Its OK to Ask for Resume Help

Its OK to Ask for Resume HelpIts OK to Ask for Resume HelpIts OK to Ask for Resume HelpI get by with a little help from my friends.I bet you never thought that The Beatles could relate to writing your resume. However, I think we can all agree that John Lennon and Paul McCartneys With a Little Help From My Friends can apply to just about anything.With the resume being such a personal document, it can feel uncomfortable to call for reinforcements. Youre putting yourself out there on paper, sharing the story of you and your career over and over, and you may not want to admit that youre not quite sure what youre doing. Heres the thing though Its OK to ask for help. If you dont believe us, at least believe John and Paul.The rules of resume writing can seem amorphous and confusing you know there are certain expectations, but you cant quite figure out how to meet them. Meanwhile, the stakes are high in the job search, and you dont want to gamble with your future. Thats exactly why professio nal resume-writing services like TopResume exist ?? so that you can finally find success with a resume that catches eyes for the right reason.So, if you sang out of tune, would we stand up and walk out on you? Not at all. Were here to help, and its OK to let us.Resume writing is its own skillHas anyone ever sat you down for a lesson in resume writing? Do you know about applicant tracking systems, action verbs, and the difference between doers and achievers? If youre like most people, that answer is a hard no, and your ignorance may be costing you career opportunities.Writing resumes is its own skill. It requires a thorough understanding of what goes on behind the closed doors of hiring managers offices and a proficiency with writing styles that dont appear anywhere else. Theres a reason there are professionals out there who do this for a living. In the same way youre an expert in your field, professional resume writers are experts in theirs, and thats why they can take your document to the next, job-winning level.Time is a valuable resourceSearching for a job is a massive time commitment. In addition to your regular life responsibilities, you suddenly have to undertake hours of research, writing cover letters, tailoring resumes, interview preparation, and mora. If youre conducting your job search while still employed, its even more difficult to find the time for all of this activity. Youre only menschenfreundlich after all, and there are only so many hours in a day.Fortunately, this is a problem that many people have been working to solve. From grocery delivery to sending out your laundry, nowadays, there are a number of services that can help you maximize your time by taking on some of the more painful chores for you. So ditch staying up until two a.m. and let someone else handle your resume. Youll be able to spend more time on other aspects of your job search networking, browsing job boards for opportunities, and sending out stronger applications more quickl y.Go ahead, sing us a songAnd if you sing out of key, thats fine with us. As the worlds largest resume-writing service, our goal is to arm job seekers with resumes that bring them closer to their dream jobs. When you work with a professional writer, youll feel empowered knowing that your resume is poised to impress because its received the thumbs up from the people who know whats what. In the end, calling in the cavalry will result in a stronger, more polished document, as well as give you more time to strengthen other job-search elements, helping you become the total package. When you have the right friends, asking for help can be the difference between a longer job search and your next career milestone.TopResume is ready to help you get by. Click here to learn more about our professional resume-writing services.Recommended Reading3 Reasons Your DIY Resume Is Holding You BackThe Magic Touch of Professional Resume WritersHow Do I Know If My Resume Is Working?

