From the President March 2015

From the President March 2015 From the President March 2015 The Value of an Engineering Education for Non-EngineersWhats the value of an Engineering Education? Engineering majors are projected to be the top-paid bachelors degree graduates from the Class of 2015. Thats according to a recent survey by The National Association of Colleges and Employers. So the value of an engineering education for a career in engineering is pretty clear. But many people trained as engineers enter other lines of work. What is the value of an engineering education for them?Lets start with skills. A person graduating as an engineer is a problem solver. An engineer knows how to analyze data. He or she knows numbers and can use logic to make difficult decisions. Strong computer skills are a given. An engineer is a designer and a gruppe player. These are skills prized in law, in medicine and in finance.In business, too. ASME recently presented its prestigious Kate Gleason Award to Ursula Burns. Burn s is a mechanical engineer who is now CEO and chairman of Xerox. Here is what Burns recently told ASME.org about the value of her engineering training My entire existence, my business personality, my practices at work - how I lead, manage, and interact - the foundation of it all is my engineering education. I moved from engineering to business but the difference is not a difference at all. The synergy between the two is amazing. Engineers sometimes find their way into the arts. Alfred Hitchcock studied at a technical and engineering school in London, and worked as a draftsman. We can presume he knew his way around the optics of camera lenses, and the mechanical systems of camera cranes and dollies. Those drafting skills must have served Hitchcock well when it came to sketching storyboards. Another great director, Frank Capra, found an engineering background helpful when the motion picture industry was struggling during the transition to talkies. Capra graduated in 1918 with a degree in chemical engineering from a college that would become the California Institute of Technology. mora than many other young directors in the late 1920s, Capra understood how to use the movie industrys emerging sound technology. Engineer Tom Scholz knew his way around sound, too. Scholz received a bachelors and a masters degree in mechanical engineering at MIT. He started recording song demos in a home studio while working for Polaroid as a product design engineer. He went on to found the rock band Boston. An engineering background frequently seems useful for politicians. President Jimmy Carter studied engineering in college. He became a submariner after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy. He did graduate work in nuclear reactor technology and nuclear physics after being chosen by Admiral Hyman Rickover for the Navys nuclear submarine program. President Carter became an Honorary Member of ASME in 1980.Former U.S. Representative Pete kampfstark of California (D-CA) earned a bachelors degree in general engineering at MIT, and later received an MBA. Stark served in the House from 1973 to 2013. A currently-serving House member on the other side of the aisle is also an engineer. Joe Barton (R-TX) holds a bachelors in industrial engineering from Texas AM, and a masters in industrial automation from Purdue. And then there are the Sununus, where mixing engineering and politics is a family tradition. John H. Sununu earned a bachelors, masters, and PhD in mechanical engineering from MIT. He served as governor of New Hampshire, and was White House Chief of Staff under President George H.W. Bush. His son, John E. Sununu, holds a bachelors and masters degree in mechanical engineering, also from MIT. He served six years in the U.S. Senate. There is a lot of engineering in the trajectory of a basketball, the spin of a football and in the deformation of a baseball when its struck with a bat. So it is possible that the study of d ynamics, mechanics and kinematics contributed to the success of some star athletes who graduated from college with engineering and technical degrees. That list includes Eric Fisher of the Kansas City Chiefs, Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers, and former ballplayer and TV color analyst Doug Glanville. Engineers learn how to meet individual performance goals they also learn how to manage teams of people. Many of my friends at ASME headquarters in New York are hoping that manager Joe Girardi can lead the Yankees back to the post season in 2015. Girardi earned a bachelors degree in industrial engineering from Northwestern University.So there is a lot to recommend for a degree in engineering. It usually leads directly to a good job and a great career. But people sometimes change the direction of their lives, and they sometimes find skills developed studying engineering, including such topics as thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, serve them well in other fields. For jobs in business, the arts, politics, and even on the ball field.On a personal note, my youngest son has a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering and a masters degree in materials engineering, but has worked for many years in the business world where his engineering skills allowed him to be effective in project management, statistical analysis and logical decision making. His recommendations are respected because they are based on data.I believe that it also important for every citizen to have some background in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects to be able to verstndigung im strafverfahren with the increasingly complex world that we live in. For example, it is important to be able to separate fact from fiction when purchasing things such as appliances, computers and automobiles, as well as to make appropriate choices on issues such as energy policy.For those of you who are interested in learning more about how engineering skills enriched the c areers of some well-known individuals, head over to Charles Murrays Design News blog for an entertaining and informative slideshow called 18 People You Didnt Know Were Engineers. J. Robert Sims ASME President

