But what about less common jobs?

There’s an entire job market out there for positions you’ve never heard of, or thought about once in your life.

While the job titles (and their descriptions) may make you laugh or cringe, you might be surprised to hear how much you can earn with a job off the beaten track.

Infographic courtesy of PayDay One

However, the world of accounting ecompasses far more, and for those looking to get into the accounting industry, this article aims to make the process of figuring out how much you should be paid the opposite of “taxing.”

There are many different directions you can take in the accounting industry, so expectations for this industry will vary depending on whether you’re getting into corporate or public accounting, the company size and location, and if you have any additional education or certifications.

There is an improving market for entry level professionals in the accounting industry. For example, larger public accounting firms have really expanded their on-campus recruiting initiatives, so recent graduates are seeing more and more opportunities.

With that in mind, it might be helpful to have an idea of what you can expect from your position in the industry. We’ve put together the average starting salaries for some common (and currently in-demand) entry level positions in four of the top 10 cities for accounting in the U.S.

Use TalentEgg to find entry level jobs, summer jobs, internships and student jobs in Accounting.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that engineering degree-holders will be the third most-popular graduates in the coming years.

While each engineering specialty offers slightly different prospects, the overall picture is one of large growth and high opportunity, reflecting the Department of Labor’s forecast of an 11% surge in engineering jobs by 2018.

Before you jump into the job search, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the compensation associated with each engineering concentration.

Knowing this information will not only help you demonstrate knowledge of your field to a prospective employer, but will also help you evaluate a job offer (particularly if you’re lucky enough to get two at the same time).

Here is a sampling of the entry level salaries available to different engineering specialists across the country.

Electrical Engineers are expected to experience the greatest financial success in the job market, with Mechanical Engineers, Civil Engineers, Biomedical Engineers and Environmental Engineers rounding out the top five.

Use TalentEgg to find entry level jobs, summer jobs, internships and student jobs in Engineering.

Photo credit: More of cubicle land at Norwood by wbaiv on Flickr

]]> http://talentegg.com/incubator/2012/05/entrylevel-salaries-engineering-grads/feed/ 0 http://talentegg.com/incubator/2012/05/career-advice-public-relations-communications-grads/ http://talentegg.com/incubator/2012/05/career-advice-public-relations-communications-grads/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 16:36:44 +0000 Matt Terry http://talentegg.com/incubator/?p=178 If you’re about to graduate and are looking for work in public relations or communications, I can tell you that the next few years are going to be very exciting.

You’re about to enter the workforce, probably for the first time, and you’re finally going to be able to put some of that classroom knowledge to use.

You’re also going to be faced with some unique challenges which your program probably didn’t, and couldn’t, prepare you for.

For those about to begin their careers, the bottom line is this:
trust your instincts, keep an open mind and be an information sponge. You’ll be just fine.

Some of them are hurdles that all young employees will face, but others are specific to the PR industry.

Here are a few of the challenges you may face during your first few years in public relations, and how to handle them.

You were never a journalist

The truth of the matter is, a great number of PR pros are former journalists of some sort or another. Reporters, producers, editors – all are incredibly valuable in the public relations industry, as much for their skills as for their contacts.

You, however, were never a journalist. It’s a cold fact that can, at times, eat away at your confidence. My advice to you? Learn as much as you can from the people you work with, especially those whose resumes span the media landscape, but don’t be intimidated. Good writing skills were assuredly amongst your manager’s hiring criteria, and you were hired, after all.

You’re 23 and your co-workers are over 40

It can be a little awkward asserting yourself with colleagues who could be your parents, but that’s the reality of today’s workplace. The best way to bridge the generation gap is to be professional and respectful.

Remember that for as much as you might bring new and innovative ideas to the team, experience still counts for a lot. In an intergenerational workplace, the way you communicate your ideas may have to be slightly altered.

You don’t have a network to go to for advice

You should learn as much as you can from your colleagues, but sometimes you need to go outside of your office or specific field for some perspective. This can be for help on a specific project, career advice or just to learn about industry trends.

Thankfully, you’ve got access to PR pros, journalists and other communications and media types (not to mention just about anyone else) via a myriad of social networking tools.

Find a podcast on communications, a blog on writing, or follow some industry thought leaders on Twitter. Once you’re comfortable, engage in the conversation happening about the work you do – not only will you learn a thing or two, you’ll also begin to develop an invaluable network of contacts that you can turn to when you need help.

