Friday, 26 August 2011

Quote on Mistakes

"We've all heard that we have to learn from our mistakes, but I think it's more important to learn from successes. If you learn only from your mistakes, you are inclined to learn only errors." - Norman Vincent Peale, Clergyman, Author of Positive Thinking, The Art of Living

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Audio Engineer Job Description


  • Job Description
    An audio engineer produces and manipulates sounds through mechanical and digital means. The design, installation and operation of sound recording or sound broadcasting equipment fall under the duties of the audio engineer.

    In the recording studio, the audio engineer records, edits and manipulates sound to realize an artist’s or record producer’s creative vision. Audio engineers may work in different professional
    branches which include recording, editing, mixing and mastering.

    Many audio engineers have also invented new technology, equipment and techniques to enhance the process and art. Project planning is also part of the job scope.
  • - What I dont like about the job
    Recognition for a job well done is provided usually by colleagues and the client. People who need to be publicly recognized by their work may find this job frustrating. The dynamics of the team is based on the behaviour of the team leader which may be questionable in some instances.

    Audio engineers generally work indoors in pleasant surroundings but there are instances where some may have to work outdoors in all types of weather or in dangerous conditions.
  • - What I like about the job
    An audio engineer may work in the movie, theatre or video game industries, increasing the glam factor of the job. They may gain much of their knowledge and skills through on-the-job training.
  • - Work Hours
    In small stations, audio engineers work more than 40 hours a week and at large stations and networks, a 40-hour week under great pressure to meet broadcast deadlines.
  • - Who may like this job
    A creative mind with a love for music and the manipulation of music through technical means. People who enjoy interacting with others and have a good ear for music will make the job seem more like a hobby.
  • - Salary Range
    Median annual earnings of audio engineers were $46 370 in 2009. It depends on duties and areas of employment where commercial broadcasting pays more especially in key metropolitan areas.
  • - Qualifications
    N.A

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Wednesday, 24 August 2011

Attorney Job Description


  • Job Description
    An attorney, or attorney general, is the main legal advisory to the government and usually in common law tradition, anyone who represents the state, especially in criminal prosecutions. An attorney is a type of lawyer and involves the practical application of abstract legal theories and knowledge to solve specific individualized problems or to advance those who retain lawyers to perform legal services.

    An attorney will have to do research and drafting on court papers before issues can be orally argued in the courts. Legal advice may be given to relevant governmental institutions and there is a prosecution of criminal suspects in criminal prosecutions.
  • - What I dont like about the job
    To become a lawyer, one has to go through law school and the debt of the typical law student averages more than $72000. It requires one to work in high pressure environments and high communicative skills.
  • - What I like about the job
    There is a certain level of prestige of being a lawyer and is fast paced; it will not be mundane with the handling of different cases. There is a chance for a lawyer to “change the world” at a national level adding to the excitement of the job. With media proliferation, some attorneys may also gain recognition.
  • - Work Hours
    There is no standard time frame for attorneys but most lawyers clock around 80 hours a week. It is well-known that lawyers work long hours.
  • - Who may like this job
    Since attorneys usually represent the state in criminal prosecutions, one with a knack to fight for justice and drive to work in a competitive environment may be keen in this job. Excellent communicators and strong writers may find the job much easier than others.
  • - Salary Range
    Starting pay at the top firms are $160,000 annually. In the United States, a typical attorney who has just graduated may earn $90,995 per year.
  • - Qualifications
    N.A
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Friday, 19 August 2011

Are you heading the RIGHT way?

Did you remember the time when you took the wrong bus? You did not hesitate any longer; you quickly pressed the bell and alight, right?

What about your Career? Is it heading the right way? If not, are you still in the bus or planning to alight at the next available stop?

