Showing posts with label Career Advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Career Advice. Show all posts

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Adjunct Professor Definition

The term adjunct professor is frequently used but many are unsure as to the adjunct professor definition. An adjunct professor is a person who teaches on the college level but is not a full-time professor. Rather, an adjunct professor works for an institution of higher learning on a part-time basis. They can teach only one or they can teach multiple courses during a semester. However, future courses are not assured. Adjuncts usually do not receive benefits such as health, life, or disability insurance nor do they receive employer contributions for retirement.

With increasing frequency, college-level courses are being taught by part-time faculty members rather than by full-time professors. This is because it is cheaper for the university to hire part-time faculty to teach than it is for full-time faculty. Full-time faculty do research, serve on committees, advise students, and, thus, they provide stability for the institution as well as teach. However, in an uncertain economic climate, full-time faculty lines remain unfilled or are being cancelled. Thus, many universities have had a reduction in the number of regular faculty. The responsibility to teach the courses being offered rests on the shoulders of their adjunct faculty members. Adjunct professors have no other duties except to teach. Thus, there are distinct advantages being a part-time instructor.

This creates an opportunity. We do not have to go the normal faculty route with all of its hassles. Rather, we can work as a professional adjunct. Adjuncts obtain teaching contracts relatively easy because it is solely need-based. Adjuncts can simultaneously teach several courses each for numerous institutions. This includes teaching online as well as on ground. Thus, an adjunct professor can earn more money than most full-time faculty members.

Get started earning a significant income as a part-time professor at: http://www.adjunctteachingonline.com/

Dr. Howard Rubin holds a BS, 3 masters degrees, a Ph.D., and was an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow. For 20 years, he was an environmental scientist and then started teaching as an adjunct professor. Dr. Rubin continuously increased the number of colleges and then started to teach online. He was able to substantially increase his income each year until his income goals were achieved and has been able to maintain this income level for more than ten years. Over the years, Dr. Rubin has helped many people to start careers as adjunct professors.

If you are serious about earning significant amounts of money as an adjunct then check out:

http://www.adjunctteachingonline.com/ right now!

Nobody Wants to Lead the Corporate Dance

Back in November, I wrote a post about the show The Office and how the anti-management attitude displayed on the show was affecting employees. Today, I got the following from Randstad, one of the two staffing firms that does annual workplace surveys which I quoted in the post. Their newest survey indicates the trend is growing:

"...Randstad released its annual World of Work report around the topic of managers and how businesses are finding themselves with a declining pool of trained managers. Not only do 51% of workers say they do not have qualified managers, 49% of workers want nothing to do with climbing the corporate ladder to management - especially those qualified to lead. Stress is the main deterrent for 82% of Gen X, Boomers and Mature workers while Gen Ys most fear managing disgruntled employees.

"To retain managers and head off a potential shortage, organizations need to rethink how they define and communicate managerial roles," says Eileen Habelow, Randstad Senior Vice President - Organizational Development. "Especially in periods of economic recessions, companies rely on managers to problem solve, drive productivity and innovation, motivate and provide opportunities for workers to learn new skills and achieve new successes. It's not just doom and gloom that managers are focusing on today. Companies need to be sure they are consistently reiterating managers' valuable contributions, not only to the company, but to the broader workforce."

I agree with Eileen that companies need to make the role of manager more appealing, but honestly folks....

Who's going to lead the corporate dance if everyone is too afraid (or, dare I say lazy) to step up and take charge? My guess is the 'stress' and 'disgruntled employee' issues that are making talent avoid taking on managerial responsibilities will get even worse. Take the concept to the extreme and it's like a vicious downward spiral in to a black hole of disengaged, unproductive workers and stalled businesses. They'll definitely be no dancing then! We are always giving management a hard time about being greedy, self-absorbed, out-of-touch and short-sighted, but maybe workers should take a look in the mirror and stop throwing stones at glass houses? FACT: If you don't want the job, then be ready for the consequences of having someone ill-equipped and power-hungry (there's an ugly combination) as your boss, a.k.a. dance partner. If everyone decides to leave managing to someone else, the pickings will be slim.

ATTN: The Corporate Dance Needs Lead Partners

Think of the manager/employee relationship like ballroom dancing. For it to work, one of the two has to lead. Otherwise, they'll be going in different directions. (FYI - Watch the movie 'Take the Lead' with Antonio Banderas for a fabulous explanation on the power of the lead/follow element of ballroom dancing.) In short, we need talent to face their fears (seek leadership opps), feel the music (get a pulse on the business) and practice the moves (study up on good management technique) so they can feel confident in their ability to lead the corporate dance without stress or fear.

So...who's with me?

Raise your hand if you are willing to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem. Take a communications class and learn to get along better with co-workers and management, volunteer to run a project, or read a leadership book or two.

And yes, I know past management errors (they've stepped on a lot of toes) makes it hard to want to step up to the corporate dance floor, BUT maybe that's just what's needed to get the dance looking good again - a chance to see it from the management side. Understanding brings compassion, and compassion strengthens partnerships. Appreciation for the role of management could help you feel better about your job and help you move forward, maybe even more gracefully, in your career.

