Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Where To Intern In 2015: Vault's Top 50

Consultants rank high in annual survey



Portrait of young man in office next to wall presentation

If you are in college (or have a child who is), it's time to start the search for a summer 2015 internship. While some people might think seven months is a bit too far in advance to start searching, they would be wrong. Competition to get an internship in your desired industry, much less company, is aggressive.

Internships act as a solid bridge between the academic and business worlds. Good internships connect you with great contacts, experience and a good working understanding of the industry. The best internships provide you with tangible training, relationship-building events, hands-on experience and career development seminars. Vault.com recently released their list of the Top 50 Internships for 2015.
Vault surveyed 5,800 interns at 100 different internship programs for their Internship Experience survey. The survey was based on the following criteria: "quality of life, compensation and benefits, interview process, career development, and full-time employment prospects."

"Today, 40 percent of all entry-level full-time hires in the U.S. are sourced through internship programs," according to Derek Loosvelt, a senior editor at Vault.com. "This means that, for those looking to work for the most desired and admired employers in the country, internships are no longer a luxury but a necessity."

10 Best Overall Internships for 2015:
1. Bates White Summer Consultant Program
2. Elliot Davis ENVISION
3. Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP's Summer Internship
4. Bain & Company Associate Consultant Intern and Summer Associate programs
5. Northwestern Mutual Internship
6. Plante Moran's Internship Experiences
7. KPCB Fellows Program
8. Evercore Advisory Summer Analyst and Summer Associate Program
9. CapTech Summer Internship Program
10. Anadarko Corporation Summer Internship Program

Vault, in addition to ranking the Best Overall Internships, also ranked internship programs in seven industries: Accounting, Consulting, Energy, Financial Services, Investment Banking, Media & Telecom, and Retail & Consumer Products.

Best Accounting Internship: Elliot Davis ENVISION
Best Consulting Internship: Bates White Summer Consultant Program
Best Energy Internship: Anadarko Petroleum Summer Internship Program
Best Financial Services Internship: Northwestern Mutual Internship
Best Investment Banking Internship: Evercore Advisory Summer Analyst and Associate Program
Best Media & Telecommunications Internship: AT&T Finance Leadership Program
Best Retail & Consumer Products Internship: Kohl's Information Technology Internship

According to Loosvelt, the company has been studying, surveying and ranking employers for quite some time. Mainly focusing on consulting, law, banking and now expanding into consumer products, tech, energy, media and entertainment. Why study the internship programs of these industries?

"Internships have been growing in importance, as nearly half of all entry-level full-time jobs at the top employers in the country are now sourced through their internship programs. So we found it important to give readers a better sense of the best internship programs out there, and to give them information about what it's like to intern at top employers as well as how to get these internships," says Loosvelt.

Loosvelt says Millennials are looking for jobs and careers that have meaning.

"Of course, prestige and salary are still important to Millennials, but I don't think they're the most important factors by far (like I think they were to, say, Generation X). I think Millennials want to make an impact. They want to feel their work is meaningful (the definition of what's meaningful varies, of course, from person to person)," says Loosvelt. Some people might want to advance the tech field in Silicon Valley, others might find their meaning in charity, while others are spreading awareness via social media or through education.

"Millennials are very focused on career advancement and training," Loosvelt says. "They're attracted to positions in which they'll be able to make difference right away-that is, being able to contribute to their firm's success without much waiting/training period. And they want to know that they'll be able to advance quickly if they succeed. They shy away from strict advancement time periods. And I believe that Millennials are also less fearful when it comes to changing careers and entrepreneurship -- starting their own ventures. This might just be because it's easier to start businesses these days; for example, brick-and-mortar stores aren't necessary to begin because, in most cases, all you need is a web domain and an idea; it doesn't take that much money to get going."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Millennials will be the majority of the workforce in 2015. Loosvelt agrees that more companies (like the ones ranked in the study) are putting more time and resources into their programs in order to attract top talent and retain them.

There has been a major switch as companies have been putting a greater emphasis on training and development in internship programs. "This is partly, I assume, because they realize it pays to do this. If you treat your internship program like one long training period (and now sometimes students will intern two and three summers with the same firm), once your interns start full time with you, they're ready to perform real work, not to mention they're apt to stay at your firm for a lot longer period of time-that is, they'll be less apt to jump ship to another firm just for the money since they have a stronger connection (more loyalty) to you," says Loosvelt.

"Companies are increasingly offering better benefits and perks," he adds, "as they understand that Millennials are interested in flexible schedules (to raise families and/or engage in outside-of-work activities) and in having a community feeling at work, which wasn't so much the case with respect to past generations."