Below are some signals that suggest you may need to re-evaluate your career option:
  • You groan and moan each morning heading to work
  • Each day, you look forward to lunch and going home
  • You find excuses not to attend company-related events
  • You spoke less and tend to agree with what others say at meetings
  • You are jealous of your friends who are doing much better than you
  • When Sunday comes, you get grouchy thinking of work the next day
  • You whine constantly with your colleagues at the water joint and lunch
  • You feel overworked and under-appreciated
Ouch! If it hits you, it is good, meaning you are consciously aware of what's going on in your career. Seth Godin in his book, The Dip, mentioned about identifying the cul-de-sac (dead end) part of your life fast and quitting it. The opportunity cost of not getting off the wrong bus will create an illusion that the passenger is "moving" along the journey when he should really get off the bus immediately.

Humans are habits-forming creatures and once bad habits formed, they are hard but not impossible to kick out. Procrastination gives the wrong impression that the task will work upon some time later. Days pass, weeks go, months and years fly by and you are still in the company, feeling lousy, stuck and helpless. You become too fearful to move. You console yourself that it is better to stay put and not rock the boat. It's too risky out there!

Want to know what's on the other side of the fence waiting for you?

  • You breathe easier each day, doing what you love
  • Every day is forward-looking, you feel energised and enthusiastic
  • You become creative and resourceful to make things happen
  • You inspire, encourage and motivate people with your ideas and passion
  • You have inner peace and joy, doing what you love and loving what you do each moment
  • You have bountiful energy even working late at night or weekends
  • Your family and peers see the change in you and find you more relaxed and joyful than before
  • Life becomes meaningful and your zest of life is contagious
Tempting? Fantasying what it will be like? It's never too late to make the move whether you are at 30 or 60 years old.

You do not have to take on skydiving like Bush Senior did for his 85th birthday. He was definitely right in saying: "Don't have to sit around drooling in the corner. Get out and do something."


Source: http://careers.jobstreet.com.sg/work/are-you-heading-the-right-way
Written by: Desmond Chua

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Athlete Job Description


  • Job Description
    An athlete, also known as sportsperson, is someone who is trained to compete in a sport involving speed, endurance or strength. A professional athlete undergoes intense physical training and follows a strict dietary regimen.

    The typical work of an athlete not only includes competing in professional, semi-professional or amateur sports events; they have to follow training programmes to maintain a high standard of fitness and most have to seek sponsorship and financial support.

    Professional athletes are supported by managers who organise travel, accommodation and publicity.

    They also work with trainers, coaches, nutritionists, sports scientists and sports psychologists.
  • - What I dont like about the job
    The training hours are long and athletes have to stick to a strict diet and daily routine that will constrain their lifestyle. Most amateurs will also have to combine sport with employment to supplement income and professional sportspeople need to consider alternative careers as sporting careers are usually short-lived.
  • - What I like about the job
    The best part of the job is that it combines work and play if there is a passion for the sport that the athlete is competing for. Many professional sportspeople who win titles or earn sponsorship deals gain fame and fortune.
  • - Work Hours
    Athletes are expected to train religiously with long hours and training may take place in all weather and conditions.
  • - Who may like this job
    Sporting talents with a passion for their niche sport as it takes a high level of commitment and daily practices to become a professional athlete. Many sporting enthusiasts dream of being part of their favourite soccer club or fantasize about playing for the next Wimbledon.
  • - Salary Range
    Amateurs may need sponsorship or other forms of employment for financial support. Professional athletes have large incomes from sponsorship deals. In the United States, the average annual salary for athletes in 2008 was $79,460. The highest paid athlete in 2009 was Tiger Woods who earned $110 million.

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Thursday, 18 August 2011

Architect Job Description


  • Job Description
    Architects work in the construction industry and are involved with designing new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings, or advising on the restoration and conservation of old properties. They can work on individual buildings or on large redevelopment schemes, and can be responsible for the design of the surrounding landscape.

    Architects work closely with their client and users to make sure that projected designs match their needs, and are functional, safe and economical. They usually control a project from start to finish and work with a number of construction professionals, including surveyors and engineers, producing drawings and specifications that the construction team works to.
  • - What I dont like about the job
    Because of the importance of working under deadlines, architects must cope with stress and pressure in the office. Those who thrive in such conditions should fare well in the career.
  • - What I like about the job
    The different aspects the work brings - drawing, writing letters and emails, site visits, health and safety, etc - no two days are ever the same.
  • - Work Hours
    Deadlines are incredibly important to architects. Although a typical 40-hour workweek is not uncommon, pending deadlines can keep architects working nights and weekends, exceeding normal working hours.
  • - Who may like this job
    Those who enjoy the many different challenging parts of the role, ranging from sorting out detailing issues, to ensuring the concept of a building is maintained and dealing with disputes on site.

