Tracey Drake's Blog

Posted by Tracey Drake

Requirements

CFP® licensees must complete 30 hours of CE each reporting period:

-2 hours from a CFP Board-approved program on CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility (Code of Ethics) and/or Financial Planning Practice Standards (Practice Standards).

-28 hours from one or more of the accepted subject topics.

Each reporting period, two of the required hours of CFP Continuing Education must be obtained from a pre-approved program on CFP Board's Code of Ethics and/or Practice Standards. No exceptions are made. This requirement is designed to ensure that CFP certificants review and remain informed of the ethics and practice standards to which they agree to adhere to as a condition of certification

Types of courses accepted for CE Credit

-Independent self-study courses

-Classroom study

Final Exam

Self-study final exams are not required to be monitored. A 70% passing score is required for CE; 80% passing score is required for Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility / Financial Planning Practice Standards.

Carryover Requirements

No carryover of course credits is allowed. All CE requirements must be met within the two-year renewal period.

For Additional Information please Contact: www.cfp.net/downloads/RenewalCEBooklet.pdf

Online courses are available at: http://www.eLicenseSchool.com and the interesting thing I found on this site is that they let you take one course at a time, so you can learn (and pay) at your own pace.

Posted by Tracey Drake

The more people you meet with, the better your chances of building your professional network, and finding a great legal internship. Networking is best started with one's own friends and acquaintances. You can gradually branch out to network with your friends' friends, colleagues, and members of the legal profession, as well as others in the business community that can further your efforts.

Preparing for Internship - Prior to networking with fellow professionals and law firms, ensure that you have your resume ready. An internship resume must be informative, proactive and engaging. Have it written by a professional to ensure you stand out from the crowd amongst all other intern applicants. Emphasize your area of interest and why you want to intern for a certain law firm. Your resume should emphasize your experience (including volunteer work, community service and clerking positions while in school) that are relevant to your field of interest, your commitment to the law and must express your passion for your chosen career field.

Your resume should be well written to create a good impression, and should be accompanied by an excellent cover letter.

Depending on the law firm you are applying to for your internship, you may be required to submit a number of documents with your job application, such as: a cover letter stating the reasons for applying, a powerful resume, a sample of written legal work (take care that it does not breach client confidentiality), 2 written references, copies of university and other degrees and a detailed list of courses taken.

If you have applied to a foreign law firm for your internship program, you will require submitting copies of your passport, as well. Make sure that your internship application is submitted as per the law firm's requirements.

Posted by Tracey Drake

I thought it would be interesting to illustrate the point of just how many jobs that are currently avaialble (as in right now) for Pharmacists across the country. The list below was taken from Monster.com this morning and is current. This is a sampling of only 20 of 1000+ listings!

Posted Aug 27th

• Pharmacist to $96k+ - All's Well HealthCare Staffing US-AZ-Mesa
• Pharmacist Registered Community Hospital US-FL-New Port Richey

Posted Aug 26th

• Pharmacist to $100k+ - * All's Well HealthCare Staffing US-CA-Los Angeles

Posted Aug 25th

• Pharmacist P/D Rady Children's Hospital US-CA-San Diego
• Pharmacist, Medication Management Clinical Pharmacist Walgreens US-IL-Deerfield
• Pharmacist, Medication Use Evaluation Walgreens US-IL-Deerfield
• Staff Pharmacist - Redding, CA Cardinal Health, Inc. US-CA-Redding
• Pharmacist Pharmacy Placement Professional US-CA-Brawley
• Staff Pharmacist - Mail Service - Dallas, TX
• Prime Therapeutics US-TX-Irving
• Clinical Care Services Pharmacist Caremark US-AZ-Scottsdale
• Staff Pharmacist - Patient Counseling - Dallas, TX
• Prime Therapeutics US-TX-Irving
• ONCOLOGY PHARMACIST Loyola University Health Sys US-IL-Maywood
• PHARMACIST OPEN HOUSE - Express Scripts Manpower Professional US-NY-Troy
• Pharmacist Central Drugs US-CA-La Habra Aug 25 Pharmacist - Attend our Job Fair on 9/13 from 1pm to 4pm! South Shore Hospital US-MA-South Weymouth
• Infusion Pharmacist Walgreens US-CA-San Carlos
• Staff Pharmacist - Mail Service - Albuquerque, NM Prime Therapeutics US-NM-
• PHARMACIST Trinity Regional Health US-IA-Rock Island
• Staff Pharmacist-FT/NIGHTS FLEX-9P-7A NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital US-NY-New York City
• Nuclear Pharmacist, Atlanta-GA GE Healthcare US-GA-Atlanta
• Staff Pharmacist-PT 15HR/ NIGHTS 11P-7A NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital US-NY-New York City

