Your Career Questions, Answered

You told us you needed the answers to these burning questions about your career, so we looked near and far to find you the answers. Click the "answers" label under What We're Talking About (at right) to check back for updates!

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Accounting & Finance
Q: I obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting 2 years ago. I have been attempting to find a job, but have been unsuccessful due to lack of experience. How can I increase my experience? –Daniel from Delta, Ohio

A: Check it out!

Q: I am getting an M.B.A in finance. I got a job offer at an insurance company where they sell insurance and mutual founds. They job is by commission. Will this job help me towards my financial career? -Miguel, IL

A: Check it out!

Consulting
Q: What is a good way to get into consulting if you don't have a business/economics background? –George from New York City

A: Check it out!

Education
Q: I am considering a career in school conseling, but I am having trouble finding programs in my area. How do I find them and determine which is the best for me? –Kasey from Hull, MA

A: Check it out!

Engineering & Technology
Q: I am 53 years old and due to graduate 12/08. My major is ETIS Industrial Systems and will receive a BS degree. Will my age be a problem finding employment? –Ralph from Smyrna, TN

A: Check it out!

Q: I have two questions: 1. What kind of degree/certification will I need for a career in Computer Security? 2. What program languages would I need experience with to be successful in eCommerce? –Kat from Cincinnati, Ohio

A: Check it out!

Q: I've heard that a quick and easy way to start a career in the high tech. industry is to become a systems engineer and that a six month course that gives a Windows certification can open doors to entry level positions. Positions that offer further training and $30K+/yr, for anyone with a 4 year degree. Is this true? –Michael from Madison, WI

A: Check it out!

Healthcare
Q: I am interested in gaining global health experience. I have an MPH in global health but am having a hard time translating my work in the U.S. to jobs that will provide me with some overseas experience. Any suggestions how I can break out of this catch-22 situation? -Anonymous

A: Check it out!

Q: What are some of the things you can do with a degree in Chinese Medicine? –Stephen from Dallas, TX

A: Check it out!

Job Search
Q: I am a recent graduate (master's degree) without much experience, because I attended grad school a year after undergrad w/o working in between, what should I put on a resume? –Sherra from Dekalb, IL

A: Check it out!

Marketing
Q: How will the job market look for college grads majoring in Management/Marketing in 2009? –Hussain from Chicago, IL

A: Check it out!

Networking
Q: I am an active Rotarian in a very influential local club and wish to use my network therein to search for an executive position. However, I do not want to offend my fellow members and would like to know if you could suggest a format or resource to draft an appropriate letter to those who may have a position or could assist me in discovering an opportunity? –Michael from Elkhard, IN

A: Check it out!

Entertainment
Q: I want to get a job as a broadcast manager on a cruise ship right after graduation. What can you tell me about the application process? -Laura from Peoria, IL

A: Check it out!

Work Abroad
Q: What advice would you offer for those who want to eventually work abroad, specifically in Italy? –Evan from Bloomington, IL

A: Check it out!

Miscellaneous
Q: How much do Industrial Organizational Psychologists earn annually? -Shemeeka from Ocean Township, NJ

A: Typical salaries for Industrial Organization Psychologists vary depending on the type of degree, the type of employer, and location of the job. According to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologists (SIOP), a master’s graduate starts out making $38,750, the starting salary for a Ph.D graduate is $55,000, and the media salary in the industry is about $80,000. Within the private sector, they can make up to $100,000 annually. If you are looking for greater job opportunities and higher pay, you will want to consider a master’s degree, and a doctorate degree will provide the highest amount of opportunity and pay. Check out our salaries guide to find out more!

Q: What kinds of jobs are there for history majors? -Terry from Concord, North Carolina

A: There are many diverse opportunities for history majors. The most obvious job would be as an educator, but you can also work in museums, on documentaries, write/edit historical content, or work as an archivist. Another obvious option would be continuing your education into law school, but if that’s not your thing, you can work as a paralegal or find employment at a foundation. This major allows you the opportunity to work in basically any field that interests you. Many people who started out with a specific academic major end up doing something completely different in their careers. Check out our Rising Star profiles of young professionals to find out about possible career paths from people just like you!

Career Question: How Can I Tap Into an Influential Network?

Question: I am an active Rotarian in a very influential local club and wish to use my network therein to search for an executive position. However I do not want to offend my fellow members and would like to know if you could suggest a format or resource to draft an appropriate letter to those who may have a position or could assist me in discovering an opportunity. --Michael, Elkhart, IN

Answer: Dear Michael, I think you will, indeed, offend your fellow Rotary members by writing a letter asking for job leads. Even though Rotary clubs are intended to provide professional networking opportunities to its members (in addition to the #1 goal of community service), I think such a letter would not go over well. Networking is not that overt.

What may be more effective is for you to spread the word that you are looking for an executive position when you attend regular Rotary gatherings. During this period, show up for every meeting and service project, and not just because “the” right person might be there to speak with you and steer you toward your goal. If you want something from the club and its members, you should be willing to give back.

At these regular gatherings, approach fellow members with questions that will allow them to share information and serve as informal mentors: “Can you share some insight on executive jobs in your industry?”; “Would you mind taking a look at my resume sometime and let me know if the language and format are correct for seeking a job in your industry?” “Are there any landmines I should avoid when applying for a job at XYZ company?” In this manner, you are not asking them for a job or even a concrete job lead; you are asking them to share their expertise. And be subtle about bringing up this topic and posing these questions. Wait until a conversation presents an opening for you to go down this road. If you are not subtle, people will begin to avoid you if they think that this topic will be the first thing out of your mouth whenever they greet you.

Good luck!

Nancy R. Mitchell
The Etiquette Advocate

For more advice on job-seeker & employee etiquette, check out Oh, Behave!, Nancy Mitchell's column on the Experience website.

Career Question: How Can I Write A Resume If I Don't Have Any Experience?

Question: I am a recent graduate (master's degree) without much experience, because I attended grad school a year after undergrad without working in between. What should I put on a resume? --Sherra, DeKalb, IL

Answer: This is a common dilemma, and some might say it’s a good argument for delaying grad school in favor of gaining some real-world work experience. But you’ve chosen to go pretty much straight from undergrad to grad school, and I have to applaud your stamina. Now, what can you put on your resume?

Presumably, you’ve gained a lot of professional skills over the past several years in school—start thinking about what they include. For instance, writing would be a skill, as would computer programming, as would research, as would “soft” skills like good communication, teamwork, etc. Maybe you know some computer applications? Put those on there too.

Then, you need to think about the things you’ve done that could qualify as professional experience. For instance, did you work as a TA or an assistant to a professor? What did you do with your summers? Ever have an internship or work with an academic mentor? All of this can go on your resume.

Did you attend any conferences, publish any papers, learn to speak any languages? These can all go on there too.

The best thing to do, once you’ve had a chance to brainstorm all the experience you do have, is to make an appointment or set up a phone call with the career services office at the university where you got your master’s degree. They can help you format a resume, decide what to include, and give you some tips on cover letters too. Good luck!

Any additional advice for Sherra? Please leave a comment.