Do you want to know how much a Social and Human Service Assistant gets paid in Massachusetts? Interested in a career in Physical Therapy, and want to know where the salaries for these positions are highest in the country? Did you know that there is such a job as “Chicken Egg Harvester” (paid at 9.36/hour)?

All of this information and much more, can be found in the latest edition of the American Salaries and Wages Survey. It compiles information from 583 sources, with lists of 2796 occupations from all the US states and territories - you are bound to find something interesting (like a geographical comparison of the salaries for Occupational Therapists)!

But hey, you don’t have to take our word for it; check this book’s review in CHOICE Reviews Online

Looking to find even more information on the salaries in your domain? See the CRL’s Salary Information research guide.

-Adrian Mitescu

Note: You will need to use your Simmons login to access this article off-campus.

Check out more job hunting and career information through the CRL eLibrary.

blogged by Adrian Mitescu

Here’s a quick trick to see our entire collection at a glance:

•Go to the Library catalog

•From the drop down menu select ‘Non-LC Call Number’

•Type in ‘crl’, and then click search.

•Peruse and click on any of our book categories.

Also, check out our eLibrary for additional career and graduate school resources.

blogged by Julie Waddick

Everyone makes small mistakes during their job search such as missing a typo or not sending a thank you note. This gallery has compiled photos and advice from Boston career coaches to helps job seekers avoid the seven biggest mistakes job search mistakes they can make – such as not networking enough, discussing salary before there is a job offer, and talking too much during an interview. These mistakes are easy to avoid. Being prepared to prevent these errors will help you to make your job search an easier, more comfortable process. Be sure to also check out the discussion board where Boston area employers and job seekers share their own ideas and advice.

Want more job seeking advice? See the CRL’s Career Exploration and Job Hunting Online online research guides and book sections.

blogged by Deborah Borsuk

Read Reviewer Comments

Mothers on the Fast Track: How a New Generation can Balance Family and Careers by Mary Ann Mason and Eve Mason Ekman (CRL Women and Careers)

Read Reviewer Comments

The Art of War for Women: Sun Tzu’s Ancient Strategies and Wisdom for Winning at Work by Chin-Ning Chu (CRL Women and Careers)

Read Reviewer Comments

Transgender Workplace Diversity by Jillian T. Weiss (CRL Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual)

Read Reviewer Comments

Ditch the Flip-Flops: Ace your Job Interview Fresh out of College by Sylvia L. Landy (CRL New Graduates)

Read Reviewer Comments

The Cubicle Survival Guide: Keeping your Cool in the Least Hospitable Environment on Earth by James F. Thompson (CRL Career Development)

Read Reviewer Comments

An Insider’s Guide to Creative Writing Programs by Amy Holman (CRL Graduate/College Information).

Read Customer Reviews

Keys to Liberal Arts Success by Howard W. Figler et. Al. (CRL Liberal Arts).

For More Information

Career Diary of a Social Worker by Diana R. Hoover (CRL Social Services/Non-Profits)

For More Information

Cool Jobs for College: The Smart Way to Make Money for College and Build your Resume by David A. Strafford (CRL College Success)

Read an Excerpt

Am-BITCH-ous by Debra Condren (CRL Women and Careers)

Read Reviewers Comments

Use the library’s catalog to check out any of these books.
The Career Resource Library is located on the third floor of the Palace Road building, P304E.

Are you suffering from a bad case of wanderlust? Do you want to teach English in China, study art in France, or volunteer in India? Then come check out Elizabeth Kruemplemann’s book, which guides anyone who wants to study, work, or volunteer in another county on all of the ups and downs of living in a foreign country and adapting to a foreign culture. This resource offers ways to ease culture shock, discusses how to plan and organize studying abroad, the different methods of finding jobs in other countries, and much more. The book also lists helpful organizations and web pages as well as general tips and advice for making the most of your experience abroad.

Find this book, and many more like it in the CRL International Work and CRL International Study book sections. No passport required.

