How to Launch a Career in Fintech

How to Launch a Career in Fintech How to Launch a Career in Fintech Financial technology, more broadly known as fintech, is undoubtedly here to stay.As the new era of the digital economy has unfolded, startups and companies have been building innovative technologies to disrupt the financial services sector, be it through online marketplaces, mobile apps, artificial intelligence, or robotics. With the rise of fintech comes the need for talent in this space.So, what does it take for someone to land a job in this booming sector? Technical Skills and Soft SkillsWhether you are on the entrepreneurial path or looking for a job in fintech, having a blend of both technical and business acumen is extremely helpful.Those looking to launch a fintech startup - perhaps todevelop a mobile app or platzset up an online store - will be most successful if they have a general management skill set that includes everything from sales and relationship management to finance, marketing, analytics, and pr oduct management.Those looking to pursue careers with fintech companies, on the other hand, need to have unique profiles and skill sets that will help them command the best-paying jobs. These professionals should have the necessary business acumen, and they should be able to confidently - and accurately - speak the language of financial services. A mix of STEMknowledgeandcoding experience is also a huge plus.Since fintech jobs typically require working with cross-functional teams under tight deadlines, soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork will make you a particularly valuable asset, whether youre working with a company or launching your own startup. Tips on Landing a Fintech JobFintech is a rapidly growing and quickly evolving space. To set themselves up for long-term success, job seekers need to keep track of all the players and stay ahead of emerging trends. Here are some tips on where to startDo your researchLearnthe ecosystem, sectors, and players. Wha t products are excited about? Dig further into the history of the industry and any company for which youd like to work. See how the company evolved and what opportunities may lie ahead.Understand how your skills and strengths align with a prospectivecompanys needsAssess your cultural fit. Can you thrive in a startup environment, or do you need to join a more established enterprise in the fintech space, such as a bank? In drafting your resume, be sure to highlight projects, internships, and other experiences that showcaseskills that are clearly relevant to thefintech job you are targeting.Build your fintech networkFintech events are the best places to start networking. To find potential mentors and leads on job opportunities, tryparticipatinginconferences likeMIT FinTech Conference,Empire Startups Fintech Conference, Techfest, or a Startup Open Houseevent. You can also build connections with fintech professionals through LinkedIn.Sharpen your skillsEnroll in an MBA or other masters p rogram that offers electives or specializations in fintech, data analytics, and/or artificial intelligence. At Smith School of Business, for instance, programs such as the Master of Management Analytics, Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence, and Master of Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship are popular for those looking to pursue fintech careers. Wherever you plan to enroll, make sure the school provides info sessions and networking events that will help you get plugged into the fintech ecosystem.As withany other industry, there will always be challenges in launching a career in fintech. With much diligence and perseverance, however, pursuing a career in the sector can be very rewarding.Karen Jackson-Cox is executive director of the Career Advancement Centre at Smith School of Business.

