Finding the "Link"

A few posts back I talked about how education might help you put your foot in the door faster.

What if you just can't pay for education right now?

Let's face it, today is not what it was even two years ago. The good thing is that our government is in "throw" mode. They seem to believe that in five years or so we will be able to handle the huge amounts of debt that they are taking on. Since you will not stop them you might as well get in on a piece of this "stimulus mayhem." All of that said, there is one trick. Finding the link!

President Obama has offered an education stimulus package. In addition to this there are many great Federal run programs that help you get further in the degree program and actually pay you to attend school. Title I-A helps Teachers, Title IV-E helps Social Workers and the list continues. What it boils down to is finding that link. The great news is that the government has created an entire website that let's you surf the stimulus packages. Take time to today and visit. My guess is you will be amazed at how the sheer volume of packages and even find that you qualify - maybe you will be heading back to school soon.

The Stimulus Plan

Do you need Professional Affiliations?

Are affiliations necessary on your resume? There is a great deal of debate concerning the importance of affiliations on your resume. Should you join one? Which one? How many? Does it really help you stand out? The answer to these questions are both yes and no.

Affiliations are good in the sense that they show your commitment to your career of choice. Being a part of group can help you to locate work, create a peer community, and help you to find continuing measure to enhance and refine your skill set. Yet, most of these groups require payment and dues. The costs are sometimes more than the benefits. Plus, your resume might not have room for added extra's such as affiliations. That is when a good resume writer will weigh the benefits and importance of your affiliations.

Start by asking yourself: Is it really necessary? After 12 years of creating professional resumes we can attest to the value of professional affiliations. Most companies want to see that you are invested in your career of choice enough to join the "group." In addition, many of these affiliations help you to find work, educational courses that can advance your skills, and keep you current in the news of what is happening in your field. Therefore, we highlight recommend that you invest the "due" money and join at least one professional affiliation.

Here are a few Examples:
Teachers Associations of CA
SHRM
NASW
National Association of Realtors
NAPEW
NAHB