Jon Mocan spent five years as a computer Network Administrator in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jon has some great stories of keeping a computer network running in combat situations in Iraq. He tells stories of harrowing experiences in a casual almost humorous way.
In 2005, back in the States and out of the service because he wanted to provide a better life for his wife and their baby son, Jon was trying to make the transition to a civilian I.T. career.
With a wealth of I.T. experience and the ability to stay calm in a tough situation, Jon found himself begging for jobs that were far below his qualifications. No matter how hard he tried he could not get a civilian employer to take him seriously as an I.T. professional.
Jon feels that civilian employers often look down on experience gained in the military, believing it is not up to civilian standards. Most Vets know this syndrome and have fought with it before. In frustration Jon decided to get some education.
He enrolled in an on-line college degree program, but found that it was a long road to get to work. Then he found New Horizons Career Center.
Jon was impressed with the focused, intense training. As a military Vet he was used to intense focused training and he knew that he would do well in the pressurized environment in the Career Program. He was also impressed with how quickly he could get certified and employed through New Horizons’ program.
What really convinced Jon was the reputation and relationships that New Horizons has built with Portland area employers over the last 27 years. He knew that he would not only be able to get certified through the Career Center, he would be able to make valuable contact with I.T. people from a broad range of employers.
Jon was fortunate to have G.I. Bill funding for his education and the accelerated payment program helped him afford the tuition. Soon Jon was back in the fast-paced, intense I.T. environment that he loves and well on his way to a new career.
Jon, like most Marines, is able to focus intensely on his goals and he did well in the program. It was not easy, trying to support his small family and learn what he needed to learn at the same time. Strong support from his wife and a firm commitment to his goal got him through and soon he was graduating from the program as a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), with several other certifications under his belt.
Hitting the job market with his new certs, Jon found things were different. Now he was taken seriously as an I.T. professional and he had made good contacts in the industry. The job search was still challenging and Jon was frustrated as employers now were willing to offer him work, but often only on short term contracts.
Jon persevered and continued to build experience through contract positions until he found just the right fit for his new career. Now he is working for the largest military contracting firm in the United States and he is running computer networks for a large government agency in southern Oregon.
Jon loves his new career and is settling into a new town where he feels his son will have an opportunity to grow up in a good environment. Jon says, “By far New Horizons was the best choice for me. It not only gave me the skills and the certs, but the JOB! That is the key thing; they are so networked in the community.”
Thanks for that vote of confidence, Jon, but everyone knows it was you who did the work and you who got the job. We’re only glad we could help.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Procrastination: Our Favorite Form of Self-Sabotage
Anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn’t the work he is supposed to be doing at the moment.
Robert Benchley
Procrastination comes in many forms. How do you know if it is good or bad? There is a simple question that will give you the answer: How does your life feel?
Do you have the things that you want in life? Do you do the work you want to be doing? Do you get things done and feel like you have some control?
If the answer to these questions is “yes” then maybe you have harnessed the power of Robert Benchley’s smart remark and you practice Structured Procrastination. This is a powerful form of procrastination that paradoxically helps you get things done. Congratulations. And why are you reading a blog about Career Change?
Do you lack things you want and dream about having them? Is your work grinding and unrewarding? Do you face each day with dread at the pile of things that needs to be done? Does your life feel hectic and out of control?
If your answer to these questions is “yes” then welcome to the Procrastinators Anonymous club. We’ll get around to inviting you to a meeting one of these days.
A perfect method for adding drama to life is to wait until the deadline looms large.
Alyce P. Cornyn-Selby
Procrastination can cause anxiety. It seems paradoxical, because most of us put things off because we are anxious about doing them. We think that putting those things off will make them less scary.
It doesn’t necessarily work that way. Things that have to be done can get scarier as we put them off. When is the last time you had an overdue bill go away because you put off paying it?
If your life feels out of control and you feel that you are lacking things that you want or need, then maybe procrastination is contributing to the problem. A good recipe for regaining control in your life is to do one thing every day that you are afraid to do. If you will take that, admittedly frightening step, you will gain confidence and start to feel that you are gaining control.
By the streets of “By and By” one arrives at the house of “Never”.
Cervantes
Here’s the worst thing about procrastination: Some things do go away when we put them off. Worse, it is usually the things that could be rewarding or fun that go away.
Right now we are at the beginning of a huge boom in IT- related jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that we will see more than 1.5 million new IT- and computer-related jobs between now and 2012. If you have ever wanted to get into this career, now is the time to do it.
Are you going to follow your dream? Or are you going to let this great opportunity pass you by?
Procrastinate now! Don’t put it off.
Ellen DeGeneres
I love Ellen DeGeneres’ joke about procrastination. It is nonsensical and yet it is a call to action. In some ways she cuts right to the heart of issue.
Very few of us do nothing. We’re always doing something. Why don’t we do the things that will get us to where we want to be?
You can always procrastinate tomorrow.
Robert Benchley
Procrastination comes in many forms. How do you know if it is good or bad? There is a simple question that will give you the answer: How does your life feel?
Do you have the things that you want in life? Do you do the work you want to be doing? Do you get things done and feel like you have some control?