How to Handle Illegal Interview Questions - FlexJobs

How to Handle Illegal Interview Questions - FlexJobsHow to Handle Illegal Interview Questions 24Whether out of ignorance or willful disregard for the law, interviewers can sometimes ask interview questions of job candidates that are notlage, strictly speaking, legal. As a job seeker, its important to know these types of questions ahead of time, and be prepared with a plan for dealing with them in the moment.How should you respond to illegal interview questions?This truly depends on the motives behind the question and the interviewer who asked it. There are two ways to consider your next move1. If the interviewer doesnt seem to know the question is illegal, and they are just trying to assess your qualifications of the jobTry to address the underlying concern of the question rather than answering that question directly. For example, if the interviewer asks what religious holidays you observe, they might be trying to gauge how many days off work you might need in a given year. So, inste ad of telling them your religious views, tell them that youll be available to work the normal schedule required by position.2. If the interviewer seems to understand that his or her question is illegal, but theyre asking it anywayAgain, try to address the underlying concern of the question. In this case, you might want to state outright that while youre not able to answer the question theyve asked, you can offer this other information instead. This way, they know that youre aware what theyre asking is illegal.For example, if a company asks whether you plan on starting a family in the next year or two, address the underlying concern are you able to commit to a job for the long-term. Instead of telling them your family planning schedule (yikes), say something like, While Im not comfortable discussing personal matters in a job interview, I can assure you that I am committed to my career for the long-term, and Im looking for a position where I can contribute for the long haul.Then, eit her during the interview or once its over, youll really want to consider whether or not working for a company that blatantly violates the law by asking illegal questions is a place that youre willing to work.Here are 10 commonly asked illegal job interview questions, and their legal counterparts.Illegal Are you a U.S. citizen?Legal Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?Illegal How long have you lived here?Legal What is your current address and phone number? Do you have any alternative locations where you can be reached?Illegal Do you live nearby?Legal Are you willing to relocate?Illegal Do you belong to a club or social organization?Legal Are you a member of a professional or trade group that is relevant to our industry?Illegal How old are you?Legal Are you over the age of 18?Illegal Can you get a babysitter on short notice for overtime or travel?Legal Youll be required to travel or work overtime on short notice. Is this a problem for you?Illegal How do you feel about supervising m en/women?Legal Tell me about you previous experience managing teams.Illegal Have you ever been arrested?Legal Have you ever been convicted of x (fraud, theft and so on)?Illegal How much do you weigh?Legal Are you able to lift boxes weighing up to 50 pounds?Illegal Do you have any disabilities?Legal Are you able to perform the specific duties of this position?For 20 more examples, check out HRWorlds30 Interview Questions You Cant Ask and 30 Sneaky, Legal Alternatives to Get the Same Info. If youre asked a question like this, consider what the legal version of the question should be, and then answer that instead. Follow our two guidelines above for exactly how to do this.Readers, have you ever received illegal interview questions? Tell us about it