You’re doing great work, but you’re not filing it away

For yourself, that is. That great media release you wrote? Save it. The employee newsletter that had everyone talking? Store it. The Facebook post that got 300 comments and doubled your website’s daily traffic? Take a screen capture.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you go to do something. Being able to look back on past successes can be extremely helpful, especially when you’re staring down a deadline and need some inspiration. What worked before? Why? Conversely, keeping track of the, er, less than successful work you’ve done can be just as helpful, as long as you learn from your mistakes.

Your files also double as a handy portfolio for when you’re considering a change in professional scenery.

You’re doing what you’re responsible for – but that’s it

Congratulations, you’re doing solid work! Now, what’s next? You should take every opportunity available to you to add to your skill set, even if you weren’t hired for those particular skills.

With the addition of social media to the PR pro’s toolbox, there is a constant need to produce content on behalf of the brands and organizations you work with. That means that being able to shoot high quality photos, film and edit video or record a podcast can give you an edge in the industry. In addition, the more you know, the more valuable you are to an employer, so don’t ever stop learning new things.

This is hardly an exhaustive list of things those starting out in public relations need to know, but it does cover some of the most important issues a young PR pro may deal with. For those about to begin their careers, the bottom line is this: trust your instincts, keep an open mind and be an information sponge. You’ll be just fine.

Photo credit: I love PR (public relations) by by Derek Silfwer on Flickr

Informational interviews with people working in the industry you are interested in are a great way to network with potential employers while gaining valuable information that can help you make important career decisions.

Informational interviews are an especially useful networking opportunity for those who aren’t inclined to spontaneously embrace networking opportunities.

What is an informational interview?

An informational interview allows a student, recent graduate or career-changer to ask questions to someone working in the career field they are interested in.

How to secure an interview

When contacting someone for an informational interview, it is important to make sure you don’t come across as if you are searching for a job. An informational interview should be a casual, no-pressure meeting with the goal of learning more about a potential career option.

When asking to meet with someone it is also important to mention a time commitment you are looking for. If you mention meeting for a quick 15 minute coffee break, make sure you end your meeting after 15 minutes.

Since you will be able to research the role of the person you want to interview, mentioning your interest in a project they are working on or a product their company creates can be a great way to show your genuine interest in their career.

Who to interview

The potential for informational interviews are nearly anywhere. For example, if you work at a large company, you could try contacting someone who works in the department you are most interested in. Most companies offer employee databases where you can access telephone numbers and email addresses of people you might want to interview.

Informational interviews can be a great way to further build a relationship with someone you have briefly met at a workplace or networking event. If someone has given you their business card or contact information, don’t hesitate to politely ask them to meet with you. Remember that successful men and women were once students or recent grads in your position and will often be happy to meet with younger people who are enthusiastic about reaching their career goals.

I’m not the most outgoing person when it comes to approaching someone I don’t know at an event or workplace. Informational interviews are an especially useful networking opportunity for those who aren’t inclined to spontaneously embrace networking opportunities. Setting up an informational interview allows you to prepare notes, research the role of the person you are interviewing and bring a list of well-thought out questions, therefore avoiding any conversational lulls.

While a one-on-one interview may seem more intimidating than approaching someone at a networking type event, informational interviews are a great tool for those who don’t have the gift of the gab because the person you’re interviewing will do most of the talking as long as you ask the right questions.

However, after a couple days of hanging out with Alexander Keith, priorities are bound to shift and, for those who have not yet landed a job, job search mode will begin.

According to the Robert Half Professional Employment Report, a quarterly survey which tracks professional-level hiring, a net 9% of executives plan to hire full-time staff in the second quarter of 2012.

This suggests those with specialized skills just might have some luck finding jobs. Forget spring cleaning in your basement for a second and let’s take a look at how your job search can use some spring cleaning too, starting with…

Tidy up your resume

“Companies today are looking for very specialized talent” says Lara Dodo, a Regional Vice-President with Robert Half. “Highlight your specific skill sets and experiences.”

She offered six key points to consider when cleaning up your resume:

• Cut to the chase: Make sure details are front and centre and use specific examples.
• Tailor the content toward what each organization is looking for.
• Keep it simple: Don’t use fancy language or distracting font.
• Clear the clutter: Don’t muddle your message by having too much personal information. Include only your professional skills and experiences.
• Use the right terms: Many organizations use key-word search engines to weed out resumes, so using company-specific lingo is essential.
• Do the two-minute test: Have someone else scan the resume in two minutes to ensure it makes sense and makes you stand out.