CPE Requirements Offer Learning Opportunities

CPE Requirements Offer Learning OpportunitiesCPE Requirements Offer Learning OpportunitiesDo you like to get your education in a social setting or in solitude? The new standards for continuing professional education (CPE) allow either option. Whether you prefer learning by reading books, attending conferences, taking college courses or joining webinars with your laptop, there are so many ways to get your CPE requirements.Some employees are lucky enough to have companies that let them to take CPE classes during work hours. In a new Robert Half Finance Accounting survey, 26 percent of the CFOs said their companies allow all their employees to fulfill CPE requirements on the job another 24 percent say it depends on the employee.Employers provide such perks because it helps the company The better informed employees are, the fewer technical, compliance and ethical mistakes theyre likely to make. It also shows support for professional development, which encourages accounting and finance p rofessionals to accept the job offer - and stay.Find out more about Learning On the Clock in our infographic, below. Why worry about CPE requirements?Once youve passed your CPA exam, getting CPE credits is a way to keep up with your career growth in this ever-changing profession. It encourages you to stay active in the financial community and keep up with new developments and reporting requirements in the industry. CPE credits are also required for meeting your state board of accountancys requirements for CPA license renewal.You may be trying to boost your marketability as a job candidate, or you may need to accumulate a few more credits to meet your yearly CPE requirements. Either way, you should consider yourself lucky to have the excuse to continue your education.Where is the best place to start your quest for training? How do you know if the courses are credible? What kinds of classes are offered? Heres some information to answer those questions and help you fulfill your CPE re quirements.Where to find CPE creditsThe best place to start searching for CPE credits near you is the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). With filters including subject area, date and credit hours, the search tool provides a comprehensive list of courses, including CPE finance training.CPE credits are available through a variety of organizations, including recruitment and financial companies, educational institutions and industry associations. Whether you prefer on-site learning or online webcasts, there are numerous ways to earn CPE finance creditsBreakfast, lunch or dinner meetingsCollege and university instructionPeer reviewPersonal developmentPublished materialsSelf studyConferencesPodcasts and webcastsCheck for CPE acceptanceNASBA and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) added a new instructional delivery method last year called nano-learning. These mini-tutorials cover specific tasks or learning objectives in 10-minute increments. Each short video le sson counts for a fifth of a credit, unlike traditional CPA sessions, which are measured in hours.CPE requirements set by state boards of accountancy vary widely, though, so CPAs are advised to check with their state boards before beginning any CPE courses to verify they will accept the credits. Most states dont accept nano-learning credits, and some dont accept any online courses, which are classified as self study. Many states also limit the number of online credits you can earn.NASBA assists state boards and CPAs in making sure CPE credits are from reputable sources by providing quality assurance and lists of approved providers. When evaluating a CPE source, remember that a qualified source should be able to provideA certificate of attendance/completionOrganization/sponsor name and contact informationDetailed agendaBackground information on presenter(s)One note of caution A quick Google search for free CPE credits returns thousands of results - some from quality agencies and edu cational institutions, and others from more questionable sources. When choosing free CPE credits, be sure to check for NASBA approval and verify acceptance with your state boards.Continuing with your educationThe best financial staffing firms understand the importance of offering quality CPE credits delivered in convenient ways. AICPA members qualify for discounts on its courses, and Robert Half offers training courses and online reference materials to its registered financial professionals to enhance their skills and marketability.WORK WITH USConsider yourself lucky to have such a variety of ways to access relevant information that you can apply to your career. As you continue to meet your ongoing requirements as a CPA, you can choose to specialize in a particular area and, at the very least, broaden your professional expertise, whether your company allows you to study on company time or not.