Drivable Cars for Kids with Mobility Issues

Drivable Cars for Kids with Mobility Issues Drivable Cars for Kids with Mobility Issues Drivable Cars for Kids with Mobility IssuesMaybe youve seen a toddler or small child behind the wheel of one of those little battery-operated, cartoon-festooned toy cars. The University of Delaware-based Go Baby Go initiative now easily and inexpensively retrofits those cars so that children with mobility issues have a way to get around on their own.A child that cant grab, sit, crawl, or walk misses out on the ability to make independent acts and decide when and where to move, says Cole Galloway, director of the Pediatric Mobility Lab and Design Studio at the university, where hes also a professor of physical therapy.That makes for an isolating and lonely experience. Children can be marginalized to the point of invisibility, an experience that may last, or at least continue to affect children, their entire lives, he says.These kids do need assistance, its often practical and occasionally necessary , Galloway adds. But over-reliance on assistance is detrimental to their developing independence.While children with mobility issues can get around in pediatric wheelchairs, those devices cost more than $25,000 and families that request one have about a five-year wait to receive it. Also, the wheelchairs arent often available to kids younger than three.There had to be a better way.Occupational and physical therapy students at Creighton University in Omaha, NB, install a push-button accelerator into a battery-operated toy car.In 2007, Sunil Agrawal, a professor of mechanical engineering at the university, and Galloway created small robots for immobile or partially mobile children as young as six months old to drive around in and explore their world independently. The aufgabe? The robots were expensive and took time to build.Looking for a more cost-effective idea along the same lines as the robot, Galloway and his team took a trip to the toy store where they immediately spied a variet y of battery-operated, ride-on toy cars, each costing about $100, he says.Light bulb moment Back in the lab, they were able to configure the cars at a low cost for kids to drive all on their own. Heck, theres a lot you can do with some PVC pipe, a pool noodle, some fabric, and modest electrical modifications, Galloway says.He and his team outfitted the car with push-button accelerators and PVC cages, so children could pilot the cars safely.Galloway gives the example of Diamond, a four-year-old girl who lives in a residential facility for children with complex medical needs. Every day, he says, nurses pushed the girls wheelchair down the hall, past a series of bright murals.Then Diamond was given a retrofit John Deere toy tractor through Go Baby Go for her to drive. It included a space for her ventilator. A nurse told me, Diamonds seen these murals all her life, why is she stopping just now to look at them while shes driving? Galloway says.Thats the science behind visual perception, he adds. Active, independent mobility literally changes our view of the world. Those walls came alive for Diamond when she swished by in her own car. She saw her world, again, for the first time.Where does the program go from here? Galloway and his team have modified push toys, which children sit on and push with their feet to move forward. The modifications allow kids to sit on them (while being held in place with an inexpensive PVC harnesses), then progress to standing, then move the toy forward by placing their weight on the foot pads. Then, if possible, the children progress to piloting the toy forward by kicking their feet against the ground.Toys like these are useful in the developing world, where pediatric wheelchairs are even scarcer than in the US, Galloway says.While the initiative has retrofit more than 100 toy cars for kids with mobility issues, thats a drop in the bucket compared to the kids who need the mobility devices, he adds. To help, Galloway is seeking to get the Go Baby Go program instituted at other schools and other locations.To that end, the Delaware faculty published a toy-car modification how-to online to encourage other pediatric physical therapists and occupational therapists to meet their patients mobility complexities through the cars.Now, instructors in Creighton Universitys departments of occupational therapy and physical therapy are hard at work modifying miniature, battery-driven cars. They use the online modifications, which are simple to follow, says Stacy Wong, an instructor in the physical therapy department at the university, located in Omaha, NB.The modifications do need to be matched to the children and his or her specific needs, she adds.The Creighton study allows for five children ages 18 months to five years to receive cars, with an eye toward expanding the program if the initial results are positive. Over a 12-week period, the study will ask parents to keep tabs on how often the child uses the car, what kind of bene fit they see their child receiving, and how they see mobility being improved.At the university, occupational therapy students Cody Funk and Alexis Woodie, and physical therapy students Thomas Myers and Brandon Barber, poked their heads under the hood of a flashy yellow Fisher-Price car to receive confirmation that their modifications have worked.They plug a battery into the rewired electrical system, the new push-button accelerator is pushed, and the cars wheels respond with a happy whirr. When youre a kid, life is all about being able to move and explore, Barber says. I hope in doing this were giving kids a chance to do that.Jean Thilmany is an independent writer. For Further DiscussionActive, independent mobility literally changes our view of the world. Those walls came alive for Diamond when she swished by in her own car. She saw her world, again, for the first time.Prof. Cole Galloway, University of Delaware founder of Go Baby Go