Want even more information about international work and travel? See the CRL’s International Study & International Work research guides!

blogged by Deborah Borsuk

by Jilian Mincer. Wall Street Journal (Eastern edition). New York, N.Y.: May 22, 2008. p. D.2

Amid the whirlwind that is the graduation from college, recent graduates often overlook the financial implications of a transition from the relatively care-free student life to the responsibility demanded by the work life.

This article suggests a few ways that recent college graduates can use to stay on top of their financial situation and avoid the pitfalls of high interest debt. Starting from a few concrete examples from graduates from Johns Hopkins University, the article has a number of words of advice to recent graduates: try to think long term (which translates into: it might be a good idea to postpone getting that new car, if it can help saving for a down payment for a house); it’s never too early to start thinking about retirement (especially with the continued disappearance of employer-backed pension funds). For any emergencies and unexpected situations, the article recommends that grads should save at least three months of necessary expenses (like rent and food).

For tips on keeping up with bill collectors, check out the Career Resource Library’s Paying the Bills page, where you’ll find resources for Finances in the Real World, and Long-Term Financial Planning.

blogged by Adrian Mitescu

By Jean Chatzky, and Arielle McGowan. Money, Jun2008, Vol. 37 Issue 6, p30-33.

There’s a lot of talk about the virtues of a positive attitude. But did you know that there’s a point at which too much happiness can go towards your detriment? Chatzky and McGowan’s article focuses on a recent study by University of Illinois psychology professor Ed Diener, which states that excessive glee tends to go along with decreased financial return. Spelled out, even though it is true that people who are moderately happy tend to be more successful than their gloomier counterparts, there is an upper level where this trend can be seen to reverse.

Diener’s theory about this phenomenon is that it is the happy but not too-happy people who strive for success and who will modify their path when it’s not working. The more ecstatic types tend to be complacent. Diener says that academic success also peaks at a certain level of happiness. Interestingly this pattern has been witnessed by other researchers too. A study out of Duke University found that extreme optimists tend not to save for a rainy day. They are more likely than moderate optimists to be in debt and not have savings.

Of course, drawing conclusions on this depends on your overarching goals and values. Who’s to say that choosing a splendor-filled life isn’t worth some financial sacrifice? However, if what you’re after is maximal financial security, then you want to tone down the euphoria.

For more information on establishing your wealthful life, link to the Career Resource Library’s Paying the Bills page, where you’ll find resources for Finances in the Real World, and Long-Term Financial Planning.

blogged by Julie Waddick

Paula Thorpe, Business Credit. New York: Apr 2008. Vol. 110, Iss. 4; p. 6 (2 pages)

“R&D” often means “restructuring and downsizing,” which can come when companies merge or are bought by larger companies, and it unfortunately means that workers may lose their jobs. When you’re one of the newest workers in your company, you may be more likely to personally face R&D. But this article helps anyone facing a lay-off cope with the change and face the “emotional steps” that occur with job loss such as panic and denial. The article also provides ways to keep busy during unemployment.

Even though this article is aimed at those in the business world, the methods and emotional changes discussed apply to all workers coping with unemployment. Good luck!

For additional resources and information on this topic, head on over to the Career Resource Library page!

blogged by Deborah Borsuk

By Max Williamson, for Accountancy, Apr2008, Vol. 141 Issue 1376, p58-58.

Ever dream of a Mediterranean lifestyle? Well, beautiful Greece is posited as one of the latest hot spots for accountants and auditors. This article explains why. The once-before Mediterranean niche market has changed a lot over the past few years, and is now considered the gateway to south-eastern Europe. The skills gap that is present creates an environment where candidates can make their own demands. The booming shipping industry, as well as competition between companies in a small talent pool have caused salaries to go on the rise. Another change that can be witnessed is Greece seeking specialist knowledge beyond its borders. The Greek market is described as less mature, more interesting, and life in Athens has its appeal.

So, if you’re going to be spending hours a day number-crunching and balancing books, why not do it in a sun-drenched and historically beautiful Mediterranean setting?