Best Career Advice if You Live in a Small Town - The Muse

Best Career Advice if You Live in a Small Town - The MuseBest Career Advice if You Live in a Small TownIve talked previously about the fact that I live in a smaller city. And, for the most part, I love it. I love the cheap cost of living, the fact that I can leave my front door unlocked without worrying, and that I can almost never run to the grocery store without crossing paths with someone I know.But, as much as I adore where I live, theres one drawback I notice time and time again Most career advice I read is geared toward people who have settled down in a major metropolitan area. Me? I dont have endless events and resources right outside my door- as a matter of fact, I have a corn field.Perhaps Im more sensitive to this conundrum, as I make my living reading, writing, and just generally staying in tune with tons of career advice. But, even so, Ive made it my personal mission to close that gap and make sure that people who live in smaller areas know that they are just as entitled to a fulfilling, successful career as someone who lives in a downtown high rise. My first stop? Tackling some of that oft-repeated career advice you hear over and over again, and making it more applicable to those of you who call a small town home. If youre sick of reading about endless networking events and how to make the most of your morning subway ride, this is for you. 1. Make the Most of Networking EventsNetworking is important- I wont refute that. And, its definitely possible to build a strong network regardless of your geographic location.However, so much of the advice I read mentions these elusive networking events- get-togethers where people chat and trade business cards over free chicken skewers and cheap glasses of chardonnay. But, if Im being perfectly honest, those sorts of things almost never happen where I live.Sure, Ive joined a few associations and have attended the occasional business event. But, in reality, those typically end up being regular social gatherings f or people who already see each other on daily or weekly basis.Formal events arent commonplace where I live. And, even if they were, theres a small pool of people to meet anyway.The TweakIve talked about this in detail before, but there is still such a thing as networking in a small city- you just need to be willing to adjust your approach.Networking doesnt need to be this structured, rigid exchange that only happens when you have a nametag stuck to your shirt. At its core, its really just a conversation- and those can happen anywhere.So, I make a habit of chatting with people everywhere- whether thats in line at the grocery store or in the next chair at the hair salon. Ive made some awesome connections that way- with people I never wouldve met otherwise. 2. Use Your Commute to Your AdvantageIve read countless articles that suggest you make the most of your long morning commute. And- dont get me wrong- I think its a smart tactic to get a jump start on your day and give your productiv ity a good kick in the pants.But, heres the thing about living in a smaller area Your commute is typically pretty short, and- in most cases- you need to be focused and alert because youre actually driving yourself (nobody wants a driver whos simultaneously making her to-do list). Public transportation isnt as heavily relied on outside of big cities- I couldnt tell you the last time I actually rode a bus- which means these drives are typically reserved for one thing Getting to work.The TweakOf course, you could simply choose to ignore this piece of advice altogether. However, Im a firm believer that there are still ways you can make the most of your commute- even if you need to have your eyes on the road.This could range from grabbing a great audio book to using it as quiet time to get focused and ready for your day. Whatever works best with you is great Just dont beat yourself up by convincing yourself that you arent effectively using your commute. You may not be answering emails, b ut youre still using that time to your advantage. 3. Dont Burn BridgesAlright, so this is an age-old sentiment youll want to stick with regardless of whether you live in New York City or a tiny town where youre literally on a first name basis with everyone. Its good advice- that much you already know.But, Id argue that this clich warning becomes that much more important when youre swimming in a small pond. Rarely do you put in your notice, bid a final adieu to your boss, and then completely wash your hands of the situation. Chances are, youre going to run into him or her more times than youd even care to admit- whether thats in another professional setting (Ive heard far too many horror stories about this already) or at the local pharmacy. So, while its important to maintain strong relationships and a positive professional reputation everywhere, this advice deserves a little extra emphasis for all of you small towners. The TweakThis ones super simple to adjust just by adding a few k ey words Dont ever, ever, ever, seriously ever burn bridges. Enough said. 4. Keep Your Personal Life Out of the OfficeThis is another piece of advice that has seen some changes in recent years. More and more, people are integrating their work with the rest of their lives- meaning any personal tidbits arent quite as taboo in the office as they used to be.However, youll still hear plenty of advice from traditionalists who warn you to check your personal life at the office door. Your workplace is for just that- work. Getting to know people on a personal level isnt necessary. And, even more than that, some people advise that it will only serve as a distraction.But, when you live in a small community, this becomes that much tougher to abide by- particularly since everyone pretty much knows everything about everybody else already anyway. Your boss is also your kids soccer coach. Your co-worker lives just down the street, and takes in your mail and waters your plants when youre on vacation . In a small town? Lets just say that theres really no such thing as keeping your personal life separate- even if you wanted to. The TweakDont be afraid to bring a little bit of your outside life into your workplace- within reason, of course. They dont need to know the gory details of your recent bout with food poisoning or the juicy gossip of your falling out with your best friend. However, being willing to engage in some friendly chatter about outside interests can actually be a good thingWhy? Most people like to know a little bit about those that they work with day in and day out. So, the willingness to share a little of your outside life could bring you that much closer to your teammates. And- in a smaller town- thats practically expected. Theres plenty of great career advice available. However, a vast majority of it caters to people living in a big city with endless opportunities right outside their doorstep. And, if you live in a small area yourself? That can undoubtedly be fr ustrating.Luckily, you can still apply a lot of the great advice you read- as long as youre willing to make a few tweaks. Give these four a try, and prepare to become the talk of the town (because you know thats inevitable). Photo of woman driving courtesy of Ippei Naoi/Getty Images.

