COLLEGE EDGE & BEYOND!

College Edge: 10 GREAT PART-TIME JOBS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

This great article posted in Kiplinger discusses some great ideas for part-time jobs for college students. The author states:

"Throughout college, I found myself torn between growing up and saving the whole “adult thing” for after graduation. One factor in this mental balancing act was working part-time. I needed the money, but I didn’t want a job to take up all of my free time. 

Ultimately, with a bit of time management and the right attitude, a part-time job actually enhanced my college experience. I felt more in control of my finances -- and I didn’t have the guilt of spending my parents’ money on Friday and Saturday nights. I also started to slowly build up my own savings, a habit that I’m happy I acquired. Above all, it pushed me to step outside the “campus bubble” and get to know other people and parts of my community."

Some of the jobs mentioned in the article include:

• Restaurant server
• Retail sales 
• Caregiver
• Freelance Writer and others

Our own son, tutors at college not only for money but it also assists with studying so he is doubling up the benefits of his job. He also works part-time as a social media consultant. So don't limit yourself on what you can do!

Read more: Kiplinger: 10 Great Part-Time Jobs for College Students   

College Edge Career Highlight: Chefs and Culinary Arts

I have to admit, I don't cook a lot but I do enjoy it.  I believe I would be an excellent cook if I took the time to do it.  I love to follow @denverfoodguy on Twitter for great recipes. My interest in cooking started a fire for this highlight.

Recently, I made a connection with Aidan Byrne, Manager at the Ritz Carlton Beach Resort in Naples, Florida on www.CareerSuccessCommunity website. From an early age in Ireland, Aidan was very interested in cooking. He saw recipe books at home and decided it was a good idea to start trying to create dishes from scratch. He was encouraged early on to pursue his career as a Chef. Eventurally, he attended a hotel training school to study culinary arts for 2 years and then spent 3 years in the industry, becoming a Chef.  

Aidan mentioned, in Europe, it usually takes 10 years to become a Sous Chef and then another 10 years to move up the ranks to Exective Chef. Aidan said it takes a life-time to be a competent Executive Chef. He mentioned CIA, Culinary Institute of America, was an excellent school for training as well as chefs who train with the best chefs and restaurants. A career as a Chef requires discipline, creativity and endurance rolled into one to be successful.

In the US, in order to advance as a Chef or have a professional edge you may need either a 2 year Associate Degree or a 4 year Bachelor Degree in food science or culinary arts. A college degree will teach you about basic food safety and handling procedures, cooking, and general business such as finance, marketing and computer classes which can be helpful for those who might someday want to be a chef or to open their own restaurant.

After doing research, there does not seem to be hard and fast rules but obviously, natural talent, valuable training and experiences working in restaurants, education and ability to be disciplined, creative and have great endurance is necessary.  It is not an easy job and requires more than just cooking! According to Chef Career Help, a professional (in general) has the following characteristics and this is true for Chefs: 

• It requires mastery of a specialized body of knowledge and an extensive period of training. 
• It provides a service to society. 
• It maintains high standards of conduct and competency for its members. 
• It offers its members opportunities to become certified or licensed and to be active in professional organizations. 
• It asks members to be committed to lifelong learning or continue study.

Through 2012, job openings for chefs, cooks, and food preparation workers are projected to be abundant; however, there should be intense competition for jobs in the top kitchens of up-scale restaurants. Most new positions are due to job growth and especially the constant turnover in this occupation. 

Incomes of Chefs differ in various areas of the US and the world and types of food services establishments that they work in. The highest wages typically come from up-scale and fancy restaurants and hotels in big urban cities where Executive Chefs work.

Excellent In-depth Information and Compensation Information=====> 

Chef and Cooking Careers and Chef Career Help

Cooking Schools Listings====> Cooking and Culinary Schools

College Edge Career Highlight: Public Policy

A Public Policy career can be a rewarding and demanding career.  It is a fast paced world and people who work in it must possess strong skills in written and oral communications, influencing skills, interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task, work under pressure and deadlines and do what it takes to get the job done no matter how long it takes.  

You must also be academically oriented given that most of the positions I came across require advanced degrees. Areas of study include political science, international studies, economics, and public policy. 

You can find public policy jobs in Congress, conservation and industry organizations, nonprofits, scientific organizations such as pharmaceutical firms, and Federal agencies and many others.