If the answer to these questions is “yes” then maybe you have harnessed the power of Robert Benchley’s smart remark and you practice Structured Procrastination. This is a powerful form of procrastination that paradoxically helps you get things done. Congratulations. And why are you reading a blog about Career Change?
Do you lack things you want and dream about having them? Is your work grinding and unrewarding? Do you face each day with dread at the pile of things that needs to be done? Does your life feel hectic and out of control?
If your answer to these questions is “yes” then welcome to the Procrastinators Anonymous club. We’ll get around to inviting you to a meeting one of these days.
A perfect method for adding drama to life is to wait until the deadline looms large.
Alyce P. Cornyn-Selby
Procrastination can cause anxiety. It seems paradoxical, because most of us put things off because we are anxious about doing them. We think that putting those things off will make them less scary.
It doesn’t necessarily work that way. Things that have to be done can get scarier as we put them off. When is the last time you had an overdue bill go away because you put off paying it?
If your life feels out of control and you feel that you are lacking things that you want or need, then maybe procrastination is contributing to the problem. A good recipe for regaining control in your life is to do one thing every day that you are afraid to do. If you will take that, admittedly frightening step, you will gain confidence and start to feel that you are gaining control.
By the streets of “By and By” one arrives at the house of “Never”.
Cervantes
Here’s the worst thing about procrastination: Some things do go away when we put them off. Worse, it is usually the things that could be rewarding or fun that go away.
Right now we are at the beginning of a huge boom in IT- related jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that we will see more than 1.5 million new IT- and computer-related jobs between now and 2012. If you have ever wanted to get into this career, now is the time to do it.
Are you going to follow your dream? Or are you going to let this great opportunity pass you by?
Procrastinate now! Don’t put it off.
Ellen DeGeneres
I love Ellen DeGeneres’ joke about procrastination. It is nonsensical and yet it is a call to action. In some ways she cuts right to the heart of issue.
Very few of us do nothing. We’re always doing something. Why don’t we do the things that will get us to where we want to be?
You can always procrastinate tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Who Wants a Job?
Looking for a job sucks. Have you ever felt that way? I know I have. The worst thing about looking for a job is you might find one.
Have you ever heard the old joke: What does JOB stand for? The answer is: Just Over Broke. For most of us that is just what a job is – a way to have a small income that may or may not take care of financial responsibilities. A job is often a dead-end and a trap. If you become dependent on a job that doesn’t offer real opportunity for advancement and just barely covers your bills, you could end up in a trap that you might not ever get out of.
The truth is that most of us have to work for a living. So how do we get out of the job-trap?
It takes a real effort to change our thinking. We have to first get rid of the idea that a job is what we need. What we really need is a career. Most people get their jobs accidentally. They answer the right ad or they see a help wanted sign at the right moment. Sometimes this can lead to a great opportunity and even a dream job. How many people do you think get those things by accident?
Here are three steps to help you change your attitude and get the career you deserve:
1. Decide what you want to do.
Easier said than done, maybe. This step is about gathering and evaluating information. This process can take some serious soul-searching, but it can also be fun and even exciting if you go about it with the right attitude.
Often things that we have been interested in since we were children will help us determine the type of work we should be doing. Start by examining yourself and what you like to do. This will give you some clues of what to look for.
Now get real. If what you like to do is knit sweaters, but you need to earn $75,000 a year, you should ask yourself if that is realistic. Maybe you like to play basketball, but you are only 5’ 8” tall and you have never been able to make a basketball team. That might not be a great opportunity for you.
Make sure that the career you choose is in line with your values. Make sure that it is work that you can perform. Most important make sure it is exciting to you. If you get excited about getting into a new career, that excitement can be the fuel you need to get there.
Gather information. Check with the Employment Department and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Talk with people who work in the field you are considering. Are their real opportunities for your chosen career, if not get creative with your thinking. What career opportunities are associated with what you like to do? What other things could work for your career?
The Rolling Stones said, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need.”
2. Find out what it will take to make your career real.
Now that you have decided on a possible career for yourself you have to decide if you can realistically get there. If you have been working in a warehouse for 9 years and now you decide that you want to be a Computer Network Administrator, you have to realize that you will need training to make that career real.
The training will probably include technical training so you know how to do the job you want to be doing, but it also might include training so you can make the transition from your old blue-collar career to a new career in a white-collar environment. Don’t underestimate the cultural changes it will take to change your career.
How long will training for your new career take? How much will it cost? Do you have the aptitude to learn what you need to learn and make a successful change? Will the investment in training pay-off in a lucrative and satisfying career?
These are all things that you need to decide before you can decide on a career change. Be open to possibilities. Talk with people who can help you. Be professional in the way you go about this, you never know who is going to help you get your first break in this career.
3. Take Action.
You’ve put in all the hard work of deciding what you want to do and finding out how it can realistically be done. Don’t waste all of that effort. Do it.
There are always more excuses to not do something than there are to do it. You only need one reason to go ahead.
Your career change is probably going to take some sacrifice and pain, but doesn’t your life include those things now? If you’re sacrificing your days and your energy in a job you don’t enjoy that is leading you nowhere, what do you really have to lose?