Career Directors International Offers Free 2012 Teleclasses For Self-Employed Resume Writers and Career Coaches

Career Directors International Offers Free 2012 Teleclasses For Self-Employed Resume Writers and Career Coaches Career Directors International Offers Free 2012 Teleclasses For Self-Employed Resume Writers and Career Coaches Tactical Biz Tech Buss will assist professionals stay abreast with new technologies and strategies to help their businesses grow. Presenters from LinkedIn, BeKnown, Job-Hunt.org, and RileyGuide will share, along with Eric Enge, author of The Art of SEO.The Next Practices teleclass will focus on successful business strategies for the self-employed to maximize productivity. Key areas of focus will be pricing and selling, marketing, blogging, customer management, and financial planning. Presenters include Pat Schuler, Alexis Grant, Karen Callahan, and Montell McDowell.The Honing Your Craft teleclass will offer practical tips on resume writing, career coaching, social job search, online identity and reputation management, and salary negotiation coaching. Presenter s include Laura Labovich and Miriam Salpeter, authors of the soon-to-be-released 100 Conversations for Career Success, and TORI-Award Winner, Donald Burns.For mora information on the variety of free calls for CDI members, visit careerdirectors.com/tele_free.htm.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.

Customize this Outstanding Tutor Resume Example

Customize this Outstanding Tutor Resume ExampleCustomize this Outstanding Tutor Resume ExampleCreate Resume OBJECTIVESeeking a challenging Inter or Entry Level position as a Software Engineer, in the field of Computer Science where my education and experience can be utilized.EDUCATION 2003 2005BSEE Communication Systems Computer Systems California State University Los Angeles,CAJune 2002AS Electronics Computers, Electronics, and Technology East Los AngelesCollegeMonterrey Park, CA EXPERIENCE 2005- Present Mathematics Tutor The Academic AdvantageDuties Los Angeles, CA Provide skills in mathematics to obtain goals to students. Control personal budget as required for program. Coordinate scheduling. Document preparation. Data compilation and evaluation. Administrative duties.2000-2003 Computer Technician East Los Angeles CollegeDuties Los Angeles, CA Engineering support task. Computer systems Technical coordinator. Computer maintenance, troubleshooting, and installation. Install softw are/Hardware as required. Create and update equipment reports of equipment. Conduct basic computer training to students.PROJECTS Designed and developed a four bit arithmetic digital logic unit. Designed combinational circuits using NAND/NOR to minimize the space of the PC board. Used Math lab to design Low pass, high pass and band pass filters. Used Verilog HDL to design and test D flip-flop, counter, ALU and Accumulator. Designed an Analog to Digital Converters.SKILLS ABILITIESProgramming FTPNavigator OPNET IT GURU Mat-lab-Verilog Auto-Cad-C/C++ P-SpiceMac and Windows 2000/XPEquipment-Power Supplies-DMM-Oscilloscope-Spectrum Analyzer-Wave GeneratorBreadboardsKnowledge-Computer Systems-Troubleshooting-Hardware-Data Communication-Computer Organization-Computer Logic Design-Compiler Technology-Computer Communications-Digital Electronics-Computer Maintenance-Schematics-Assembly LanguageREFERENCES FURNISHED UPON REQUEST Customize Resume

