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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

4 Reasons and tell-tale signs that you need a career change

May 7, 2011 / admin

Think you’re reaching professional burnout? It’s a typical job hazard in the high-pressure business world. If you’re not sure, check out these tell-tale signs that you’re in dire need of a career change:

1. You’re Less Than Motivated

If your usual get-it-done attitude has taken a bad turn, you might be spending more time looking out the window than performing your duties. While this isn’t a good thing for the company, it’s not so hot for you either. Remember those days when you were so excited about your job that you whipped through those challenging projects and the days flew by? If you’ve mastered your job to the point that it’s boring you to death with no hint of an upcoming promotion, it may be time to look for greener pastures and bigger opportunities.

2. You’re Fantasizing About the Pre-Mature Demise of Your Current Boss

While everyone butts head with their boss from time to time, certain situations are worse than others. If your current manager doesn’t appreciate your talents or is heck-bent on keeping you in your place, maybe it’s time for a change? This situation is one that’s almost guaranteed to keep you miserable until you take a leap into a new job or a totally new career. As the economy picks up, the list of hottest upcoming jobs is definitely getting longer. Why not look for one that takes advantage of your superior skills? If you’re lacking in that category, it might be the perfect time to head back to school to get a new lease on life. Right now, there are some new and awesome careers out there just waiting for you to give them a try.

3. Your Current Company is in the Toilet

If your present employer isn’t handing out raises or promotions, it could be simply because they haven’t been able to afford to lately. However, if they’re instituting a hiring freeze or handing out the proverbial pink slip here and there, it could be a sign of things to come. Before there are mass layoffs and everyone is out there competing for the same job, make your own career move. Even if you’re kept on until the company turns around, it won’t be a fun-filled workweek for you; the corporate culture of a company that’s going down the toilet can be depressing for even the workers who get to keep their job.

4. You’re Under Appreciated

When your interest in taking on more responsibility is ignored or the promotions are going to less experienced (and less intelligent) coworkers, it’s definitely time for a change. While money is one way to keep an employee happy, no one can maintain a high level of job satisfaction if his efforts are not appreciated. During your search for a new career, you may find a new employer who will appreciate your input and make the most of your skills.
Although changing career can be a scary, and sometimes risky, proposition, that’s what life is all about! By not taking this chance, you could be short-changing the rest of your life. Do you experience any of these signs at your job?

Uncategorized

What are the Different Types of Bachelor Degrees?

May 6, 2011 / Michelle Burton

A bachelor’s degree is awarded after completing four to five years of full-time study at a college or university. A bachelor’s degree program can take several additional years to complete if you attend part-time. There are more than a dozen different bachelor’s degree programs, but the most common are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS).

As the name suggests, a Bachelor of Arts requires coursework in the arts. You can expect to take courses in areas such as music, fine arts, humanities, and social science. A Bachelor of Science degree requires coursework mainly in the sciences. You can expect to take courses in the areas of physical sciences, mathematical sciences, and life sciences. Other degrees are more specific and include:

-Bachelor of Architecture – BArch
-Bachelor of Applied Science – BASc
-Bachelor of Business Administration – BBA
-BComm – Bachelor of Commerce – BComm
-BCompSc – Bachelor of Computer Science – BCompSc
-BD – Bachelor of Divinity – BD
-BDes – Bachelor of Design – BDes
-Bachelor of Education – BEd
-Bachelor of Engineering – BEng or BE
-Bachelor of Fine Arts – BFA
-Bachelor of Mathematics – BMath
-Bachelor of Music – BMus
-Bachelor of Pharmacy – Bpharm
-Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering – BSEE
-Bachelor of Science in Forestry – BSF
-Bachelor of Technology – Btech
-Bachelor of Laws- LLB

Some degrees such as the Bachelor of Mathematics and the Bachelor of Laws are also the names of a postgraduate degree in some colleges and universities.

Bachelor’s Degree Earning Potential

A bachelor’s degree offers nearly double the lifetime earning potential than a high school diploma. High school graduates can expect to average $1.2 million during their lifetime. Bachelor’s degree holders can expect to earn an average of $2.1 million. For more information about how a degree can affect your earning potential, read The Big Payoff: Educational Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-Life Earnings by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Your Career, Your Education

Drug Testing Centers – Why Employers Want You to Visit One

May 5, 2011 / Michelle Burton

It’s a common misconception that employers only request drug tests before hiring individuals to operate heavy machinery or a vehicle. These days, many employers require a drug test, credit check, and/or a full background check before they’ll hire you. Employers aren’t interested in invading your privacy or putting your lifestyle choices under a microscope. What they are interested in is maintaining a drug-free work environment and there are plenty statistics to support this interest.

For starters, companies have a legal obligation to protect other employees from harm. Drug users are 3.6 times more likely to cause an accident at work. Next, companies also have a legal obligation to distance themselves from individuals that may put them in a position to support drug use, whether intentionally or not. Companies must also protect themselves from other issues such as high health care costs and worker’s compensation claims. When compared to drug-free co-workers, drug users are one-third less productive, they are 10 times more likely to call in sick, health care costs are three times higher, and they are more likely to file a worker’s compensation claim.

If an employer uses tax credits and federal grant money, it must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. The Act states that any company that uses federal money or tax credits must maintain a drug-free workplace. So, if you take a drug test and it comes back positive, no matter how qualified you are for the position, the company cannot hire you, period.

Taking a Drug Test

If a company requires a drug test, they will likely send you to a drug testing center of their choice. They will provide a form for you to take to the drug testing center, but you can schedule your own appointment. After taking the test, the drug testing center will complete the form and send it to your potential employer. A positive result will help move the hiring process forward. A negative result will stop it in its tracks.

It’s important to note that some employers perform random drug testing. This means that even if you’ve been in a position for years and your record is clean, a positive result at any time can still cost you your job.

Your Career

4 Brands that Extend Themselves Past the Product

May 4, 2011 / admin

In today’s digital world, companies are finding more ways to reach past their product to directly interact with their customers. In years past, it was nearly impossible to really bond with customers, but with social media brands have more power than ever to communicate and connect with their clientele. Let’s take a look at four brands that are extending beyond their product through the power of social media.

The Reach Card

This is much more than a prepaid credit card. Sure, you’ll get the same great benefits that a prepaid card will give you, but the Reach Card on Facebook has really extended itself beyond its brand. The company has turned to Facebook as a way to share with its customers. You’ll find information about your card and how to improve your credit score. The Reach Card Facebook page is a good example of going beyond the product to connect with consumers.

Whole Foods Market

Here’s another example of a big brand reaching out to customers through Facebook. Whole Foods Market lets their customers know everything that is going on through social media. In fact, the company asks their Facebook fans for their opinions! Go ahead and recommend new podcasts, read and watch interesting information that is recommended by other fans and attend company events. You can do all of this from the Whole Foods Market Facebook page.

Ford

Yes, even Ford has figured how to effectively use Facebook to interact with customers. Have you seen the latest Focus commercials? All of these ads actually originated through Facebook. Ford shows videos of upcoming products, lets you contact Customer Service and even allows customers to find out how to “go green”…all through social media. Ford is one of those “old” companies that has found a way to be “new” by utilizing social media in a good way.

When it comes to brands making a presence, the use of social media is an absolute must. It’s not enough anymore for companies to make a couple of commercials or create a flyer and call it a day. Nowadays, it’s important for any brand – big or small – to have a way to connect and communicate directly with its customers. Facebook allows brands to know immediately what a customer wants and how to deliver it. This can only lead to greater brand loyalty and an increase in sales. After all, isn’t that what all brands really want?