Take action now. Suffer through the hard part while keeping the vision of your new career and your new life in front of you. Someday, when you’re sitting on the beach on a well-deserved vacation you will think back on the sacrifices you made to get into your new career and you’ll be glad you made them.
If you are considering a career in Information Technology (I.T.) give me a call I can help no matter what step you are on. John Chandler 503-641-0201.
Have you ever heard the old joke: What does JOB stand for? The answer is: Just Over Broke. For most of us that is just what a job is – a way to have a small income that may or may not take care of financial responsibilities. A job is often a dead-end and a trap. If you become dependent on a job that doesn’t offer real opportunity for advancement and just barely covers your bills, you could end up in a trap that you might not ever get out of.
The truth is that most of us have to work for a living. So how do we get out of the job-trap?
It takes a real effort to change our thinking. We have to first get rid of the idea that a job is what we need. What we really need is a career. Most people get their jobs accidentally. They answer the right ad or they see a help wanted sign at the right moment. Sometimes this can lead to a great opportunity and even a dream job. How many people do you think get those things by accident?
Here are three steps to help you change your attitude and get the career you deserve:
1. Decide what you want to do.
Easier said than done, maybe. This step is about gathering and evaluating information. This process can take some serious soul-searching, but it can also be fun and even exciting if you go about it with the right attitude.
Often things that we have been interested in since we were children will help us determine the type of work we should be doing. Start by examining yourself and what you like to do. This will give you some clues of what to look for.
Now get real. If what you like to do is knit sweaters, but you need to earn $75,000 a year, you should ask yourself if that is realistic. Maybe you like to play basketball, but you are only 5’ 8” tall and you have never been able to make a basketball team. That might not be a great opportunity for you.
Make sure that the career you choose is in line with your values. Make sure that it is work that you can perform. Most important make sure it is exciting to you. If you get excited about getting into a new career, that excitement can be the fuel you need to get there.
Gather information. Check with the Employment Department and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Talk with people who work in the field you are considering. Are their real opportunities for your chosen career, if not get creative with your thinking. What career opportunities are associated with what you like to do? What other things could work for your career?
The Rolling Stones said, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need.”
2. Find out what it will take to make your career real.
Now that you have decided on a possible career for yourself you have to decide if you can realistically get there. If you have been working in a warehouse for 9 years and now you decide that you want to be a Computer Network Administrator, you have to realize that you will need training to make that career real.
The training will probably include technical training so you know how to do the job you want to be doing, but it also might include training so you can make the transition from your old blue-collar career to a new career in a white-collar environment. Don’t underestimate the cultural changes it will take to change your career.
How long will training for your new career take? How much will it cost? Do you have the aptitude to learn what you need to learn and make a successful change? Will the investment in training pay-off in a lucrative and satisfying career?
These are all things that you need to decide before you can decide on a career change. Be open to possibilities. Talk with people who can help you. Be professional in the way you go about this, you never know who is going to help you get your first break in this career.
3. Take Action.
You’ve put in all the hard work of deciding what you want to do and finding out how it can realistically be done. Don’t waste all of that effort. Do it.
There are always more excuses to not do something than there are to do it. You only need one reason to go ahead.
Your career change is probably going to take some sacrifice and pain, but doesn’t your life include those things now? If you’re sacrificing your days and your energy in a job you don’t enjoy that is leading you nowhere, what do you really have to lose?
Take action now. Suffer through the hard part while keeping the vision of your new career and your new life in front of you. Someday, when you’re sitting on the beach on a well-deserved vacation you will think back on the sacrifices you made to get into your new career and you’ll be glad you made them.
If you are considering a career in Information Technology (I.T.) give me a call I can help no matter what step you are on. John Chandler 503-641-0201.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Fear: Friend or Foe?
“You don’t need courage if you’re not going to do anything.”
Rev. Mary Tumpkins
We all know the feeling; heart racing, palms sweaty, head feels a little light. Something has triggered the fight-or-flight response and we revert to the frightened cave-dweller under attack from wild animals. In our minds we know that there is no life-threatening danger facing us, but our bodies are convinced that if we don’t run or defend ourselves then it’s all over.
Fear serves an important purpose, because it can make us cautious in a dangerous situation. Sometimes fear saves our lives. Fear can also be the thing that stops us from acting; which stops us from getting the things that we want in life. When you feel fear it is important to stop and check with yourself. Is the fear you are feeling a warning about a life-threatening situation? If so, you better listen to it and proceed with caution. Or is the fear warning us about something that could be uncomfortable if we fail? If that is the case maybe the right course is to put fear behind you and go “full speed ahead.”
Fear is such a powerful emotion, flooding our body with hormones and feelings that seem impossible to ignore, that it can be very difficult to distinguish between the “warning” fear and the “paralyzing” fear. There are some techniques that can be helpful in overcoming this powerful feeling. The first thing to realize is that the physical feelings that come with fear are the same physical feelings that we get when we are extremely excited.