Posted Aug 24th

• Customer Advocate - Pharmacist Adecco Employment Services US-CA-San Diego
• Staff Pharmacist-FT/ Days 8a-4p or 9a-5p NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital US-NY-New York City
• Clinical Staff Pharmacist United Pro Search US-IA-Cedar Rapids
• Staff Pharmacist United Pro Search US-SC-Rock Hill
• Pharmacist (part-time) PharMerica US-VA-Ashland
• Pharmacist - Pediatric Baptist Health US-FL-JACKSONVILLE
• PHARMACIST San Francisco General Hospital US-CA-San Francisco
• Pharmacist Rhode Island Hospital/Hasbro US-RI-Providence
• Clinical Pharmacist - (Baltimore) - (HE32170-1499-MD) Davita Inc. US-MD-Baltimore
• PHARMACIST St. Mary's Medical Center, Lon US-CA-LONG BEACH
• Registered Pharmacist Mail Order Pharmacy - 9-5 MF CyberCoders US-PA-Pittsburgh
• Pharmacist in Charge - San Mateo (Davita Rx) - (MC32124-1685-CA) Davita Inc. US-CA-San Mateo

Posted Aug 23rd

• Consulting Pharmacist Aon Consulting Worldwide US-MD-Baltimore
• LTC/Mail Order M-F NO Call Staff Pharmacist MRINetwork US-TX-Arlington
• LTC/Mail Order M-F NO Call Staff Pharmacist MRINetwork US-TX-Arlington
• 7 ON 7 OFF Overnights Pharmacist MRINetwork US-WI-Milwaukee
• Pharmacist in Charge and Pharmacist Health Alliance, LLC US-FL-Davie
• Consulting Pharmacist (No nights, weekends or holidays!) UnitedHealth Group US-CA-Costa Mesa
• Pharmacist - General Manager CuraScript IP US-KY-Lexington
• Pharmacist - Infusion Therapy VNA Corporation US-MO-Kansas City
• Pharmacist I Cedars-Sinai Health System US-CA-Los Angeles
• Night Shift Clinical Pharmacist RPH On The Go USA Inc US-CO-Colorado Springs
• Clinical Pharmacist CHW - Mercy Hospital Bakersfield US-CA-BAKERSFIELD
• PHARMACIST - PER DIEM CHW Mercy Healthcare Sacrament US-CA-SACRAMENTO
• Consulting Pharmacist - Call Center (Non-retail) UnitedHealth Group US-KS-Overland
• Park Staff Pharmacist Sutter Health US-CA-Crescent City
• Pharmacist Banner Health US-AZ-Mesa
• Staff Pharmacist - Baltimore Cardinal Health, Inc. US-MD-Baltimore

Posted by Tracey Drake

Office jobs are among the positions hardest hit by the computer era. Word processors and typists will lose about 93,000 jobs over the next 5 years, while 57,000 clerical jobs will disappear. The outlook is also bleak for stock clerks, whose ranks are expected to decrease by 68,000. Furthermore, employees in inventory control for manufacturing firms and wholesalers are being replaced with computerized systems.

The service economy is fading; welcome to the expertise economy. To prosper in the new job market, you must be able to handle complex problems. Indeed, all but one of the 50 highest-paying occupations -- air-traffic controller -- demand at least a bachelor's degree.