4 Ways to Boost Your Attitude for Job Search Success

4 Ways to Boost Your Attitude for Job Search Success4 Ways to Boost Your Attitude for Job Search Success4 Ways to Boost Your Attitude for Job Search SuccessBrian Ray (pictured) is founder of Crossroads Career Network, a national, non-profit membership of churches that provides online job search/ career resources and access to career groups. He is also author of the 2010 Crossroads Career Workbook, owner of Primus Consulting executive search, and former vice president for human resources and administration for Chick-fil-A restaurants.Eighty-five percent of the reason people get jobs and get ahead in those jobs is because of attitude, reads a stunning statement by world-famous motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar in his book Over the Top.Yet, most people who are at a crossroads in their careers walk around with a mixed attitude, more of it negative than positive. For exampleIf youre unemployed, you may be stunned, hurt, angry, fearful, depressed, guilty, or ashamed. Or, your feel ings may reflect relief, renewed energy, and a positive outlook about a new future.If youre misemployed in a job or with a company you dont like, you may feel miserable, anxious, frustrated, restless, or confused. On the other hand, you may feel filled with hope, excitement, or anticipation of better things.If youre happily employed, but looking for something better, you may feel incomplete even though everything is going smoothly. Or, you may feel happy that you have the luxury of a paycheck while you seek deeper meaning and purpose in work.How Do You Rate?If you could measure it on an Attitude-O-Meter, what would your attitude score on a scale of 0 (the worst) to 10 (most joyful)? Be honest with yourself and pick the number that reflects your attitude right this minute. Got it? Now, if its less than 10, pick a higher number you can work toward, then follow these four steps starting today4 Ways to Pump Up Your AttitudeMake a decision, and be happy. Once you pick a higher number on your Attitude-O-Meter, put on a happy face. Dont just fake it til you make it focus only on good thoughts and behave in positive ways even in the midst of being used, abused, and refused.Accept loss, and forgive. If youve lost your job (or youre in a job you wish you could lose), admit, understand, and grieve the loss. Anger often accompanies loss, wrath runs through your veins, and bitterness may begin to pool in your stomach. Maybe youre blaming others your boss, a coworker, someone else, or even yourself. The key to overcoming anger is to forgive everyone involved privately - that is, to yourself - notlage for their benefit, but yours.Accept opportunity and face fear. This is the first day of the rest of your life. If your life is a journey, are you headed in the right direction? There are thousands of occupations and industries, each with thousands of employers and workers. You may be anxious, maybe even terrified. But you can face the fear by exercising love, power, discipline, faith, and gratitude.Eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Job search and career transition can be exhausting, so you need extra energy and endurance. When you build your personal strength, youll become more courageous and think more clearly.These four steps will build up a positive attitude. Theyll turn stumbling blocks into building blocks, and propel you above and beyond your current state. Youll feel better, sound better, and look better. And youll attract more job offers.Start pumping up and let me know what results you achieve.

Looking for Work Abroad Check Out These 4 Tips

Looking for Work Abroad Check Out These 4 TipsLooking for Work Abroad Check Out These 4 Tips2With an estimated 6million Americans working and living abroad, either working remotely with American companies or through local jobs, Americans are no stranger to the expat life. Due to the rise in remote work opportunities, its no surprise that American professionals are looking for work abroad and taking their work to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.Many professionals choose to incorporate travel into their professional life by staying in one location for a couple of weeks or more, and others choose to settle down, create a local community, and find work that way. Whatever path is chosen, there are a few tips you should know before embarking on a global work journey. Here are four tips to successfully find work abroad1. Create your community.First and foremost, find your community. It is easier now than ever to find expats using tools such as Meetup.com and Facebook. S o get the ball rolling on this before you leave American soil. Expats can help connect you with other travelers and working professionals, help you get the lay of the land, help you findAmerican comforts abroad, and keep you grounded by providing you with some perspective when living abroad gets tough- which it inevitably will.2. Learn the language.Traveling somewhere for a week and moving somewhere are two verydifferent beasts. You can manage a week in a foreign country without speaking the language, but if you plan on working abroad, its best to have a leasta basic understanding of the language. There are a wealth of online resources, online tutors such as italki, and courses at community colleges that are all very affordable ways to either brush up on or completely learn a new language. Dont underestimate the importance of this when looking for work abroad.3. Understand the culture.Working in a new country means that you will have to understand the basic culture of the country in order to succeed professionally. Educational, degree, and licensing expectations are bound to differ, as well as application materials, such as a cover letter and resume. Its important to understand the differences in expectations before applying for a job.In many foreign countries, applicants and employers are required to justify why a foreign citizen is better suited for a job than a resident. If your potential or current employer is able to help you with this step, you will save a considerable amount of time and money.4. Find a job.There are several options for finding a job.The first is to check with your existing company to see if they offer any overseas opportunities. Companies will take care of your documents (such as a work visa) and sometimes travel arrangements and costs.Anotheroption is teaching abroad- many companies such as InterExchangeand TeachAwayoffer programs. Check to see if you need a TEFL certification. There is plenty of money to be made, unlimited travel oppo rtunities, and the stab und sttze of the teaching organization. This is a great way to test out a country and the expat life, and it could also be a segue for a more permanent job in that country. You could also search for a remote work opportunity. has a work-from-anywherejobs page that lists hundreds of freelance, telecommuting, and part-time jobs that can be done from anywhere in the world. Most jobs require an Internet connection, so if youll be working in public, check out the WorkFromwebsite to read reviews on cafes and their Internet speeds, noise levels, outlet access, and many other important factors to consider when workingin public.Lastly, many people wait until they are actually in the country to try to find work. Sometimes, companies will not hire unless you are in the country and it can be a lot easier to make connections in person. If youre a risk-taker and have the savings to back it up, this might be the path for you.Search for a Remote Job