Think of the last time you did something that was exciting and a little dangerous. Maybe you were riding a roller coaster, or a motorcycle. Maybe you were white-water rafting or paragliding. Whatever it was, remember how it made you feel. Fear can be an exhilarating feeling; a whiff of adrenaline can make the whole world seem brighter and more fun. Of course an element of risk and danger is part of the process; you can’t really get that feeling without risk and danger.
Mark Twain said, “I am an old man and I have known many troubles, but most of them never happened.” I understand what he meant because most of the danger I have ever faced has all been in my imagination.
That’s not to say that fear isn’t real when you are embarking on a career change. There is always the valid fear that you might fail and be worse off after trying to change your career. Will you listen to the fear that can stop you from taking action to improve your life, or will you face that fear with courage and not let it stop you from doing and being the things you dream about? You get to decide.
Timothy Ferriss, in his wild book The 4-Hour Work Week, gives us an exercise that can be very helpful in determining the meaning of fear and acting anyway:
1. Define your nightmare, the absolute worst thing that could happen if you did what you are considering.
Our imaginations are powerful tools and can invent danger where none exists. Let your imagination run wild. What’s the very worst thing that can happen? Could your decision result in you dying homeless and alone on the street? Or can you think of something worse? Inoculate yourself against the very worst outcome by imagining it fully.
2. What steps could you take to repair the damage or get things back on the upswing, even if temporarily?
I bet you have recovered from terrible setbacks before. Have you ever had the very worst thing you imagined happen to you and then felt, “That wasn’t really so bad.”? Think about it now. What resources would you be able to call on? What actions could you take to get back on your feet if the worst happens?
3. What are the outcomes or benefits, both temporary and permanent, of more probable scenarios?
The exercise of your imagination will allow you to dream up worst-case scenarios that probably couldn’t even really happen. Get real now. What is more likely to happen if you take the action you are afraid of? Are there benefits to that outcome?
4. If you were fired from your job today, what would you do to get things under financial control?
Losing our job or our ability to meet our financial obligations is often the worst thing that we can imagine. This is the modern day equivalent of the caveman’s fear of a saber-tooth tiger. You’ve probably been there before; devastated at the unexpected loss of income. What did you do to get back on your feet? What could you do now if the worst happened?
5. What are you putting off out of fear?
What action is causing the fear you are feeling? What are you avoiding because of the fear? Someone once said, “We can’t grow until we take the uncomfortable step.” What step are you shying away from?
Rev. Mary Tumpkins
We all know the feeling; heart racing, palms sweaty, head feels a little light. Something has triggered the fight-or-flight response and we revert to the frightened cave-dweller under attack from wild animals. In our minds we know that there is no life-threatening danger facing us, but our bodies are convinced that if we don’t run or defend ourselves then it’s all over.
Fear serves an important purpose, because it can make us cautious in a dangerous situation. Sometimes fear saves our lives. Fear can also be the thing that stops us from acting; which stops us from getting the things that we want in life. When you feel fear it is important to stop and check with yourself. Is the fear you are feeling a warning about a life-threatening situation? If so, you better listen to it and proceed with caution. Or is the fear warning us about something that could be uncomfortable if we fail? If that is the case maybe the right course is to put fear behind you and go “full speed ahead.”
Fear is such a powerful emotion, flooding our body with hormones and feelings that seem impossible to ignore, that it can be very difficult to distinguish between the “warning” fear and the “paralyzing” fear. There are some techniques that can be helpful in overcoming this powerful feeling. The first thing to realize is that the physical feelings that come with fear are the same physical feelings that we get when we are extremely excited.
Think of the last time you did something that was exciting and a little dangerous. Maybe you were riding a roller coaster, or a motorcycle. Maybe you were white-water rafting or paragliding. Whatever it was, remember how it made you feel. Fear can be an exhilarating feeling; a whiff of adrenaline can make the whole world seem brighter and more fun. Of course an element of risk and danger is part of the process; you can’t really get that feeling without risk and danger.
Mark Twain said, “I am an old man and I have known many troubles, but most of them never happened.” I understand what he meant because most of the danger I have ever faced has all been in my imagination.
That’s not to say that fear isn’t real when you are embarking on a career change. There is always the valid fear that you might fail and be worse off after trying to change your career. Will you listen to the fear that can stop you from taking action to improve your life, or will you face that fear with courage and not let it stop you from doing and being the things you dream about? You get to decide.
Timothy Ferriss, in his wild book The 4-Hour Work Week, gives us an exercise that can be very helpful in determining the meaning of fear and acting anyway:
1. Define your nightmare, the absolute worst thing that could happen if you did what you are considering.
Our imaginations are powerful tools and can invent danger where none exists. Let your imagination run wild. What’s the very worst thing that can happen? Could your decision result in you dying homeless and alone on the street? Or can you think of something worse? Inoculate yourself against the very worst outcome by imagining it fully.
2. What steps could you take to repair the damage or get things back on the upswing, even if temporarily?
I bet you have recovered from terrible setbacks before. Have you ever had the very worst thing you imagined happen to you and then felt, “That wasn’t really so bad.”? Think about it now. What resources would you be able to call on? What actions could you take to get back on your feet if the worst happens?
