This chart shows you the 50 best jobs in America

This chart shows you the 50 best jobs in AmericaThis chart shows you the 50 best jobs in AmericaGo to college and get a high-paying job.Thats what most parents say they want for their children. But its hard to figure out which career path offers both high compensation and widespread demand. Thats why we created a new visualization breaking down the top 50 best jobs in America according toU.S. News World Report.U.S. News developed its ranking of the best jobs by taking into account a variety of factors. They considered work-life balance, stress levels, and room for long-term career advancement. We took the top 50 and narrowed the focus to the two key things that really matter, compensation and projected job growth. We maintained the same order from 1 to 50, but our approach reveals that high job growth doesnt necessarily equate to high salaries, especially when there are low barriers to entry.Heres what we mean. All of the occupations at the top of the ranking generate six-figure inc omes with the exceptions of statisticians ($84.1k) and occupational therapists ($83.2k). There are several jobs in themedical field where applicants can expect to earn substantially more than $200,000, including orthodontists, obstetricians and surgeons. But look at the orange bars, which indicate how many new jobs researchers expect will be created in the coming years. We can rightly infer there is a relatively high bar of entry into these fields, namely, medical school. Not just anyone can become a doctor.Now compare these high-paying jobs with the middle and lower parts of the visual. There are a number of jobs with a reasonable degree of specialization, high pay and abundant job growth. Business operations managers, for example, can expect to make $100.4k while seeing well over 200,000 new similar positions in the next decade. And there are also very low-paid occupations with very little training required, like landscapers.If youre thinking about making a career change, there ar e two occupations that stand out to us. The Internet Age requires software developers. They have the best job overall according to U.S. News, and its easy to see why with the combination of high pay and strong future job growth. Plus, the nature of writing software is engaging and intellectually difficult.And second, Baby Boomers are entering their golden years and require lots of additional nurses, a job which requires professional certification. And although lots of people will clearly become nurses in the coming years, theres an obvious wage floor of about $70k that would provide almost anyone with a comfortable life.DataTable 1.1This article was originally published on HowMuch.

