Workplace romance is a fitting topic with Valentine’s Day almost here. To do it or not to do it is the real question and the real answer: think twice about it. I could just be biased because of the personal accounts I’ve witnessed, or because where I work seems to be the capital of fraternization, but really it’s just made me think about the issue a lot more. Helped me come to my own healthy conclusions and these are what I share now.
So, in my experience (again, not personal experience, but eye-witness accounts) something you have to sneak around to do to “not get caught” is honestly way too much stress to put yourself through. Every workplace has its gossip—inevitable—and the juiciest gossip is definitely whom sees whom after hours. No one wants his or her personal lives critiqued, laughed at, or even frowned upon at the proverbial water cooler. It sucks to be the object of ridicule, and for all you entry-level jobsters out there, this is not a good foot to put forward.
Another issue you should contemplate while thinking of Deborah or Fred’s dreamy eyes is do you think it will really last? Fine, none of us can answer this question with any certainty at the earliest stages. Some of us may even think it will, since we are, perhaps, blinded by that euphoric high of someone new. I recommend that you DO think of it if it’s a workplace romance. It’s hard to sit next to so and so, work with so and so, be cordial to so and so…if things fall apart.
A particular family member of mine is going through something similar to this, and it’s not pretty. In public, no one can tell. When no one is around he gets really nasty to her, bordering on harassment. Imagine dealing with something like this. Your options are: to report it, ignore it, or leave. She’s tried all of these recourses except leave since she has bills to pay. Quite an uncomfortable situation and she’s not the first nor will she be the last. I say remember these considerations when contemplating a workplace romance:
1) You WILL be the “talk of the town.” Now, do you mind?
2) If worse comes to worse can you afford to leave and start over or do you have a thick skin?
3) Are you good at playing hide and seek?
If you say puh to these considerations and still want to pursue that special someone remember workplace etiquette. Stealing away romantic moments when you are on the clock I can safely say is frowned upon. Being a bit too amorous at a meeting or simply at that water cooler may not be the best bet. Save your romantic time for when you clock out, it’ll save you a headache. Other than that I say good luck, more power to you. Just remember a workplace romance can quickly become a workplace nightmare. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Ps. I didn’t forget about the boy/girlfriend working as the new employee (they actually were listening to all that gushing about how great your job is). But that’s for the next issue…

Finding a groove is so important. What is a “groove” anyway? Well, to me a groove is adapting. Finding a way to exist in a fashion that excites you heightens your experience and makes you an all around happy and productive person.
A groove is more than a routine because a routine is something that can bore you; something one engages in just to get through or to get by (at least in my case). I often create a routine to help me accomplish tasks and duties, oftentimes to even remember that I have to do them. Yet a groove is more of a feeling. It allows you to do all that a routine allow you to do but you feel good about it. The whole point of a groove is to erase boredom. It gets you up, gives you energy, drive, motivation and stamina. It’s the icing on the cake. We all have obligations we must attend to and your groove is your inner cheerleader, helping everything fall into place. You know when you are not in a groove because you’re stagnant, in a doldrums-like existence. Just like you know when you are in your groove or that you need to get your groove back.
No one groove is the same and it pays to take notice of it. For me, my groove involves the gym. A nice productive workout about 30 minutes a day keeps me within my groove. Whatever the day brings, as long as I get my cardio and/or weights in I am good to go. I can accomplish anything…quite the queen of the world. Now THAT’S how everyone should approach the day.

Have you ever tried with all of your might to accomplish something and then figured out that the hardest part was following through with it? I have. For me that feeling came when applying to graduate school. I wanted to attend school out of the country and felt like applying for school and being accepted was the biggest hurdle I’d have to overcome. Along with financing it, getting documentation (such as student visas) out of the way and of the course the big move there, but honestly I think the actual degree program may be my biggest hurdle yet.
This example can also hold true for the job search, and that’s why I bring it up in the first place. We get anxious about finding the “right” job, about creating “winner resumes,” about structuring cover letters, references, interviews…but what about when we get that job? How do we accomplish what our employer expects of us? How do we accomplish what we expect of ourselves, what we touted in those cover letters and demonstrated in those resumes? It can seem overwhelming, it is overwhelming, and honestly that is the hardest part.
The preparation getting there is always going to be there. You do it and it’s done. The truly interesting, and altogether challenging, part is making the most out of that entry-level job. Investing a large chunk of your time in a place that counts on your every day efforts, interacting with your fellow employees, learning what it is you have to learn to do a satisfactory job. Taking those lessons with you when it’s time to move on and building upon the last experience until you are there, until you are at your desired career. Whew, that’s intimidating.
When I think of that, I don’t mind making resumes, typing up cover letters or going on interviews, that’s a piece of cake. It’s when the responsibility comes in, when I know that I have what I want and now I have to prove to myself that I am worthy of it. Times like these I have to take a breath and realize that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and just go with the flow. Just like with my graduate school acceptance. I am intimidated by the very fact that someone suspects I have what it takes to pursue a graduate degree and now I must take responsibility for that. In the same token, when I am hired for a job I must recognize that although I am new here I have a lot to offer. I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

