Category: Your Compensation (Page 5 of 10)

How to Find $100K+ Staffing Agencies

June 9, 2011 / Michelle Burton

$100K+ staffing agencies are easy to find if you know where to look and what to look for. The first place to check is with friends, family, and co-workers. Referrals are the absolute best way to locate top agencies. If a friend, family member or co-worker has worked with an agency with good results, chances are the agency is reputable and good at what it does. If you have trouble finding a referral, you can always use your favorite search engine to locate $100K+ staffing agencies. The only issue is, once you locate several agencies, you’ll have to do your homework.

The first thing to remember is that $100K+ staffing agencies are not always so obvious. Use the search term “executive staffing agencies,” “executive recruitment firms,” or “executive head hunters.” Agencies that handle senior-level clients (and others) are also a safe bet. After locating several firms check their status with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can find out if they’re BBB accredited, how they rate, and if there are any complaints against them. You can also find out how long the service has been in business, the type of business, licensing information, and other background information,

After researching the company, give them a call or schedule an appointment to meet with them. Ask about success stories, what the process entails, and the time frame. If they don’t offer a definitive answer, then it might be a good idea to move on to next agency on your list. During your first meeting, it’s also important to make sure you’re clear about any fees that you may be charged. Again, if the answer is vague, try the next agency on your list.

Besides using your favorite search engine to find $100K+ staffing agencies try directories such as Searchfirm.com or Onlinerecruitersdirectory.com.

Your Business, Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Network, Your Workplace

Career Spotlight – Medical Assistant

May 31, 2011 / Michelle Burton

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is an individual trained to assist medical professionals on an administrative level, clinical level, or both. Medical assistants are not the same as physician assistants. A physician assistant (PA) is trained to provide basic medical services, such as exams, diagnostics, and treatment under the supervision of a physician. Physician Assistants usually already have experience as nurses, paramedics, and medical technicians.

A medical assistants primary role is to keep physicians’ offices running smoothly by performing administrative and/or clinical tasks. Medical assistants do this by updating patient files, maintaining patient records, filling out insurance forms, and coordinating hospital admissions and laboratory services. Administrative duties might also include reception, bookkeeping, purchasing of office supplies and medical equipment, scheduling appointments, greeting patients and visitors, and accounts payable/receivable.

Depending on the type of office and state law, clinical duties include but are not limited to assisting physicians during examinations, collecting specimens, preparing and administering medications, drawing blood, changing dressings, discussing treatment procedures with patients, sterilizing medical equipment and instruments, prepping for examinations, recording vital signs, and taking and recording medical histories.

Medical assistants, whether administrative, clinical or both, can work on a full-time or part-time basis. Because the medical industry is a year around, around the clock industry, medical assistants can work days, evenings, weekends or a combination of the three. This is usually the case for hospital employees.

Medical Assistant Earnings

Medical assistants can work in any number of hospital settings or physicians’ offices including family and general practices, as well as “specialized” practices such as dental chiropractic, podiatry, and ophthalmology. Salaries for medical assistants will vary greatly depending on the type of medical assistant, setting, skill level, and experience.

As of May 2008, the average annual wage for medical assistants was $28,300. The middle 50 percent earned between $23,700 and $33,050. The lowest 10 percent earned $20,600 and the highest 10 percent earned $39,570. It is important to note that wages can be considerably higher based on whether an assistant has an advanced degree, multiple certifications, 10+ years of experience, and number of languages spoke.

Medical Assistant Qualifications

Although an accredited medical assisting program is strongly recommended to become a medical assistant, it is not always a requirement. However, most hospitals and physician offices prefer formal education and training. If you decide to attempt to enter the field without formal training, you will likely be passed over for candidates that have completed an accredited program. In the few cases where formal education and training are not required, you will be trained on the job.

Medical Assistant Programs

Medical assistant programs usually consist of anatomy and physiology courses and others that cover medical terminology. The curriculum will consist of accounting, insurance processing, bookkeeping and record keeping, typing, and transcription. You may also learn about clinical and diagnostic procedures and pharmaceutical principles as well as how to administer medications and first aid. An accredited medical assisting program will also cover ethics, medical law, office practices, and patient relations.

Depending on state law, certain certifications may be required. If not, many hospitals and physicians offices may require it. Most hospitals and physicians offices prefer to hire individuals who are certified, especially for specialized fields. For example, if you plan to become an optometric assistant, you may want to obtain certification through the American Optometric Association.