Being a Forensic Ballistics Expert

Being a Forensic Ballistics ExpertBeing a Forensic Ballistics ExpertIts a tough job, but somebodys got to do it. Perhaps youve seen them on CSI or Mythbusters. Batman even tried his hand at it in The Dark Knight. Forensic ballistics experts can be found throughout popular culture, on television, in books, and in movies. With the popularity of so many crime shows and films, its easy to see why someone would be interested in such a fascinating career as a ballistics expert. What Forensic Ballistic Experts Do Forensic ballistics analysis is a specialty within forensic science. Like fruchtwein forensics investigators, forensic ballistics experts perform the bulk of their investigative work in a laboratory. The evidence they analyze, however, is collected in the field. Ballistics experts may examine a crime scene themselves, or they may simply analyze evidence submitted to them by other crime scene investigators, detectives, or versicherungspolice officers. Forensics ballistics expert s specialize in looking at anything that has to do with firearms, from identification of a specific round or weapon to determining the trajectory of a bullet. Ballistics experts can identify the caliber of a round and, with the help of national databases, can learn where the bullet was manufactured and possibly even the gun that fired it. Additionally, forensic ballistics experts may be involved in crime scene mapping. With computer-aided design programs, photogrammetry and laser measuring tools, ballistics experts can determine the location from which a round was fired or the direction it traveled, making the search for physical evidence easier. These crime scene maps can be used to create diagrams for police reports or courtroom presentations. Ballistics experts may be called to lift fingerprints from spent shell casings or help collect DNA samples from expended rounds. The job of a forensic ballistics expert often includes Collecting evidencePerforming gunshot residue analysisPho tographing crime scenesAnalyzing firearms evidenceIdentifying the caliber of bulletsIdentifying the type of firearm usedFiring test roundsWriting reportsProviding courtroom testimony Ballistics experts can expect to work standard business hours, but they may be called to a crime scene at any hour. Often, the scenes they investigate are grisly, due to the nature of the crimes they respond to. Most forensic ballistic experts work for large police or sheriffs offices or a state or federal crime lab. With experience, though, ballistics experts can earn lucrative salaries working as consultants or contractors in the private sector. Many expertswork for attorneys or private investigative firms. Education and Skill Requirements Like other forensic science technicians, forensic ballistics experts must typically have a bachelors degree or relevant comparable experience in the natural sciences. Specifically, a strong understanding of physics is necessary. In addition to a college educatio n, ballistics experts must undergo extensive training and maintain a strong working knowledge of all areas related to ballistics, such as types of firearms, types of bullets, muzzle velocities and gunshot residue, to name just a few. The Job Outlook All areas within forensic science investigations are expected to see higher than average growth over the next several years. It is due largely in part to continued advances in technology and an increased public interest in, and demand for, better analysis of evidence. The Average Salary Annual salary potential for ballistics experts can range between around $30,00 to more than $80,00, with the average salary near $55,000 per year. Getting Started on a Career Its important to remember that forensic ballistics experts, like bloodstain pattern analysts and other forensic specialists, often start out as general forensic science technicians and work their way into a specialty. Entry level positions as a ballistics expert, then, wi ll be few and far between. Instead, those interested in a ballistics expert career will want to consider entering the workforce as a forensic technician and gain the required training and experience on the job. How to Determine if a Career as a Forensic Ballistics Expert is Right for You If you are interested in a criminology career and have a fond appreciation for firearms or physics, a career as a forensic ballistics expert may be a great choice for you. The work of a ballistics expert provides the perfect blend of fieldwork, science, and problem-solving for even the most curious and inquisitive mind. The job is not for the faint of heart, but if you have a strong stomach and enjoy puzzles, working as a forensic ballistics effort may be the perfect criminal justice career

Hiring a Music Lawyer

Hiring a Music LawyerHiring a Music LawyerIf youre entering into any kind of deal in the music industry where money and contracts are involved, you should probably hire an entertainment or music lawyer. Youre looking for someone who specializes in things like record labelcontracts, and who knows the industry. Finding an entertainment lawyer for the first time can be a little overwhelming, but it is possible to find one who understands your needs and your budget. Dont wait to hire a lawyer if you think you need one (or even if youre bedrngnis totally sure). Here are some steps to take when you want to hire a music lawyer. Determine Your Needs Music lawyers are under the umbrella of entertainment law, and many specialize in a certain part of the music industry. Understanding what you need legal help with will make it easier for you to find a lawyer who is up to the task. Knowing whether you are looking to build a long-term relationship with a lawyer is also something to consider. D o you need an entertainment lawyer on a one-time basis, or do you need to keep a lawyer on retainer? If youre new to the business and this is your first contract, you probably dont need to put a lawyer on a (costly) retainer. That kind of arrangement is more appropriate for a label managing multiple artists, or someone negotiating numerous contracts with different parties. Maybe you need help with contract negotiation or dealing with intellectual property issues. If youre not sure, better to get a lawyer to find out. If possible, your lawyer should be present with you during any negotiations with the other party. At the very least, your lawyer needs to read over and approve any contracts or other documents before you sign them. How to Find a Lawyer Once you know what you need from a lawyer, start asking those in your music industry circles. You are almost certain to know someone who has had to visit a lawyer for a music industry issue before. There is no substitute for a recomme ndation from someone who has had a good experience with a music lawyer, or a warning from someone who has been burned. Your contacts contacts are your best pool of information. But its also smart to do some independent research. Start by doing a Google search for entertainment lawyers in your area. Who do they represent? Have they ever been sued or had any legal issues of their own? These are the questions youll want to have answered before you hire anyone. Recommendations are the best way to find a lawyer. But obviously, you should decline any advice from the party on the other side of your legal issue. They may have good intentions, but you cant be too sure. You want someone who is representing your interests without any conflicts. If you live in a town without any music- or entertainment-focused attorneys, expand your search. Read reviews from old clients and check out websites to figure out who specializes in what part of the music industry. While you are doing your research, be sure to check for any complaints about your short list of lawyer names with the bar association. Avvo.com can also help. Meet With Your Short List Whether you do it by phone or in person, have a brief question and answer session with your short list of lawyers. Find out what they specialize in, how soon they can work on your case, how much they charge and what their payment terms are. If you get a bad feeling or just dont hit it off with a candidate, dont feel any obligation to hire them. After you have had your anfangsbuchstabe meetings with your short list, choose the lawyer that has the skills for your particular case at a price you can afford. It is also important that you feel comfortable with your lawyer. You need someone who listens to you and wants to get you the best possible deal.