It’s important to me to recognize that a job is just that—something you do to pay the bills. If you are lucky it also enriches your spirit, interpersonal relationships and puts a smile on your face. But it’s more important for me not to let it distract from living my life. Work is just a nine to five activity we all have to engage in. Yet, why is it so hard for our work to occupy one small aspect of our lives instead of encompassing them all? I think the Spanish culture (and other cultures like it) has the recipe for success: they work hard but play harder. I like that. My recent hiatus from CollegeRecruiter got me thinking about that. There are so many things one can contemplate about life, and it’s not work we reminisce fondly about. It’s family, friends, adventures, and life changing experiences…the like. It’s rarely the daily grind. Sites like CollegeRecruiter are helpful because they allow us to vent, share trade secrets, and overall make hitting the pavement that more bearable. I’ve come to embrace the fact that if I need ME time, I’m going to take it. While I may not be able to all the time, when I do I will enjoy it. Then I’ll go back, start over again, but invent ways to break up the monotony. I will live and fit work—not play—into my schedule.

For finding entry-level job opportunities in New Jersey (or really any city) try looking at the local newspapers for job postings. Most newspapers nowadays have local newspapers posted on the web or at least online editions of their most popular daily newspapers. Of course there will be all sorts of jobs listed, not just entry-level job opportunities, but you can get an idea of the types of jobs that are needed in New Jersey.
If you are someone who is thinking of moving to New Jersey and want to see what the job market looks like then this seems like a good idea (along with checking out sites like Craig’s List) to look into before packing up everything and moving. If you currently reside in the New Jersey area, looking at the job listing pages seems more direct than searching using online job search sites.
Then again there are also ways to restrict searches using online search sites as well. Only search for entry-level job opportunities in New Jersey using something like Monstertrak that allows you to search for internships and job opportunities alike. While Monstertrak is limited to college students and helping find their first job opportunities, this is the basic idea. Then of course there are always government sites that have tons of information on the state in question, including job opportunities. So have fun, learn new things and find that entry-level job!!
Resources:
http://www.wnjpin.state.nj.us/jobseeker/joblist.htm
http://www.aftercollege.com/jobseekers/parttime/
http://www.monstertrak.monster.com/
http://www.state.nj.us/personnel/
http://new.jersey.jobs.com/
http://www.jobopenings.net/jobs.php?industry=entry

Employment opportunities in entry-level web design do not require a lot of design experience, per se, but they do require a lot of inherent creativity. While you don’t need to have to have the design experience on paper a certain amount of computer experience is essential. If you have the computer savvy and the creative know-how, than an entry-level job in web design is beckoning you.
For an entry-level employee the salary is nothing to frown on. The monetary benefits stand to increase, especially as many companies and individuals are embracing cyberspace for a lot of their advertising needs. They need you to organize their site in a way that will make Internet surfers want to spend the time browsing through their web pages. That is the job of the web designer.
Your talents are needed and will be put to good use. So have fun, learn new things and find that entry-level web design job!!
Resources:
http://webdesign.about.com/
http://www.freelancedesigners.com/
http://www.leveltendesign.com/jobs/posting/web_designer_entry_level/
Connect:
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-12989.html

As for entry-level nursing program requirements there are a bunch of sites where you can see what program you want to enroll in. You can get a three-year degree in nursing, which will give you a diploma in nursing. This program prepares those interested in staff positions in the health field. There is also a nursing program with a two-year (associate’s) degree, which is pretty much the same program as the diploma program. The next nursing program is a Bachelor’s of Science and is a four to five year degree and actually prepares one for nursing positions in hospital facilities.
So the requirements for nursing programs really do differ, as there are a variety of program choices. Make sure of what you are interested in and research that. You can find a lot of the courses for these entry-level nursing programs at community colleges in your area, which are usually cheaper than classes you would find at a public or private university. So have fun, learn new things and find that entry-level job!!
Resources:
http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/programs.php
http://www.normandale.edu/academics/?dept=44
http://www.broward.edu/locations/chse/nursing/admissions.jsp
http://www.plu.edu/~nurs/programs/elminfo.html
http://healthprofessions.udmercy.edu/nursing/programs.php