7 Myths About Veterinary Careers

7 Myths About Veterinary Careers7 Myths About Veterinary CareersVeterinary medicine is one of the most popular animal-related jobs, but there are many widely held misconceptions about this particular career path.Lets take a look at seven of the biggest myths about veterinary careers. Vets Make a Lot of Money Veterinarians make decent money but it is not nearly what they could be making as human doctors.Starting salaries for vets are fairly low considering the huge amounts of student debt (often in the six-figure range) that they must pay off while trying to establish themselves in the profession. Specific earnings for vets can vary widely based on the type of medicine they practice, their years of experience, and whether they become board certified specialists. It Is Almost Impossible to Get into Vet School Getting accepted to veterinary school is difficult due to the popularity of the profession and the limited number of seats in each veterinary class. The applicant pool for veterinary medicine is of a very high quality, and it is arguably tougher to get accepted to vet school than medical school. Despite this high-quality applicant pool it is not impossible to gain entrance and you dont need a perfect 4.0 GPA. In recent years many students have chosen to attend international programs (such as those in the Caribbean) that have slightly lesser admissions requirements. Others work for a year to gain experience and then reapply. You Have to Be a Pre-Vet Major to Apply to Vet School You most certainly do not have to major in pre-vet, animal science, or biology major to gain entrance to a vet school program. These are helpful majors that often include most or all prerequisites for applying to vet school, but you can major in any area that interests you provided that you also take the courses required for admission. Veterinarians Arent Real Doctors Veterinarians graduate from a four-year medical school program and earn a Doctorate in Veterinary Medi cine (DVM). They are doctors in every sense of the word. A vet must achieve proficiency in treating many species, making their medical skill set quite impressive. Veterinary Medicine Is a Male-Dominated Profession Veterinary medicine once was a male-dominated profession, but it has reversed course in recent years. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) found that in 2014 there were 102,584 practicing veterinarians with a significant gender gap 58,148 females and 44,258 males. Food animal medicine is still overwhelmingly male-dominated (81 percent to be exact), but most other areas show an even split or a greater number of women practitioners. Vet school enrollment tells a similar story, according to data collected by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). In 2014, women held 76.6 percent of vet school seats, while men held 20.4 percent of vet school seats. There Is a Shortage of Veterinarians Most industry experts agree that there is no shortage of veterinarians on a large scale, but there may be shortages in specific niche areas of practice (such as large animal medicine) and in some rural areas.The number of graduates has increased sharply in recent years as more vet schools (domestic and international) have opened, and as some established vet schools have increased the number of students per class. Veterinary Medicine Is Primarily Focused on Cats and Dogs While all vet students must learn about small animal medicine and many go on to work in pet-related practices after graduation, the profession is not at all limited to this sort of work. There are many other areas to consider including large animal medicine, exotic animal medicine, mixed practice medicine, equine medicine, and a variety of board certification specialty areas. There are many other options for veterinarians including teaching, research, government regulatory work, military service, consulting, and corporate employment.

