Choosing a right career is one of the most crucial steps in everyone’s life. In fact, we can say our future depends on the career and the job that we have chosen. While deciding a career, one needs to keep in mind about his/her interests, job values, skills and personality. Once you analyze all these factors and do justice to your field, then success is guaranteed. In case you are not able to decide, you can seek advice from a career development professional or a career counselor. A career counselor evaluates your talents and helps you in deciding a suitable career.
After you complete your education or training course, the next step is hunting for a job. Spend quality time looking for the right job; always check for the level of responsibility, annual income, job security, growth opportunity and work environment. You should analyze whether you will be able to achieve where you want to be in the next ten years. Then only you will enjoy what you are doing. Giving emphasis to annual income, let’s take a look at some of the top paying careers and jobs.
Health Care Practitioners: Everyone must be aware of the fact that health care practitioners get the highest pay in United States. Among the many specialists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, obstetricians and gynecologists lead in the list of the top ten highest paying jobs. For becoming a physician, one needs to be a science graduate and complete a degree from a medical college. The choice of specialization depends upon one's personal interest. After earning the degree, one has to practice in a hospital or a clinic. After about 8-10 years of experience, one can become a qualified physician.
Chief Executive Officers (CEO): Chief executive officers are one of the highest paid employees of the world. They get the best compensation as compared to other jobs. So, if you want to make a career in this profession, first earn a college degree in arts or an MBA (marketing and business administration) and join a company. Set your own targets and try to achieve them. If you have a good personality and understand the concept of goal setting and its implementation, then you can become a CEO of a company.
Lawyers: A successful lawyer earns a hefty income annually. However, becoming a lawyer is not a joke as one needs to work hard and have lots of patience. First, one has to obtain a four-year college degree with a good GPA (grade point average) and appear for LSAT (law school admissions test). If you obtain a good score in LSAT, you will get admission in a law school. After graduating from law school, you have to pass bar exam and character and fitness evaluation, in order to practice law. Once you are done with all these steps, you can look for a job as a lawyer in private and public sectors.
Engineering Managers: Engineering managers are responsible for organizing, directing and implementing technical projects by applying engineering principles. An engineering manager has to have strong technical and management skills. He/she should be able to face challenges of the global competition. To pursue a career as an engineering manager, one has to be a bachelor or master in engineering and should have experience of 8-10 years.
Personal Financial Advisors: At present, one of the most demanding careers is that of personal financial advisors. As the name suggests, a personal financial advisor is responsible for giving guidelines about investment options such as buying and selling of financial products. He/she can be a financial advisor for an individual or for a company. Any individual with a professional designation of Certified Financial Planner or with an MBA degree, can opt for a career as a personal financial advisor. However, it is to be noted that the income of a personal financial advisor varies depending upon the skills and the experience of the person.
Marketing Managers: A marketing manager is responsible for designing and applying marketing plans for a company. The job profile of a marketing manager requires extensive travel and working for extra hours. He/she develops a client base for the company’s products. For becoming a marketing manager, one has to be a bachelor in business management or marketing and should have experience of about 6 years. One of the benefits of this job is that if a marketing manager achieves the target that has been set by the company, he/she gets good incentives.
I hope this information will help you in deciding on a career that meets your lifestyle goals and responsibilities. You should opt for a career depending upon your interests. So down the line, you would not regret that you had taken a wrong decision while choosing a career.
By Ningthoujam Sandhyarani :buzzle.com
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
High Paying IT Jobs For Felons
Jobs for felons are not always menial or low paying. In the current economy is important to consider the changing trends and adapting yourself to the newer demands. If you have a technical leaning and willing to spend some time on study, read on to find out about two career options where the supply is not quite equal to the demand.
Are you a gaming enthusiast? Are you a creative thinker in addition to having a passion for video games? Then here is one job that can be a great career option for you: game testing and design. Your skills and not your background are what employers are going to consider when offering you a job in this industry.
Game testing and design is just what the name implies. You help in the creation and development of video game software. Are jobs for felons available in this field? Yes! The gaming industry is huge and it’s growing very fast. In a three year period after 2005, the gaming industry recorded a growth of 16.7 percent in America. Compare this with the overall economy growth of just 1.4 percent! In fact the Entertainment Software Association estimates that the gaming industry will be a 58 billion dollar business by the year 2012.
The gaming industry employs about 130,000 individuals which shows that opportunities are there for the taking even as a convicted felon. The pay packets for game design professionals are close to $90,000 a year on an average.
The job needs you to have an eye for detail. The qualities they look for in a game design and testing professional include meticulousness and discipline. So what are the things you need to learn to work in the gaming industry? First of all you should have a high school diploma. Next you need to take a certificate course in video design. Courses include gaming technology, design process, animation, and level design.
On completion of the course you can apply for an entry level position in a game design company. You’ll be working with a team that designs, develops and tests gaming software and animations. Various kinds of professionals are required for the job: concept artists, programmers, 3D modelers, sound technicians, music composers, testers, and so on.