Differences Between a Resume Objective and Summary

Differences Between a Resume Objective and SummaryDifferences Between a Resume Objective and SummaryAt the top of most resumes, you will find a summary or an objective. But what are the differences between a resume objective and summary? It turns out the differences are quite important and very big.1. Objectives are almost obsolete. Summaries are common.You will find this is a popular opinion amongst those who have to read resumes and make hiring decisions Objectives are dead. This advice usually appears right next to advice on how to write the perfect summary.The reason objectives are not commonly used is explained below. Currently, more than 90% of resumes contain a summary instead of an objective. You will find more advice from resume writers stating why objectives should be completely left off. However, there is a time and place for them.2. Objectives are what the job candidate wants. Summaries are what the job candidate provides.Objectives used to be all about, I plan on doing t his in my career and this is where I hope to be one day. They were statements of ambitions geared to let the company know your objectives are aligned with the job description and company. If you wanted to state what your mission is to an employer, an objective would be great.However, over the belastung 15 to 20 years companies started finding a summary much more useful. The company has its objectives, and summaries showif the job candidate can help the company achieve them.Ultimately, companies wanted to know more about the value the job candidate brings to the company and what he/she could do for the business. The summary is more of a giving statement than a wanting statement.3. Objectives are suited for college graduates or career changes.Objectives work great for those with no experience to add in a summary. You would use an objective to explain what you want to do because you have no experience to summarize. The same applies if you are changing careers. You have to state what yo u intend to do because a summary is for those with a long work history in a specific career.4. Objectives and summaries are structured differently.An objective can almost be structured like a really short cover letter of only a few sentences. A summary will be more focused on the needs of the employer while still remaining short and succinct. Both an objective and summary can be about the same length of 40 to 50 words.

How to speak up and advocate for your accomplishments at work

How to speak up and advocate for your accomplishments at workHow to speak up and advocate for your accomplishments at workJust because youre an introvert doesnt mean you dont have a lot to offer your workplace.Heres how to advocate for yourself in the office when youre not the most outgoing employee in the bunch.Show your enthusiasm when you talkCIO Magazine features an article about how shy people like those in IT can get better at self-promotion, with commentary from career coach Curt Rosengren, who used to work in tech.The hang-up most people have with self-promotion has to do with the fact that they dont like to talk about themselves, particularly in the context of greatness. So its helpful to think of self-promotion not as talking about yourself, but as talking about your work.And if youre enthusiastic about your work, self-promotion becomes that much easier, notes Curt Rosengren, the career coach.If youre talking about a technology or project that youre passionate about, the se lf-promotion becomes a byproduct of the passion, he says.Assume a roleAn article in The Cut about how self-conscious people can get better at self-promotion includes the tip, pretend youre playing a part. The piece features advice from Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and the author of How to Be Yourself. After she talks in detail about entering a role, the article continuesIts a nice way of tricking yourself into doing something you dont want to do. But after the fact, remember to look back, and to mentally stitch those two selves back together. If you look back and youre like, Huh, I just gave a talk to 500 people. Hmm. Maybe I can do that, Hendriksen said, this can be a sort of backward route to self-confidence. By watching yourself do it, you start to believe you can do it. Its thinking, Okay, maybe now I can give a talk, or be on stage. Not just me in this role, but me, as myself. But I think that only happens in hindsight. Show off what youre good atStephanie P eterson, co-founder of PhotoFeeler.com, writes in The Muse that introverts should identify (and flaunt) your quiet strengths.Once youve recognized what your strengths are, try to find ways to call attention to them in the office. For me, that simply meant saying out loud what I was already thinking. Ive always preferred reading non-fiction at home to crowded social events on the weekends, but during conversation with acquaintances and colleagues, I neglected to voice the references that came to mind. It wasnt until opening up that I gained a reputation as a trusty source of thoughtful, interesting information.

