Quick Paths To A New Career

With the right education, a new career could be closer than you think…

By Lynda Phung

Hate your job and looking for something new? Want to transition to another field, but don't want to spend years and years preparing?
Look into continuing your education through a certificate program.
Much shorter than bachelor's degree programs, certificates often provide a focused education that can be completed in a relatively short period of time.
"Certificates can enhance your chances of finding a job since it gives you specialized education in a particular area," says Lisa Andrews, director of career services at the University of Maryland University College. "Combined with your other experience, it raises your level of qualifications."
If you want to build your skills and boost your career, these five options can help.

#1: Medical Assisting Certificate

If you want to get into the medical field, consider earning a medical assisting certificate. Many programs can be completed in about one year.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a certificate can help distinguish an experienced or formally trained assistant from an entry-level one, which could potentially lead to higher income or greater employment opportunities.
Potential career path: Medical assistant
  • Typical medical assistant responsibilities: Medical assistants often help with the day-to-day administrative and clinical tasks in a doctor's office. This includes scheduling appointments, taking patients' medical histories, and helping with daily tasks to keep the office running smoothly.
  • Average earning potential: Medical assistants have an average annual income of $29,760. Top earners average at $40,190.

#2: Computer and Technology Support Certificate

Want to boost your chances of scoring a gig in the information technology industry? A certificate in computer and technology support could help. Many programs take a few months to a year to complete. Even if you don't have a degree in computer science, the Department of Labor says that a certificate could give you an advantage in obtaining an entry-level position. If you're already in the field, a certificate program could help you stay up-to-date with the latest in changing technology.

Potential career path: Computer support specialist
  • Typical computer support specialist responsibilities: Support specialists often work as technical or help-desk support, and may find themselves assisting computer users, writing training manuals, or performing computer diagnostic work.
  • Average earning potential: As of May 2008, the average income for computer support specialists is $43,450, with the top 10 percent averaging at $70,750.

#3: Paralegal Certificate

For those who already hold a bachelor's degree, completing a certificate in paralegal studies program could prepare you for a career as a paralegal in nine months to one year. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a paralegal certificate is a common credential for those looking to enter the field, especially for those who already have a bachelor's degree.

Potential career path: Paralegal
  • Typical responsibilities: Paralegals help lawyers by drafting legal documents, investigating cases and judicial decisions, and providing assistance during trials. Some have the additional responsibility of coordinating the activities of the law office and maintaining financial records.
  • Average earning potential: Paralegals have an average annual income of $49,640. The top ten percent of earners average at $74,870 per year.

#4: Administrative Support Certificate

Most certificate programs in this field take two to three semesters to complete and can help administrative support staff learn how to use new technologies. Businesses need to be technologically savvy, and administrative personnel need to keep pace with current administrative skills.
According to the Department of Labor, those with certificates may be promoted to senior or executive administrative assistant positions.

Potential career path: Administrative assistant
  • Typical responsibilities: Administrative assistants help manage offices, schedule meetings, and perform other important duties like customer support or organizing important documents.
  • Average earning potential: Median annual wages of executive secretaries and administrative assistants were $45,860 in May 2010. The highest 10 percent averaged at $67,000.
#5: Beauty and Cosmetology Certificate
Ever wonder what it would be like to work as a professional cosmetologist or beauty expert? Wonder no more. Most certificates in cosmetology can be earned in six months to one year. Certificate programs often teach you new cosmetology skills in basic beauty, which includes hair care, manicures, and facials.
Potential career path: Cosmetologist
  • Typical responsibilities: People who find work in beauty and cosmetology can apply their skills to a variety of careers such as hairdresser or manicurist. They can also look to find work in barber shops, spas, and salons.
  • Average earning potential: According to PayScale, the average income for cosmetologists is $17,224-$30,967.
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Surge in Michigan job growth a surprise | Detroit Free Press | freep.com


Michigan's long-suffering job market has finally turned the corner. Led by a surge in manufacturing, job growth in the state jumped a surprisingly strong 3.8% from January through March, according to a report released Monday from University of Michigan economist George Fulton. He predicts Michigan will gain 64,600 jobs this year, more than double the 24,500 jobs he had forecasted in November. 