Finally, as an honourary point: look for typos! Lara says many people are eliminated from job opportunities because of silly typing errors on their resumes.

Streamline your interview preparation

Just because the weather has been a tad wonky lately doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be! When choosing an interview outfit from your spring wardrobe, follow these simple dos and don’ts:

• DON’T assume you can dress down. Even if the company culture is very casual, always err on the side of conservative regardless of how warm the weather might be!
• DON’T wear anything uncomfortable
• DON’T wear clothing that is wrinkled or revealing.
• DO pay attention to details such as clean shoes and kept fingernails.
• DON’T over-accessorize. Choose simple jewelry, make-up and perfume. “Less is more” is very much a theme here – on paper and in person.

The job interview, step by step

This is nothing you haven’t heard before, but after endless months of burying yourself in the library with coffee, Nietzsche and an impossible word count before you, it’s easy to forget something such as simple interview guidelines.

• Take a moment to think before you speak.
• Keep a lighthearted approach. Humour is a great way to build rapport!
• It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Be conscious of eye contact and positive body language.
• Rehearse answers to common questions and think of examples beforehand.
• When appropriate, ask your interviewer questions.
• Always follow up! Thank-you letters may be an old fashioned tradition, but they can still go a long way. It is a very simple way to stand out from the crowd. A thank-you email is better than nothing, but personalized thank you notes still take the cake.

Now that you’re as ready for your job search as you are for the warmer weather, perhaps a peek at what positions are in greatest demand this season would be useful.

According to the Robert Half Professional Employment Report, the legal field is expecting the highest hiring activity, with 37% of employers planning to increase staff levels. The marketing industry followed with 22% seeking to hire, followed closely by the transportation sector which saw 21% anticipating hiring activity.

Here’s hoping your attic is as fresh and clean as your job search!

Photo credit: Cleaning Supplies by SurvivalWoman on Flickr

Oliver loves his job because he gets to spread positive feelings.

Ryan loves his job because after only a year and seven months, he’s already running his own office of 30 people.

That’s what TalentEgg discovered when we spoke to 10 different Public Outreach Fundraisers canvassing in downtown Toronto.

No scripts, no multiple takes. Just one question: Why do you love your job as a Fundraiser with Public Outreach?

Want to love your job too? Click here to learn more about becoming a Fundraiser with Public Outreach.

As my interest for the program was obvious due to my application, I really didn’t know where to start.

Writing a statement of interest is a lot like writing a cover letter.  There is no standard formula for success.
 

Tips for writing a good statement of interest, letter of intent or personal statement:

• Express your knowledge about the program
• Include information about past education, work or volunteer experiences that relate to the program you are applying for
• Describe your strengths as they relate to the program
• Edit and re-edit: a well-written statement is as important as the content, make sure there are no grammar or spelling errors
• List any awards you received during your undergraduate degree
• Explain research areas you are interested in pursuing
• If you have lower grades that require explanation, you can do so in your statement of interest

Listing everything above could be too overwhelming. Focus on your strengths, why you will be successful in the program and why the program you are applying for excites you.

Like a cover letter, it’s easy to decipher a well thought-out and edited statement of interest from a quickly written statement of interest.  Focus on your strengths and most importantly, make sure your statement reflects your sincere interest and understanding of the program you are applying to.

I had visions of living in the big city and having an endless slew of published works before the mall even started decorating for Christmas.

In an act of desperation, I did what any new graduate would do. I emailed Robert Munsch.

Then I entered the real world and quickly learned how delusional I was.

I was broke, employed in a field other than what I ultimately wanted, and continuously encountered people with more talent than me.

Every night I would sit on the couch and, in between episodes of Breaking Bad, frantically search the world wide web for jobs. I tweaked my cover letter 4 times a day. I sent follow-up email after follow-up email. I researched companies, telephoned managers and wrote “WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?” every night in my journal. I made lists of what might be wrong with me and marvelled at how long these lists became.

In an act of desperation, I did what any new graduate would do. I emailed Robert Munsch. Yes, the children’s author who penned such classics as The Paper Bag Princess and Thomas’ Snowsuit.