For job seekers with only a high school diploma, it's going to get even more challenging to secure a decent paying job. Since less factory and clerical jobs will be available, what are left will be the jobs that computers cannot do such as flipping burgers, cleaning office buildings and caring for the Elderly. Since these types of jobs are generally held by those with less education and/or work experience, wages will remain low and this may create an even larger divide between rich and poor.

Are you at risk of losing your job to a computer? Check the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, which is available online at bls.gov.

Posted by Tracey Drake

Many employers look for specific personality types to fit certain roles. This is particularly true for IT jobs. What is your personality type?

The most common personality types in the IT field is INTJ

INTJ (Introvert, Intuitive, Thinker, Judger)

People of this type tend to be: autonomous, aloof, and intellectual; imaginative, innovative, and unique; critical, analytical, and logical; intellectually curious, driven to learn and increase their competence and knowledge; socially cautious and reserved; organized and definitive. The most important thing to

INTJ's is their independence and being able to live according to their own standards.

Thinking about a career in IT, or specifically that of a Systems Analyst. You should visit the SystemsAnalystJobs.com website and take their online personality test. You can find it at: http://www.systemsanalystjobs.com/JS/CareerResources/Assessment

Let me know how you make out :) Tracey

Posted by Tracey Drake

Austin and Dallas Texas are both in the top 5 of the most expensive cities to live in the nation. With a below average per household capita, this means many families struggle to make ends meet. A move to one of the larger metropolitan areas in Texas should be given a great deal of thought.

Let's look at an example:

If you currently live in Augusta, Georgia and earn $80,000 and you are planning a career move to Dallas, Texas, you would have to earn $89,263 per annum as the cost of living is 11.6% higher in Texas. However, on average employers in Dallas, Texas only pay 7.3% more than employers in Augusta, Georgia. Unless you are being hired with an excellent job in hand, these figures are worth considering. I chose Augusta, Georgia because it is a median rate for most American mid-size communities. If you are moving from a town or city that is even more economical to live in than Augusta, you would need to earn even more in Dallas, Texas in order to enjoy the same lifestyle. Let's talk about it in the discussion area

Posted by Tracey Drake

If you are considering becoming a lawyer, you may want to think long and hard about the following before committing:

Competition for job openings will be intense because of the large number of students graduating from law school each year.

Formal requirements to become a lawyer include 7 years of post secondary education. Make sure you are committed and you have the funds - in general, you can expect to pay $7,000 a year not include ivey league schools which will run you approximately $15,000 - $20,000 per year.

Right now, the industry is seeing a boom and competition to get accepted into a good law school is tough. You need excellent grades, sufficient proof of community involvement and the right educational background from your undergraduate degree to secure a spot.

You need to possess confidence, extreme determination and an assertive personality to become a successful lawyer. Make sure that your demeanor is a good match for the profession or you may be very unhappy with your work.

Lawyers work 60 hours a week - even 10 years into their career. They must also keep current on legal issues by reading continually. Think long and hard if this type of demanding schedule fits with your expected adult lifestyle.

Let's talk about it in the discussion area

Posted by Tracey Drake

Miles of beach, towering palm trees, sun drenched days and all the beautiful people you can handle! The lifestyle in California is laid back, breezy and warm. No shoveling snow, no freezing cold winters or cars that won't start due to frigid morning temperatures. The lifestyle is ideal if you can afford it.

Let's say you are a professional from Portland, Oregon who currently earns $71,000 a year working as a computer systems analyst. If the move is lateral in terms of career positions, and you are not moving for a promotion, you would need to find a Computer Analyst position in San Diego, California that pays $100,000 a year to be able to maintain your current housing and lifestyle.

You certainly need to consider may factors if you are thinking about a move to California. City or suburb location is another big factor. Do you really want to live in Los Angeles? Heavy smog, millions of people and constant traffic are a few of the things you would need to contend with each and every day. However, if you move to the suburbs, housing prices go up drastically. If you have children, then safe neighborhoods and education are important considerations.