Phone Interview Survival Tips

Phone Interview Survival TipsPhone Interview Survival TipsPhone Interview Survival TipsApparently, a memo went out recently to writers in the career space, declaring this the Week of the Phone Interview. OK, not really. But Ive landseen two excellent posts on the topic this week, so Im hopping on the bandwagon.The phone interview (more aptly called a phone screen) is becoming more and more popular as the first step in the hiring process. If you havent had one yet, you will, so its essential to get yourself primed and ready before the phone rings.A phone screen is similar to a regular interview. A lot of the questions are the same. Both help employers judge how well you communicate and whether youve done your homework. But theres one big difference Phone screens are meant to screen people out regular interviews are meant to screen someone in.Its much faster and cheaper for an employer to phone 10 or 15 maybe candidates than to meet them all in person. The phone-screening process weeds out the people who sound good on paper butfor whatever reasondont strike the screener as a good match for the job.Only the short list of candidates who survive the phone screen will get to interview face to face. And as we all know, you cant get a job without an interview.Anyway, as I mentioned, the two recent posts I read about phone interviews were excellent. If you want to be a survivor, rather than a casualty, of your next phone screen, I highly recommend you read them (click the title to see the full post)Dont wear pajamas for a phone interview, from Fortune.coms Ask Annie. Fifteen handy tips for making a great phone impressioneverything from use a landline and disable call waiting to eat a cough drop before the call. How to prepare for a phone interview, from Ask a Managers Allison Green.Step-by-step instructions for doing your homework before the call, plus typical questions to expect, and what to ask in return.

A Secret Weapon for Best Summary for Resume

A Secret Weapon for Best Summary for Resume Part of the reason is it lists your targets, not your qualifications. Your target here is to supply a short but compelling overview of what it is that you are aiming for and what you have the ability to Abring to the tableA. Speaking about goals The key to have a superb summary is to compose your accomplishments in a manner that will assist the employer learn more regarding your value. The absolute fruchtwein helpful summaries target one career objective. Best Summary for Resume - the Conspiracy The very first thing you ought to do is make sure a possible employer knows whose resume theyre taking a look at Everyone knows that when hunting for work, the very first task youll need to complete for an expected employer is, Send a copy of your resume. The use of the career summary isnt only to provide the employers a feeling of the applicant you are but also what you could do. Show the employer why youre the proper person for the hous ekeeper job prospect. elend using keywords Using the most suitable ones, you can improve your probability for an interview invitation. After the summary will develop into a filler of space, then its possible to skip it. A relevant resume sample is a handy tool that may supply you with formatting and writing ideas as you construct your own resume. When there are a couple formatting choices to select from, like chronological, functional, and a mix, there are specific basics common to all. There are lots of resources available on how to a great resume summary, but its tough to find decent tips on how to do it if do not have any work experience. The main aim of an expert summary is to create your most important abilities and experiences immediately noticeable to hiring managers. The main reason is that the summary might only do the job for professionals who have several years of working experience in the area or industry. The resume summary is simply a bridge to have the hirin g manager in your experience. Please get in touch with us if you would like us to add sample resumes for any particular category or whether you want to submit an example for certain category. Additionally, theres no need to compose references available upon request. Youre going to compose a resume summary which gets far more interviews. OurA Sample ResumesA for skilled summary come with each available examples from other job categories that may find any user covered. When writing your statement, its important to take into consideration where youre in your professional progression. Whether you decide to use sentences or bullet points, be sure you fit them together to get a great flow. To put it differently, you desire your professional overview to contain all the most exciting elements of your resume. The resume summary will function as their sales pitch. To begin with, mention the maximum degree youve achieved. Your goal is to find the job. On the flip side, functional r esumes are typically used by fresh graduates or individuals who have less experience but want to grab the work vacancy. Based on your degree of experience and the jobs youre applying for, what you decide to concentrate on in your resume summary can fluctuate. The very first significant section of your resume is known as the Career Objective. Your jobs might be varied, your experience and abilities vast, and it can be challenging getting it all on paper. The best resume skills summary should present your expertise in the area. You ought to make sure your resume summary statement concisely demonstrates why youre a perfect candidate for the particular job and business. Benefit Remember your summary should demonstrate the employer what youll be able to bring to the table. You may want to bring a resume summary statement. A summary statement is a brief expert introduction that you may increase the peak of your resume. Resume objectives are from time to time regarded as the old schooltype of resume. A resume summary can be known as an executive summary, particularly for upper-level positions. 1 A resume summary is a brief, snappy introduction paragraph that delivers a summary of your very best work. Now imagine if this SAME resume had had a summary statement on top clearly outlining why youre the ideal candidate. Life, Death, and Best Summary for Resume In spite of no experience, you still ought to show experience. As a student, you may not have much work experience. It can be quite helpful if youve got no relevant experiences to speak of yet. Most individuals will at least try to have some appropriate expertise in the work field theyre attempting to enter. Focus on how youre an advantage to the companynot the way the corporation can help you. In a few minutes, youll have a flawless illustration of exactly how incredible you are as a prospective hire. A strong summary statement at the peak of your resume can increase the probabilities of them no ticing what youve got to offer from the beginning. An expert summary is the very first thing people are likely to see on your resume.

