Monday, March 22, 2010

Making a Move to a New City: Gen Y Chasing Jobs and Experiences

It might sound glamorous to move to the big city lights, or conversely romantic to exit urban trials for a small-town life, but there are challenges for PR pros whose networks are lifeblood. Moving means your local personal bucket of journalists, sponsors, donors, and colleagues once again must be filled. But sometimes, life in a new city comes after you – a new opportunity, spouse’s transfer, family responsibilities or a need for a fresh start – and you wind up in a new place, looking for a new job in PR.

(*Note: This is a guest post written for the PRSA New Pros blog. I’m just giving my blog readership a sneak peek. – CO.)

For me, my husband’s promotion meant leaving sunny Phoenix for the upbeat Midwestern city of Columbus, Ohio (Following college in Nebraska, moving to Denver, then to Phoenix – all in the first few years of my career). After some months of serious searching, I happily settled into a new job and iteration of my PR career, translating my media skills into the digital world at Oxiem.

Here’s how I did it, and how you can, too.

1.    Get the lay of the land

Chamber packages, local Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus and American Business Journal newspapers’ Books of Lists can be fantastic resources to help you understand the local ecosystem. Who are the biggest employers? What are the leading industries? Finding out will help you ground yourself in the landscape and understand where you might fit.

2.    Lurk online first

One of the best parts about social networking is that you don’t have to be in the same physical location to interact with people. Lurking around the Twitterverse, scouring LinkedIn and friending forgotten college friends on Facebook can help you start virtually growing your networks. The first people I asked to meet up face to face when I moved were people I knew through Twitter.

3.    Start networking early, even before the move

Find out as much as you can as soon as you can, so that when you land in your new spot you can hit the ground running. This could be as early as an exploratory weekend trip or home-finding expedition. Squeeze in a few coffees and lunches with people you’ve interacted with online. They’ll be impressed at your early proactivity.

4.    Join groups and participate in associations and seminars

While most of us attend industry events as our work schedules allow, when you’re new, try to hit as many as humanly possible. Sitting at a table with a stranger automatically connects you, and eliminates the need to reach out online or through a contact. Costs can be prohibitive if you’re not currently working, but don’t be afraid to ask if there is a discounted rate for unemployed pros or if you can pay the student price. Today, it’s not uncommon.

5.    Be the most outgoing version of yourself

For a few months at least, be the most gregarious you possibly can be. You don’t have to be the life of the party, but you do have to be memorable. Play up whatever makes you most interesting – research background, foreign travel, hobbies or talents. People will be interested in you if you demonstrate passion and ability to connect with others.

My rule is that I can’t say no to any invitation, be it professional or social, for the first year in a new city. Even if you don’t connect personally with the person who invited you, they might have awesome friends or coworkers.

6.    Give back even before you have been given anything

When you’re new, you have to earn people’s trust and time drop by drop. They’ll be more interested in you if you can show you’ve already gotten involved in your new city and are trying to use your skills for the greater good. Volunteering, planning charity events, doing pro bono PR work, or joining a committee can help.

7.    Play the newbie card liberally

The great thing about being new is it’s a free pass to reach out to connections. You don’t need a reason other than trying to learn about local media, agencies or companies. I can’t tell you how many times I discussed what suburbs were best, local Columbus attractions, and the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. my alma mater’s team, the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Your fresh eyes and new perspective are always of interest to locals, so they’ll want to hear about your take on their town as well.

New professionals have an advantage in today’s economy because of our mobility. We can pick up and move for a job when others can’t, and most of us are excited to gain life and career experiences in a new place. All it takes is to make that first big, scary step off the ledge. When you land, follow this guide and you might find the fall wasn’t so far after all.

[Via http://whygeny.wordpress.com]

Drill and Blast Engineer - Hunter Valley, AUSTRALIA

Drill and Blast Engineer

Job Ref: RST6317092203RST

Location: Australia – New South Wales

Mt Arthur Coal is 100% owned by BHP Billiton and is located 5km south west of Muswellbrook in the upper Hunter Valley, 125 north west of Newcastle in NSW. The mine is currently undertaking a major expansion, which will take production capacity to 20mtpa. Mt Arthur Coal is a leader in safety, productivity and environmental management.
Drill and Blast Engineer

A vacancy currently exists for an energetic and enthusiastic mining engineer to join the Drill and Blast Team at Mt Arthur Coal. This position will report to the Drill and Blast Superintendent and assist in improving safety, increasing productivity and inventories and improving the cost effectiveness of the Drill and Blast process on site. The Drill and Blast Team is transitioning from 70Mbcm of shot rock to 100Mbcm of shot rock. Additional expansion plans are being developed that will see this volume increase further.