Monday, December 22, 2014

4 career resolutions for 2015




2015's going to be a big year.

The economy has greatly improved and workers are finding in-demand skill sets that offer job security and lucrative opportunities, all in time for the arrival of 2015. Whether you’re actively looking for a new opportunity this year or are simply looking for some big career wins in the New Year, here are four career resolutions to keep.

1. Update your resume—whether you’re job-searching or not.“Often employees don't update their resumes, which can make it difficult to describe achievements that took place months, or even years ago,” says Arthur Kaptein, career consultant and author of “Ultimate Brainstorming: A Toolbox for Brainstormers and Facilitators.” “Employees should always update their resumes after they have achieved something, including the results that came from the achievements. This way employees will always be prepared for internal and external job opportunities … What accomplishments can help you to move ahead the coming year? How can you create new opportunities?”

2. Focus on work that gets results, and track your success.
“As a flexible working job site, we believe that productivity is better than 'presenteeism,’” says Olivia Carr, marketing and administration executive for Flexiworkforce.com, a UK-based job site. “One New Year’s resolution that we give to employees is to adopt a results-driven attitude. That means working to achieve aims rather than just sitting at a desk from nine to five. One way of doing this might be creating a list of tasks that need to be done and ticking off when they are achieved. Also, writing a daily report of tasks accomplished could help to improve organization and impress management.”

3. Create specific career goals that make a difference in your day.
“Reaching any career goal requires you to first know what it is that you really want to achieve,” says Cheryl Rich Heisler, president of Lawternatives, career consulting for lawyers exploring alternatives. “So before you set those New Year’s resolutions, ask yourself: What does ‘getting ahead’ mean for me? More money? More autonomy? A shorter commute? A longer title? Good goals are personal, quantifiable and achievable. Results also need to be measurable; if you make your goals and your company doesn't recognize you for those achievements, next year's goal should be to find a new organization who will!”

4. Map out specific tasks for your goals.
“First you have to figure out what it is you
really want to accomplish. Then it's a matter of mapping out the path (and timeline) for you to get there,” says Shalyeen Stuto, talent coordinator for Technology Advice, a technology consultant firm. “Things like reading one professional development book a month, establishing relationships with five industry professionals or writing one blog article per week might be great sub-goals to lead in the direction of a larger goal. It's crucial to set a timeline and to hold yourself accountable. Take time once a month to evaluate where you're at in reaching your goal!”

For more insight and information on career advancement, check out these top articles from CareerBuilder’s Advice & Resources page:

Sunday, December 21, 2014

5 Companies With Part-Time Jobs and Benefits Too

Where you needn't work full-time to get a 401(k) or insurance



new york city   oct 23 2013 ...

By Clair Jones

More and more people want to work part-time in retirement to bring in income and to remain engaged. Problem is, many part-time jobs don't come with benefits. But that's not true at all companies.

Below are five national employers that offer part-time workers competitive starting pay, health insurance, employer-matched retirement benefits, product discounts and industry perks. The health insurance coverage could be an especially desirable benefit until Medicare kicks in at age 65.

Starbucks
The ubiquitous coffee chain offers an impressive package of health benefits and incentives that makes part-time employees who meet certain qualifications feel like stakeholders in the business, just as full-timers do.

After you put in 240 hours over three consecutive months (the equivalent of four hours a day, five days a week, for example), when you work at least 20 hours a week, you're eligible for full benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability and a 401(k) match.

And you don't need to be a twentysomething to get a part-time job here. We "recruit and hire partners without regard to age," says Laurel Harper, a Starucks corporate representative.

Part-timers who meet the preceding qualifications can contribute 1 to 75 percent of their pay to the Starbucks 401(k), with an annual limit of $23,000 for people 50 or older. Starbucks matches 100 percent on the first 4 percent of pay and all contributions have immediate vesting.

Starbucks funds about 70 percent of health-premium costs for employees and covers 100 percent of preventive care services. Policies cover a wide range of non-traditional treatments, including acupuncture, chiropractic care and homeopathic care options. There's also mental health support and an emergency assistance fund that helps cover expenses after a natural disaster or a family crisis.

Starbucks also lets employees buy company stock at a 5 percent discount through payroll deductions and provides a 30 percent in-store discount as well as a weekly pound of free coffee or tea.

You can find more details about Starbucks benefits here.