$145k a year may seem like a super deal and a huge increase in salary over your current $75,000 a year in Kansas; but if a decent family home cost $450,000 in California and your current home cost $175,000, consider seriously how much you are really gaining.

The employment opportunities in California are enormous - a plethora of profitable high tech companies, a booming entertainment industry, and an abundance of healthcare jobs. Just be sure you complete the proper due diligence before you pack your bags and head to the west coast. Let's talk about it in the discussion area

Posted by Tracey Drake

Landscape Architecture was first given its name by the Scottish in 1828. It is derives from the age old practice of designing gardens (to compose landform with water, vegetation and structures) and implements these skills to man-made landscape. In the book, The Landscape of Man (Sir G. Jellicoe, 1975), "It is only in the present century that the collective landscape has emerged as a social necessity. We are promoting a landscape art on a scale never conceived of in history."

Landscape architects are the same as garden/landscape designers in that both share a concern for the planning and design of outdoor spaces. Like vets and doctors they have similar knowledge and similar skills; but jobs are completely different. The big difference here is that landscape architects generally work for public or corporate clients; with a vast range of project assignments from detailed design to large scale urban planning. Some of these projects may include: urban design, public parks, greenways and cycling, mineral extraction, planning for forestry and transportation, landscape planning for river reclamation and importantly, planning for new towns and green towns.

It is important to note that if you have a career and education background in garden landscape design; it would be easier for you to get into one of the top Landscape Architecture Schools. These spots are in very high demand and they look for student candidates with a keen interest in the field and a talent for landscape and urban design.

Posted by Tracey Drake

As I was considering what to write for this blog and doing some research, I came across this really interesting speech that was given by Prof. McCool at Midwifery Graduate Program, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. It was so interesting and relevant that I wanted to share it with you.

"The picture of birth in the United States today is complex and difficult to describe in simplistic terms. Though many women today have come to believe that there are choices surrounding pregnancy and birth, the beliefs and practices of providers, insurers, and hospital administrators play a major role in either influencing those choices or dictating how they will be manifested. On one hand, technological advances have given women greater options with regard to the outcomes of pregnancy and birth. On the other hand, these very same technological advances place limits on the choices available to the individual. For example, increased efficiency in the placement and use of epidural anaesthesia has made this a pain-control option for most of the childbearing women in the United States. The use of an epidural, however, puts limits on the choice of an institution at which to give birth and on the movements/activities of the woman during labor. Twentieth-century developments led to the almost complete demise of midwifery practice in the United States, thus taking birth away from the control of the individual woman and her close, matriarchal support system, and placing it in the hands of the patriarchal world of medicine and the institutions (i.e., hospitals) at which this approach to health care is practiced. Most births went from being normal, home-based events to becoming illness-oriented, hospital-based procedures. Just as some steps were being taken in the latter part of the twentieth century to return some of the control of birth back to pregnant women (e.g., childbirth education classes, the modern home-birth movement, increases in the number of midwifery-tended births), technological advances contributed to continued control by physicians and the hospitals of their practice (e.g., fetal monitoring, epidural anaesthesia). Advances in technology have made birth possible for many individuals who otherwise would not have had the opportunity for this experience or a chance for a positive outcome (e.g., sufferers of infertility or the woman whose fetus has congenital yet repairable problems). But the widespread application of many of these advances to almost all pregnant and laboring women has raised questions as to just what is necessary for a healthy pregnancy, and are there limits to the role that technology should play in the course of what is viewed by many as a normal, non-medical event. Just as the characters in 2001: A Space Odyssey recognized the incredible power of change that occurred in their lives as a result of the monolith being "born" into their world, so too do many women acknowledge the prodigious nature of giving birth in terms of the experience itself and the resulting effect on their lives. But, as with the acknowledgment of Dr. Dave Bowman in 2001: A Space Odyssey that the technology of the fictitious future still could be wrong, thoughts of U.S. women giving birth today tend to be "in-between" a belief in the integrity of nature and a trust in the power of technology. One can certainly conjecture that birth in the United States today, more than any other time in history, is at a crossroads, one in which the mostly natural, matriarchal community system of the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries is intersecting with the mostly technological, patriarchal system of the twentieth century. Now, birth return to the home under the guidance of midwives, as was the case for most of America's past and as remains the case throughout much of the world. In future, hindsight will likely point to the start of the twenty-first century as the beginning of a new paradigm for birth in the United States; and it should make for an interesting future."