3. What are the outcomes or benefits, both temporary and permanent, of more probable scenarios?
The exercise of your imagination will allow you to dream up worst-case scenarios that probably couldn’t even really happen. Get real now. What is more likely to happen if you take the action you are afraid of? Are there benefits to that outcome?
4. If you were fired from your job today, what would you do to get things under financial control?
Losing our job or our ability to meet our financial obligations is often the worst thing that we can imagine. This is the modern day equivalent of the caveman’s fear of a saber-tooth tiger. You’ve probably been there before; devastated at the unexpected loss of income. What did you do to get back on your feet? What could you do now if the worst happened?
5. What are you putting off out of fear?
What action is causing the fear you are feeling? What are you avoiding because of the fear? Someone once said, “We can’t grow until we take the uncomfortable step.” What step are you shying away from?
6. What is it costing you – financially, emotionally and physically – to postpone action?
What would be the benefits of taking the action you are afraid of? If there are benefits to doing something you are afraid to do, it is costing you something to not take action. Think about it now. What is it costing you to hesitate in the face of fear?
7. What are you waiting for?
A risk is only scary until you take it.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Why Should I Return the Call from New Horizons?
You’re looking for work, or you’re looking for a better job than the one you have. You’re answering a lot of ads and sending your resume everywhere you can think of. Somewhere along the way you encountered some on-line information that says: There is a Career Boom in Information Technology that is going to make it feel like 1999 all over again!
Maybe you answered the ad because you are curious and you want to know what I.T. is. Maybe you want to find out if it’s really true that there are a lot of jobs in Information Technology. Maybe you’ve wanted to get into I.T. for years and just don’t know how to get your foot in the door. Maybe you have worked in I.T. for a long time, but are finding that your experience isn’t as valuable as it used to be.
There are probably as many reasons to respond to the bulletin as there are people who respond to it. Whatever the reason you responded; congratulations on taking the first step to a new career. I don’t know you, so I don’t know whether an I.T. career is for you or not, but we will never know if we don’t talk about it.
It takes courage to start on a Career Change. You’ve taken a courageous step by answering the ad. Don’t waste it. Follow through. Return the call and maybe you will find that I.T. is a good career for you and you’ll be on your way. Maybe you’ll find that I.T. is not a good career for you. Either way it is worth your time to return the call to New Horizons; there has never been a better time to advance your career in Information Technology.
What Will Happen if I Return the Call?
The unknown can be scary, so let me tell you what will happen if you return the call from New Horizons. One of our professional Admissions Advisors (John Chandler or Mark Rubin) will call to have a brief phone conversation with you. This call doesn’t have to take longer than two minutes.
John or Mark will ask about your previous work experience and your motivation for exploring an I.T. career. They will give you a brief background on New Horizons and what we do. If it looks like our Career Program might be interesting and helpful to you they will be happy to set an appointment to visit the school and see how our Career Program works.
If it becomes clear after a brief conversation that our program isn’t for you or you’re not really interested in an I.T. career, the Admissions Advisor will politely end the phone call and that will be it. What do you have to lose?
What Will Happen if I Agree to an Appointment?
Some people have had bad experiences making appointments on the phone. We are completely aware of the problem. First thing you need to know is that our Admissions Advisors are not interested in convincing you to come to our school or pressuring you into anything.
New Horizons Oregon has been successfully helping people improve their computer skills and enhance their careers for 26 years. We did not get to where we are by pressuring people and selling them things they don’t need. We have been successful in this business by listening carefully to our clients and giving good advice that solves problems. We are leaders in our field because we always look for what is best for our clients. What is best for our clients has always been the best for New Horizons, too.
When you arrive for your appointment you will be greeted at the front desk by our friendly registrars, who will let your Admissions Advisor know you have arrived. The Admissions Advisor will greet you and then take you on a short tour of the school.
While you are touring our luxurious facility you will learn a little about the business we have done for 26 years. You will get a chance to see the names of some of the 6,000 local employers who use our training for their employees. You will get to see the well-equipped and comfortable classrooms and labs. You will have a chance to review the certifications and awards of our teaching staff and you will get to hear some of the stories of our successful students.
Once you have completed the tour, you will sit down with your Admissions Advisor to see how the program works. Our Career Presentation takes about an hour and it will bring you up to date on the latest information on career opportunities in I.T. and let you know exactly how the Career Program works including tuition and financial aid. The Admissions Advisor will also take the time to get to know you a little bit, so he can understand your career goals and the motivations that are leading you to career change or enhancement.
At the end of the presentation the Admissions Advisor will explain the next steps if you want to be considered for admission into our Career Program. If it has become clear that our program or the I.T. career is not for you, the Admissions Advisor will politely thank you for coming and that will be it.
You answered the ad because you want a better career. You have taken the time to read this because you were curious. Momentum is already moving you toward your new career. Why not find out if I.T. is for you?
Call John Chandler at 503.641.0201 or Mark Rubin at 503.641.0987
Maybe you answered the ad because you are curious and you want to know what I.T. is. Maybe you want to find out if it’s really true that there are a lot of jobs in Information Technology. Maybe you’ve wanted to get into I.T. for years and just don’t know how to get your foot in the door. Maybe you have worked in I.T. for a long time, but are finding that your experience isn’t as valuable as it used to be.