> Find a job at Starbucks

UPS
Susan Rosenberg, UPS Public Relations Director, says her company employs "many retirees who are looking for the next chapter and seek reduced hours that have benefits." The primary part-time positions, she notes, are for package handlers who load, unload or sort within the operations.

"Age isn't really an issue; its ability and desire to do the job," says Rosenberg.

Part-time UPS employees must work only 15 hours a week to be eligible for health benefits. Coverage begins on the first day of the first full pay period following 30 days of employment and includes health, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as a discounted prescription drug program.

And if you'd like to take college classes when you're not working at UPS part-time, the company offers $5,250 in annual tuition assistance, up to $25,000 during employment there.

The company also has eldercare spending accounts to help reduce your caregiving costs and lets qualifying part-timers buy UPS stock at a discount.

Look here for a detailed description of UPS benefits and eligibility requirements.

> Find a job at UPS

REI
If you enjoy the great outdoors, REI - the outdoor recreation gear, sporting good and clothing giant - might be a good place for your part-time work in retirement.

The company subsidizes up to 96 percent of insurance premiums for employees who work 20 hours or more a week, pays the full cost of basic life and disability insurance and offers vision and dental insurance.

REI also lets part-timers contribute up to 75 percent of pay to the company's 401(k), with a match that starts at 3 percent and increases 1 percent per year of employment; maximum employer match: 10 percent. (You need to be in the plan for at least five years to keep the employer match money.) The annual employee contribution amount for people 50 and older tops out at $22,500.

If you're a nature-lover, REI's 50 percent discount on gear may be motivation enough to work part-time for the company.

Another perk: REI offers a 50 percent, pre-tax subsidy for commuting on public transportation.

Look here for a detailed description of REI benefits and eligibility requirements.

Whole Foods Market
The popular grocery chain Whole Foods "welcomes people seeking part-time employment," says Michael Silverman of the company's public relations department.

If you work there 20 hours a week or more, after 800 hours (that's 10 months of 20 hours a week) you can get health insurance for $0 to $15 a month - the actual cost of your premiums depends on how long you've worked at Whole Foods. Part-timers are also eligible for dental, vision, life insurance and paid time off.

And you can get up to $1,800 a year to help cover the cost of deductibles and other qualified out-of-pocket health care expenses not covered by insurance through a Whole Foods Personal Wellness Account or Health Savings Account.

As a recent Bloomberg BusinessWeek article noted, the Whole Foods 401(k) isn't especially generous, though. The maximum company match is just $152 a year and you need to work there a year to receive any match.

Part-timers also get a 20 percent discount on most in-store purchases and the company shares its wealth through stock options (for part-timers who've worked the equivalent of three years full-time) and a "gainsharing" program that rewards teams based on performance.

Look here for a detailed description of Whole Foods benefits and eligibility requirements.

> Find a job at Whole Foods

The Container Store
Next Avenue recently republished an article by Café.com's Deborah Copaken about getting rejected for a job at The Container Store at 48. But the chain's spokeswoman Casey Shilling says her company is "always looking for great employees of any age, career background and life experience that can make connections with our time-starved customers and who are eager to be part of a team that delivers exceptional customer service."

The Container Store provides part-time employees with medical, dental, life and vision insurance, as well as short-and long-term disability insurance. (Life insurance coverage is extended to domestic partners and common-law spouses). The company offers discounted pet insurance, too.

Employees are eligible to participate in The Container Store's 401(k) plan after working there 11 months and can contribute between 1 and 80 percent of gross pay. There's a 4 percent employer match.

You can also get a 40 percent discount on merchandise and 30 percent off installation fees.

Look here for a detailed description of Container Store benefits and eligibility requirements.

> Find a job at the Container Store

Friday, December 19, 2014

Best jobs in health care for 2015





CareerBuilder and MiracleWorkers.com put together a list of top jobs in health care for 2015.
In the wake of the recession, health care has led the march toward economic recovery, and we will likely see this industry’s rapid pace of growth continue in 2015. With the number of baby boomers in need of medical care on the rise, the coming year looks very promising for workers going into the health care field.
To put it in perspective, 28 health care jobs are projected to grow by at least 3 percent in 2015 — that’s more than twice the projected growth of the overall U.S. workforce (1.2 percent). What’s more, this growth will take place largely among high-earning jobs. Seventeen of those 28 jobs have median hourly earnings greater than $20 per hour.
CareerBuilder and MiracleWorkers.com put together a list of some of the best health care jobs for 2015. The list reflects how recent technological advancements will create high demand for specialized jobs, and how the needs of the aging baby boomer generation will continue to impact hiring in jobs related to their treatment and care.
The list was compiled based on projected percentage changes between 2014 and 2015, number of current jobs, and median hourly earnings.