Anatomy of a Top Shelf Medical Assistant Program

A top shelf medical assistant program will be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Academic and clinical training will consists of specific courses such as:

-Clinical and diagnostic procedures
-Coding and insurance processing
-First aid
-Human anatomy, physiology, and pathology
-Keyboarding and computer applications
-Laboratory techniques
-Medical law and ethics
-Medical terminology
-Medication administration
-Office practices
-Patient relations
-Pharmacology
-Record keeping and accounting

Top shelf medical assistant programs will offer internships and externships. Externships are short-term training sessions that allow the student to shadow a professional during his normal daily routine. An externship will also include a tour of the facility, informational interviews, and participation in office projects. Externships typically last one-two days and they offer no academic credit or compensation.

Internships are long-term, usually lasting an entire semester or more. Some offer pay and/or academic credit and allow the student to support an office, hospital or other organization’s work function.

Medical Assistants Job Outlook

In 2008, there were approximately 483,600 medical assistants working in offices of physicians, private hospitals, inpatient and outpatient facilities and offices of health care practitioners such as optometrists and chiropractors. Projected employment for the 2008-2018 decade is 34 percent. This is much faster than average, making “medical assistant” one of the fastest growing occupations in the country.

For more information about medical assistant careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.

Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education, Your Workplace

So You Have a Music Degree, Now What?

May 26, 2011 / Michelle Burton

Rock star isn’t the only career in the music industry. Yes, it’s probably one of the coolest, but there are so many other exciting careers in music, you’ll lose count! Believe it or not, not everyone wants to be in the spotlight. Fortunately there are dozens of behind-the-scenes careers that are not only exciting, but they can be just as lucrative as being in front of the camera. Many of these careers are technical in nature, so they require training. A music degree can give you the skills you need to break into:

-Sound editing
-Engineering
-Instrument design
-Music software programming
-Music publishing
-Recording (technician)

Other behind-the-scenes careers in music are not necessarily technical in nature, but many require a degree in music with a special concentration. Depending on the concentration, a degree in music can lead to a career in:

-Music therapy
-Education
-Tour management
-Voice Coaching
-Music journalism
-Music critic
-Special events
-Directing (film music)
-Concert promoter
-Band leader
-Copyright specialist
-Artist & repertoire (A & R) person

Composer, art director, advertising specialist, music attorney, lobbyist, and copy writer are other career opportunities for music majors.

Types of Music Degrees

The main types of music degrees are a Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) in music and a Bachelor of Music. Advanced degrees include Master of Music (M.M), Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Music Education (M.M.E.). If you’re interested in becoming a music professor, a PhD or Doctoral of Musical Arts (D.M.A) is usually required.

Music Employers

So, now you know the types of majors for aspiring music professionals as well as the types of careers open to graduates. So where are the jobs? Depending on the degree and specialty area, individuals with a degree in music may find employment at recording studios, production companies, and even government agencies such as the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Commission of Fine Arts, and Voice of America. Other types of employers are:

-Private and nonprofit organizations
-Media firms
-Music and film studios
-Performing art centers
-Production companies
-Orchestras and bands
-Entertainment companies
-Colleges and universities
-Booking and talent agencies
-Media firms
-Elementary and secondary schools

Colleges that offer Music Degrees

There are literally hundreds of colleges that offer music degrees. Traditional universities, schools of art and technical schools offer music programs of all kinds. Some of the top schools are:

-University of Rochester (Eastman School of Music) (NY)
-Juilliard School (NY)
-Curtis Institute of Music (PA)
-New England Conservatory of Music (MA)
-Oberlin College Conservatory (OH)
-Manhattan School of Music (NY)
-Cleveland Institute of Music
-Mannes College of Music (NY)
-San Francisco Conservatory of Music
-Westminster Choir College (NJ)
-Boston Conservatory
-University of the Arts (PA)

The Future of Music Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for musicians, singers, and related workers is expected to grow as fast as average. While this is good news, it’s important to remember that competition for positions in the music industry is intense. The more experience, education, and dedication you have the better. If you land a full-time job in the music industry, you can you expect to earn up to earn anywhere from $40,000 on the low end up to six figures on the high end. Self-employed musicians, singers, and others may earn more based on the number of performances, weeks of contract work, reputation, and recordings.

To learn more about music careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.

Your Business, Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education

Why Going to College is a Good Idea

May 19, 2011 / Michelle Burton

Whether or not it’s a good idea to go to college has been in the news a lot lately. Many Americans are questioning how valuable a college degree is thanks to a shaky economy and an unemployment rate that’s at an all-time high. Well, the economy will bounce back eventually, and when it does, having a college degree will help you get a better job than having a high school diploma alone. This is especially true for the average American. We say “average American,” because naysayers love nothing more than to throw around the old “Bill Gates is a college dropout and he’s a billionaire!” The problem is, Bill Gates is not your average American. He, and a handful of others like him, are the exception—not the rule.