Purdue Owl Resume: No Longer a Mystery

Purdue Owl Resume No Longer a Mystery Application businesses are throughout the internet, so you could have come across My Perfect Curriculum vitae. Thats because your documents should fit your personal work history and the demands of the job for which youre applying. Bear in mind this specific template is ideal for people with some or significant work experience only. Templates also show you exactly what elements you will need to put in your document. That hiring manager needs to be fired. Rather than mentioning ways to help your organization succeed, state directly that you are able to help XYZ Company to succeed. Many occasions the ideal job applicant is screened out due to an inadequate job application. You dont need to contact them about each job opportunity but if you are especially interested in a position and its looking positive, call the reference and explain what the provider is searching for. A Startling Fact about Purdue Owl Resume Uncovered Thats the reason why we must make sure your resume stands out from the crowd (in a very good way). But remember how you format your resume is extremely important based on how much experience youve got, or in case you have any job gaps. Many start searching through the forums searching for a good slice of advice. A Secret Weapon for Purdue Owl Resume Summaries are usually utilised to condense bigger texts into more manageable chucks. The exact first key is to comprehend how resumes are arranged. It is possible to also use a template to make your personalized resumes and letters. Keep in contact with your job references. As a consequence, imagination itself will take a new definition. If you decide to go with a paragraph narrative, then your creative writing skills want to be strong. Online writing labs play a significant role in writing center assistance since they allow writers to use a number of the centers resources remotely. If you need assistance incorporating your sources into your essay, the very first thing youre going to want to bear in mind is that quotes cannot stand alone--they cant be set in a sentence all by themselves. This writing company makes sure their papers are all the good quality and all the customers are pleased. The internet site will request that you decide on a deal in an attempt to download or print your new resume. Gladly, theres an expert on-line help that could help you with any type of academic paper. Use the search box to find precisely what you want to get. These individuals must be ready to answer questions about you and know what things to anticipate. In case you had only left out a number of words in mid-sentence, then you wouldnt require a period. However, everything changes and we attempt to keep yourself updated with the times. Lastly, youre the owl at purdue owl. It to find more details about purdue owl. Now, with OWL, the very same help can be found via electronic mail for everybody on the web. The Downside Ris k of Purdue Owl Resume Future employers wish to observe how your experience has prepared you to fulfill their requirements. Even if your blog isnt associated with the organization or position, it is going to reveal your writing skills and provide the employer more insight in your nature and interests. I think theres an increasing awareness that success in any certain field depends on being in a position to write and communicate information in the area, Harris states. Use keywords from the work description if at all possible. Finding the info is as easy as typing in an e-mail message. Full Driving Entitlements a Facilities Director, you will probably be requested to oversee a lot more than 1 webpage at exactly the same moment. What You Need to Do About Purdue Owl Resume Beginning in the Next Six Minutes Hiring managers also are looking for answers to some crucial questions in your resume. Lists, as a rule of thumb, are also simpler to write. To assist you understand whats a prospect for ada section 508 compliance. For instance, if an example resume lacks a skills section, but you wish to include one, you need to do so. A work software is simply a promotion with the vital objective to get the candidate a piece conference. As you arent centered on getting the suitable undertaking, well ensure you dont miss any Therefore its good in the occasion that you are able to make changes based on the work and business youre employing. If you have to miss an interview, you need to cancel it in advance. In various ways, an objective replaces a lot of the detail you would set in your professional experience section. If you would like to find high high quality research and thesis papers punctually and for a fair price, you should probably attempt using EssaySupply.com. In this instance, your publishing history could play an important part in whether youre hired or not. The Purdue Owl Resume Game The Purdue OWL provides global support through internet ref erence materials and solutions. A number of the handouts include exercises that would be beneficial for teachers, too, Harris states. When you initiate the application, you will be provided access to a digital classroom interface. What to Expect From Purdue Owl Resume? Following that, adjudge if you wish to go on addition date. Use ellipsis marks should you want to leave something from the midst of a quotation (perhaps its not needed or will make your quotation too long).