5 Useful Tips for Unemployed Law Grads

5 Useful Tips for Unemployed Law Grads5 Useful Tips for Unemployed Law GradsIts also worth thinking carefully about whether you truly want to practice law. If the answer is no, its far better to realize that now before youve committed several mora years to developing an increasingly specialized skill set. The decision not to practice can be a challenging one to make, but there are lots of contented ex-lawyers in the world (in fact, 24% of JDs who passed the bar in 2000 are no longer practicing law), and you can ultimately be one of them.Law school sharpens a very specific skill set, and these skills are transferable. If youre having doubts, now is the time to explore your other options. If youve made the decision that you do not want to practice law, an important thing to do is decide how to market yourself and your skills.Were you part of a law review?That might make you a good candidate for a writing or editing job.Were you extremely passionate about a certain area of law?You coul d become a lobbyist in that area.With so many options, it is crucial to know how to frame your law school years in a way that works in your favor. If youve graduated from law school and you dont have a job, well, youre not alone (Only 64.4% of the class of 2012had jobs requiring bar passages by nine months after graduation.) What can you do? If youre an unemployed law grad, here are five suggestions. Pass the Bar Exam First, and most critically, assuming you might ever want to practice law, do everything in your power to pass the bar exam on the first try In some states, passing the bar is almost assured if you study and show up healthy and focused. In others, its a huge challenge (Hello, California). Regardless, this is the time to get it done. You know how you learn and study best, and where your strong and weak areas are, so dont just blindly follow a commercial study program and assume youll pass. (Remember Basically everyone who fails the bar took a commercial bar prep clas s.) Its critical to ensure youreactively learningthe material and routinely tracking your progress. And pay close attention toyour physical and mental health many stories of bar failure departure withextreme anxiety,excess stress,insomnia, depression, andphysical illnesses. As you study, schedule in relaxation breaks, exercise, and time to prepare and eat healthy food. Its a marathon, not a sprint, and its critical to fuel your brain and body for the grueling task ahead Use Time off to Explore Your Career Preferences Its easy to panic and apply blindly to any job that appears on your schools listserve, but its ultimately preferable, and more productive and effective, to engage in some self-analysis about your skills, personality, work style, and job preferences. There are a variety of career assessment tools that might come in handy in this analysis. (And its worth thinking abouthow your personality fits into the legal world.) It can also be hugely useful to talk with practicing attorneys, not to beg them for a job but simply to find out more about what they do all day, so you can see how different legal jobs align with your preferences. Even if youre studying for the bar exam full-time, you still need to eat lunchSetting up one informational interview a weekcan pay huge dividends going forward (and doesnt taketoomuch time). Think About Whether You Really Want to Be a Lawyer Its also worth thinking carefully about whether you truly want to practice law. If the answer is no, its far better to realize that now before youve committed several more years to developing an increasingly specialized skill set. The decision not to practice can be a challenging one to make, but there are lots of contented ex-lawyers in the world, and you can ultimately be one of them. Consider Entrepreneurial Legal Paths If youre sure you want to be a lawyer, give some thought to opening a solo practice or starting your career as a freelance attorney. Numerous resources exis t tohelp new grads open solo practicesandget freelance legal work. Yes, it can seem scary and intimidating to work on your own right out of law school, but lots of people have done it, and its not impossible If you really want to be an attorney, and no one will hire you, hanging a shingle can allow you to live the dreamand ultimately have more autonomy and control than youd have working for someone else. Plan Your Job Search Its probably too much to expect that youll engage in a full-on job search while studying for the bar exam (and see 1). But you do need to ensure everything is ready to go as soon as you finish taking the bar. Is your resume up to date? Do you have a basic cover letter ready to go? Are you monitoring job resources to see whats available? Have you gotten feedback on your interview skills? Are you in contact with your schools alumni career folks for advice? Bonus points if you actually apply to some jobs while youre studying for the bar exam, but at a minimum have everything ready to go for after youve completed the exam (and hopefully passed) Good luck

Why a Job Search Should Make You Uncomfortable

Why a Job Search Should Make You UncomfortableWhy a Job Search Should Make You Uncomfortable2There may be no clear path to career success,and there can be a good deal of uncertainty, anxiety, and outright fear as you work to find your footing. But theres an argument to be made that your job searchshouldmake you uncomfortable- that good things can come from embracing the new, and seeking out fresh challenges.While stepping out of your comfort zone can be a seriously scary proposition, think of it as a great opportunity to break through to the next level in your career. Rather than avoiding the discomfort and fear of the unknown that often come with job hunting, try instead to harness that energy into a productive job search experience. Fear, and all its associated emotions, can help move you from the negative to the positive.Heres why a job search should make you uncomfortableFear can fuel positive changeFear is probably not something you seek out in your life, but fear has its benefi ts. Its a human instinct that can help keep you safe- and it can push you to do your best in a given endeavor. Case in point your job search- particularly if youre in a situation where youre branching out into a new field, or applying for a position with more responsibilities than youve handled in the past. Its only natural to feel afraid of new challenges, but staying positive, and even embracing that fearfulness, can propel you to new career heights.Discomfort can fuel growthJust like pruning a plant can stimulate new growth, shedding outdated career plans and revamping old resumes can force you to grow in new ways, as you focus on your best and highest goals. Stripping away the extraneous and really setting your sights towardgoals that help you find your perfect careercan be an uncomfortable exercise, but it can help set you on the right path. Writing down very specific steps and devising a career blueprint can help you know your career purposeand, ultimately, achieve your goals. Anxiety can fuel explorationAnxiety can weigh you down and paralyze your job search efforts, and thats just no good. Instead of being indecisive, take action and find ways to love your job search,and let it be an avenue to move forward and explore unexpected ways to grow in your career. Being anxious about anything is definitely an uncomfortable feeling. But as far as your career goes, anxiety can ultimately help lead you to the joy of discovering new ways to use your skills and find work with flexible options that suit not only your career, but your life.Uncertainty can fuel opportunityDont shy away from uncertainty. Rather, let it motivate you to think about what you really want in your career, and help you discover your career purpose. This brings us back to fear- specifically, fear of the unknown. By working to let go of your fear of the unknown, your fear of rejection, and your fear of the new, you can become a fearless job seeker, ready to embrace new career opportunitiesReade rs, what do you do to help overcome your fear and embrace new career opportunities? Share your experiences in the comments section below