“Hi Robert Munsch,” my email began. “I have recently graduated from school and am interested in pursuing a career in writing/publishing/anything to do with books.” I went on to say that it came as no surprise to discover that finding jobs in which I was remotely qualified for was insanely challenging. I assured good ol’ Bob that I wasn’t asking for a job by any means, but was simply asking if he had any tips or words of wisdom.

Within 2 days, a response had landed in my inbox.

This simple fact – seeing an email from the author of Mud Puddle and Stephanie’s Ponytail and all those wonderful stories that I grew up on – was enough to plant a twinkle in my eye. Robert Munsch was emailing me! ROBERT MUNSCH was emailing ME!

His email gave insight as to how he began his career in publishing. I learned that he started out by telling stories in daycares and was encouraged by his boss to actually send them out to publishing companies. He faced a lot of rejection until he was scooped up by Annick Press.

“That was in 1979 and Annick had only done 2 books and was just barely existing,” Munsch wrote, demonstrating firsthand the lesson we are so often taught but reluctant to practice: you have to be open to starting small. Furthermore, Munsch discussed how Scholastic Book Club didn’t take any of his books until he had already been publishing for 5 years! We hear stories like this all the time about successful people who had to first face failure, but it helped hearing it from Bob himself.

Robert Munsch composed a list of helpful hints, including names of companies that have useful resources for amateur writers, and also simple advice like, “Read as many children’s books as you can.” I must be honest – I’m stoked that I can now justify my love for Arthur the Aardvark.

Regardless of whether I continue to dream of being an author and Bob’s advice is put to use, the simple fact that I corresponded with Robert Munsch made me stop wailing over my lack of job offers. Instead, it made me realize that I am where I am right now and someday that will change. And, as Bob so eloquently ended his email with, “you just gotta keep trying.”

If all else fails, maybe emailing celebrities can simply become a new hobby – a creative outlet, if you will.

Ellen Degeneres? I think you just might be next.

We then realize that, with nothing to do for 2 to 4 months, it might be a good idea to take advantage of a summer job. For many, this can cause some concern as many students don’t have any job experience.

However, there is nothing to be worried about; with the right details on your resume, there’s no need to be intimidated. Plus, if you’re smart about where you look for a potential job, you can reap the benefits for years to come!

When I was looking for my first job, I had some concerns. Who would hire me, a high school student, over more qualified workers? Furthermore, how on earth was I supposed to even be considered for any job if I had no work experience?  So, I had to create a resume that showcased what I was capable of, while also eclipsing the fact that I had no actual work experience.

Tip #1: Put other experience on your resume

Just because you know your resume is empty doesn’t mean a potential employer has to as well. Fill it up with relevant volunteer or school experience. List any clubs or teams you may be associated with, and also your role there.  As for references, if you’d like to pre-list them, go ahead and include those teachers and professors who admire your hard work.  These may be skills used in the classroom, but they’re important in a work environment too!

After creating my resume, I remember not knowing exactly where or when to start handing them out.  What kind of job would I like, if I had never had one before, and how early was appropriate to start distributing them?

Tip #2: Start early and don’t give up

Earlier is better, and persistence prevails!  Start distributing your resumes as early as February or March.  Any earlier wouldn’t be in your best interest as many employers, especially those in a mall setting, have just completed their seasonal lay-offs.

Keep in mind, though, that if you leave a resume with a potential employer in February or March, you can’t just leave it there and expect to get the job.  Call back or visit every 2 weeks or so to make sure they have you on file and to see if and when they’re planning on hiring. They will appreciate that you have initiative and are genuinely interested in a job there!

Tip #3: Target employers that offer seasonal work

Aim for a work environment that has high and low seasons. Generally, these types of employers have temporary workers who are laid off after their work period is over. In this case, if you were a temporary summer employee and proved to be a good worker, you could get called back during the winter holiday period as well.  This pattern of summer and winter holiday scheduling could even become a yearly situation. Malls in general have high and low seasons, plus there’s a wide range of stores.

Personally, as a student, I have found the mall atmosphere to be very convenient.  The hours are flexible and I am able to get time off when needed for school purposes or take on more shifts when I’m available.

On a last note, don’t give up your search for that first summer job! It can be tiresome work, however if you stay focused, and committed, and have confidence in yourself, you will definitely find it!  Well, what are you waiting for? Go give it a try, and the best of luck to you in your search!
 

Photo credit: Foot in the Door Fair 2011 at UIS by Jeremy Wilburn on Flickr