Tag Archives: career path

New Survey Reveals Who’s Hiring

12-9 GradsWhile shipping giants and retailers have been ramping up their holiday hiring, a survey of 282 businesses indicates the current employment market is trending up. Not only are there job options to get through the wintry months, employers anticipate hiring full time in the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter Hiring Trends
Express Employment Professionals surveyed 282 businesses about their fourth quarter hiring trends. Thirty-four percent of businesses indicated they plan to hire in the industrial sector, followed by 25% who plan to hire for skilled labor positions. Additionally, 16% of hiring managers surveyed indicated they plan on hiring for administrative and office clerical positions.

When asked if any of the new hires will come from newly created positions, employers indicated that 43% of the administrative and office clerical positions will be new jobs. Thirty-eight percent of the skilled labor positions will be newly created, while 36% of employers surveyed anticipate creating new general labor positions.

“If you’re looking for a job right now, it appears to be a good time to be looking in the industrial sector, be it general labor or skilled labor positions,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. “These are encouraging results for the fourth quarter.”

The survey of 282 businesses, which are current and former clients of Express Employment Professionals, was conducted in the third quarter of 2016.

Job Hunting Tips
We reached back into our vault of valuable Movin’ On Up articles concerning job hunting tips. Here are some great articles to help you get through the job search, whether it is for a holiday job or full-time job.

Have you recently landed a full-time or holiday job? Let us know in the comments section how you successfully navigated your job search.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

The Results Are In: What’s Holding Your Career Back?

The Results Are In: What’s Holding Your Career Back?

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While many people experience setbacks on their career path, every obstacle is different, and we wanted to know what you think is holding your career back.

The Results Are In
The number one thing holding careers back, according to our survey, is the “lack of job availability” with 19% of the vote. The other top answers received almost the same amount of votes, and include:

  • “No room for advancement”—16%
  • “Lack of experience”—15%
  • “No college degree”—13%

Additionally, “fear of change” received 10% of the vote, followed by “family commitments” with 9%, and “I don’t feel held back by anything” with 4%.

Is Your Age a Factor?
Readers were also given the option to select “Other” and provide their own answers. Responses include:

  • “The economy”
  • “Companies don’t want to train anymore”
  • “Lack of confidence”
  • “Length of time I’ve been unemployed”
  • “Software applications”
  • “Resume looks like I’m a job hopper”
  • “Health issues”

Of those who selected the “Other” option, 50% reported that their age is holding their career back.

What else is holding your career back? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

How to Determine the Right Education Path

how_important_is_your_education_webAre you considering going back to school? Maybe you’re thinking about a career change or looking for a way to get ahead in your current career. Whatever the reason, furthering your education is rarely a bad idea.  Determining your educational path is a lot like mapping out a road trip. If you have a destination in mind, you can figure out a route, estimate how long your trip will take, and the gather resources you need to get from Point A to Point B. So before you rush out and enroll at a four year university or sign up for a trade school certification course, tap the brakes for a moment and consider your career destination before you set off down a particular education path.

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The Role of Staffing Agencies In Your Career Path

This week was National Staffing Employee Week in the United States, and Express is proud to work with so many outstanding associates every week.

If you’re a temporary or contract employee, you probably already know the many benefits of temporary work, including flexibility and the opportunity to try out different job fields. To further shed light on these benefits, we’ve compiled six Movin’ On Up articles that highlight the role of staffing agencies in your career path.

Thank you to our Express associates for your hard work and dedication.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

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5 Lessons From Great Entrepreneurs

determine own successWhether you’re starting your first job or are the CEO of a large business, there are ups and downs in every career. And, understanding how to navigate through the highs and lows of your career path can be the difference between success and failure. To help you stay on track and remain inspired in your job search or in the workplace, take a look at these important lessons from successful entrepreneurs.

1. Perseverance is key.
In 2008, Danae Ringelmann launched one of the largest and most popular crowd-funding platforms in the world—Indiegogo. But, the platform’s inception wasn’t as successful as it is today. In fact, 92 people actually refused to fund the concept before one said “yes.” Danae’s story of perseverance proves that hope and belief in your vision can help you overcome the obstacles you face in your career. “Resistance comes in the form of ridicule. It comes in the form of rejection. It comes in the form of self-doubt,” Danae said. “It’s your job to keep going.”