One of the Most Incredibly Ignored Solutions for Resume Builder

One of the Most Incredibly Ignored Solutions for Resume Builder Therefore, most potential employers first examine the licensure details before reading the resume in full. It is essential for your resume to exude professionalism because most employers are seeking that characteristic. Professionally, our resumes are often the very first impression a possible employer gets of us. If your resume format is disorganized and unclear, a prospective employer has possibly hundreds of resumes from different candidates to check through therefore they wont waste time attempting to make sense of it and youll miss your opportunity for an interview. The business might not have a position available, or perhaps you just wouldnt wish to work there. If you are looking for an easy but stunning design thats guaranteed to appeal to any hiring manager than you are in right spot. Every candidate whos searching for a job would like to earn a professional resume for their interview. Submit the saatkorn resume for every single job. You might find yourself sending the same resume to different job applications and although you may believe youre saving time youre actually lessening your odds of receiving an interview In case youre looking for employment, odds are you know you need a great resume. Make certain you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about At the close of the day be certain you will receive a job that you dream about, congratulations The Unusual Secret of Resume Builder So, My Resume Builder is invaluable in creating a wonderful ready-to-go resume. Once youve added all your information, the tool can format the text in a number of distinct designs. Most resume vorlages may be used to apply for different forms of jobs. Our creative templates permit you to stick out from the crowd. There are lots of file choices to select from when downloading your completed resume. Try to remember, as soon as youve finished personalizing your resume, youre not prepared to fill out an application yet. Creating a resume with the assistance of a template can help you become mindful of the resume areas that you should fill. The whole assortment of resume templates is composed of an assortment of creative resume designs. You dont need to be concerned about formatting the resume, nor do you should have any coding knowledge to create a complimentary website to cooperate with it. Simple resume formats assist you in making your resume. Speaking of the premium templates, when you make a new resume and decide on a template to work with, the selection page is a little too stylized, or so the template selections look as a mishmash of ads instead of an organized list. You may download the resume template at no cost and can readily edit the template using Microsoft word. Resume samples may give you a clearer idea of how you would like your resume to look, what sort of resume you ought to use and even some examples of sections you might inclu de. Today, its a lot easier to create an ideal CV with the assistance of some relevant applications. When youre searching for work, a resume can be the most crucial tool you bring to the table. You are going to be guided step by step to make your Curriculum vitae. Double check to be sure that everything on the last version of the resume is about you. You are able to learn to compile a good resume template when building a custom one suited to your requirements and the requirements of a possible employer. A template will be able to help you craft the ideal nursing resume to submit to a possible employer.

Seeking Diverse Ideas From Your Team How To Do It

Seeking Diverse Ideas From Your Team How To Do It To foster more diverse and inclusive workplaces, exposure to different viewpoints and looking out for red-flags that show limited-thinking are key. ?? Join, Sheana Ahlqvist, Host of the Innovation For All podcast, to help us to seek more diverse ideas from within our teams TOMORROW at 12pm EST. ?? Sign up bit.ly/2UI69BW 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 last 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 is also actually an excellent geschftliches miteinander 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 led 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 contributor 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 const ruction.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 electr icians ($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.