Check out the Career Resource Library’s website for additional resources and information on International Work.

blogged by Julie Waddick

Angeli R Rasbury. Black Enterprise. New York: May 2008. Vol. 38, Iss. 10; pg. 60, 1 pgs

Congratulations — you worked hard and have a new job! But a new job can also mean being overwhelmed and feeling like you don’t fit in. This article strives to help you overcome the anxiety that comes from being the newest hire, and provides tips for learning your company’s culture, networking with your new colleagues, and developing a strong reputation. Remember to be patient with yourself, and that there is a learning curve with every new job, and that your colleagues were once in your shoes. Good luck!

For additional resources and information on this topic, head on over to the Career Resource Library page!

blogged by Deborah Borsuk

Letters to the Editor, The Chronicle of Higher Education, April 11, 2008, pg. 39 Vol. 54 No. 31

Featured here are 3 editorials in response to an article written by Ben Yagoda entitled, “Will Work for Academic Credit” (The Chronicle, March 21). The original article talks about the ways in which the current demand for internship experience reinforces the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots”, especially since the advent of the popular academic credit requirement. Businesses will often require that the student intern be earning College credit in return for their work. Now quite often, students not only are expected to work without pay, but they also must come up with tuition funds in order to take part in the internship opportunity. While, College credit is better than no return at all, the quality of the experience gained in the internships is not always up to speed, and the expenses associated with the summer internship are a substantial deterrent for less well-off students.

The responses to Yagoda’s article range from opposition to academic credits for summer internships, to serious questioning of the unpaid scholarship culture altogether.

blogged by Julie Waddick

From Wall Street Journal’s ‘CareerJournal’, 04/18/08.

We usually imagine that it is the older giving advice and guidance to the young. But did you know that there are things Generation-Yers know better than their Baby Boomer counterparts? This article uncovers three particular strengths that belong to Generation Y. The first is communication. Today’s youth communicate with each other a lot and make use of various forms of technology in order to do this. Resistant baby boomers who may find this annoying are missing out on important feedback and consensus-building when it comes to issues at work. Also, the young understand the concept of self-branding through blogging. They also tend to place more value on lifestyle quality.

While it certainly makes sense for the young to learn from those who’ve had more time and experience on this planet, it may also be the case that today’s youth have a thing or two to teach their elders. For one thing, they’ve had a technologically unique upbringing. This puts them in the best position to see wherein the benefits lie. So, for Generation Y: do take seriously when the boomers try to pass on their wisdom. Just remember, you might have your own type of expertise. But I guess you already knew that.

blogged by Julie Waddick

By N. Susan Emeagwali, Techniques: Connecting Education &Careers, Feb2008, Vol. 83 Issue 2, p61.

The semester is nearing to a close but what that entails includes final exams, end-of-term projects, presentations, and maybe summer job searching. With all of this excitement, you’re going to need to be able to cope. This article from Connecting Education & Careers talks about the importance of sleep.

Revealed here are the results of a 2002 study by the National Sleep Foundation regarding the prevalence of sleeping problems, and the reported effects on activities that is caused by sleep deprivation. Burning the midnight oil may seem like a way to get in a few extra hours. However, it is important to remember that sleep deficit can increase your susceptibility to health problems ranging from depression to diabetes to heart disease.

While this article acknowledges bona fide sleep disorders that require a doctor’s attention, it also lists 10 things that you can do to help with regular cases of sleeplessness. Check these out if you’re interested in the rewards to health, productivity and wellbeing that come with getting more sleep.

Happy studying and sweet dreams!

blogged by Julie Waddick

By Sami Lange. Library Journal. New York: Apr 15, 2008. Vol. 133, Iss. 7; p. 60 (1 page)

Are you a graduating GSLIS student having trouble finding that perfect, professional library job? Have your professors warned you time and again not to accept a paraprofessional position when you have a master’s degree? Author Sami Lange describes why it may be a good career choice to accept a paraprofessional library position in this Library Journal article.

The benefits include getting “knowledge and confidence” while keeping your skills sharp, stay current in the field, make new contacts, and gain relevant experience as you wait for that perfect professional position. If this is the path you choose, keep looking for new challenges and new people to communicate with. If you treat your position like a professional one, then perhaps the professional one will come to you sooner than you think.

blogged by Deborah Borsuk