There are probably as many reasons to respond to the bulletin as there are people who respond to it. Whatever the reason you responded; congratulations on taking the first step to a new career. I don’t know you, so I don’t know whether an I.T. career is for you or not, but we will never know if we don’t talk about it.
It takes courage to start on a Career Change. You’ve taken a courageous step by answering the ad. Don’t waste it. Follow through. Return the call and maybe you will find that I.T. is a good career for you and you’ll be on your way. Maybe you’ll find that I.T. is not a good career for you. Either way it is worth your time to return the call to New Horizons; there has never been a better time to advance your career in Information Technology.
What Will Happen if I Return the Call?
The unknown can be scary, so let me tell you what will happen if you return the call from New Horizons. One of our professional Admissions Advisors (John Chandler or Mark Rubin) will call to have a brief phone conversation with you. This call doesn’t have to take longer than two minutes.
John or Mark will ask about your previous work experience and your motivation for exploring an I.T. career. They will give you a brief background on New Horizons and what we do. If it looks like our Career Program might be interesting and helpful to you they will be happy to set an appointment to visit the school and see how our Career Program works.
If it becomes clear after a brief conversation that our program isn’t for you or you’re not really interested in an I.T. career, the Admissions Advisor will politely end the phone call and that will be it. What do you have to lose?
What Will Happen if I Agree to an Appointment?
Some people have had bad experiences making appointments on the phone. We are completely aware of the problem. First thing you need to know is that our Admissions Advisors are not interested in convincing you to come to our school or pressuring you into anything.
New Horizons Oregon has been successfully helping people improve their computer skills and enhance their careers for 26 years. We did not get to where we are by pressuring people and selling them things they don’t need. We have been successful in this business by listening carefully to our clients and giving good advice that solves problems. We are leaders in our field because we always look for what is best for our clients. What is best for our clients has always been the best for New Horizons, too.
When you arrive for your appointment you will be greeted at the front desk by our friendly registrars, who will let your Admissions Advisor know you have arrived. The Admissions Advisor will greet you and then take you on a short tour of the school.
While you are touring our luxurious facility you will learn a little about the business we have done for 26 years. You will get a chance to see the names of some of the 6,000 local employers who use our training for their employees. You will get to see the well-equipped and comfortable classrooms and labs. You will have a chance to review the certifications and awards of our teaching staff and you will get to hear some of the stories of our successful students.
Once you have completed the tour, you will sit down with your Admissions Advisor to see how the program works. Our Career Presentation takes about an hour and it will bring you up to date on the latest information on career opportunities in I.T. and let you know exactly how the Career Program works including tuition and financial aid. The Admissions Advisor will also take the time to get to know you a little bit, so he can understand your career goals and the motivations that are leading you to career change or enhancement.
At the end of the presentation the Admissions Advisor will explain the next steps if you want to be considered for admission into our Career Program. If it has become clear that our program or the I.T. career is not for you, the Admissions Advisor will politely thank you for coming and that will be it.
You answered the ad because you want a better career. You have taken the time to read this because you were curious. Momentum is already moving you toward your new career. Why not find out if I.T. is for you?
Call John Chandler at 503.641.0201 or Mark Rubin at 503.641.0987
Monday, February 26, 2007
Career Change Success Story: Shaughn Belmore
Shaughn Belmore was a Golf Pro when we met. He was having some physical problems that were making it likely that he would not be able to continue golfing on a regular basis. Shaughn had to find a new career for himself that would allow him to do less physical work and eventually become independent and self-employed.
Shaughn has always had an interest in computers and he enjoys working with computer hardware. After taking a serious look at his options, Shaughn decided that a career in Computer Networking would not only provide the type of work that he would need as his physical condition deteriorates, but would also be challenging and stimulating enough to keep him interested and motivated.
After considering his options to get qualified for a career in I.T., Shaughn decided that New Horizons Career Program offered what he needed and had a great track record. Knowing this gave him the confidence he needed to commit to a rigorous career program.
Shaughn had to deal with doubts from the very beginning. One of his doubts was about the investment. He wondered if he could afford to go back to school and if it would really pay off as an investment. He knew that the program would be very demanding and was worried about pushing himself mentally and physically to succeed. One doubt that lingered was a fear that maybe he couldn’t do it and be successful.
I asked Shaughn how he overcame these doubts. He said he never really overcame them; they still come up for him from time to time. Physically Shaughn found it a challenge just to be in class so much and from time to time he was worried that he might not be able to complete the course just because of the pain he was experiencing. He was able to work with the doubts, keep his goals in sight and push through. Shaughn is glad he did not give in to the doubt that nagged at him.
Shaughn now works for a large I.T. outsource company. He manages an Active Directory environment with over 100 servers and more than 3000 work stations world-wide. His main responsibility is to implement client projects and maintain security on the network. Shaughn enjoys his work and is building important experience that will open new opportunities for him as he advances toward his goal of self-employment as an I.T. consultant.
Faced with a serious physical disability many people shut down and withdraw into themselves. Shaughn took a different track. He seized control of his life and put his career on a new path that leads to opportunity and real security. Shaughn says, “Now I have a solid career path and the tools to continue to succeed at what I do.”