Intuit Together We Prosper

Intuit Together We Prosper We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to prosper, but opportunities dont come equally. When industries evolve, people and communities get left behind. Intuit invests in people by bringing Prosperity Hubs into distressed communities. By creating new jobs, promoting financial well-being through education programs, and teaching skills that accelerate entrepreneurship, Prosperity Hubs are helping local economies rebuild and thrive. Because Intuit believes that TogetherWeProsperTo join the team at Intuit, click here to see all of their available opportunities and dont forget to press Follow to receive custom job matches, event invitations and mora One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the brde time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it i s also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives lumineszenzdiode to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contrib utor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

The Importance of Having an Opinion at Work

The Importance of Having an Opinion at Work The Importance of Having an Opinion at Work In school, were taught to understand both sides of every issue. If you can argue for and against a point, youre more likely to truly understand all dimensions of the problem at hand.In the workplace, its also helpful to understand all angles of an issue. Earlier in my career, I worked in strategy roles. My internal customers, so to speak, were C-level executives. When I shared my ideas, I tried to remain balanced, presenting both sides of the argument. I wanted to be unbiased in my approach.But one executive I worked for wanted to know my ideas. On multiple occasions, he would ask me, But Angela, what do you really think about this issue? He once told meI was the only employee hed ever had whose personal opinion he couldnt guess. In a way, this felt good. I was separating the business and the personal.Over the years, Ive learned that this is not always the best approach. Recently, something happ ened to remind me of this point. Ive been working with a smart person to help me on a project. The person is an expert in an area I know nothing about. I respect their experience and perspectives. When it was time to make a decision, I asked the person, What do you think about this? The person responded with, Well, I generally try not to influence my clients with my own opinions.There are certain times in your career when youre brought in to work on a project because you know more about a particular subject than anyone else in the room. When that happens, its time to share your opinion. Its time to have thoughts based on your past experiences. To a degree, its okay to have biases in that moment. The bias you have is your past experience guiding you past experience that nobody else in the room has.Dont get me wrong. There are times at work when your employer is just looking for someone to complete a task. In those moments, theyre not looking for feedback, suggestions, or improvement s.But when youre hired to be a consultant, a strategist, or a high-level thinker, you should have an opinion. Your opinion will guide your client to success. It will take them to a level that they wouldnt be able to reach on their own. Thatswhy they hired you. If they were just looking for a button pusher, theyd find someone cheaper todo the job.So stand up and speak up. When its your turn to have an opinion, have one. And if you dont have one for a specific reason, explain that. But be sure the reason is not because youre avoiding having to say something.Its true, you may fail if you speak up. But failure happens to everyone. Plus, with your experience and your expertise, youre the person least likely to fail in the room. Your boss knows that, and theyre depending on you to help out.You can only do that if you have an opinion.A version of this article originally appeared in theMemphis Daily News.Angela Copeland is a career coach and CEO at her firm,Copeland Coaching.

