Reader questions and feedback on advancing in your career. Also refer to life story, success, motivation, advancement, career, achievements, history, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Career:
General
The following 63 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Looking for a teaching job in Iran
- Lost job due to affirmative action policy
- How can I get praise from people?
- Ambition is to be an animator
- Want a career in Information Technology
- Wants to change careers
- Underpaid as a Senior Manager
- Course to obtain real estate license
- Stuck in a lower level job than education warrants
- Looking for a job with NASA
Looking for a teaching job in Iran
Question
August 14, 2009
No. 122, Rahimi 2, Boulevard Rahmat, Bushehr Road, Shiraz, IRAN
(98)711-8240448/
(98)711-2288012
m_baharestani@yahoo.com
ABDOL MOHAMMAD BAHARESTANI
Objective Seeking a position utilizing my administrative and teaching abilities
Experience
Instructor 23/September/2001-present ILI, Shiraz Shiraz, IRAN
French as a Second Language Instructor
§ Prepare subject material for presentation to students.
§ Teach students using a systematic plan of lectures, discussions and audio-visual presentations.
§ Assign and correct homework.
§ Prepare, administer, and correct tests
§ Evaluate progress, determine individual needs of students requiring extra help
§ Participate in staff meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops
Experience
Hotel Employee 21/March/2003-present Hotel Homa, Shiraz Shiraz, IRAN
Hotel Receptionist
§ Receive and respond to public inquiries on the telephone and in-person.
§ Compose and maintain word processing files utilizing a computer.
§ Perform general office duties on a daily basis.
§ Order office and copier supplies. Maintain inventory in an orderly manner.
§ Attend assigned meetings.
§ Perform other duties and projects as assigned and directed by the Hotel Manager.
Experience
Instructor
Experience
Trainer
23/September/2006-present Payame Noor University (PNU) Shiraz-IRAN
French Language Instructor
§ Conduct university the French courses for undergraduate students.
§ Teach within the prescribed curriculum.
§ Prepare and delivers lectures to students.
§ Stimulate class discussions. Compile, administer, and grade examinations.
§ Advise students on academic and vocational curricula.
§ Participate in staff meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops
4/April/199-6/March/2001 Center for Boys with Disabilities Shiraz-IRAN
Secretary and Trainer
§ Gave services to boys under 14 with mental disabilities
Education 2008-2011 Shiraz University Shiraz, Iran
§ MA. Ancient Iranian Culture and Languages
10/March/2008 Hotel Homa Shiraz, Iran
§ Received a Certificate of Completion in Front Office Advanced Skills with the grade Very Good
5/February/2007-30/March/2007 Macau
§ Received Certificate of Completion for a Specialist Course in Hotel and Hospitality with a focus restaurant (food and beverage) and Front Office
4/July/2005-29/July/2005 Cavilam University Vichy, France
§ Received Certificate for an intense course in French Language at the University of Cavilam: I received a scholarship from France Embassy to Tehran to take the course.
20-23 September 2002 Embassy of France Tehran, Iran
§ Received French Language Training Certificate: a course presented by Professor Yves Canier and Mr. Hamid Fakhr (PhD) in collaboration with France Embassy to Tehran.
5-8 September 2002 ILI, Shiraz Shiraz, Iran
§ Received Reflets Certificate: a course presented by Professor Guy Capelle (author) and Mr. Hamid Fakhr (PhD). The teaching method is applied in teaching language learners.
Oct-2000 Vocational School, Bushehr Bushehr, Iran
§ Received Computer Skills Certificate
1995-1999 Isfahan University Isfahan, Iran
§ BA, French Language Literature
1989-1995 ILI, Shiraz Shiraz, Iran
§ Received English Language Certificate
Skills
Interests Knowledge of Farsi language, Knowledge of English and French Languages, Knowledge of Microsoft office, the Internet and all associated applications
Hiking, surfing the Internet, biking, fishing, reading
abdol mohammad - Iran
18150
Answer
You have a good background. However, we do not employ teachers or trainers.
For job openings in Iran, check:
http://ir.tiptopjob.com/
http://www.learn4good.com/jobs/language/english/list/country/iran/
http://www.4icj.com/ir/
I hope that helps you.
Lost job due to affirmative action policy
Question
August 9, 2009
Hi, good morning. Many thanks for your message. I pray this morning to thanks the lord for everything. My problem are my unemployment. I was a firefighter. I lost my job because of our government's affirmative action policy. I used to love my work as a firefighter and I miss it. I am no racist. I am 38 years old. Somedays I cry because my wife must work. I pray to the lord for, how can I say it, for a urgent solution for this problems. Sorry for my broken English. I am speaking the local, Afrikaans, language. Thanks for your email. Best regards
John - South Africa
18146
Answer
Although affirmative action is well-meaning, often it is poorly implemented, such that it hurts innocent workers.