If you’re the average American, yes, you need a college degree to get a job in any given professional field. Doctors, lawyers, politicians, engineers, computer scientists, educators, ad executives, journalists, and many others would not be where they are today if they did not have a degree. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for many professions, while others require an advanced degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

When it comes to paychecks and prospects, conventional wisdom is right. On average, college graduates earn more money, experience less unemployment, and have a wider variety of career options than other workers do. A college degree also makes it easier to enter many of the fastest growing, highest paying occupations. In some occupations, in fact, having a degree is the only way to get your start.

Many blue-collar jobs require some form of education as well. You may have to enroll in a training program at a trade school or other institution in order to earn an certificate, associate degree or other credential to become an electrician, construction worker, fireman, police officer, mechanic, or other blue-collar job. Sure, you may not have to obtain a bachelor’s degree for these positions, but you will still have to enroll in a specific program, pay tuition, and study in order to pass a number of challenging courses.

It is important to note bachelor’s degrees are increasingly becoming the norm for many blue-collar jobs. For example, a degree in fire science is attractive to most large fire departments and most police departments prefer recruits with college training. All Federal police agencies require a college degree.

There really are no short-cuts when it comes to obtaining even a decent job, with decent pay, and decent benefits. So, instead of focusing on the short-term, focus on your future. So far, it doesn’t look bright if you don’t have a college degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that individuals with less than a high school diploma have the highest rates of unemployment in the nation (around 14.6%), followed by individuals with a high school diploma (9.7%). Individuals with a professional degree, doctoral degree or a master’s degree have the lowest rates of unemployment at 1.7%, 2.1%, and 2.9%, respectively. The rate of unemployment for bachelor’s degree holder’s is around 3.3%.

A college degree has many more benefits besides better job opportunities and higher earnings than non-degree holders. A college degree builds self confidence, you become more independent, you’ll make new friends, you’ll learn more about multiple subject areas, and you’ll be exposed to different cultures, which is an asset in society and the workplace). You’ll also increase your network, which can be utilized for years and years to come.

For more information and statistics about college degrees in America, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.

Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education, Your Network

college college degree

Why Major in Political Science?

May 11, 2011 / Michelle Burton

A political science degree is a common degree of choice for aspiring attorneys, public administrators, public relations specialists, and journalists. Although political scientists can find work in these fields and many others, many work in education, research, and government. These areas require an advanced degree, but an undergraduate degree in political science is the first step to acquiring one.

Having a variety of careers to choose from is only one benefit of a political science degree. Another is salary growth. The top paying industries for political scientists are:

-Federal Executive Branch, $114,040 per year
-Local Government $83,790
-Social Advocacy Organizations $77,410
-Scientific Research and Development Services $77,160
-State Government $58,040

Salaries vary, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for political scientists is $104,090 per year. The lowest paid political scientists average $46,520 per year and the highest earners average $151,360. Salaries for political scientists have increased every year since 1999. Increases are significant, with the largest jump occurring between 2004 and 2009.

-Year 1999: $74,280 per year
-Year 2004: $86,460
-Year 2009: $104,090

Job growth in this field is promising for all degree levels, but an advanced degree can increase your options even more. Job growth for political scientists increased between 1999 and 2004 from 4,280 employees to 4,490. Between 2004 and 2008, the number of employees in the field decreased to 3,970. However, between now and 2018, overall employment of political scientists is expected to grow 21 percent. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Many other career fields for political scientists will continue to grow as well. For example, job growth for attorneys is 13 percent from 2008 to 2018. For public relations specialists, job growth is 24 percent during the same time period.

If you choose a career as a political scientist, you can expect to perform the following duties:

-Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.
-Research a wide range of subjects, such as relations between the United States and foreign countries, the beliefs and institutions of foreign nations, or the politics of small towns or a major metropolis.
-Study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology.
-Analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities.
-Conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

If you’re interested in a career in political science, you can get started by earning your undergraduate degree. Political science degrees are offered at colleges and universities across the U.S., but some of the best programs are offered at:

-Columbia University, New York, New York
-Cornell University
-Massachusetts Institute of Technology
-New York University
-Northwestern University
-Ohio State University
-Princeton University
-Stanford University
-University of California
-University of California – San Diego
-University of Chicago
-University of Michigan
-University of Minnesota
-University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
-University of Rochester
-University of Texas at Austin
-University of Washington
-University of Wisconsin
-Washington University in Saint Louis
-Yale University

You can find other colleges and universities that offer a political science degree by visiting Princetonreview.com or Petersons.com. For more information about political science careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at bls.gov.

Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education