Black box testing is a field that doesn’t require technical knowledge. Testers are required to play the game in all possible ways and spot bugs in it. The more flaws you find in the software the better the final product is going to be.
Another field that offers jobs for felons is computer forensics. It’s a relatively new field related to legal evidence found in computer systems. Basically you help in crime investigation by searching for evidence hidden in hard disks, CDs, e-mails, images, etc.
The demand for computer forensics experts is on the rise due to the increasing number of computer crimes such as financial frauds, cracking, child porn, child grooming, obscene or offensive content, harassment, identity theft, cyber stalking, spam, malware, phishing scams, copyright infringement, espionage, information warfare, drug trafficking, cyber terrorism, and so on.
Because of the technical expertise required for such kind of a job, the pay for computer forensics professionals is very good. To get a job as a computer forensics professional you need to acquire an associate degree in computer science. Although this jobs for felons option may involve study it is still worth the time you may have to invest.
Ex felons can get law enforcement jobs in police departments, crime labs, and private security agencies. Academic jobs for felons are also available where the main responsibility is teaching. Top notch financial institutions often employ computer forensics experts for prevention of crimes. The qualities they look for in a computer forensics professional include analytical skills, problem solving capabilities, patience, and diligence.
You can acquire an associate degree in computer science either through on-campus programs or through online programs. Online courses are suitable for those who want flexibility in their schedules. You can study at your own pace and also save on transportation or accommodation. Moreover, most of the course material is provided in electronic format, which allows you to save on books as well.
The course consists of two areas of study: criminal justice and technical subjects. Criminal justice focuses on crime investigation procedures and judicial procedures. Technical subjects teach all about the extraction of evidence from computer systems. Computer forensics jobs and game testing jobs for felons are expected to increase extensively so it’s a good idea for felons to explore these fields. Those who can think analytically and have the will to learn should find it easy to learn the ropes and succeed in their careers.
Don’t be disheartened if some companies reject you because of your background. Once you are armed with the necessary technical knowledge and skills, you can find freelance work and perhaps earn higher than those working for companies. There are some great freelance sites where you can win high paying jobs and work from the comfort of home so you see there really are many jobs for felons available.
jobsforfelonsz.com
Are you a gaming enthusiast? Are you a creative thinker in addition to having a passion for video games? Then here is one job that can be a great career option for you: game testing and design. Your skills and not your background are what employers are going to consider when offering you a job in this industry.
Game testing and design is just what the name implies. You help in the creation and development of video game software. Are jobs for felons available in this field? Yes! The gaming industry is huge and it’s growing very fast. In a three year period after 2005, the gaming industry recorded a growth of 16.7 percent in America. Compare this with the overall economy growth of just 1.4 percent! In fact the Entertainment Software Association estimates that the gaming industry will be a 58 billion dollar business by the year 2012.
The gaming industry employs about 130,000 individuals which shows that opportunities are there for the taking even as a convicted felon. The pay packets for game design professionals are close to $90,000 a year on an average.
The job needs you to have an eye for detail. The qualities they look for in a game design and testing professional include meticulousness and discipline. So what are the things you need to learn to work in the gaming industry? First of all you should have a high school diploma. Next you need to take a certificate course in video design. Courses include gaming technology, design process, animation, and level design.
On completion of the course you can apply for an entry level position in a game design company. You’ll be working with a team that designs, develops and tests gaming software and animations. Various kinds of professionals are required for the job: concept artists, programmers, 3D modelers, sound technicians, music composers, testers, and so on.
Black box testing is a field that doesn’t require technical knowledge. Testers are required to play the game in all possible ways and spot bugs in it. The more flaws you find in the software the better the final product is going to be.
Another field that offers jobs for felons is computer forensics. It’s a relatively new field related to legal evidence found in computer systems. Basically you help in crime investigation by searching for evidence hidden in hard disks, CDs, e-mails, images, etc.
The demand for computer forensics experts is on the rise due to the increasing number of computer crimes such as financial frauds, cracking, child porn, child grooming, obscene or offensive content, harassment, identity theft, cyber stalking, spam, malware, phishing scams, copyright infringement, espionage, information warfare, drug trafficking, cyber terrorism, and so on.
Because of the technical expertise required for such kind of a job, the pay for computer forensics professionals is very good. To get a job as a computer forensics professional you need to acquire an associate degree in computer science. Although this jobs for felons option may involve study it is still worth the time you may have to invest.
Ex felons can get law enforcement jobs in police departments, crime labs, and private security agencies. Academic jobs for felons are also available where the main responsibility is teaching. Top notch financial institutions often employ computer forensics experts for prevention of crimes. The qualities they look for in a computer forensics professional include analytical skills, problem solving capabilities, patience, and diligence.