Navigating a Personal Crisis at Work

Navigating a Personal Crisis at WorkNavigating a Personal Crisis at WorkNormally, I am that reliable co-worker you can always count on- the one who never calls in sick. But that all changed a year ago, with a first trimester miscarriage, the loss of my aunt who I was extremely close to, and abedrngnisher miscarriage where I had to have surgery.This rollercoaster of unfortunate events could have knocked me down, made me not want to get out of bed, and affected my performance at work. But instead, I chose to stay positive and do everything I could to keep going, especially at the office.I hope that you will never have to deal with a personal crisis, but if you do, here are three things that helped me move from my bed to my desk- and get the best assessment ratings that Ive ever received at work.1. Dont Worry About Work When Youre Picking Up the PiecesAfter my first miscarriage, I headed right back to work and didnt give myself enough time to grieve and heal. I consumed myself with my j ob, and I used it as a way to not deal with what had happened.But this was the wrong approach. A few months later, the grief hit me even harder because I had never dealt with my emotions in the first place. Work became extremely tough, and it seemed like little issues that I could normally handle were making me overly emotional. I was fragile, but no one around me knew what was really going on.After my second miscarriage, I knew I needed more time off to take care of myself. So I took a week off and worked from home for another week. This allowed me to handle my emotions earlier, instead of using work as a crutch to avoid the feelings that I needed to go through (and then eventually falling apart later). My entry back to work after my second miscarriage was a whole lot easier because I took more time off for myself.2. Be Honest With Your Co-WorkersInitially, I didnt want to tell anyone I worked with what I was going through. I thought about just saying I was sick for a week. But I k new that was so unlike me that it needed a better explanation.I realized that, when I opened up and let everyone know what I was going through, they were able to understand better. They were happy to pick up my workload right away, and they didnt expect me to be doing anything. Because they were so supportive, I could really focus on myself. On the other hand, if I had just said I was sick, I would have been worried about work my entire time off.If you dont feel like you can talk to your manager about what you are going through, ask your friends or family to help you. After my first miscarriage, my husband called my manager and let her know what was going on. My boss then contacted my co-workers and clients so no one expected me to be answering emails or phone calls. Even if you have a ton of work piling up (like I did), youll likely find that your manager and co-workers will be more than willing to pick up the pieces.3. Dont Miss Out on Your BenefitsI worked for the same company fo r six years and never understood my benefits. I realized later than I would have liked to know that my company offered some amazing benefits, including free confidential counseling and research programs.Look in to the programs that are available to you, and dont hesitate to take advantage of them. Even though counseling isnt talked about much, its not something to be afraid of, and it doesnt mean you are weak (or crazy). Counseling was a huge part of helping me get back to normal so that I could complete my work assignments and better manage my work relationships during the difficult times.My company benefits also covered medical research programs- I could have someone complete a research report about a medical condition I had and email it to me. This information was so helpful, and it would have taken me weeks to do by myself.Its tough to make that first step and to ask someone else for help, but I promise, youll be so glad you did. If I hadnt made that choice to put myself first, I wouldnt have been able to perform well at work and continue to do the things that I love to do everyday (like helping young professionals find jobs on my blog).Above all, remember that you are not alone in your struggles and that there are ways to deal with your personal issues and totenstill perform fabulously at work. As hard as things may seem, dont give up, and dont deal with your crisis alone.Photo of stressed man courtesy of Shutterstock.