Customize this Professional Program Coordinator Resume Sample

Customize this Professional Program Coordinator Resume SampleCustomize this Professional Program Coordinator Resume SampleCreate Resume Laura Thompson100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell (555) 987-1234emailexample.comProfessional Summary Seasoned Program Coordinator with extensive experience in the mental health field. Knowledge in program administration, with emphasis on budgetary concerns, staff oversight and community relations. In addition, proficient at practitioner duties such as case management and client services.Core QualificationsProgram AdministrationBudget DevelopmentFunding SolicitationNonprofit RegulationsStaff SupervisionCase ManagementResource AcquisitionAgency CollaborationExperienceProgram coordinator, June 2010 May 2015Family Services of New Parkland New Parkland, CAOversaw program and facility, as well as client services and records management for an agency of 45 employees, serving 125 clients.Managed and hired staff, supervised volunteers and presided over executive board proceedings.Took on case management activities for a small group of clients, including monitoring client referral methods.Complied with all federal, state and local laws surrounding nonprofit organizations.Program Coordinator, July 2006 June 2010Parkland County Children and Youth Services New Parkland, CAManaged county-wide services program dedicated to 300 clients, with 75 employees.Created annual budget, headed funding efforts, met with community leaders and outside agencies on behalf of agency, developed programs and directed the executive board.Completed monthly reports regarding grant progress, client numbers, financial information and regulatory compliance.Education2006 Master of Science Organizational LeadershipNew Parkland University New Parkland, CACustomize Resume

4 solo trips every professional should take

4 solo trips every professional should take4 solo trips every professional should takeIf youve ever backpacked through Europe, flowed your way a yoga training in Bali or escaped to the convenience of an all-inclusive in Mexico, you know what an impact traveling can have your psyche.As a way to release stress, supercharge your zen and help you release any underlying passive-aggressive tension you have toward your manager, getting out of town is a recommended venture for any overworked professional. And while vacation with your significant other, your best friends or your family is usually the go-to route, there are many benefits of heading out all by your bad self.As travel expert Janice Holly Booth explains, a solo trip provides a great vermgen for growth - especially if youre not someone who usually prefers this mode of jet-setting. Not only does it allow you the time for to exercise your brave bone, but it gives you the permission - and the encouragement - to be introspective a nd reflective.Solitude allows you to separate from distractions - including a travel partner - and find stillness so you can turn the next key. Introspection lets you figure out who you are, where youve been, and where you want to go. Its important for determining what you want, but equally important, what you dont want, Booth explains.So how do you know its time to take one of these getaways? Whenever you feel like youre ready and up for it, but also when you drive by these mile markers in your careerThe one before you abflug a new jobCongratulations, pop the champagne - and hold on tight. The period between packing your desk and clearing your inbox at your current gig as you transition to a new role is, well, a lot. While this is an exciting period - you moved up the ladder and earned a pay increase, woohoo - its also ripe with stress. As Booth notes, many professionals will feel immense demand and find themselves maxed out as they tie up loose ends.Before you accept that job offer, make sure you negotiate time in between your end and start date to take the one trip youve always dreamed of. And more importantly, Booth says the one that was difficult to pull off when you were shackled with a 9 to 5 schedule.Whatever that is - riding horses across Romania skiing for 30 days culinary school in Paris - do it now because you may not be able to do it until later, much later, if at all, she adds.The one after you got laid offBlame it on incompatibility with a manager, a quarter you were too shy on deliverables, restructuring or the elimination of position- but you somehow, you find yourself unemployed. While money is definitely a touchy topic during this period of your career, its a time when you should prioritize your mental health and traveling. It might seem counterproductive when you feel the pinch of a budget sans-salary, but it could be the experience that helps you reevaluate your trajectory.Booth says its important to go somewhere youve never been, do something youve never done and put yourself in a place where youre challenged. How come? Whether its surfing, climbing a big ole mountain or eating dinner alone in a romantic city center, stepping outside of your comfort zone will help you learn new skills and build new confidence after a letdown.Need some inspo? Booth went dogsledding to find new fodder for writing. Driving sled dogs forced me back to beginner status, to humility, which helped me shed ego, hurt feelings, and anger, all of the negative emotions that were keeping me from thinking clearly. That solo trip allowed me to decide what I really wanted for the next chapter in my life, she says.The one to spark creativityEven if your job doesnt require intense collaboration or artistic brilliance, creativity flows into every aspect of most industries. Whether its been smart with problem-solving, how you present yourself or your ability to mass produce new ideas, having a stream of consciousness will make you more successfu l. Thats why Booth recommends a retreat that focuses on creation to propel you out of a funk.Art classes or retreats are hands-down the very best way to get your creative juices flowing. Creating art is one big exercise in problem-solving. Singing, painting, sculpting, music, even stand-up comedy all of these will force the right side of your brain to start sparking ideas and solutions. Plus, art retreats and classes are really fun. Where else are you encouraged to make mistakes for the sake of learning? she explains.The one when youre about to start a companyIts the leap of Oh f24j2lj* that so many entrepreneurs must take. Its scary, its exciting, its terrible, its wonderful its all of the makings of a company that could be disruptive. When youre ready to go out on that limb and build a concept from the ground up, Booth says to go on a trip where you do something that you never had the guts to do before.Whether its underwater caving, canyoneering, downhill mountain-biking, wildern ess survival school, bungee jumping, skydiving - whatever, the point is to push yourself to where you think you cant do the thing youre about to do but you do it. Once youre able to step over that fear, you can use that confidence in any future scenario. Trust me, when youve survived a 300-foot blind rappel through a waterfall, a little corporate glitch wont even make you blink, she says.