2. Look for opportunity.
Honest Tea, a company whose mission is to create healthy beverages, was created when Dr. Barry Nalebuff noticed a gap in the beverage market. He thought water was too boring, diet drinks were too unhealthy, and soda was too sugary. So, he launched a new venture and eventually caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey. “When opportunity strikes, you have to be prepared for it,” Barry said. You never know when you’ll bump into someone who can make your dreams a reality, always be prepared and remember to keep your eyes open for new opportunities.

3. Give back.
Blake Mycoskie is the founder of TOMS, the shoe business that donates a pair of shoes to a child in a developing country for every pair sold. The business concept supports social entrepreneurship and has turned TOMS into a famous brand that has partnered with big names like Ralph Lauren. “I recognized very early on that when you incorporate a purpose beyond profit in your business, your customers will become your biggest marketers,” Blake said. Stories like Blake’s prove that you can make a positive impact in the world while developing your career path.

4. Focus on your decisions.
The hip, affordable eyeglass retailer, Warby Parker, was founded in 2010 by CEOs Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa. The company has since sold more than a million pairs of glasses and gained wide popularity. Early on in their businesses, Neil and Dave learned that every decision they made was going to have a significant impact on their career. “No matter what you’re doing, you should always try your best, especially early in your career,” they said. “How you do anything is how you do everything. No matter what task you’re faced with—large or small—always seek excellence.”

5. Don’t take things personally.
Lori Greiner started with one small jewelry invention in 1997 and grew it into a multi-million dollar venture with products in the world’s biggest retailers and on QVC. When the “Shark Tank” investor met with a lawyer to receive a patent for her first invention, her husband accompanied her. During the meeting, the lawyer assumed Lori’s husband was the brains behind the business and spoke only to him. Even though Lori was angry and even confronted the lawyer about the issue, she knew she couldn’t let it affect her confidence. “Don’t let business get personal. It’s just business. Shrug it off,” she said.

There are hundreds of stories about successful entrepreneurs who learned valuable lessons when starting their businesses. What are some of your favorite lessons? Share with us in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

5 College Majors Employers Love

degrees_employers_love_webThe decision to get a higher education is an important one. Often, a lot of money and time goes into earning a college degree, so it’s vital that you choose a career path that works best for you. If you’re thinking about getting a higher education, you may be wondering which college majors are currently in demand.

According to the National Recruiting Center of Express Employment Professionals, there are a handful of college majors that businesses are continually looking to hire. Are they in your career path? To find out, take a look at these five college majors employers love.

Finance
A bachelor’s degree in finance may lead to a career in banking, financial planning, money management, insurance, or tax preparation. Often, graduates with a degree in finance will qualify for a wide range of jobs in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Examples of core courses in the financial degree path include accounting, economics, business law, and personal finance. According to Payscale.com, financial analysts make between $40,000-$70,000 a year, with monetary increases as you work up the ladder to management. In fact, according to Forbes, finance is one of the college degrees with the highest starting salaries.

Accounting
While finance is generally described as the study of how to manage money, accounting is the study of obtaining, collecting, and dealing with financial information. If you’re interested in becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a degree in accounting is the right choice. Careers for those with accounting degrees include bookkeepers, CPAs, auditors, tax specialists, and personal accountants, and courses in an accounting program typically include statistics, business law, cost accounting, and auditing. Payscale reports that the salary for accountants ranges from $35,000-$66,000, and CPAs range from $42-$106,000 annually.

Business Administration
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a study that focuses on all aspects of business. Business administration programs are designed to teach a wide range of topics, including marketing, management, finance, human resources, and economics. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) requires additional schooling and is a professional degree. Business graduates may seek careers in human resources, marketing, or management, and many even land roles in high-level leadership. According to Payscale, office management jobs pay around $40,000 a year, while career paths requiring an MBA may pay anywhere from $53-$156,000.