And new data from the Conference Board, a New York-based business research association, shows that last month, Michigan had a 41% year-over-year increase in online job ads, the largest gain in the nation. The number of online ads in the state has risen for three consecutive months and 11 out of the last 14 months.

Dream Jobs: Six-Figure Salaries and a Bright Future

Seemingly every week, another publication or website comes out with its list of the "Best Jobs of the Year" or the "Hottest Careers," purporting to show the best fields to get into for job stability and earnings potential. The problem with many of these lists is that the jobs and careers on them often require years and years of training (see: biomedical engineer), offer an extremely small overall pool of jobs, or really don't pay all that well (see: home health aide).
So we've put together a list of jobs that suffer from none of these disadvantages. Using statistics from the Bureau of Labor, salary sites, professional trade groups, and recruiters, we identified jobs that don't require more than two years of additional training to secure a position, have a reasonably large and growing number of overall jobs, and offer six-figure salaries to top earners in the field (generally, the top 10 percent of those employed). These, to our mind, are the true dream jobs
Online Marketing Director
Salary for top earners: $100,000+
Projected job growth: 60 percent this year
Additional training required: Familiarity with web analytics and search engine optimization and marketing can be acquired over several months via webinars, workshops, and online courses. A combination of marketing experience and online tech savvy, however, can help get your foot in the door.
As an online marketing director, you'd be developing and managing a company's social media strategy, website, online and email campaigns, and ecommerce and merchandising. "The field is exploding and you don't need an M.B.A.," says Ellen Pack, vice president of marketing for Elance.com, which places online talent. According to Daniel Greenberg, chief marketing officer for job search engine SimplyHired.com, the number of listings for online marketing directors has increased more than 250 percent since June 2009.
Mobile Applications Developer
Salary for top earners: $115,000
Projected job growth: 131 percent this year alone
Additional training required: Programming experience in mobile platforms is necessary, but depending on your background, you can fine-tune your knowledge with a DIY approachor perhaps an online certificate program that typically takes one year to complete.
Developing and building applications for smartphones, iPads, and other tablets and notebook PCs is one of the most in-demand jobs in the world right now. So enticing is the revenue from mobile apps -- Gartner estimates that worldwide revenue could top $15 billion this year -- that Google recently announced it's hiring dozens of mobile developersin an attempt to counter Apple. Reality check: This isn't a field for dilettantes: it requires serious programming and IT skills, but the growth potential is huge.
Global Supply Chain Manager
Salary for top earners: $135,100
Projected job growth: 10 percent by 2012
Additional training required: Transitioning into this field could take between six months forcourses and up to two years to get a master's degree. Those with operations, purchasing, or logistics education and/or experience have the best chance of getting into this field.
Global supply chain managers are the unsung heroes of companies who have to get products from A to B, on time, and on budget -- and now across continents and time zones as well. The job calls for calm problem-solving ability, high-tech handiness, and diplomatic skill -- a triple threat that's hard to find. According to industry analysts, there is a growing shortage of these specialists as companies streamline and speed up every link in the chain to stay competitive.
Financial Advisor
Salary for top earners: $139,350
Projected job growth: 30 percent by 2018
Additional training required: While not required, the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certificate is a useful credential to get into this profession. The coursework and exam can usually be completed in 18 to 24 months, and over 250 institutions across the country, including some that are online, offer CFP-approved programs.
Once solely the purview of the wealthy, getting financial planning is now viewed as a prudent move for much of the population, particularly as traditional pensions fade. Consider that never before in history have regular people been required to take on this much responsibility for investing their nest eggs. You'll be helping clients build portfolios, save for college or a house, and do estate planning, either at a firm or for yourself.
Financial Analyst, Gaming Industry
Salary for top earners: $100,000
Projected job growth: 20 percent by 2018
Additional training required: Seminars, webinars, and online classes offered through the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada Las Vegas will bring you up to speed. The five core courses could be completed within two years, less time if you double up.
There are currently 943 casinos in 38 states across the country, and more are being built every day. And with their focus on efficiency and profitability, gaming companies need qualified financial analysts. In particular, new racetrack casinos, or 'racinos,' are starting to flourish and hire, says Beth Deighan, CEO of Casino Careers LLC, an executive search firm. Skills from arenas such as government and finance are often transferable, Deighan says.