How being the underdog will get you over the line

How being the underdog will get you over the line How being the underdog will get you over the linePosted February 17, 2014, by Julia WattersThe Sochi Winter Olympics are well under way and, unless youve been living under a rock, you will have seen your television screen blasted with images of Steven Bradburys epic and unexpected win at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.Steven BradburyBradbury is the quintessential underdog who struck a chord with more than just his Australian fanbase when he graciously accepted the way in which he won Olympic gold in the mens short track 1000 metre speed skating event. I once had the pleasure of hearing Steven speak at a conference and this welches the first time I heard the story behind his iconic cruise to the finish line. The truth is that Steven almost didnt make the finals. While he won his heat comfortably, he was placed in the quarter-final with the event (and host nation) favourite and another strong skater from Canada. As expected, B radbury came in third and thought himself eliminated, before it was revealed that the Canadian skater had been disqualified. From this moment on, Steven and his coach devised a strategy whereby he skated behind the main pack in the hopes of a crash. This approach saw him make it to the finals after a wipeout in the semis created an opportunity for him to skate into second place. The rest, as they say, is Olympic history. The point is that there was a lot more behind Steven Bradburys gold medal win than many people realise. He didnt let ego get the better of him and recognised his limitations. In the end, the eagerness of his competitors to win did the job for him. The Olympics will always have its hot favourites who come home with the gold, but there are plenty of other inspirational underdog stories whether its snagging an unexpected medal, or making it to the games in the first place.Jamaican bobsleigh teamJamaica is renowned for its record in track events at the Summer Games , but not so much for its performance on the slopes. That was set to change when its infamous bobsleigh team debuted at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Alberta, instantly becoming crowd favourites. They showed significant improvement after minimal experience on a real bobsled track, and, while they didnt technically finish after losing control of their sled, they were considered such an inspiration that they became the subject of a major motion picture, Cool Runnings.The team went on to compete in the 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2002 games, where they finished ahead of the United States, Russia, Australia, France and some Canadian teams. While the team didnt qualify for the 2006 or 2010 games, they are represented in the two-man even in Sochi this year. The Jamaican bobsleigh team demonstrate overcoming obstacles and improvising to achieve your dreams and its no wonder they made their way into the hearts of so many.Eddie the EagleEddie The Eagle Edwards was the first competitor to represent Gr eat Britain in Olympic ski jumping, doing so at the 1988 Alberta games. He had no sponsorship, and was clearly identifiable by his oversized glasses that would occasionally fog up pre-jump. At the time of his Olympic debut, Edwards was the British ski jumping record holder and the number nine in the world for amateur speed skiing. Unfortunately, Eddie finished last in the 70m and 90m events but is still regarded as one of the greatest underdog stories from the games, as well as a true example of believing in yourself, regardless. No matter what your goal is, take a leaf from the book of these underdogs just because people say its impossible, doesnt mean you cant prove them wrong. If youre looking at a career in sport, there are plenty of online courses to help you on your path to Olympic (or all-around) glory. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGen eral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice Administrator CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJulia WattersRelated ArticlesBrowse moreBossHabits7 Things Your Boss Hates About YouIf youre striving for success at your workplace, being a pain in your bosss neck wont help you out too much. Here are 7 things you could be doing that is driving them up the wall.Employment trendsGovernment gives a shot in the arm to medical trainingThe Governments recent announcement of significant increases to medical training places is welcome news for medical students, pre-vocational doctors and specialist trainees, as well as those aspiring to a future career in medicine.BossCareer progressionA performance review to rememberIts that time of the year again. Time for the annual performan ce review. So how can you prepare yourself to get the most out of your review?