the process creative. Here are some tips for effectively recruiting the younger generationMake it personalMillennials grew up interacting with brands on a one-on-one level via Twitter, Facebook and personalized e-mail marketing campaigns, therefore, the To Whom it May Concern format simply doesnt speak to them. If you want to recruit a millennial, make the experience a personalized one. Get to know them and how they prefer to communicate. Ditch the copy and paste messages or overly formal e-mail greetings and make it a point to develop personal connections.Be honest about whats going onMill ennials value transparency from the brands they rely on this includes the companies they may want to work for too. If you have information, even vague amounts of it, available about whats going on during the hiring process, always share it with your candidate. Theyll value being kept informed, even if the news isnt always what they want to hear. Many millennials express frustration about the complexity of the hiring process. Keeping them updated can help to minimize this frustration.Help them find a job that makes them feel usefulMillennial candidates often seek out work that they deem meaningful. This could mean that their vorstellung and values are in alignment with the companys, or perhaps theyd like to work for a non-profit. Regardless of what the actual job is, make sure youre placing a candidate somewhere where they will feel useful as they head into the office each day.Empathize with what theyre going throughFor younger workers, the job hunt is still a relatively new concept, and can feel overwhelming. Understand this and do what you can to help them feel valued and appreciated throughout the experience. Even if you dont have any openings that would be right for that candidate in this exact moment, keep in contact and maintain that connection.How do you effectively engagemillennials when you recruit? Share your tips with us in the commentsImage Sergey Nivens/BigStock.com