Your Appearance Affects Your Paycheck

How successful you become is mostly up to you. Success also depends on how you're perceived by others. Numerous studies have shown looks can impact career advancement.
Some say physical appearance matters even more to employers than a cover letter.
Researchers have found that facial structure, hair color, and weight all can affect our paychecks. We can't help our genes, but some of them may be helping us more than others.
If you're a 6-foot tall male
Men who are at least 6' tall make an average salary of $5,525 more than their shorter, 5'5 counterparts, says Harvard University.  Another study polled half of all the Fortune 500 companies about the height of their CEOs.  On average, male CEOs were three inches taller than the average man at just under 6'.
If you're a skinny woman New York University sociologist Dalton Conley conducted a study and discovered that a woman's weight negatively impacts her household income and "job prestige." In fact, a 1% increase in body mass results in a 0.6 percentage point decrease in family income.
Another study by Jay Zagorsky titled "Health and Wealth" found that Caucasian women get the most financial slack for higher weight, seeing their wealth drop 12%. In comparison, African-American women who are overweight only see a 7% drop. Men weren't affected.
If you're a woman who's three inches taller than her colleagues
For every three inches taller than average they are, women earn 5 to 8 percent more money than women of average height.
If you're symmetrical
Have one eye that's smaller than the other? It could be costing you some of your paycheck. Symmetry is perhaps the greatest sign of perceived beauty, and people who are attractive make a considerable amount more than everyone else.
If you smile a lot
Rick Wilson of Rice University studied "Fiscal Attraction."  He found a correlation between good looks and success. In particular, the better a person looks, the more other people trust them, and trust is a quality most leaders possess. One of his findings also showed that subjects ranked people who were smiling as more trustworthy than people with straight faces.
If you're attractive
Yale's Daniel Hamermesh conducted a study, “Beauty in the Labor Market.” He found that people with above average looks typically received premiums in pay of 5% or more, and that less attractive people "suffered  a salary penalty of up to 9%." Hamermesh also writes that attractive men earn 9% more than unattractive men, and attractive women earn 4% more than unattractive women.
But not if you're too attractive
Normally, being pretty is a good thing. It's been proven time and time again that attractive people make more money.  Cute babies are held and played with more than others, teachers have higher expectations in the classroom for good-looking children, and hiring decisions are made largely (but often subconsciously) on looks.
One study, Physical Attractiveness Bias In Hiring, shows that beauty can be beastly.  When women apply for jobs typically handled by men, they are discriminated against. One of the researchers says, ""In these professions [such as manager of research and development, director of finance, mechanical engineer and construction supervisor], being attractive was highly detrimental to women," said Johnson. This was only the case for women.  Extraordinarily attractive men weren't found to be discriminated against.
If you have hair on your head but not on your face
According to The Times, "facial hair has long been considered a potential blight on career advancement." They report the results of a survey: "60% of businessmen without beards or moustaches feel that these features are a bad sign. Some feel that the person can’t be bothered to shave and others that they are hiding something."
63% of men also report that hair loss or balding has negatively affected their careers.  US News and World Report discusses how plastic surgery can boost careers, in particular hair implants. "In the corporate world, there's a lot of emphasis on image, and image goes with self-confidence," says Antonio Armani, a Beverly Hills, Calif., cosmetic surgeon who specializes in hair transplants. "I think a lot of people do invest money in improving their looks because they feel this is one way they can go up the corporate ladder."
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery also reported that two thirds of its members, both men and women, wanted cosmetic surgery because they wanted to "remain competitive in the workplace."
If you're a woman who wears makeup
According to TheGlassHammer, a website designed for women executives, "there is strong statistical evidence to show that women who wear make-up in business get better jobs and are promoted more quickly." And a survey reported in The Times shows that "64 per cent of directors said that women who wore make-up look more professional and 18 per cent of directors said that women who do not wear make-up “look like they can’t be bothered to make an effort”.
If you dress conservatively
Harvard Business Review writes about how dressing professionally and conservatively can advance careers: "Women, in particular, believed that dressing the part was a vital factor in attaining success: 53% of them felt aspiring female execs needed to toe a very conservative line, avoiding flashy make-up, plunging necklines, too-short or too-tight skirts, and long fingernails — exactly the sort of sartorial no-nos UBS spelled out. "Indeed, half the women surveyed and 37% of the men considered appearance and EP to be intrinsically linked; they understood that if you don't look the part of a leader, you're not likely to be given the role.
Far from imagining that appearance is a personal matter, they perceived that looking well-turned-out engenders self confidence, a trait they considered the bedrock of authentic leaders."
If you have great posture
According to Harvard Business School's study, "Power Posing: Brief Nonverbal Displays Affect Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance," sitting in a position that oozes confidence (i.e. legs up on your desk, chest puffed out, or leaning forward) will make people deem you powerful.
Why?
It raises testosterone levels by roughly 20% and lowers the stress hormone cortisol by the same.  The reverse is also true. If you slouch, cross your legs, or look weak, it works against you.  Sitting powerfully for just two minutes can make a psychological difference.
According to the study, "High-power posers were more likely than low-power posers to focus on rewards— 86.36% took an offered gambling risk (only 13.63% were risk averse). In contrast, only 60% of the low-power posers took the risk (and 40% were risk averse).
Finally, high-power posers reported feeling significantly more “powerful” and “in charge.”