The Drill and Blast Engineer will have the following direct responsibilities:

* Prepare drill & blast designs
* Review drill & blast activities with key production personnel to continuously improve designs and operating practices
* Conduct regular field visits of drill and blast operations to ensure high quality standards are being maintained, plans are being implemented and recommend opportunities to improve
* Collate statistics for all drill and blast operations
* Liaise with drill and blast personnel
* Ensure positive relationships with all stakeholders are developed and maintained through effective communication and consultation
* Develop and implement blasting improvement programs including strategies to reduce drill and blast costs to the business
* Ensure compliance with all HSEC Policies and Procedures, Safe Work Instructions, Standard Operating Procedures, Statutory Legislation including the Coal Mines Health and Safety Act, Explosives Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act, and any Mine Site Rules
* Provide weekly and monthly mining reports as required

Selection Criteria

* Tertiary qualifications in Mining or Civil Engineering
* 2 years+ experience at an open cut operation
* Experience using drill and blast software (Datavis and Minescape used on site)
* NSW Open Cut Examiners Certificate of Competency would be highly regarded
* Blasting knowledge would be highly regarded. For example:
o UHL or shot firers ticket
o Knowledge of explosive products and / or open cut blasting applications
* Ability to develop good working relationships and communication with co-workers, drillers and shot firers
* Current driver’s licence
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Exposure to continuous improvement projects

Applications close on Friday 30th April 2010.

[Via http://tmcaustralianjobs.wordpress.com]

Coal Planning and Productivity Engineer - Hunter Valley, AUSTRALIA

Coal Planning and Productivity Engineer

Job Ref: RST6317152203BHP
Location: Australia – New South Wales

Mt Arthur Coal is 100% owned by BHP Billiton and is located 5km south west of Muswellbrook in the upper Hunter Valley, 125 north west of Newcastle in NSW. The mine is currently undertaking a major expansion, which will take production capacity to 20mtpa. Mt Arthur Coal is a leader in safety, productivity and environmental management.
Coal Planning and Productivity Engineer

BHP Billiton Mt Arthur Coal Operations are currently expanding its Muswellbrook coal mining operations to meet increased market demand.

This expansion has created an opportunity in its rapidly expanding Production Department for an energetic and enthusiastic technical mining professional with up to five years experience. This position will report directly to the Senior Engineer Coal Planning and assist in the process of improving safety, production and cost effectiveness of the coal mining and planning section of the department.

The coal planning and productivity engineer will have the following direct responsibilities with regard to the coal planning and mining activities:

* Develop weekly and monthly coal mining and processing plans,
* Review mining activities with key production personnel to continuously improve designs and operating practices,
* Conduct regular field visits of mining operations to ensure high quality standards are being maintained and recommend opportunities to improve,
* Review coal blending strategies and provide direction on operational optimisation across planning, mining and processing personnel.
* Monitor mining and processing performance for use in the day to day and budget planning processes,
* Demonstrate sound technical knowledge and operational awareness of mining functions to be able to provide support for coal supervisors and mine operators,
* Undertake project and supervisory work as directed,
* Ensure compliance with all HSEC Policies and Procedures, Safe Work Instructions, Standard Operating Procedures, Statutory Legislation including the NSW Coal Mines Health and Safety Act, NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act, and any Mine Site Rules,
* Ensure positive relationships are developed and maintained through effective communication and consultation,
* Provide a leadership role in continuous improvement, in team development and facilitating change,
* Reviewing coal mining fleet strategies and planning processes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the coaling operations.

Selection Criteria

* Professional qualifications in geology or mining engineering are preferred,
* Genuine interest in a career path within the Production Department,
* Desire to live in the Hunter Valley,
* Ability to develop good working relationships and communication with co-workers,
* Current driver’s licence,
* NSW Coal Mine Open Cut Examiners Certificate of Competency would be highly regarded,
* Willingness to assist in a supervisor production role if required.

Applications close on Friday 30th April 2010.

[Via http://tmcaustralianjobs.wordpress.com]

Friday, March 19, 2010

Get Out Of A Job You Hate

Here’s a great post I ran across recently.  Research indicates that 55% of Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs.  This isn’t really surprising given all the bad-boss jokes and TV shows and movies dealing with bad or unsatisfying jobs.

The author offers up two options for what to do about a job you hate.  First, you can find another job.  Often, this is easier said than done, but life is just too short to spend eight hours a day and 40 (or more) hours a week doing something that you hate.

The other option is to do something with your other hours of your day that brings you satisfaction.  If you don’t completely hate your day job, you can think of it as something that enables you to the things you really want to.  While I enjoy my job, I’d rather be playing: I work so I can play.

It’s tragic to spend so much time doing something we hate so much.  And usually, the dissatisfaction of a job comes home with us and affects our personal lives, too.  Sometimes how you feel about a job is just a matter of a change in attitude, but sometimes it requires more disruptive action.