Top How to Add a Line in Word Resume Secrets

Top How to Add a Line in Word Resume Secrets When adding another employer to a multilevel list, your new entry may wind up at the incorrect level. The secret to an amazing expert experience section is to include achievements and prevent repeating the work description. There is surely a time and a location for a resume overhaul. You dont need to have a whole lot of konzept knowledge to earn a header that looks sleek and catches a recruiters eye. If you neglect to set a subject line, youre giving the recipient an opportunity to assume your letter. This word proves that you made some kind of positive difference at an earlier firm. To put it differently, you intend to relocate regardless of whether you get the work offer, and that may instill confidence. Keep this in mind while you copy the examples above. Creating an effective resume can greatly enhance your odds of landing that dream job, which means you need to put your very best foot forward with the space youve got and the situations you wish to say. Your purpose is to earn room for this position by eliminating waste in different elements of your resume. 1 means to do it is to quantify your successes. Usually, you only ought to demonstrate the most recent 10 to 15 decades of your career history and just incorporate the experience applicable to the positions to which youre applying. Position the image where you desire it in the document, then rotate employing the anchors if needed. If you are operating a prior version of Word, have a look at our instructions on the best way to add watermark in earlier versions. Now, visit the section in which you wish to apply a watermark. Typically, you are going to want to put in a watermark to a full document. Top How to Add a Line in Word Resume Secrets For those who have very tiny gaps between the lines, they are brought on by the different font renderings. Observe that the panel in the center of this screen displays all the defined attributes to date. Click beyond the rectangle to look at the shadow. Click the Format button at the base of the screen to reveal the extra formatting attributes. Including a watermark to a particular page in your document is a bit trickier, but nevertheless, it can be accomplished. As you design your document and earn formatting decisions, you will need to think about line and paragraph spacing. Taking a look at the Google Docs resume preview above, you can understand that the space between the job experience table and profile text is tiny. Youll then have a couple additional options you may utilize to customize spacing. It is possible to always copy and paste text from a PDF if you will fill in an on-line application and after that send your full resume in PDF file formatting later every time a hiring manager has invited you to achieve that. Creating a resume can be a difficult job. Handing in a resume for a work application for a PDF is recommended if you need your resume to appear just the manner in which youve made it. The very best strategy for updating your resume is to look at the web. Regardless of what you might have heard, Google Docs has lots of features to create beautiful, modern documents with. Otherwise, it might be a great time to consider what things to include in your Google Docs resume. If thats the situation, you can want to send your resume as a PDF. Templates can appear to be an easy fix but has the potential to become troublesome when updating the document to fulfill your specific needs. This template gives you the ability to create a top-notch CV. There you will understand an ideal theme for your CV. Resumes start to look and sound the exact same. Indeed Resume users that have a Headline are mora than two times as likely to be reached by means of an employer than people who dont have one.