Marketing Integration Specialist

This person contributes to the Pepsi Beverage Company's success by developing Customer Relationship Management programs that drive Volume, Distribution, Revenue and Marginal Contribution to enable Pepsi Direct to sell more soda to the Right Customer with the Right Offer at the Right Time while maintaining solid relationships with Field & HQ Based Business Partners.

Associate Producer

Produce assigned projects; work with internal and external teams assist with requirements gathering; assist Lead Producer in scheduling, resource management, & planning. Manage site production process from pre-production to QA as well as maintenance and operational needs.

Manager, Comedy

Implement the creative strategy as defined by the Head of Comedy for ABC Studios. Track, solicit, evaluate, procure, develop and oversee the production of scripted programming from pitch to pilot, which involves but is not limited to: Manage current programming responsibilities on existing shows, which involves but is not limited to: relationships withtalent (writers, producers, directors, actors, authors, filmmakers, laywrights), identifying the creators and show runners of tomorrow and actively pursuing business with them.

Executive Director - Original Series, Disney XD

Lead executive overseeing live-action development slate. Oversee script development, pilot production, and early episodes of new series. Organize and evaluate pitches for potential live-action projects. Make presentations and internal network pitches on new properties. Generate ideas for new show concepts and characters. Develop and manage relationships with creative community, including writer-producers, agents, and managers. Track competitive development/programming.

Director - Consumer Relationship Marketing

Drive consumer/audience analytics roadmap with WDPRO Revenue Science team and/or external vendors from inception to execution. Partner with technology teams to identify ad/marketing platform services business requirements to evolve targeted advertising and enable targeted audience marketing. Leverage best practices from the Walt Disney Company CRM teams, and partner with cross-functional team to develop DATG loyalty benchmarks, success metrics and programs. Partner with Bu’s to incorporate customer intelligence in driving customer retention/loyalty.