I hope you will take a moment to read this week's article on the hot trend of midwifery as a profession. Get in touch via the discussion area if you have thoughts, comments or questions. I would love to hear from you!

Posted by Tracey Drake

Microsoft offers healthcare benefits that covers therapy for employees with autistic dependents. They are the only company to offer this health benefit and this is only the beginning. Prescription drugs are covered 100%, $5000 financial assitance for adopting a child, fitness membership and the company has a 24 hour health hotline exclusively for employee use.

Bill Gates takes good care of his employees and makes certain they have the best healthcare that money can buy - and it's his money. Not a cent is deducted from Microsoft employee paychecks. MS employees receive comprehensive medical and dental coverage that is well above the industry norm; with zero premiums and no deductible.

You would be hard pressed to find another company that goes that extra mile for employees. No wonder Fortune voted them one of the Top 100 Employers in 2005 and again in 2006.

If you work for Microsoft, I would be really interested to hear about your experience working for the software king. Drop me a line in the discussion area

Posted by Tracey Drake

There is a new job boom that is sweeping the nation which few job seekers are aware of. Federal job sites are literally posting hundreds of new jobs each week for the Department of Homeland Security. Of particular interest is the position of Transportation Security Officer, or TSO.

The position of TSO is an entry level position that requires only a high school diploma and a clean bill of health to apply. Heck! If you have prior experience working as a security officer or x-ray technician, you don't even need a high school diploma. The starting pay is decent enough, ranging from approximately $23k to $36k and all the usual federal perks and benefits are offered. You may be asking yourself how individuals in these positions can be qualified to monitor suspicious and terrorist movement within our airports without so much as a high school diploma. Or more to the point, how can you do this job without the expected requisite background in security or police sciences.

I was curious too so I completed some due diligence and discovered that all TSO's must successfully complete 72 hours of paid classroom training, 128 hours of paid on-the-job training, and pass a certification exam before they are assigned to a regular post. Furthermore, all Transportation Security Officers are required to participate in regular training, drug and alcohol testing and ongoing certifications.

So it would seem that the TSA got this one right. The new employees are well trained to do their job, receiving ongoing education and support and are well paid for an entry level position which gives them incentive to do their jobs properly. All in all, it is probably one of the best positions available for anyone looking for the security of working for the federal government, would like to be active in defending the nation, but has little work experience.

If this sounds like you, it is worth your time to read the article on Transportation Security Officers that discusses all the position requirements, job duties and employment benefits.

Or please feel free to ask questions in the discussion area

Posted by Tracey Drake

For the premier article in Hiring Opportunities, I thought it would be a great idea to lay a foundation for future articles. Future Hiring Trends is a broad-spectrum article that covers future trends in employment including anticipated growth for the 10 hot jobs and 10 employment industries with the greatest projected growth rate from now through to 2014.

What is interesting to note is that according to the Bureau of Statistics, anticipated growth in big industries like technology and pharmaceuticals did not make the list. Neither did careers such as computer engineers, medical sales, and early childhood education workers where demand is currently high and yet still apparently underserved. Instead, the trend seems to be heading towards a more grassroots America.

I wonder why? Perhaps it is because our everyday lives, both personal and professional, are so enmeshed with technology and technological applications, that the underlying truth is that the IT industry is a part of all industries today. It could also be aruged that although core hi-tech positions or industries did not make either list; it is the technology and computer industries that in part are responsible for growth in other employment sectors.

Let's talk about it in the discussion area