Think of losing your job as an opportunity to move on to bigger and better things. Here are some ideas for you to help in getting a new and better job:
Continue to look for a job as a firefighter. Talk to your old firefighter friends and supervisor to ask if they know of any openings. Apply again for such a job, where ever you can.
Evaluate the skills you had gained as a firefighter. For example, you have had to be brave in dangerous situations, think quickly in emergencies, be physically capable of doing things, able to help save the lives of people and perhaps even give medical care to the injured. Plus, there are other skills that you have had to use on your job.
Consider how would those skills and traits be valuable in another job? Think of other types of jobs that would need such skills. Also, when you apply for a job, you can point out these skills and traits as something positive for the employer.
Talk to people. Tell others that you had been a firefighter but were now looking for a new job where you could use some of your skills. Do not dwell on the past or that you lost your job. No one wants to hear your troubles. Instead, hold your head up high and look to improving your position. When you tell people you are looking for a better or new position, they often will help by giving you some leads or ideas. Don't expect them to give you a job. Instead, seek information on where there is a need for someone like you.
It is a difficult path, but if you are positive and show determination that you will get a job soon, others will want to help you achieve your goal.
I hope these ideas will help you get work again soon. Remember that you have what it takes to do so.
How can I get praise from people?
Question
May 2, 2009
Hi,
If I am not able to talk with others how can i get praise from them.
Waiting for your suggestion.
Thanks,
kranthi - India
17686
Answer
You need to do the very best you can in the work that you do. The problem doing good work is a great reward. Getting praise for things done in your job is enjoyable, but it is a rare reward.
If you don't personally interfaced with people, you can write up summary of your achievements. Certainly your supervisor knows what you do and receives feedback from others about the work that you do. A good boss will praise his workers, but many of them don't.
How often do you praise other people? Getting praise must be a two-way street. If you praise and congratulate others on the good job that they did, sooner or later they will reciprocate and praise you too.
Ambition is to be an animator
Question
May 2, 2009
Hi,
I am kranthi working in e-learning company. but my ambition is to become a worlds toppest earning animator.
Now i cont have time to learn and practice animation i am always at office doing work. I can't even resume my job and start practicing about animation. then how can i become the successful animator.
Can u please suggest me any tips to achieve my goals.
Waiting for your reply.
Kranthi - India
17685
Answer
You must set aside at least one hour each day to study and practice your animation, even if you must get up an hour early in the morning or stay up later at night.
If the e-learning company where you work has animations in their products, let them know about your interest in the field. Talk to the people who do animation and ask questions about it. Some companies encourage their workers to improve their skills.
Your goal should never to be the highest earning animator. It should be to be the best in what you love to do.
I hope these ideas help you. Best wishes in your career as an animator.
Want a career in Information Technology
Question
March 19, 2009
I have some problems please can you help me?
I want some information about the IT subject because I want to choose it as a major (Pakalryoos)
can you give me some aid??
wafa - Oman
17473
Answer
Check these websites for information on Information Technology (IT):
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/careersintechnology/p/ITDefinition.htm
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/lr/information_technology/60723/1/
Best wishes in your studies and career
Wants to change careers
Question
December 3, 2008
I have recently become a statistic in a 'Reduction In Force' at National Semiconductor in Maine, where I have worked as an Engineering Technician for 23 years. With regards to pay, it is one of the top businesses in the state to be employed by.
I have survived perhaps a dozen of these "layoffs" throughout my career with National.
I have finally arrived at a time and place in my life where I plan to pursue another direction in my life and (what remains of) my career. No longer do I wish to work in the technical field, dealing with "things", but would much prefer working with or for people. I guess the challenge will be, as I reinvent or perhaps a better word might be rediscover myself, will be to highlight all my transferable skills I have acquired throughout my technical career and how I may apply them in a different discipline.
Over the years, I have been dismayed by the direction the culture has been moving, particularly in light of this past year and one-half. It not only saddens me, but I find it troubling that so many of our children can no longer discern between what's good versus bad or what defines character.
I have read some books by various authors on the subject of Virtues and Fairy Tales, such as Vigen Guroian, G.K. Chesterton, Ronald Knox and of course William Bennet's Book of Virtues.
I am deeply interested in providing an opportunity for the children to learn and develop the virtues either through teaching or demonstration, but I do not know where to begin. I do not have a teaching certificate and since my wife is not employed, going to school may not be an option.
I would be forever greatful for any guidance you may provide me. Thank you.
regards,
James - USA
16897
Answer
Many people start looking for a new direction after many years in a job that may no longer be satisfying. With 23 years at National Semiconductor, hopefully you have some compensation to allow you to get by for a while. It may be a good opportunity to make a career change.
If you are in need of income, you might try to go back to National Semiconductor as a temporary worker, perhaps even at a reduced pay. At least it will give you time to pursue other interests.
You might even look into a training position at the company to train other technicians. This would also give you experience in teaching that you could apply to teaching children later.