My Career Path from Executive Assistant to Vice President

My Career Path from Executive Assistant to Vice PresidentMy Career Path from Executive Assistant to Vice PresidentHow did one administrative professional follow a career path from executive assistant to vice president of an international training organization? Learn the three skills you can embrace for an engaging career.Ive been immersed in the role of the administrative professional for the last 17 years. In fact, my abflug in the administrative career welches as a temporary professional for OfficeTeam filling roles at a variety of assignments in numerous industries medical, financial, media and mora.In this span of time, Ive had roles where I shined and roles where I was quite the opposite of shining.Heres what Ive learned and how it has contributed to my successful transition from executive assistant to vice president of Office Dynamics International.Be observantPay attention to the things that are said. What do yur leaders wish they could get done? What is of value to them that keeps getting pushed aside because they simply dont have the time?Pay attention to the things that they dont say. Body language, facial expression, attitude, resistance what are these non-verbal cues telling you about your work environment and the leaders you rckendeckung?Pay attention to the surroundings, the people leaders care about and the things they value. These insights can prove valuable.Remember that familiarity breeds complacency. Stay alert and on top of your game, no matter how long youve been in your position. When you pay attention to the points Ive mentioned above, youre equipped to fill a need simply by listening and understanding.When I began working for our founder and CEO, Joan Burge, I would hear her say revamping a program was important to her and I could see that it would greatly impact her business if she invested the time in the program. Yet, she wasnt getting to this important project. I picked up on her cues and stated that I recognized the importance of this project to her as well as the impact it would have on the organization. I asked what I could do to assist her in getting the project started. She hadnt thought about how I could get involved, but after hearing the needs and being observant, I came to the table with ideas and the program rejuvenation was a great success.Did you know that a majority of both managers and admins feel that support staff are more valued by their employers than they were 10 years ago? Download OfficeTeams Office of the Future Guide to learn more about top traits and attributes shared among the best administrative professionals.Be open to getting outside your comfort zoneDont ever let fear hold you back and keep you small. In order to continue developing professionally, there will come a time when you will be challenged. And that is a good thing, even if failure is on the other side of that challenge.The most tremendous amount of growth and showcasing of any aspect of my skill set has taken place when I was doing things outside my comfort zone. Allow yourself to try new things and be surprised.One of the most amazing parts of working with Joan Burge for the last nine years has been that shes always had faith in my abilities and often challenged me with new projects or leadership roles. I was often terrified on the inside, but would say yes to the new opportunities that came my way because I believed I could achieve them. One of the most memorable examples was when she asked me to speak at our Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence. I had never written a session before and I would be speaking in front of 250 of my peers. It took a lot of preparation and skill development. I wasnt amazing or perfect on my first go, but its given me the chance to develop a skill set I may have never otherwise had a chance to flex.Subscribe to the Robert Half newsletter for free articles and resources to help you land a new job and succeed in your career - all sent directly to your inbox.Be engaged in your careerI grew from administrative assistant to executive assistant and then to vice president in my career with increased responsibilities as I transitioned to each new role. One of the most impactful things I did along the way was to act as if. This means to act as if I was responsible for the company. I believe, as administrators, we have great impact on the companies we work for. What would Joan do? was a mantra of mine for a long time.My engagement has come from a genuine care and concern for my employer and the cause we serve. As you navigate your own career path, channel your engagement by finding what drives you at work. What are you most passionate about? Is it supporting others, the cause of your organization, or a genuine respect or admiration for the people you support?Everyones career path looks different. In fact, our desires for our own career paths can be vastly different.My parting tips for you as you reach for your career goals areLook forward with a plan in mind for yourself.Be flexible with your plan.Pay attention to the people and environment around you.Always show up and do your best work.Try new things, even if they scare you a little.Find a cause youre fired up about and let your passion show.What steps have you taken that have allowed you to advance in your career? Share them with others below.Jasmine Freeman is vice president of Office Dynamics International. She has been very involved in the marketing and social media side of the business, making sure the company and its founder and CEO Joan Burge are known and connected to administrative professionals worldwide. Shes a contributing author to three books Life Choices Putting the Pieces Together, Life Choices Its Never Too Late and Amazon best-seller Who Took My Pen ... Again? Jasmine is also a TEDx speaker (check out her talk From Zero to Silly).