I did some quick Google searches and was amazed at the number of interesting opportunities and the amount of information.  Most college websites offer a the best amount of information on this career.

Good Overview:

Link: Careers in Public Policy

College Edge Career Highlight: Management Consulting

Having recruited for management consulting firms for 16 years (and being married to a former Big 6 consultant), I think it is safe to say this is an excellent career path and the future outlook is very positive.  Here are some of my personal observations for why a career in consulting is one to consider:

• Rigorous Training Ground: Consulting provides a great training ground and gives you strong exposure to clients, team work, complex business issues and significant challenges.  I always say 1 year in consulting equates to 3 years (or more) in corporate.
• Compensation:  Compensation is highly competitive and very attractive with potential for sign-on bonuses.
• Excellent Exposure:  Depending on your position, you may work cross industry and cross competency.  You are in front of clients constantly and deal in a variety of situations.  You have the opportunity to have a significant impact on clients.
• Opportunities:  Incredible opportunities across the board for general and specialty consulting for MBA students and undergrads.
• Travel:  You may get to see the world...if you like to travel this is a great way to do it!

If you have a combination of these skills you may want to consider a career in consulting:

• Passion
• Driven and self-motivated
• Enthusiastic
• Strong people skills
• Problem solver
• Critical thinker
• Creative; think outside the box
• Analytical
• Sales oriented or ability to develop sales skills
• Presentation skills; comfortable in front of people; ability to answer questions with ease
• Ability to learn quickly
• Don't mind travel because you will most likely travel 75% or more
• Energetic with ability to put in the hours it takes to get the job done (could be 90 hours or more at times)
• NO EGO!

In addition, I found this great website that further explores careers in Management Consulting.

Link:  Careers in Management Consulting

College Edge Career Highlight: Social Media

Social Media has changed (and continues to change) the marketing world quite dramatically with the addition of Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Companies are using these sites to post jobs, advertise, create media attention, and more.  

Here is a great example of the potential jobs Social Media can create.  I teach fitness classes part-time for our local hospital.  Recently, they put together very well planned and informative videos on YouTube to keep all the employees up to date on current issues and events and they also host a Facebook page. It is a fantastic way to communicate and it certainly grabbed my attention.  I listen to all the videos versus scanning an email and deleting it.  I enjoy seeing our Director sit down in front of me and fill me in on what is happening first hand (without having to go to a meeting).  This is just one small example of where Social Media is going.

Just thinking of these new methods of communication within our organization made me think of emerging jobs involved including (I am creating the titles) a Videographer, Web Media Content Specialist - someone who writes the content for the videos and Facebook, and perhaps others.  

There are so many careers emerging from Social Media including Professional Bloggers, On-line Branding Strategists, Social Media Strategists and so many more. There is also opportunity to pursue these careers on your own on a part-time basis to start if you are interested in free-lance.

After a bit of research, I found this great article on other ideas for Social Media careers.  

Social Media Career Ideas

If you love Social Media, this may give you some ideas to start.  I would love to hear about your experiences. 

College Edge Career Highlight: Nursing

Did you know that by the year 2020, there will be an estimated shortage of 800,000 nurses?  With the world population living longer and needing more care, the healthcare field is one of the best places to get a job, and will likely stay that way for many years to come.

Nursing is an attractive career because of flexibility in career nursing opportunities, location and hours as well as excellent pay and benefits. 

It is rewarding to help others and what better way than nursing!

Visit the Discover Nursing website for more information at:  Discover Nursing

College Edge Green Career Highlight: Environmental Lawyer

The Green Careers guide provides great insight into some fascinating Green Careers.Today's highlight is on an environmental lawyer which is an attorney that focuses on litigation having to do with a broad range of environmental concerns. Examples include air and water quality, climate change, wildlife protection and biodiversity, and chemicals and pesticides.

The career outlook for an environmental lawyer is keen. They make on average $60-$103 thousand a year. (My guess that is starting pay?)

An environmental attorney may also deal with issues like environmental impact planning, and sustainable growth and development. An environmental lawyer often works with the general public affected by environmental issues in individual litigation or class action lawsuits, or may work for government agencies, corporations, or non-profit organizations.

For the full story:  Environmental Lawyer / Attorney Career

College Edge Career Highlight: Marine Science

I discovered this wonderful website called OceanLink.  OceanLink provides great information for students seeking to find out more about marine science careers as well as a comprehensive list of schools worldwide.

Link to website:  OceanLink - Careers In Marine Science