[Via http://stopandlive.wordpress.com]

Work-Study.. No home life.

I don’t understand how people balance their lives. We’re expected to work, for money for the future. We’re expected to study so that we can work in better jobs in the future, so that we can lives without having to beg for money on the streets. Some people can do this easily – they’re care-free.
Others, like me, can not deal with stress what-so-ever.

I can hardly juggle work and studying part-time, especially with all my doctor/psychologist/psychiatrist/orthodontist appointments. It just makes me feel like I’m being pushed off the edge.

How do people work, study and balance home life whilst being happy?
If anyone knows, please let me know, I can’t live like this much longer.

[Via http://herroarex.wordpress.com]

Avalanşă de joburi la Genpact

Genpact Romania are scoase la concurs peste 102 joburi distribuite astfel:  33 in Bucuresti si 69 in Cluj. Nu le veti gasi pe site-urile de joburi din Romania dar sunt primite de la o sursa sigura din interior. In curand vor fi postate oficial asa ca ati face bine sa va grabiti cu aplicatiile ca sa prindeti primele interviuri = sanse mai mari sa va angajati.

Dintre titlurile joburilor amintesc:

-Junior Buyer, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Order Management, Accounts Payable Helpdesk, Procurement, General Ledger…

Limbile cerute sunt obligatoriu Engleza si in functie de client: franceza, germana, limbile nordice, italiana, spaniola, ungureasca.

Lista completa cu joburi o gasiti aici: Joburi

Pentru a aplica la unul din joburi sau pentru a cere detalii folositi una din adresele:

work@stud-life.ro sau ariton_cristi@yahoo.com

[Via http://moscovici87.wordpress.com]

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Lady Gaga Was my OBGYN

In this whacked out dream I had the other night, I was pregnant with triplets.  I was pretty pissed off about it, because who wants three babies at once?  I was gigantic.  Waddling around hating life looking like a complete freak of nature.

In my dream, I went for my weekly checkup at my OBGYN, and I am shown to a back room to wait for the doctor to come in and check me.  I’m sitting on the table, naked from the waist down, sheet over my lower half.  All of a sudden, Lady Gaga walks in, she didn’t even knock.  She walks in wearing her sequined sparkly lobster boots, hair out to Mars, with her whole sequin-lobster-people entourage.  I’m lying on the table and I tell her, “Lady Gaga, I don’t think I feel comfortable with you anywhere near my vagina in that get-up.”

She takes off her sunglasses and says, “Of course, I will be right back,” in her ever-elusive Lady Gaga speak, and she leaves followed by her clan of sequin lobster people.   She leaves me there on the table, and I’m lying there looking out the window, and I see her and her lobster people getting onto a bus and leaving.  I’m really pissed because my ass is cold sitting on this table, so I get up and go out into the hallway to talk to one of the nurses, because god dammit, I want my check up so I can go the fuck home.

“Oh, she will be back after her show tonight.”  The nurse says like nothing is wrong with this.  Yes the fuck there is A LOT wrong with ALL of this.  So I put my clothes back on and I leave that ridiculousness.

I googled my dream interpretation, and supposedly being pregnant in dreams means a transformation is coming, and I am about to give birth to a new me.  Perhaps I will be transforming into a lesbian.  That explains so much.  Gayness.  I’m gay.  Hmmmmmm…  I don’t know.  I think I watch too many music videos in the morning and I need a day job.

Speaking of Lady Gaga, this video came on a minute ago by Lady Antebellum.  I thought, oh, she must be a friend of Lady Gaga.  Because they are both ladies.  Duh.  Obviously.  WRONG.  There was not any poisoning people, or dancing in underwear enough for those bastards to be any kind of friends with Lady Gaga.

And what the fuck is an antebellum?  I looked it up.  Yeah.  I went to dictionary.com and educated myself.  Antebellum means before or existing before the American civil war.   Ohhhhh.. So the Lady Antebellum people are a bunch of redneck lynch-mobbing freaks.  I get it.  WTF??????????????????  I could think of a million names for a band that would be infinitely better than Lady Antebellum.  Well, I know who’s not going to be performing on BET ever.  That’s right.

I’m looking for jobs still.  I’ve been on Career Builder everyday now since the unemployment people might just this last extension.  I applied for everything.  I applied for an Executive VP position.  That pays $80k per year, and I’m way under-qualified for it.  But I applied anyway, just to clog up that person who posted that ad’s box.  I might as well make them work a little harder.  $80k.  Jesus.  What do people do with all that money?  I suppose I could find something to spend that money on.

So I’ll be sitting here, waiting for somebody, anybody to call me for a job today.   I know it won’t be the Executive VP, but shit.  I will take anything at this point.

[Via http://katherinethegreat1.wordpress.com]