Ban Employee of the Month Recognition

Ban Employee of the Month RecognitionBan Employee of the Month RecognitionThe Employee of the Month, generally selected by management, is the recognition of an individual by the organization for their outstanding contribution as an employee. The recognition is usually accompanied by a gift, gift certificate and/or a certificate or athank you note. Often the name of the awarded employee is engraved on a plaque in the company lobby. The Employeeof the Month is an organizational recognition that companies have used - both successfully - and unsuccessfully - for years. In some organizations, Employee of the Month recognition is a joke. Employees think of it as a popularity, or an employeestake their turn contestfor management-fawning employees who brown-nose their manager. In other organizations, it is a cherished form of recognition that employees seek, feel recognized for and are honored when they are designated the Employee of the Month. Concerns about Employee of the Month Recogni tion Our fruchtwein important concern with Employee of the Month recognition is that we have encountered numerous employers who believe their job of creating a motivating, rewarding work environment for employees is complete with this award. But, this form of recognition is not a substitute for day-to-day positive recognition from the manager, reasonable pay and benefits, company-sponsored activities and events, and an environment of appreciation. An Employee of the Month award is just a start on recognition. Its not the whole recognition process. With so many opportunities available to provide employee recognition, andwhat employees want from work, why offer an Employee of the Month award with all of its inherent problems? You cant solve most of the problems and in worst case scenarios, Employee of the Month awards harm employee recognition efforts and employee morale. Problems With Employee of the Month Recognition The problems with designating an Employee of the Month rest w ith the usual implementation. But, even if the implementation process is improved, the award is employee unfriendly and fails to accomplish the goals of employee recognition. Ban Employee of the Month awards, as a form of employee recognition, for these reasons. Publicized criteria for selection is most frequently non-existent. The employee who is rarely recognized knows why he or she was selected. Lacking criteria, other employees find the selection process an unmotivating fog. In any selection process, stated criteria, most often measurable, are key to employee understanding of the award. They need to know why they received itFor an employee to become Employee of the Month, he or she should have accomplished or exhibited the stated criteria, so all employees are clear about why this individual was selected. Most organizations fail to establish measurable and recognizable criteria. The selection is not transparent, so it fails in its goals for employee motivation and retention.In t hese organizations, jokes about brown nosing and must be your turn are commonplace. They diminish the recognition power of the designation and negatively affect employee morale and motivation. This reason to ban Employee of the Month awardsis even more powerful. If a number of employees accomplish or exhibit the stated criteria (assuming that the criteria are published), each of the employees who qualified, deserves the award. Selecting one employee turns the recognition into managements opinion, once again.It defeats the purpose of the criteria. Provide the award for each employee who accomplishes what it takes to achieve Employee of the Month recognition.Or, state on the front end, that only one award is available for eligible employees. But, any employee who meets the criteria will have his or her name placed into a blind drawing for the months selection. Anything else defeats your purpose. Combat accusations about a lack of transparency and fairness and avoid claims of favoriti sm, one of the top ten employee complaints about workplaces. Find more motivational forms of recognition. Ban Employee of the Month recognition.