Occupational therapy assistants: Help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Directly involved in providing therapy to patients.
  • 2014 jobs: 31,690
  • 2014-2015 % change: 5.0%
  • Median hourly earnings: $26.75
Physical therapist assistants: Work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. Help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain.
  • 2014 jobs: 74,844
  • 2014-2015 % change: 4.8%
  • Median hourly earnings: $25.79
Diagnostic medical sonographers: Specialize in creating images, known as sonograms or ultrasounds, of the body’s organs and tissues. Sonograms are often the first imaging test performed when disease is suspected. Diagnostic medical sonographers may work closely with physicians or surgeons before, during and after procedures.
  • 2014 jobs: 60,626
  • 2014-2015 % change: 4.8%
  • Median hourly earnings: $32.44
Genetic counselors: Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information and advice to other health care providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.
  • 2014 jobs: 2,482
  • 2014-2015 % change: 4.5%
  • Median hourly earnings: $29.75
Nurse practitioners: Serve as primary and specialty care providers, providing advanced nursing services to patients and their families. Assess patients, determine the best method to improve or manage a patient’s health, and discuss ways to integrate health promotion strategies into a patient’s life. They typically care for a certain population of people (e.g., adult and geriatric health, pediatric health, or psychiatric and mental health).
  • 2014 jobs: 118,477
  • 2014-2015 % change: 3.8%
  • Median hourly earnings: $45.20
As recent technological advancements become more widespread and allow more and more medical facilities to offer new services and treatments to their patients, the demand for skilled health care workers will continue to grow. And as a larger portion of the population ages and begins to require care, health care will continue to be at the forefront of economic recovery.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

26 High-Paying Jobs That You Can Get With An Associate's Degree

No college experience required



cockpit detail. cockpit of a...
Avionics technicians: high median salary, no bachelor's degree required.
By Jacquelyn Smith

Don't have the time or money to get a bachelor's degree? It turns out that plenty of two-year associate's degrees have a high return on investment.

According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the 26 highest-paying jobs that require only an associate's degree. Each has a median annual salary of at least $50,000.

This is an update of a story originally written by Vivian Giang.


26. Mechanical Drafters

Median annual wage (2012): $50,360

Projected job openings (through 2022): 8,900
Work experience: None
Description: Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
> Find a job as a mechanical drafter


25. Industrial Engineering Technicians

Median annual wage (2012): $50,980

Projected job openings (through 2022): 14,100
Work experience: None
Description: Help industrial engineers implement designs to use personnel, materials, and machines in factories, stores, healthcare organizations, repair shops, and offices.
On-the-job training: None





Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics


24. Electromechanical Technicians

Median annual wage (2012): $51,820

Projected job openings (through 2022): 4,300
Work experience: None
Description: Install, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems, like robotic assembly machines.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
> Find a job as an electromechanical technician


Read more 26 High-Paying Jobs That You Can Get With An Associate's Degree

Friday, December 12, 2014

The 50 Best Places to Work in 2015

Including the fast food chain that beat out Apple


Friday, December 5, 2014

These Are the 10 Most Dangerous Jobs in America

Caution: do not remove helmet at any time




coal mining machine with...
Mining machine operators: which way do you point this thing?

To some extent, every job is dangerous. You could develop back problems from years of poor desk posture, or a case of carpal tunnel if you spend your days frenziedly typing away. But there are some jobs where the risks are markedly greater than that of your average desk jockey--risks that could cost you your very life (or at least a couple of fingers).

We scoped out the Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest report on occupational injuries to find the ten most dangerous jobs in America--the ones that give new meaning to the phrase "this job is killing me." Click through below...if you dare.


10. Construction worker

*Fatal work injury rate: 17.7

Total fatal work injuries in 2013: 215
*per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
> Find a job in construction


9. Electrical and power-line installers and repairers

Fatal work injury rate: 21.5

Total fatal work injuries in 2013: 27
> Find a job as a power-line installer/repairer

8. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

Fatal work injury rate: 21.8

Total fatal work injuries in 2013: 220
> Find an agricultural job

7. Driver/sales workers and truck drivers

Fatal work injury rate: 22.0

Total fatal work injuries in 2013: 748
> Find a trucking job


Read more  These Are the 10 Most Dangerous Jobs in America

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Companies Hiring in December

Give yourself the present of a new job this month



decorative red ribbon and bow...