Mechanical Engineering
If you’ve always been a builder, inventor, or designer, you may be interested in a mechanical engineering degree. Mechanical engineering graduates are sought by employers in many industries, including aerospace, automotive, chemical, construction, electronics, utilities, and energy. Typical courses in a mechanical engineering program may include calculus, chemistry, physics, and programming. The average salary for mechanical engineers, according to Payscale, ranges from $50,000-$93,000 a year.

Computer Science
A diverse field with many opportunities, computer science careers are in high demand. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for this career path are expected to grow by more than 20% through 2022. Courses include computer programming, web programing, information technology, programming languages, digital design, and more. There are many career paths for computer science graduates, including software developers, computer programmers, network administrators, web developers, database administrators, and software testers. Payscale reports that computer science degrees bring an average annual salary of $53,000-$150,000.

Vocational/Technical Education
College isn’t the only path to higher education. For many, there’s a better option: Career Technical Education (CTE). For those who don’t think college is the best option or want to enter the workforce sooner, a CTE can provide the skills and training they need for other in-demand jobs. According to Express, those sought-after jobs include medical assistants, welders, machinists, dental assistants, hygienists, CNC operators, and licensed nurses.

Non College Grads
If higher education isn’t for you, you’re not out of the race. A recent survey from Express revealed the hottest fields that are hiring the most non-college grads include office services, industrial, health care, marketing, and more. Take a look at the full list to help you build your career path.

Do you have a college degree? What does your educational path look like? Share your story with us in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Five Careers Worth Going Back to School For

Millenial_Poll_SummaryLate summer and fall is the traditional start of a new school year. Children around the country slip on their shiny, new backpacks and tromp off to school, ready for a new year. However, many adults may be considering slipping on their own backpack and heading to the classroom for a career change.

As the old saying goes, it’s never too late to go back to school and in today’s fluid and changing economy, going back to school may be a rewarding and lucrative choice for those already in the workplace. But what careers are worth the expense, time and effort to go back to college or technical school? You’d be surprised.

We’ve listed five fast-growing, high-paying careers that are worth going back to school. These careers not only have a hefty salary attached to them, but, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), are among the highest demanded fields as well.

Many of the most in-demand careers require only a two-year degree or certification through technical schools while others demand a bachelor’s or doctorate degree. For many, going back to school for a rewarding job certification may take as little as 18 months, while others can take four years or more.

Take a look and decide for yourself if these careers are worth going back to school for.

  1. Dentists – Those with dental degrees can expect a 16% growth in demand, and according to the BLS, the average median pay for dentists in 2012 was $149,310 per yearor $71.79 per hour. To become a dentist, you must attend an accredited dental course of study at a university or specialized school. Dental school takes four years and that’s after completing undergraduate school. Students must be able to pass written and practical exams, and dentists must be licensed in all states.
  2. Welders – The manufacturing industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S., and coupled with oil and gas booms and pipeline construction, the demand for skilled welders is incredible. The American Welding Society estimates that by 2020 there will be a shortage of 290,000 professionals, including inspectors, engineers, and teachers. Training ranges from a few weeks of technical school or on-the-job training to several years of combined technical school and on-the-job training. The average starting pay is $36,300.
  3. Meeting, Convention and Event Planners – A bachelor’s degree is often needed for this growing field, but those returning to school can also earn a Certified Meeting Professional accreditation. Average pay for event planners was $45,260 in 2010, according to the BLS, and this field is expected to grow more than 40 percent by 2022.
  4. Information Security Analysts – If you’re good with computers, this job area may be worth going back to school for. With the onslaught of cyber-attacks, information security analysts will be fought over for their ability to design security to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. The average pay is $86,170 per yearwith an expected growth of 37 percent by 2022. You will need a bachelor’s degree and experience in a computer-related field.
  5. Physical Therapist Assistants – As the population ages, physical therapy assistants will be in high demand. According to the BLS, the need for this career will grow almost 46% by 2020. This job requires at least a two-year associate’s degree, and the average salary was $49,960 in 2010, according to the BLS.

These five careers are just the tip of the iceberg. Any career in the science, medical, technology, engineering and math fields are also in high demand.

It’s a big decision to go back to school. For those who study hard and keep their eyes on the payoff, going back to school may be the right investment into the future.

Have you considered going back to school? If so, what field are you interested in and what is holding you back? We’d love to hear from you.