Professional Degrees that Lead to High-Paying Jobs

Professional Degrees that Lead to High-Paying JobsProfessional Degrees that Lead to High-Paying JobsAre you looking for a degree program that will prepare you for a high paying job? Consider getting a professional degree. A professional degree, also known as a first-professional degree, is a degree that prepares you for a particular career. The most common examples of professional degrees are law degrees (J.D.s) and medical degrees (M.D.s). However, there are many others. It is helpful to know what degree programs are out there, and which tend to lead to well-paid positions. This can help you pick a program that fits your interests and needs. Professional Degrees vs. Academic Degrees The U.S. Department of Education defines a professional degree as one that meets all of the following criteria You must complete the degree to practice in the profession (you might also need to take a licensing exam to practice)You must complete at least two years of college before entering the progr amThe program (plus any previous college experience) must last at least six years The other key quality of a professional degree is that it teaches you what you need to know to perform a particular job. While you might need to conduct some academic research (such as a final capstone or paper), the program focuses on practical lessons about the profession. This often includes real-life experiences such as internships. This is different from an academic degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), which focuses on research and other scholarly work. While academic degrees also touch on practical learning, this is leid their focus. Tips for Selecting a Professional Degree Program Think carefully about the job you want. Most professional degrees prepare you for one specific job. Therefore, make sure you want to follow this career path before applying and attending a professional degree program. Consider job shadowing people in the field first, or interning in the industry. This wi ll help you decide if you want to go through the long and expensive process of getting a degree. Consider the cost. Most professional degree programs last two to four years and can be expensive. Make sure you think about the cost of the program before applying. Consider applying for financial aid if it is available. While you will hopefully be able to pay off any loans with the money earned from your first job after school, you want to make sure you dont wind up with debts you cant pay back. Check out the reputation of the program and school. Look carefully into the reputation of any program you apply for. Ask the admissions office for information on the number of alumni hired directly out of the program. Ask what percentage of students reisepasses the licensing exam. If possible, talk with some former students to get more information. Make sure you spend your time and money on a good program that will get you the job you want. Look into joint-degree programs. If you are applying to colleges and know what profession you want to pursue after you graduate, consider applying to a joint-degree program. Some universities offer five-year programs where students complete a bachelors and a professional masters degree at the saatkorn time. This would save you time applying to a separate graduate school after college and would be quicker than a typical two-year masters degree. However, only do this if you are quite certain of the career path you want. Degrees That Lead to Higher Paying Jobs Below is a list of some of the professional degrees that lead to the most profitable careers. Of course, keep in mind that you should only select a degree program that fits your career interests and needs. However, this list is a useful place to start thinking of worthwhile graduate school programs. All salary information is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. 1.Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)If you want to become a doctor, you typically hav e to earn a Doctor of Medicine. Medical school programs last four years and include practical experience working in hospitals and doctors offices. People who complete medical school can earn very high salaries, ranging from $228,441 for a job in general pediatrics to $441,185 for a job in anesthesiology. People interested in medicine can also consider a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.), which is another program for future doctors. 2.Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)Like medical school, dental school programs typically last four years. However, being a general dentist is a well-paid career dentists earn an average of $158,120 per year. The number of dentist jobs is also expected to increase by 19 percent in the next ten years or so, which is much faster than the national average. 3.Doctor of Podiatry (D.P.M., D.P., Pod.D.)A podiatrist cares for patients with foot, ankle, and lower-leg problems. They assess and diagnose problems, provide treatment, and perform f oot and ankle surgeries. To become a podiatrist, you must complete a four-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. Many of the courses are similar to those you would take in a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Podiatrists earn an average of $127,740 per year and are seeing job growth of 10 percent, which is faster than the national average. 4.Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)Pharmacists dispense medicine to patients and provide information on those medications. They might also conduct health screenings and provide immunizations. To become a pharmacist, you must complete a four-year professional degree in pharmacy and be licensed (which requires taking two exams.). However, there is often a big payoff the average salary for pharmacists is $124,170 per year. 5.Juris Doctor (J.D.)Interested in becoming a lawyer? Lawyers in most states need to complete a three-year law degree, which includes coursework and real-world experience in law firms. They also have to p ass a state licensing exam called a bar exam in order to practice in a particular state. Lawyers earn an average of $119,250 per year. 6.Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)You can work as a registered nurse (RN) with an associates or bachelors degree (or a diploma from a vocational training program). However, if you want to become a nurse practitioner (also known as an advanced practice registered nurse, or APRN), you need at least a Master of Science in Nursing. This is typically a two-year program that includes both practical learning and coursework. APRNs can also go on to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree. No matter what degree you earn, however, you need to pass a national certification exam. Nurse practitioner jobs are growing by 31 percent - much faster than the national average. APRNs can earn an average annual salary of $110,930. 7.Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)An optometrist examines patients eyes, diagnoses and treats visual problems, and prescribes eyeglass es and lenses. Optometrists must complete a Doctor of Optometry program, which typically takes four years, and must then pass a state licensing exam. After school, optometrists can earn an average salary of $110,300 per year. They can also expect to find many job openings the number of jobs is expected to grow by 18 percent in the next ten years. 8.Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.)Many people in health administration, especially those who want to become managers, get a masters degree in health administration (M.H.A.). These programs typically last two to three years and include practical administrative experience. While people with an M.H.A. go on to have a number of different jobs, a common position is health services manager. Health services managers (also known as healthcare executives or healthcare administrators) plan, coordinate, and direct medical and healthcare services. Health services managers earn an average salary of $98,350 and are expected to see 20 percent job growth over the next ten years. 9.Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M., V.M.D.)If you love caring for animals and want to become a veterinarian, you will have to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. This is a four-year program that includes time in classrooms, laboratories, and clinics. Veterinary jobs are increasing much faster than the national average, and vets can earn an average salary of $90,420. 10. Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)A Master of Business Administration degree is typically a two-year degree that prepares students for a variety of jobs in business. These jobs can sortiment from a financial analyst (with an average salary of $82,450) to financial manager (with a salary of $125,080). Many jobs in business are growing at rates faster than the national average. A related degree is a Master of Public Administration, which focuses more on governance and public affairs. Students can go on to run for political office or work in private sector jobs such as management analyst (also known as a management consultant, which has an average salary of $82,450).