I asked Shaughn about the challenges he had to overcome to be successful. In his typical humble way Shaughn answered, “I’ll tell you when I get there.” He may not feel that he has achieved a great success, but I look at Shaughn Belmore as a very successful man, with even higher achievements in his future.
Shaughn has always had an interest in computers and he enjoys working with computer hardware. After taking a serious look at his options, Shaughn decided that a career in Computer Networking would not only provide the type of work that he would need as his physical condition deteriorates, but would also be challenging and stimulating enough to keep him interested and motivated.
After considering his options to get qualified for a career in I.T., Shaughn decided that New Horizons Career Program offered what he needed and had a great track record. Knowing this gave him the confidence he needed to commit to a rigorous career program.
Shaughn had to deal with doubts from the very beginning. One of his doubts was about the investment. He wondered if he could afford to go back to school and if it would really pay off as an investment. He knew that the program would be very demanding and was worried about pushing himself mentally and physically to succeed. One doubt that lingered was a fear that maybe he couldn’t do it and be successful.
I asked Shaughn how he overcame these doubts. He said he never really overcame them; they still come up for him from time to time. Physically Shaughn found it a challenge just to be in class so much and from time to time he was worried that he might not be able to complete the course just because of the pain he was experiencing. He was able to work with the doubts, keep his goals in sight and push through. Shaughn is glad he did not give in to the doubt that nagged at him.
Shaughn now works for a large I.T. outsource company. He manages an Active Directory environment with over 100 servers and more than 3000 work stations world-wide. His main responsibility is to implement client projects and maintain security on the network. Shaughn enjoys his work and is building important experience that will open new opportunities for him as he advances toward his goal of self-employment as an I.T. consultant.
Faced with a serious physical disability many people shut down and withdraw into themselves. Shaughn took a different track. He seized control of his life and put his career on a new path that leads to opportunity and real security. Shaughn says, “Now I have a solid career path and the tools to continue to succeed at what I do.”
I asked Shaughn about the challenges he had to overcome to be successful. In his typical humble way Shaughn answered, “I’ll tell you when I get there.” He may not feel that he has achieved a great success, but I look at Shaughn Belmore as a very successful man, with even higher achievements in his future.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
You're Looking for Work? Please Be Professional
I spend my days talking with people who say they are trying to find work. One thing that I find to be all too common is unprofessional behavior that I can almost guarantee is costing these people good opportunities. So here is a list of my personal pet peeves and my suggestions for better methods:
1. Just because you are unemployed now does not mean that you do nothing. I can’t even begin to tell you how many people respond to the question, “What work do you do?” by saying they are unemployed or they don’t do anything. This is a big turn off and a time waster for anyone who is seriously talking about employment.
When I ask someone what they do I am looking for two very important pieces of information: a). what experience does this person have; and, b). what do they think of themselves? A person who says they are unemployed or they don’t do anything as answer to this question shows a lack of self-esteem and a lack of respect for my time.
If you are currently unemployed and someone asks this question, tell them what your experience is, or what you want your new career to be. This is a basis for a serious conversation, it shows self-respect and my bet is it will lead to employment opportunities.
The flip side of this is: if someone asks you what type of work you are looking for, be specific. Too many times, especially at job fairs, I ask what someone is looking for and they say, “Any kind of work.” What that means to a potential employer is you don’t care about what they have to offer, so they aren’t offering.
2. Return a Call. I receive 10-20 resumes a day at my desk and I make a good faith effort to call every one of them within 24 hours to discuss their situation. Maybe I’m unusual in wanting to make personal contact with every applicant, but I think it is only fair.
80% of the phone calls I make to these resumes result in my leaving a message or a voicemail for the applicant. Do you have any idea how many of those messages are returned? Would you be shocked if I told you that less than 10% return the call? I was when I realized it.
These are people who say they are looking for work. They receive a message from me saying I received their resume and I would like to discuss it. You would think they would return the call. It is obvious that they are not serious about getting employed.
I am unusual in the fact that I am persistent in trying to reach these people. I make 4-5 calls before I give up, and even more if I have to and you’re trying to reach me too.
We are all busy. Everyone has a million excuses to not return a call. No-one wants to hear those excuses, especially not a potential employer. Return your calls.
3. Don’t give a lot of personal information on the phone. When someone calls to discuss your resume on the phone they want to know about work experience and your career. They do not need to know about your babysitting and transportation challenges, or your desperate need for health insurance coverage, or how much you disliked your last employer, or job or boyfriend.
All of those things are reasons for an employer to stop pursuing you as a potential employee. An employer can’t ask these things, but they can act on them if you tell them. Keep your conversation on topic, positive and brief.
4. Be professional in email and voicemail. This is a broad topic that is vitally important. It starts with your email address. If your email address is Boozer382 or Sexyhippy, those might be fun for your friends, but they tell a potential employer things that you don’t really want them to know. Get an email address that is your name. It could be costing opportunities.