    The best thing about working in this sector is creating buildings that could last for decades and helping to make a positive impact on the environment - creating wonderful places and spaces!
  • - Salary Range
    Median annual earnings of wage and salary architects were $72,700 in 2009. Recent graduates working on internships will earn much less. Those starting out in private practices will go through a period of time when they are operating at a loss.
  • - Qualifications
    Practicing architects must seek registration with the Board of Architects. (www.boa.gov.sg)

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Wednesday, 17 August 2011

Aerospace Engineer Job Description


  • Job Description
    Aerospace Engineers are responsible for the design and construction of aircrafts and spacecrafts. There are two major types of Aerospace Engineers – Aeronautical Engineers who are involved in the creation of crafts that function within Earth and Astronautical Engineers who build crafts that travel into space. Aerospace Engineers generally produce engines, communications systems and other electronic devices used in aircraft. Areas or industries that they could work in would be government agencies such as the Singapore Air Force, commercial airlines, research companies and educational institutes. Their work often involves them working closely with scientists in order to create new materials. They perform experiments to determine how certain substances will react in certain conditions and subsequently use the research gathered to model their aircrafts.
  • - What I dont like about the job
    Aerospace engineers can end up working in warm, noisy environments such as airfields or manufacturing plants. The safety of the passengers who use the aircrafts indirectly rests on their shoulders, which can be rather stressful.
  • - What I like about the job
    Aerospace engineers have the opportunity to work on exciting new technologies such as spacecraft that travel through space and military weapons that could be used for national defence.
  • - Work Hours
    Aerospace Engineers typically work 40 hour weeks, but may be required to work beyond regular work hours to complete a project punctually.
  • - Who may like this job
    An Aerospace Engineer needs to love solving problems as it is part and parcel of the job. Someone who is patient, creative, communicates well and works well in a team will also make an excellent Aerospace Engineer.
  • - Salary Range
    Aerospace Engineers just starting out earn about $21,048 in a year. More experienced ones can earn as high as $62,251 in a year
  • - Qualifications
    A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering – majoring in Aerospace Engineering - is first required to become an Aerospace Engineer. It usually takes four or five years to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

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Tuesday, 16 August 2011

Quote on Optimism

" I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else. Never, never, never, never give up. " - Winston Churchill, British politician, Prime Minister (1940-1945, 1951-1955)

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Monday, 15 August 2011

Account Executive Job Description


    • Job Description
      An Advertising Executive is someone who works within an advertising agency and performs the role of the link between members of the agency (such as the creative team) and clients. The job of an Advertising Executive is generally an entry-level position and most if not all non-creative staff of an advertising agency start out from being an Advertising Executive. They are usually responsible for the smooth running of a wide range of campaigns and spend most their time brainstorming and assessing demographic research.
    • - What I dont like about the job
      Like most jobs in the advertising field, there can be periods of intense activity such as during a campaign where you will be required to work far beyond your regular work hours. Performing the role of mediator can also be a daunting task due to clients being too demanding and creative team not being cooperative.
    • - What I like about the job
      Being part of the creative industry, people with good ideas are well-rewarded and enjoy high recognition. The skills obtained from being an Advertising Executive can also be transferred to other business settings.
    • - Work Hours
      Though on paper an Advertising Executive works regular 9 to 5 workdays, it is not uncommon to work beyond the regular work hours and even on weekends. However, they do enjoy lull periods where the work is light and perhaps even mundane.
    • - Who may like this job
      If you are outgoing, articulate, well-read and confident then you could make a great Advertising Executive. Extremely important also is the ability to work well in a team; advertising executives have to be team players.
    • - Salary Range
      Advertising Executives earn $21,213 to $38,467 in a year
    • - Qualifications
      A degree in Mass Communication, Marketing or English would be the one of the more traditional qualifications to have.