By Debra Auerbach, CareerBuilder writer

There are surely plenty of items on your December to-do list: shopping for presents, decorating the house, making plans for New Year's Eve, prepping for the onslaught of colder weather. While you may have a lot on your plate (both figuratively and literally, right?) the last month of the year, if you're in need of a job or desire a new opportunity, don't forget about adding "find job" to your list.

Not only are some businesses hiring last minute for the holidays, other companies may be starting to fulfill their staffing needs for the new year. Check out the following 20 companies hiring in December for some great opportunities to help end your year on a high note:

1. Acclivity Healthcare
Industry: Health care, staffing and recruiting
Sample job titles: Bilingual medical appointment scheduler, certified coder, hospital admitting representative, hospital collector, insurance verification specialist, licensed vocational nurse, medical appointment scheduler, medical assistant, medical billing customer service representative, medical charge entry biller, pediatric medical assistant, pharmacy customer contact specialist, private pay medical collector
Location: Arizona, Texas

2. Almost Family
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Home health aide, RN/LPN, case manager, physical therapist, occupational therapist
Location: Ohio, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Tennessee

3. Applied Research Associates
Industry: Defense and space, government contractor
Sample job titles: Systems engineer, software developer, junior software developer, computational research engineer, technical intern, mechanics engineer, security specialist
Location: Reston and Fort Belvoir, Va.; Raleigh, N.C.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; Panama City, Fla.

4. CDK Global
Industry: Information technology, digital marketing
Sample job titles: Software engineer, digital sales executive, network solutions engineer, client support team manager
Location: Chicago; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; Detroit

5. Corus360
Industry: IT consulting and professional services
Sample job titles: Network engineer, systems engineer, application developer, project manager, information security analyst, security engineer, front-end developer, data center architect, Web developer, mainframe engineer, cloud engineer
Location: Chicago; Atlanta, Macon and Alpharetta, Ga.; Hagerstown, Md.; Wilmington, Del.; Minneapolis

6. Equity Staffing Group
Industry: IT, engineering, finance and accounting, health care
Sample job titles: Front end developer, senior network engineer, pharmacy tech
Location: Nationwide

7. Eskenazi Health
Industry: Health care/hospital system
Sample job titles: Clinical nurse specialist, respiratory care practitioner, clinician, patient service assistant – ambulatory care, nurse coordinator, admitting coordinator
Location: Indianapolis

8. Extended Stay America
Industry: Hospitality
Sample job titles: Housekeeper, guest services, general manager
Location: Nationwide

9. Fiesta Restaurant Group (owners of Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana)
Industry: Restaurant/food service
Sample job titles: Restaurant manager, restaurant shift supervisor, team member
Location: New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia

10. Granite Construction
Industry: Construction
Sample job titles: Project engineer, environmental manager, superintendent
Location: Orlando, Fla.; Sacramento, Calif.

11. Haverty Furniture Companies
Industry: Furniture retail
Sample job titles: Sales consultant, customer service, in-home designer, warehouse material handler
Location: Texas; Florida; Georgia; Washington, D.C.; Tennessee

12. Jabil
Industry: Manufacturing
Sample job titles: Systems architect, engineer
Location: Nationwide

13. Linden Bulk Transportation
Industry: Trucking
Sample job titles:
Owner operator CDL driver, Class A CDL driver
Location: Linden, N.J.; Bensalem, Pa.; Pasadena and Houston, Texas; St. Gabriel, La.

14. MedStar Health
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Registered nurse, medical assistant, application analyst and developer, SiTEL staff, PeopleSoft analyst, marketing director, financial services director
Location: Baltimore, Md.; Washington, D.C.

15. SafeAuto Insurance
Industry: Insurance
Sample job titles: Financial accountant, full stack Web developer, accounting analyst, payroll, network engineer, QA analyst
Location: Columbus, Ohio

16. Santander Bank N.A.
Industry: Banking
Sample job titles: Branch manager, teller, accounting and finance analyst
Location: Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island

17. Think Direct Marketing Group
Industry: Sales and marketing
Sample job titles: Customer retention associate, subscription sales associate, home agent sales associate
Location: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina

18. TMX Finance
Industry: Financial services
Sample job titles: Call center representative, store manager, district manager, general manager, customer service representative, bilingual customer service representative
Location: Nationwide

19. UPS
Industry: Packaging/transportation
Sample job titles: Package handler, driver
Location: Nationwide

20. Valeo Resources
Industry: Staffing and recruiting
Sample job titles: Director of nursing, nurse practitioner, behavioral health tech, clinical director, staff counselor
Location: Florida, New Jersey, Georgia

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