Sr. Flash Engineer

The Senior Flash/Flex Engineer will support the Flash technology platform(s) at Disney Online, work on developing new architectures and websites, update existing websites, design Flash-related standards, provide technical leadership and oversight for technical initiatives. Ideal candidate excels in all components of the Flash/Flex and has a strong background in Web Development, including but not limited to: HTML, DHTML, HTML5, CSS3, AJAX, Management Systems, site maintenance and troubleshooting.

Vice President, Marketing (Disney Online Studios)

Reporting to the EVP and General Manager of Disney Online Studios (DOS), the Vice President, Marketing will be responsible for developing the long-term marketing vision for Disney Online Studios (DOS). This role will serve as the lead on the overall marketing strategy for the DOS businesses and will develop sound business cases for new initiatives that improve customer loyalty and company value. He/She will work closely with senior management, the product and technology teams to ensure marketing methods and content are optimized for the target audience.

Computational Linguist (Contract)

As a Computation linguist, you will be extensively involved in the design and implementation of Disney online communities in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, French, German. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Business Technology for Disney online studios, you will be responsible for the selection, design, architecture, implementation, features, and enhancements to Disney online community foreign language systems. You will be responsible for the technical side of curating and managing a 200K data base of child-safe game-related phrases in the languages in question.

Retail Marketing Manager

Develop Comprehensive marketing plan for store opening. Oversee development and execution of all marketing tactics. Review all creative development. Ensure activities meet established budget. Establish all marketing signage. Identify new signage for all stage sets-lead turn-in meetings, and act as primary interface with merchants and planning signage requirements. Direct copy, layout and content direction. Review and approve all signage. Partner with visual to determine appropriate quantities by store type.

Marketing Associate

Negotiate collateral space in malls/High Street location. Develop and execute contractual agreement with malls. Feedback and art direction on collateral creative. Work with vendors to ensure deadlines are met. Follow up to ensure activities are executed by stores and malls. Manage budget and track expenses.

Director, Creative Services

DigiSynd, Disney’s social media group, is seeking an energetic and experienced professional with a strong interest in new media and social networking to join our Creative department. This individual must thrive in a fast paced environment and have the dexterity to work across several internal departments. This position has very informed opinions on how social media platforms can be utilized for marketing, monetization, distribution, and storytelling / continuing the brand experience.

Senior Platform Engineer

DigiSynd is seeking a resourceful, self-motivated individual to help design and develop the systems used to manage The Walt Disney Company’s brand presence in the social media space. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience creating and maintaining high-volume, highly-available distributed systems in a heterogeneous networked environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills are assumed, along with the ability to work well as part a cross-functional team composed of both technical and non-technical collaborators.

CONTRACT Graphic Designer

DigiSynd is seeking a sharp and creative graphic designer to assist with the company’s new product development and client services fulfillment. The ideal candidate will have refined creative ability, solid experience in web design/UI, and firm domain knowledge and understanding of social media (e.g. facebook, youtube, twitter, etc.).

Director, Human Resources (Playdom)

Reporting to the Vice President, Human Resources, the Director of HR will play a strategic role defining and executing the HR plan based on and aligned with core business needs of the division. The Director will serve as the strategic HR business partner for Playdom and Disney Mobile’s operations worldwide, providing hands-on HR leadership to ensure that appropriate strategies and initiatives are developed and implemented.

CONTRACT Research Coordinator

DigiSynd is seeking an entry-level Research Coordinator to assist in research, editorial development, and content management within the Social Media Innovation group. The ideal candidate is a highly organized and ambitious professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment with the ability to think creatively, adhere to deadlines, yet also pay close attention to detail.