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    Quote on Effectiveness

    " It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice." - Deng Xiaoping, former Chairman of Communist Party of China

    Friday, 12 August 2011

    Accountant Job Description

    A large part of being a Career Guide would be the extensive jobs wiki that we have compiled. From time to time we will  blog them here for the benefit of our readers as a representation of our continued dedicated to being a source for Career Tips, Quotes and Stories.

    • Job Description
      Accountants and auditors help to ensure that firms are run efficiently, public records kept accurately, and taxes paid properly and on time. There is analysis and communication of financial information for various entities such as companies, individual clients, and Federal, State, and local governments. Other duties of the accountant include offering budget analysis, financial and investment planning, information technology consulting, and limited legal services. Accountants are usually employed in commerce and industry. The big Four auditors are the largest employers of accountants worldwide. Also, there are many commonly recognised accounting qualifications such as the Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and Chartered Accountant (CA).
    • - What I dont like about the job
      The job involves figures which may be tedious work for some. Accountants work long hours to meet deadlines and may face immense pressure to complete their work, which may be repetitive over time.
    • - What I like about the job
      Accountants work in offices which are clean and well-lit environments. Working in the finance industry allows the accountant to understand how well the company has done throughout the year, giving him or her, a bird's eye view of the condition of the company.
    • - Work Hours
      Accountants generally work a standard 40-hour week, but some work 50 hours a week or more. Tax accountants often work long hours during the tax season, from January to April.
    • - Who may like this job
      People may want to be accountants if they are good at math, and have good analytical skills. They also should be able to write well, so that they can tell others about their findings.
    • - Salary Range
      In May 2008, the average yearly wages of accountants and auditors were $65 840. Earnings of accountants depend on how long they have been working.
    • - Qualifications
      For registration as public accountants in Singapore, upon satisfying the other requirements pertaining to practical experience and professional membership under the Accountants Act, please consult Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS) and Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
      
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    Thursday, 11 August 2011

    Quote on Working Smart

    " I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over. " -
    Warren Buffett, American investor, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway

    For a complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

    Finance for Non-Finance Professionals

    These courses teach you to interpret financial information correctly for decision-making. The purpose of such courses is to help non-finance people become familiar with financial terms and issues. When the course is over, you should be able to understand the effects of your decisions on the profits and losses of your company, bridge the communication gap between you and the finance department, understand the common yardsticks used in performance evaluation and remove any hesitance due to lack of knowledge when it comes to finance-related information.

    “Don't gamble; take all your savings and buy some good stock and hold it till it goes up, then sell it. If it don't go up, don't buy it.” -Will Rogers, American social commentator during the Great Depression

    Why wait to upgrade yourself? Drop by our Short Courses section to see how you can give yourself an edge in the workplace!

    Wednesday, 10 August 2011

    Quote on Education

    " The man who does not read books has no advantage over the man that can not read them.

    I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. " - Mark Twain, U.S. humorist, writer, and lecturer

    For a complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

    Monday, 8 August 2011

    Quote on Customers

    "There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else. " - Sam Walton

    For a complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

    Friday, 5 August 2011

    Quote on Passion for Work

    " You got to like your work. You have got to like what you are doing, you have got to be doing something worthwhile so you can like it - because it is worthwhile, that it makes a difference, don't you see? " - Harland Sanders

    For a complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

    Thursday, 4 August 2011

    The rising trend of changing careers



    If you are ready to make a career change over 40, here are six steps which will help you decide what your midlife career change should be.

    Source: www.coolercareers.com

    Wednesday, 3 August 2011

    Quote: Leadership

    " If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. " - John Quincy Adams

     For our complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section

    Tuesday, 2 August 2011

    Quote: Being Hands On

    "Can you really explain to a fish what it's like to walk on land? One day on land is worth a thousand years of talking about it, and one day running a business has exactly the same kind of value. " - Warren Buffett

    For our complete compilation of Career related Quotes, visit our Career Tips section