Tips for Aspiring Freelancers in the Gig Economy

Tips for Aspiring Freelancers in the Gig Economy Tips for Aspiring Freelancers in the Gig EconomyPosted May 13, 2019, by JennyThe life of a freelancer can be fulfilling. Freelancers set their hours, be selective in working with clients and work on a variety of projects. At the same time, the success of a freelancers career depends on an individual not the economy or the state of the gig economy industry. As a freelancer of four years, these tips will help you get started to define a successful future of the right way to get started as a freelancer1. Professional Branding is EssentialThe first step is to focus on a niche before you get started as a freelancer. What is your talent? What are the demographics of your target audience? How do you plan to reach the audience? A professional website with an interesting biography, professional photo and a list of services is important. Take a look at freelancers in your industry and create a site that is different than the norm one that will s tand out from the competition. A video of yourself with a brief bio and what you can offer on the front page is another idea. Research the social media and online platforms your audience uses. Share valuable advice to help them through blogs or information to help attract website visitors to begin the sales funnel process. 2. Nurture Your Customer BaseThe concept of having a solid number of clients is a freelancers dream. A consistent volume of work from a few reliable clients is the ultimate goal. It can be less time consuming to invest and find new customers to keep the business running smoothly over the years. Here are a few ways to keep customers happy 1) Be transparent 2) Only accept work you have the skills to complete 3) Answer emails or correspond within 24 hours 4) Share your achievements with clients 3) Set Realistic Goals It takes time to be high in demand freelancer with the help of setting realistic goals. Write goals on a piece of paper and place it in a visible place in your office. Set a timeline of no more than five years and work each day to accomplish the goals. Include what you can offer to accomplish the goals. Set daily goals and when you feel unmotivated, continue on the path by reminding yourself of the bigger picture of what motivates you to freelance. 3. Network with FreelancersExperienced freelancers can offer advice based on their experience. Many will refer to books, blogs and literature to inspire you on the journey. The conversations while networking with freelancers can be uplifting because they understand the highs and lows of the industry. A reliable freelancer can be a mentor to help shape ones career, offering advice that can help a new freelancer to avoid common mistakes.4. Attend Business MeetingsBusiness meetups can be a place to meet potential clients. It is an opportunity to hear the pros and cons of entrepreneurs to learn what it takes to run a business. A few rules to networking etiquette include asking questions, lis tening and taking mental notes when speaking with successful business owners. Find out they experience working with freelancers and avoid making the same mistakes if some have bad experiences to build a reputation in the community you are a reliable professional. To conclude, freelancing can be a hobby or a business that can sustain your lifestyle. It is helpful for students, people with disabilities, women on maternity leave or people that are interested in becoming financially independent. It is important to network with other freelancers, take advice from entrepreneurs and connect with business owners in the community. It can help to prevent making common mistakes of new freelancers and build a network of potential clients.This article welches produced for Career FAQs by Makeda Waterman. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness Man agerAccountantOffice Administrator CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJennyRelated ArticlesBrowse morePERSONAL DEVELOPMENTSTUDYINGLesson 101 Why You Should Never Stop LearningAn investment in knowledge pays the best interest. Benjamin Franklin. Rediscover learning and make a commitment to invest in your mind and in your future today, and everydayEMPLOYER RESOURCESWorkers with disabilitiesDaffodil Day How employers can support workers with cancerThe NSW krebs Council is urging Australian employers to create supportive work environments for those battling against cancer, as more of the working population is expected to be diagnosed over the next decade.UniversityWork experienceUse your retail job to launch your careerEven if its just a part-time job while youre stud ying, you can use retail experience to develop new skills, give your resume substance, and demonstrate to future employers that you have initiative and a healthy work ethic.

The Most Important 2 Minutes of Your Job Interview

The Most Important 2 Minutes of Your Job InterviewThe Most Important 2 Minutes of Your Job InterviewYou only get one first impression. Make it count with these job-search tips.The annual running of the Kentucky Derby marks the fastest two minutes in sports. On that day, approximately twenty Thoroughbreds race down one and a quarter miles of track, each competing for a piece of the multi-million dollar purse and a chance to be draped in a blanket of roses at the winners circle.When a race is so short, every second counts. The smallest slipup out of the gates can destroy your chances of victory. The same can be said of the interview process. While an interview will certainly last longer than two minutes, the first few minutes of an interview can set the tone for the entire meeting. As Will Rogers once said, You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.With that in mind, here are some job-search tips to ensure your interview begins on the right foot.Dress for successYou r clothing, grooming, hygiene and hairstyle are an integral part of your professional brand. These become even more important when youre looking for work. Consider your target employers company culture when selecting your interview outfit so you look like youre already a part of the team. Regardless of the companys dress code, make sure your outfit fits you well, is clean and pressed, and looks put together.Start the interview in the waiting roomYour interview starts the moment you wake up. Assume everyone you encounter, from the security guard in the lobby to the others sitting in the waiting room, to be part of the vetting process. Be friendly and considerate with those around you. Dont talk on the phone or gulp down a quick meal in the waiting room. Instead, focus on reviewing your materials and mentally preparing for your meeting.Deliver your pitch with confidenceMost interviews begin with someone asking you to talk a little bit about yourself. This is your cue to launch into yo ur elevator pitch. With the job description in mind, explain what you bring to the table. In other words, describe how your experience, successes and interests can provide value to the employer. Be prepared to support your elevator pitch with succinct stories, using the STAR method, that demonstrate your qualifications for the role.Consider your body languageMake sure your body is sending the same positive vibes that your speech is. Dont fold your arms or stick your hands in your pockets. Instead, keep your hands on your knees or folded on the table until you need to make a gesture. Lean a little forward in your chair to indicate your interest, but dont invade the interviewers space. And dont forget to smile