CONTRACT Brand Coordinator

DigiSynd, Disney’s social media group, is seeking an energetic professional with a strong interest in new media and social networking to join our Client Strategy department. This individual must thrive in a fast paced environment and have the dexterity to work across several internal departments (Content, Editorial, Analytics). The position is temp-to-perm.

CONTRACT Media Planning Analyst

DigiSynd is seeking a Sr. Media Planning Analyst to support media planning and execution initiatives. The Media Analyst is required to develop strategic media programs, maintain a deep knowledge of clients' business and ensure that all client media plan requests and requirements are executed in a timely and accurate manner.

Undergraduate Associate, Girls Toys Category Intern, 6 months-Winter/Spring

Manage sample distributions & requests for Princess Team Manage product development & packaging for Mass Large Doll line (Tolly). Exposure to all facets of product development (toy manufacturing). Conducting analysis and research in support of business plans and developing forecasts – Competitive Checks, Facing Analysis and NPD Markey Share reporting Support DisneyPrincessandMe.com site management and migration to DCAT.

Undergraduate Associate, IT Resource Management Intern-6 mo. Winter

The associate will support various PPM Resource Management projects and initiatives. Will provide support for the DCP Cognos Planning and Business Intelligence system. Assists the finance community’s use of the system in resolving incidents, gathering business requirements, as well as run and test reports. Assist in SAP hierarchies maintenance and performing ad hoc SAP report data analysis and testing.

VP, Production Operations

The Walt Disney Company’s Interactive Media Group (DIMG) is seeking a Vice President, Production Operations who will focus on transforming the day-to-day operations of product development and driving efficiency. He or she will play an integral role in shaping the Enthusiast/Connected Console product strategy and driving key initiatives. Additionally, the VP will lead an extended team to deliver outstanding gaming experiences with globally recognizable properties across all platforms: mobile, handheld, PC/Mac, console and the web.

MBA Summer Intern - Strategy & Business Development, Disney Online

As part of the Disney.com team, you will conduct both quantitative and qualitative analysis of online and mobile market trends, technology trends, develop business case support for specific deals in the pipeline and interface with internal and external stakeholders. You may also have the opportunity to turn this analysis into actionable projects, interacting with key external partners and working closely with Disney.com producers to execute new services in areas such as: User-generated content campaigns; New social media platforms; Emerging connected screens - like mobile and television.

Administrative Assistant

Duties include heavy phones, maintaining busy calendar, filing and distribution of material, maintenance of development documents and coverage. Ideal candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel and Outlook. Job requires the ability to focus and navigate the ever changing demands of a fast-paced environment.

Manager, Strategic Philanthropy

The Manager will be responsible for developing and executing charitable giving strategies for The Walt Disney Company and The Walt Disney Company Foundation, advancing Disney’s positive impact on communities around the world while enhancing the Company’s reputation as a global leader in entertainment. The Manager will leverage best practices and work closely with business units and functional areas to execute against the charitable giving framework that encompasses grant making, employee giving programs, metrics and reporting.

Sr. Manager, Transaction Support

The Transaction Support group is primarily responsible for reviewing the accounting impact of potential acquisitions/divestitures, assisting in the preparation of acquisition/divestiture agreements and assisting business units with technical accounting issues including the implementation of new accounting rules. Recent transactions involving the group include the acquisition of Marvel Entertainment, Playdom, and Club Penguin Entertainment, the merger of the Company’s investments in Lifetime and AETN networks, and the execution of ESPN’s multi-year sports rights contracts.

Sr Process Analyst

This position will be responsible for the development and support of Order to Cash (OTC) solutions within the WDSHE IT Landscape. Major areas of focus are: SAP development and integration, timely resolution of incidents, defining requirements & testing of new enhancements, and production support. Strong skills around problem solving, analytics, systems process development, SAP SD module, Order to Cash business operations, and written and oral communication a must.

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