J.T. O'Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert, author and founder of CAREEREALISM.com. Her work has been noted by leading sources including, CareerBuilder.com and BusinessWeek.com for its timely, cutting-edge job search and career strategy advice for young professionals, ages 18-40. For more articles, visit her at http://www.CAREEREALISM.com today.

Upside-Down Bell Curve = Opportunity Knocking For Job Seekers

I had a great conversation last week with a friend, Laurie Storey-Manseau. She owns an integrated marketing agency that specializes in web design and social media usage in NH. She's realized what many business owners have recently: We are just about on the other side of the recession's upside-down bell curve... and that means opportunity is knocking for everyone. Especially, for some job seekers.

You see, everyone is wondering when the recession will end - what really matters is when the recession has bottomed-out. After that, we start climbing UP, and with that comes a momentum in business that fuels some powerful (and positive!) results. Let's use Laurie as an example...

She knows many companies in her area cut staff in their marketing departments over the last year. As a result, the people who kept their jobs at those firms have been doing the work of 2-3 people. And we all know that when that happens, things start to deteriorate. Tasks get done incorrectly, sometimes not at all. The priority list gets revamped daily, and in the process, morale takes a beating and productivity slumps.

However...

Once the company sees it is stable and doesn't need to do any more layoffs, it eventually recognizes the need for help. Now, it can't afford to hire full-time, or even part-time employees yet. So you know what they do? They hire a company and assign them project work that will get the business back on track. Here's an analogy: It's like letting your house get so dirty that you can't possibly clean it by yourself. You bring in an expert to scour and get it back to a manageable place so you can maintain it again.

And this is where the 'opportunity' part comes in for you, the job seeker...

Many companies, like Laurie's, are going to start to hire new business development superstars. People who see the potential in front of them. I'm talking about those folks who know it's time to knock on corporate doors and subtly say,

"I know it's been really tough the last year and your remaining staff must be exhausted. Have you considered outsourcing a project or two just to get your productivity levels back up and to help the staff feel like they can breath a bit? Also, could you use some fresh ideas and new faces to help your organization feel empowered, but don't want the added employment expense? If so, then I've got a solution for you."

Can see yourself helping people who are over-worked and stressed-out? Then you need to consider sales. And commission-only sales jobs at that. Here's why...

FACT: It's hunting season!

In times like these, everyone is looking for the safe, salaried job. They trust themselves but not their potential customers to put food on their tables. And yet, if you enter the commission-only job market at the right time during a recession, the payoff can be huge. Not only does your product and/or service become a welcomed breath of fresh air to your clients, you are generally well-compensated for being the hunter of new business. Why? Commission structures to acquire new accounts are historically greater than those involved in maintaining an existing account because the first is considered harder than the second. But is it? Not if you enter the market now and start to build your relationships with companies! It's a timing thing that can pay off big for the right person.

Here's what to look for in a good commission-only job:

1) Make sure you LOVE what the company sells and can see how it would benefit others immensely. (ie. solve problems, make life significantly better, etc.)

2) Walk through the commission structure (the formula for your compensation) and get several concrete examples of what needs to be sold to get paid.

3) Confirm when you get paid and how you get paid.

4) Discuss and make sure you are comfortable with the average time it takes to make a sale. Long sales cycles mean you'll be waiting even longer for your commission.

Why do companies offer commission-only jobs? Well, obviously some of them can't afford to add staff without knowing there will be income to support paying them. Additionally, for many companies, setting up a commission-only job opportunity ensures they get a committed and confident employee who is highly motivated to produce results. AND, to ensure that, they make the commission payout extremely attractive so you are passionate about acquiring new clients. Again, that's where the chance to clean up in this economy comes into play. You help others and get paid well for doing it.

HATE the idea of going into sales? Read this...

I was given great advice by one of my mentors early in life. He said,

"At some point in your career, regardless of what you want to do, you should sell. It is one of the most vital functions of a business. Without new customers, a business doesn't exist. Subsequently, learning to sell will make you a better employee because you'll always think of your work as it relates to the customer's needs."

I heeded that advice and, I have to say, it is correct. Learning to sell is challenging, but professionally rewarding. So, explore commission-only jobs right now. You may just find one that is perfect for you!

J.T. O'Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert, author and founder of CAREEREALISM.com. Her work has been noted by leading sources including, CareerBuilder.com and BusinessWeek.com for its timely, cutting-edge job search and career strategy advice for young professionals, ages 18-40. For more articles, visit her at http://www.CAREEREALISM.com today.

Career Advice - Tension's Brewing Over Internet Use - Know the Rules

There's tension building between employers and their staffs over use of the Internet at work for both personal and business uses.

Younger staffers, who are usually more tech-savvy than their bosses, are pushing for more access to social networking and others sites, both for work purposes and for when they'd like to take a break from their jobs.

At the same time, many are finding that the sites they are expected to use for researching and communicating for work are blocked; and they are unable to take a break to read a news story on line or check their personal e-mail or social network accounts.