Find out What It Takes to Become a Computer Engineer

Find out What It Takes to Become a Computer EngineerFind out What It Takes to Become a Computer EngineerTech jobs of all kinds are in-demand, especially computer engineers. Computer engineers are responsible for designing, developing, implementing and testing computer-based hardware and software. This also includes the components that are found inside computer equipment, as well as the actual devices that contain the computers and the software that runs on those machines. They may also design networks that connect computer systems and work on integrating software programs with computer hardware. Educational Requirements To become a computer engineer, you will typically need to obtain a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering, computer science or electrical engineering. However, nowadays the growth of online education and in-person bootcamps make it much easier to become a computer engineer and/or programmer without a formal degree. Important Technical Skills for Bec oming a Computer Engineer Since the computer engineering field is quite broad, the required technical skills listed in the job postings you come across will vary, depending on whether the job is more hardware- or software-focused. And of course which industry the employer belongs to. Typically, you will need to have the following an understanding of the particular computer hardware architecture you will be working withexperience designing, coding, and testing softwarefamiliarity with software test procedures or scriptsexperience building your own PC systemsunderstanding of different operating systems, including Windows and Linux, and how certain types of software will work with themexperience with device driversunderstanding of networking and securityunderstanding of the (sometimes specialized) software that is typically used in a particular industry knowledge of programming languages such as C, Java, and other object-oriented languages. Other Crucial Skills Since computer engi neers work closely with programmers, designers, product developers and testers, they really need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team. Fields Employing Computer Engineers Computer engineers are likely to find work in a variety of fields, including (but elend limited to) telecommunicationsmanufacturingtransportationproduct development. Here are some interesting niche areas of computer engineering working with radar and communications technologysupporting high performance and embedded computing systems for nuclear medicinemilitary software supportdesigning new motors and sensors for robotic equipment. The Future of Computer Engineering One thing that is certain about the future of computer engineering is that its an industry full of countless opportunities, but none of which come without some hard work. Most of the attention put on computer engineers look at the private sectors. Yet all the while, there are some who ar e concerned with recent declines in research budgets for computer science and engineering - especially in government institutions.Beyond the lack of funding, many computer engineers and related are disinterested in serving in these government agencies. Without a doubt, engineers play an important role in the future of the U.S. - in the private and public sector. And not only for the obvious things like setting up sound IT and/or database infrastructure. But also when it comes to implementing public policy- such as computer science and related in the school systems. - Note updates have been made to this article by Laurence Bradford since the original date of publish.