You can imagine, from what I said about the resumes I get, that I make a lot of phone calls during the day. Most people who deal with resumes do. We don’t want to spend time listening to your favorite song, or a long complicated greeting. We especially don’t want greetings that fool us into thinking you have answered the phone. Be professional and be brief. Potential employers may not be leaving messages for you and they’re not calling back.
5. Please be careful how you dress. I see people at Job Fairs all the time who look like they just rolled out of bed and probably slept in the clothes they are wearing. When I meet with people in my office I let people know that it is all right to dress casually for our first meeting if they wish to.
Be careful what you wear, though, even to an informational meeting. At the very least be neat and clean. And please don’t wear revealing or sexy clothing. I can’t tell you how many times I have sat down for a conversation in my office with a woman who is wearing a low-cut top or a skirt that is too tight or too short. This causes embarrassment for me and often for the person wearing the clothes.
Facial piercing and tattoos are becoming prevalent in our society, yet most employers won’t allow them at work. Don’t wear them to an interview or a Job Fair. The only thing you do when you sport piercings or tattoos is let people know that you are not employable. Is that the message you want to send?
Wear something that is comfortable and appropriate for the meeting you are having.
Bottom line, if you want to be an employee act like an employee. You never know for sure where your next job is coming from or who is going to be important in helping you find it or get it. There are some simple and common sense things you can do to increase your chances. Most important just think before you do or say anything.
1. Just because you are unemployed now does not mean that you do nothing. I can’t even begin to tell you how many people respond to the question, “What work do you do?” by saying they are unemployed or they don’t do anything. This is a big turn off and a time waster for anyone who is seriously talking about employment.
When I ask someone what they do I am looking for two very important pieces of information: a). what experience does this person have; and, b). what do they think of themselves? A person who says they are unemployed or they don’t do anything as answer to this question shows a lack of self-esteem and a lack of respect for my time.
If you are currently unemployed and someone asks this question, tell them what your experience is, or what you want your new career to be. This is a basis for a serious conversation, it shows self-respect and my bet is it will lead to employment opportunities.
The flip side of this is: if someone asks you what type of work you are looking for, be specific. Too many times, especially at job fairs, I ask what someone is looking for and they say, “Any kind of work.” What that means to a potential employer is you don’t care about what they have to offer, so they aren’t offering.
2. Return a Call. I receive 10-20 resumes a day at my desk and I make a good faith effort to call every one of them within 24 hours to discuss their situation. Maybe I’m unusual in wanting to make personal contact with every applicant, but I think it is only fair.
80% of the phone calls I make to these resumes result in my leaving a message or a voicemail for the applicant. Do you have any idea how many of those messages are returned? Would you be shocked if I told you that less than 10% return the call? I was when I realized it.
These are people who say they are looking for work. They receive a message from me saying I received their resume and I would like to discuss it. You would think they would return the call. It is obvious that they are not serious about getting employed.
I am unusual in the fact that I am persistent in trying to reach these people. I make 4-5 calls before I give up, and even more if I have to and you’re trying to reach me too.
We are all busy. Everyone has a million excuses to not return a call. No-one wants to hear those excuses, especially not a potential employer. Return your calls.
3. Don’t give a lot of personal information on the phone. When someone calls to discuss your resume on the phone they want to know about work experience and your career. They do not need to know about your babysitting and transportation challenges, or your desperate need for health insurance coverage, or how much you disliked your last employer, or job or boyfriend.
All of those things are reasons for an employer to stop pursuing you as a potential employee. An employer can’t ask these things, but they can act on them if you tell them. Keep your conversation on topic, positive and brief.
4. Be professional in email and voicemail. This is a broad topic that is vitally important. It starts with your email address. If your email address is Boozer382 or Sexyhippy, those might be fun for your friends, but they tell a potential employer things that you don’t really want them to know. Get an email address that is your name. It could be costing opportunities.
You can imagine, from what I said about the resumes I get, that I make a lot of phone calls during the day. Most people who deal with resumes do. We don’t want to spend time listening to your favorite song, or a long complicated greeting. We especially don’t want greetings that fool us into thinking you have answered the phone. Be professional and be brief. Potential employers may not be leaving messages for you and they’re not calling back.
5. Please be careful how you dress. I see people at Job Fairs all the time who look like they just rolled out of bed and probably slept in the clothes they are wearing. When I meet with people in my office I let people know that it is all right to dress casually for our first meeting if they wish to.
Be careful what you wear, though, even to an informational meeting. At the very least be neat and clean. And please don’t wear revealing or sexy clothing. I can’t tell you how many times I have sat down for a conversation in my office with a woman who is wearing a low-cut top or a skirt that is too tight or too short. This causes embarrassment for me and often for the person wearing the clothes.
Facial piercing and tattoos are becoming prevalent in our society, yet most employers won’t allow them at work. Don’t wear them to an interview or a Job Fair. The only thing you do when you sport piercings or tattoos is let people know that you are not employable. Is that the message you want to send?
Wear something that is comfortable and appropriate for the meeting you are having.
Bottom line, if you want to be an employee act like an employee. You never know for sure where your next job is coming from or who is going to be important in helping you find it or get it. There are some simple and common sense things you can do to increase your chances. Most important just think before you do or say anything.
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