Meanwhile, employers want the advantage of Internet technology, but are concerned about security for confidential competitive information, time being wasted and legal exposure. The result is that many lean toward blocking all or most access.

Career Tip: The Boss Is Always Watching

According to a study by the American Management Association, 76% of the companies surveyed monitor Internet usage; 55% store and review e-mail; 51% use video surveillance; 50% store and review computer usage;
22% record telephone calls

"Wide-open Internet access is the risky approach," says Chris King, Palo Alto Network. "But to close off all access is "increasingly untenable for cultural and business reasons."

The wise careerist makes sure he understands his employer's policy before blogging, tweeting, sending personal e-mails, to say nothing of watching sports and downloading movies. (Nearly half of U.S. employers have policies against visiting personal networking or video sharing sites during work hours.) If there's not a policy in place, he ask for guidance. He can be sure that his employer is probably looking over his shoulder, stated policy or not.

Career Guidelines

The Associated Press offers career guidelines for using the web and other electronic devices at work:

• Remember that anything you do on a company-issued computer or cell phone--in or out of the office--could be tracked by a boss, the courts or a regulator. Many employers monitor web site use, keystrokes, instant messages and e-mail. Some even archive text messages on work cell phones.

• Avoid mentioning your company, boss or co-workers in outline postings unless you have permission to do so.

• Avoid using any device to take or transmit any company-related photos, videos or other recordings without permission from management. This rule includes any images of company buildings or logos and embarrassing or unprofessional photos of co-workers or clients.

• Know your company's policy on social networking, video web sites, e-mail and other tech-related activities.

• Regularly delete personal e-mail from your work account.

• Remember when searching for a job that many employers check social networking sites, blogs and other online activity.

The wise careerist follows two pieces of common sense career advice:

1. Know the rules your employer is enforcing for use of electronic devices.

2. Never post anything on a company-owned electronic device that you wouldn't want to appear on the bulletin boards where you work.

You can get coaching on how to protect and advance your career in tough time by subscribing to Ramon Greenwood's free semimonthly newsletter, THE CAREER ACCELERATOR (c). As a bonus you'll receive the 16-page e-book, HOW TO GET A RAISE (c) click: http://www.commonsenseatwork.com. For much more free career coaching, visit YOUR BLOG FOR CAREER ADVICE. Click Here. http://commonsenseatwork.blogspot.com/

Career Advice - How to Win the Chase For a Job

No matter how you look at it, hunting for a job is hard work. In fact, there's nothing easy about it, particularly in troubled times. There is never a smooth path between effort and reward. Setbacks and frustration are the order of the day. Success requires discipline, consistency of effort, energy and a big dose of positive thinking.

"It's easy to get discouraged, because in this market, getting hired will take longer than you thought," declares Tory Johnson, chief executive officer of Women For Hire and author of "Fired to Hired: Bouncing Back From Job Loss To Get To Work Right Now." "The danger is that you'll stop trying and start slacking."

There are 12 actions you can take to survive and prosper in the job marathon.

1. Recognize that it will take time--probably longer than you might have thought--to land a good job that fits your career plan.

2. Recognize that hunting a job is a job itself and act accordingly.

• Establish and organize a workspace. Get the supplies you need such as printed stationery and business cards to create a first class resume and cover letter.
• Keep regular hours at work just as if you were on a regular job.
• Dress as you would for a regular job.

3. Back off and put your situation in perspective. It's not the end of the world. You are the same person, with all of your assets, you were before you lost your last job

4. Make a plan. Take an inventory of where you are in your career. Set goals as to where you would like to be at some point in the career future, say three years. Determine what it will take to fill the gap between those points.

5. Take at least one specific, measurable step toward you goal of getting a job each day.

6. Get your finances in order. Set a budget and stick to it.

7. Don't go it alone; secure help. Your former employer many offer assistance in relocating. There are various resources from government agencies, libraries, churches and civic groups that provide help.

Reach out to mentors, associates in the world of work, and friends for advice and support. Consider employing a career coach if your budget permits.

8. Keep your head screwed on. Get rid of anger and regret over the job you lost. The only thing that counts is what you accomplish going forward.

"Optimism alone won't get you a job, but pessimism will keep you unemployed longer," according to Ms. Johnson. "In competing against high-caliber people, you have to have the right attitude as well as the right skills."

9. Keep a running list of your accomplishments in your campaign to get a job. Reward yourself for each step forward with a hamburger or a full dinner out, depending on your budget; go out for a movie; take time out to watch television or read a good book.

10. Keep up to date with developments in your field of work. Learn new skills in your field or in an area you would like to move to.

11. Avoid the couch; stay active with some form of exercise.

12. Finally, keep on keeping on. Remember, chances are you are running a marathon, not a 100-yard dash.

Learn how to protect and advance your career in tough times. For career advice, subscribe to Ramon Greenwood's free semimonthly newsletter, THE CAREER ACCELERATOR (c). As a bonus you'll receive the 16-page e-book, HOW TO GET A RAISE (c) click: http://www.commonsenseatwork.com For much more free career coaching, visit YOUR BLOG FOR CAREER ADVICE: http://commonsenseatwork.blogspot.com/