5 Things You Should be Talking to Your Boss About

5 Things You Should be Talking to Your Boss About5 Things You Should be Talking to Your Boss AboutGoing into your babos schreibstube can often be hot or cold You could be getting a pat on the back for a job well done- or a tough dose of constructive criticism. Your boss may want to assign you an awesome new project- or ask you for the report thats due today (wait, what report?).But how often do you stop by your managers office just to chat?Turns out, there are several things you should be addressing with your boss on a regular basis. When you take the time to talk about these important issues, youll find that youre happier with your career and better positioned in the eyes of your boss, your team, and the company as a whole. So, the next time you pass by your bosss office, stop in and start talking about these five things.1. Where You See Yourself in Five YearsWhether you hope to be in a different role or a different department, its OK- and it can actually be very beneficial- to talk to your current boss about your career goals. And yes, it can be intimidating to bring this up for the first time (especially if youre hoping to make a big career switch at some point), but it can actually help create more opportunities for you in the long run.Why would your boss be open to your ambition to move up or out of your current role? In many cases, he or she truly does want to see you achieve your goals. As a manager myself, I constantly ask my employees Where do you see yourself in five years?- because if theres a way I can help them along, Ill do it. Whether that means putting in a good word for them in a different department at my current company or assigning them specials projects that will help them build new skill sets for a different role, I want to help.Of course, theres definitely a right and wrong way to phrase your goals (i.e., you dont want to blatantly announce to your boss that youre hoping to jump ship ASAP or that you want to take over your bosss position) . Start small by mentioning where you see yourself eventually Id love to move up to a management position someday. If its received well, move on to specifically how you can reach those goals- even if it would eventually require a move to a different department or company.2. Your Ideas for the CompanyWhen youre entrenched in your work, its a common and familiar mumble This would be so much easier if we did it my way. But, how often do you actually present that idea to your boss as a serious solution to a dicke bretter bohren mssen?Discussing your ideas with your boss helps you in several ways. First, youre showing him or her that you take initiative, that youre committed to improving the company, and that you truly want to make contributions to the team. Second, you might actually get to see your idea put in action- and assuming its as effective and efficient as you think it is, thats great news for you and your team.To make the most out of the conversation, come prepared with a plan in mind. Try something like, Ive noticed that our new hires arent picking up on the new CRM program very easily. Id love to put together some training documentation to help learn it a little quicker. Heres a quick outline I threw together- what do you think?3. Advice for Tough Work SituationsWhen you view your boss only as the person who hands out assignments and performance reviews, youll miss out on some great advice. Remember, your boss is a boss for a reason- he or she has been around the block a time or two. So, take advantage of that to further your own career.For example, before my boss was in his current position as a department manager, he was in my position- a team supervisor. So, whenever I come across a challenge that I havent faced before, I drop by his office to talk through the situation. Most times, hes been through a similar situation and is able to give me valuable advice about how he handled it and what he learned to do (and not to do).No, you shouldnt lean on yo ur boss for every problem that pops up, but if you cant figure something out on your own, why not use the valuable resource right in front of you?4. Company and Industry InsightOf course your boss has to manage your day-to-day tasks, but he or she can provide insight into a lot more than just your upcoming deadlines and company values- especially if he or she has been with the company or in the industry for several years.This can range from unfamiliar company processes (whats the standard process to change a position title?) to company history (what it was like when the company was acquired by an equity firm a few years ago?) to your overall industry (how has the healthcare industry changed since you first entered it eight years ago?).Whether it stems from pure curiosity or strategizing for the future, dont be afraid to ask questions about the inner workings of the company or industry as a whole. Youll gain some valuable information- and prove that youre there for more than just a p aycheck.5. Your Life Outside of WorkIf your boss follows you on social media, youd probably rather figure out a way for her to know less about your personal life. But, getting a little personal with your boss isnt a bad thing- in fact, it can help solidify your professional relationship.So, spill a few details about your family, your childhood, or even just what you did over the weekend- and ask questions about her life in return. Youll likely find something you have in common, share a laugh, or at the very least relax for a few moments instead of worrying about the status of your current project.You dont have to go into any extreme details or spend hours telling each other your life stories, but connecting with your boss on a personal level can help you feel more comfortable coming to him or her about serious issues. You may never hang out outside of work, but that doesnt mean you have to avoid any sort of personal connection.It may not feel natural at first, but try striking up a conversation with your boss about these important issues. In the end (when youre happier in your current job and that much closer to your career goals), I promise, itll be worth it.Photo of boss and employee courtesy of Shutterstock.