4 Ways to Stay Sane When Your Company Is Going Through Layoffs

4 Ways to Stay Sane When Your Company Is Going Through Layoffs4 Ways to Stay Sane When Your Company Is Going Through Layoffs Sometimes, all it takes is an unfortunate turn of events for a company to go from thriving to struggling. And once that happens, layoffs are often inevitable.Of course, the greatest victims of layoffs are none other than the folks whose jobs are eliminated. But being a layoff survivor, so to speak, isnt exactly easy. After all, how are you supposed to go about your business as usual when each day brings another dose of bad news?If your company is going through layoffs, its important to remain cool and levelheaded in the face of all that upheaval. Here are a few tricks that will help you do just that.Its easy enough to get distracted when your office is filled with closed-door meetings and rumors continuously abound. But you can ease some of your mental anguish by focusing your efforts on the things you need to get done each day. So dive into tha t research report, and hammer out your upcoming presentation as best as you can. The mora time you spend thinking about your actual job, the less youll spend worrying about losing it.The downside of working for a company going through layoffs is getting more work dumped on you as folks depart. The upside, however, is getting a real opportunity to buy yourself some job security . If you aim to take on new tasks that are crucial to your companys operations, youll become more valuable, and your employer will have a harder time letting you go. So rather than waiting for other peoples work to land in your lap, volunteer for key tasks as they open up.The biggest problem with getting laid off is losing your income and not knowing when youll begin collecting a steady paycheck again. To help alleviate that concern, make an effort to sock away as much money as possible once your company starts letting people go. To achieve that goal, youll probably need to cut back on expenses or take on a s ide job to drum up some extra cash. But the more of a cushion you build, the less worrisome your loss of a paycheck will be. Incidentally, getting a second gig could be just the thing to buy yourself some additional peace of mind. This way, you know you have work to fall back on if you end up becoming a layoff victim yourself.When your company is going through layoffs and your role is precarious at best, the last thing you want to do is get caught tackling outside tasks during working hours. But when youre not at your desk, you should make a point of reaching out to your various contacts and associates and seeing what openings might be available at their companies. If you manage to gather a number of leads, youll have options if the worst-case scenario at your company comes to be, so be sure to network as aggressively as you can.Dealing with layoffs is never easy, so be kind to yourself during that period. Maybe youll end up hanging onto your job, or maybe you wont. Just remember that theres a world of opportunity out there, and if your company has become a sinking ship, getting let go may not be such a bad thing after all.This article was originally published on The Motley Fool . It is reprinted with permission.

Sample Reference Check Form for Employers

Sample Reference Check Form for EmployersSample Reference Check Form for EmployersEmployers typically use a reference check form to check a job applicants references. By using a form and standard questions, they are able to collect the same information for every candidate whose references they check. References may be checked in writing. In that case, the form is mailed to the candidates previous employer. Other times, references may be checked over the phone. Do keep in mind that not all companies choose to provide references.Some may only confirm that you worked there and your dates of employment. Review a sample reference check form to get an idea of what your previous employers may be asked when they are called regarding a reference check. This sample reference check would be for a phone reference check, filled out by someone from the company you are applying to. Sample Reference Check Form Applicant NameDatePosition Applied forReference Checked byEmployerContact PersonContact Ph onewelches the applicant an employee of your company?Yes NoWhat were the applicants dates of employment?Start DateEnd DateWhat was the applicants salary?Starting SalaryEnding SalaryWhy did the applicant leave?What were the applicants position and responsibilities?What were the applicants job responsibilities?How would you rate the applicants performance?Did the applicant have any performance issues?Did the applicant have any attendance issues?What are the applicants strengths?What are the applicants weaknesses?Did the applicant get along well with management and co-workers?Was the applicant promoted while with your company?Can you describe this rolles experience working as a member of a team?How would you describe the applicants interpersonal skills?Did the applicant have any attendance issues?If I describe the position we are hiring for to you, could you describe how good a fit you think the applicant would be for the position?Is there anything I havent asked that you would like to share with me?Would you rehire this person?Yes No Expand Why Employers Check Throughout the job application process, the candidate frames the story. They choose which experiences and skills to list on their resume. When answering interview questions, candidates share stories that paint them in a positive light. By checking references, employers can fact-check a candidates claims. Has the candidate worked at the jobs they said they worked at, for the dates listed on their resume? Are their skills as described? Checking references also allow employers to get a sense of the candidates work style, how they interact with others, and how they would fit with the company culture. Checking references is often the last step an employer takes before extending a job offer. References Matter Employers can use references to help decide between two promising candidates. A poor reference can make an employer opt against a candidate. In the worst-case scenario, it can reveal dishonesty. On t he other hand, a reference can reveal that a previous employer does not think highly of a candidate.Even if a reference isnt negative about a candidate, the conversation can reveal aspects of the candidates work style that make them a poor fit for the job under consideration. References are a significant part of the job application process. Some employers will call several of the most recent positions on a candidates resume. Here is more information on what employers can share about former employees. If you are concerned about what an employer will say, you canuse areference checking serviceto check what the company will disclose. When you apply for a job, you may be asked to provide a list of references with your application. Request references only from colleagues and managers who will speak well of you. Always ask references beforehand if they are comfortable serving as a reference. After a person agrees to be a reference, you can share helpful information, such as the job descri ption. If its been a while since you worked together, you can also remind the person wholl serve as a reference to some of your accomplishments.