My best advice for those interested in becoming a fashion model, and is not sure exactly how to sell their talents, I recommend a modeling agency. These people are paid to help you sell your fashion model talents to those out there who need your fashion model talents. In my opinion, it is the agency that you choose who highlights exactly your talents as a fashion model and helps you put together your portfolio. That, in essence, is your resume, and is probably a lot more effective than a written one. As a fashion model your potential employers will want to see your experience not read it since that is the nature of the job.
You don’t have to take my word for it as I list a couple of websites below that actually do assist those in your shoes. Those wanting to enter into the fashion model arena and don’t know exactly how to get the-foot-in-the-door. These sites provide tips on what is typically expected of a fashion model (clear skin, good teeth, nice hands etc.), although I’m sure these sites are not the end all and be all of fashion modeling advice.
So have fun, learn new things and find that entry-level job!!
What It Takes:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile514/
http://www.free-beauty-tips.com/fashionmodels.html
Other Resources:
http://www.locatemodels.com/
http://www.fashiongates.com/

Those with a degree in economics or finance are definitely qualified to start the search for entry-level job opportunities as a loan officer. Main duties for loan officers entail analyzing whether certain parties are qualified to obtain particular loans. These “certain parties” are typically corporations, banks or sometimes individuals. If someone wants to apply for a loan, a loan officer is someone they must go through. The loan officer then determines their creditworthiness for the loan in question. A loan officer’s job also has a bit of sales involved, as they don’t only determine the “worthiness” of a loan application. A loan officer also seeks out clients for loans.
There is also a chance for advancement as most experienced loan officers do move into managerial positions. As for the job outlook, the opportunities are growing and will continue to do so as most people out there (be they companies, entrepreneurs or students) need loans at some point in their lives and careers. They will, without a doubt, apply for loans and then the loan officer will move in and decide whether to say yay or nay. Or maybe one of these people is not sure exactly what loan is the “best loan” and the loan officer will move in and sell, sell, sell. If this sounds like a place you want to be then, have fun, learn new things and find that entry-level loan officer job!!
What The Job Entails:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos018.htm
http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/loan_officer.htm
Job Resources:
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?IPath=OCPGT&job_did=J8E7H274WQTYKR2MPBQ&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=8f3972b16575468ab84fc688624f06a4-214079895-R3-4
http://www.careermag.com/job.asp?id=5630300
http://www.metrocitiesmtg.com/mortgagecareers.asp
http://fortworth.fwweekly.com/employment/classifieds/ViewAd?oid=oid%3A445307&name=sales%20%26%20marketing%20jobs
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/jobs/CA/Irvine/Banking-Mortgage/J444456MS
http://sales-jobs.acareerinsales.com/jobs/Florida/Miami/jobsId=346/sales-job.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/sls/212368081.html
http://www.jobmag.com/emsres.htm
http://loan.officer.jobs.topusajobs.com/
Other Resources:
http://www.loanofficerschool.com/

Music is so intertwined with emotions, mood and well-being, that it makes sense that a musical therapist would need to be interested in not only music, but in helping people with these challenges as well. Typical musical therapists work in the school systems, hospitals, and substance abuse facilities, to name a few.
Someone interested in music therapy does need to have a bachelor’s degree but there are a variety of degree programs available. You can get a degree in music therapy or a joint degree in education, or even a master’s degree in music therapy. It is a legitimate health related field and the function of music therapists is to improve the wellness of patients.
This seems to be an interesting way to put your musical talents to use in a unique way and if you are one of those musically gifted persons, maybe you should start searching for entry-level music therapy jobs as well.
As a music therapist you will not actually teach music, although you do need to have a degree in music. It is more about the patient and teaching them to incorporate music into their own lives as part of their treatment process.
As for job opportunities, I recommend looking into the Association of Professional Music Therapists and see what you can find. There are also a bunch of resources listed below as well. So have fun, learn new things and find that entry-level job!!
Resources:
http://healthcare.monster.com/therapy/articles/music/
http://www.music.ecu.edu/depts/therapy/mtinfo.htm
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile713/
http://hometown.aol.com/kathysl/jobs.html
http://www.musictherapy.org/requirements.html
Association of Professional Music Therapists:
http://www.apmt.org/