You need to do some soul-searching or self-analysis to find your new direction. List things you enjoy doing, including projects at work, hobbies, vacations, and even books you enjoy reading. Also make a list of things you are good at and achievements you have had. Add things to these lists as the ideas come up. You may see a trend of certain areas that you not only enjoy but are also good at.
Check out books about finding your true calling in the career section in the library or bookstore. A good book on teaching character to children is "The Family Virtues Guide" by Linda Popov. Also check the site Character Counts for material on teaching character to children.
A big problem is finding places to teach. You can start by volunteering to teach children in your church Sunday School. You may not be able to find a real job teaching character to children, but even if you do it on the side, it can be gratifying.
I hope these ideas help. Best wishes in your new endeavors. Let me know how things turn out.
Underpaid as a Senior Manager
Question
September 3, 2008
Dear sir
I am wworking as a sr.Manager in an organization , Istarted my career
with this company from 1996 and still working with the same company.
I started as service engineer and got many promotions and reached the
top management level. I am feeling that my compensation is very less
compared to others in the same level. Basically I am an Engineer and
the organization shaped me as a manaager .
My problem is ,if I leave this company and join somewhere will the new place treat me in the same level as Iwas ?
Is it advisible to work in the same place for long time ?.
Please advice me
Santhosh - India
16452
Answer
Sometimes companies are short-sighted and do not pay people they promote from within as well as those they hire from outside the company. This can make for unhappy workers who may leave the company.
This is also why many companies do not publicize what they pay their workers. It is often difficult to find out what your fellow workers are paid.
The first thing to do is to get an idea of how valuable you are to the company. Could they easily replace you, if you quit? Are you sure of your job or worried about your position? Also, how is your company doing?
If you have indications that others at the same level as you are being paid more, have a talk with your manager or supervisor. Simply tell your boss that you would like to get a raise. Don't say that others are making more than you or argue the point. Just let him know you would like a raise.
Your boss will either say that he will see what he can do about it or will say that it is not possible at this time. The big thing is that you have planted a seed.
Meanwhile, you can look around to see what similar jobs are available. In fact, you should always do this to know your market value. One thing to do is to check with a placement firm to see if they feel there is potential for you. This is all just preliminary, just to test the market.
If you decide to get a job elsewhere, you should set a goal of a reasonable wage that you want to get. In some cases, you may even take a step back into technology, but the main thing is that they pay you the going rate and that you are respected in your position. Note that if you accept poor treatment, people will treat you poorly.
If your company gives you a raise, that will be great. But realize that you still should keep your eyes open for a better position. Often changing companies is necessary for advancement.
I hope these ideas help, and best wishes in your career advancement.
Course to obtain real estate license
Question
August 16, 2008
Do you have the course to obtain the realtor lic.
adriana - USA
16365
Answer
The requirements for a real estate license varies from state to state. We don't have any material on getting a license. You can check the following websites that offer courses:
http://www.usarealestatelicense.com/
http://www.online-education.net/real-estate-license.html
http://www.realestatelicense.com/
You can also check with a local realtor for advise on where to get a license in your community.
Best wishes in your career.
Stuck in a lower level job than education warrants
Question
June 3, 2008
I have a 4 year degree in an engineering field and also have work experience in that field. I have 1 year of school training in the IT field. However, for the past 5 years I have been struck in a much lesser field that doesn't even pay living wages. How can I gain confidence that I can re-enter the Engineering field after this long or function entry level in the IT field with no experience after 4 years outside the classroom?
- USA
16039
Answer
First of all, you need to be very specific concerning the field of engineering that you have your degree and where your interest is. For example, if you want to be an Electrical Engineer, you should call yourself that (or whatever your field of interest is), even if you are working in a lesser field. That is the first step on having confidence about what you want to do and can do.
Use your engineering background to do some project management on getting the type of job you want. You need to look at it as an engineering project. Define specifically what you want to do and what your objectives are. Set a schedule to achieve your goals. Do research on companies that use your expertise in the are where you want to work.
Getting involved in a professional field in your area of expertise is very important. You can meet others in the field and find out what is going on in the industry. You can get more insight and connections than simply sending out resumes.
One thing you need to do is to be able to explain why you have been working in some other field for the past 5 years. Put a positive spin on it, such that it was to give you some added experience. Look at your present job and try to find positive experiences you have gained, despite not getting good wages.
With a methodical approach toward getting into the field you want, you should be able to succeed. Don't make any excuses to others or to yourself. Instead, look at it all as part of your master plan.
I hope this helps. Best wishes in getting the job you want.
Looking for a job with NASA
Question
May 2, 2008
I am an mechanical engineering student. Please give the details about the jobs for mechanical engineers in NASA, U.S.A. What are the qualifications needed and eligibility criteria for it? I will be greatful to you.
Kamaljyoti - India
15852
Answer
See: http://www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/ for information about jobs at NASA, as well as jobs for students. Also see: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9nasa.asp
Those websites should give a you a start at finding avialble jobs and requirements. But you should also consider: http://www.isro.org/ for possible space-related jobs.
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