You can acquire an associate degree in computer science either through on-campus programs or through online programs. Online courses are suitable for those who want flexibility in their schedules. You can study at your own pace and also save on transportation or accommodation. Moreover, most of the course material is provided in electronic format, which allows you to save on books as well.
The course consists of two areas of study: criminal justice and technical subjects. Criminal justice focuses on crime investigation procedures and judicial procedures. Technical subjects teach all about the extraction of evidence from computer systems. Computer forensics jobs and game testing jobs for felons are expected to increase extensively so it’s a good idea for felons to explore these fields. Those who can think analytically and have the will to learn should find it easy to learn the ropes and succeed in their careers.
Don’t be disheartened if some companies reject you because of your background. Once you are armed with the necessary technical knowledge and skills, you can find freelance work and perhaps earn higher than those working for companies. There are some great freelance sites where you can win high paying jobs and work from the comfort of home so you see there really are many jobs for felons available.
jobsforfelonsz.com
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hot fields for hiring in 2011
Occupational experts like Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., say that America is climbing out of recession and that job opportunities are better now than they've been for a long time. But what does this mean for people hoping to advance their career? What can they do in 2011 to be strong candidates in the future job market?
Shatkin answers these essential questions in his book "2011 Career Plan: The Best Moves Now for a Solid Future." In it, he explains that the recovery is a steady upswing, not a hiring boom, and that people will need to be strategic about how and where they pursue employment.
"Jobs are not expected to be plentiful in 2011 -- or for several years afterward," Shatkin says. "In fact, we may see a repeat of what happened after the recession of 2001, when 39 months passed before employment rose back to pre-recession levels. This recovery is also a patchwork affair, with some industries bouncing back much faster than others. For example, in March 2010, while manufacturers were adding jobs, the news and information business was still losing jobs. That's why 'I'll find something' is not an adequate career plan for 2011. You need to choose a specific goal and develop a smart strategy to take advantage of the opportunities that 2011 does have to offer."
Bing: How to negotiate a higher starting salary
One career strategy Shatkin recommends is to focus on fast-growing fields, where job opportunities tend to be more plentiful than in other fields. According to Shatkin and information from the Labor Department, the following 11 fields are projected to grow fastest through 2018.
1. Management, scientific and technical consulting services
Hottest jobs in this field: network systems and data communications analysts; industrial engineers; financial analysts; customer service representatives; and public relations specialists
2. Computer systems design and related services
Hottest jobs in this field: network systems and data communications analysts; network and computer systems administrators; accountants and auditors; computer software engineers, systems software; and computer support specialists
3. Social assistance, except child day care
Hottest jobs in this field: medical and public health social workers; special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten and elementary school; first-line supervisors/managers of personal service workers; occupational therapists; and social and human service assistants
4. Software publishers
Hottest jobs in this field: network and computer systems administrators; computer systems analysts; computer support specialists; market research analysts; and customer service representatives
5. Scientific research and development services
Hottest jobs in this field: biomedical engineers; network systems and data communications analysts; biochemists and biophysicists; medical scientists, except epidemiologists; and compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety and transportation
6. Health care
Hottest jobs in this field: physician assistants; physical therapist aides; speech-language pathologists; physical therapist assistants; and physical therapists
7. Employment services
Hottest jobs in this field: accountants and auditors; customer service representatives; construction laborers; computer software engineers, systems software; and computer software engineers, applications
8. Construction
Hottest jobs in this field: heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers; septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners; telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers; purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail and farm products; and cost estimators
9. Child day care services
Hottest jobs in this field: preschool and kindergarten teachers; special education teachers for preschool, kindergarten and elementary school; office clerks, general; and first-line supervisors/managers of personal service workers
10. Advocacy, grant making and civic organizations
Hottest jobs in this field: network systems and data communications analysts; compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety and transportation; compensation, benefits and job analysis specialists; market research analysts; and customer service representatives
11. Educational services
Hottest jobs in this field: network systems and data communications analysts; self-enrichment education teachers; customer service representatives; loan counselors; and medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Shatkin reminds people to "keep in mind that these 11 fields are not the only fields where job opportunities will be available in 2011. They're fast-growing, but jobs can still be found in many fields that are not growing as fast -- even shrinking."
careerbuilder.com
By Selena Dehne,
Shatkin answers these essential questions in his book "2011 Career Plan: The Best Moves Now for a Solid Future." In it, he explains that the recovery is a steady upswing, not a hiring boom, and that people will need to be strategic about how and where they pursue employment.
"Jobs are not expected to be plentiful in 2011 -- or for several years afterward," Shatkin says. "In fact, we may see a repeat of what happened after the recession of 2001, when 39 months passed before employment rose back to pre-recession levels. This recovery is also a patchwork affair, with some industries bouncing back much faster than others. For example, in March 2010, while manufacturers were adding jobs, the news and information business was still losing jobs. That's why 'I'll find something' is not an adequate career plan for 2011. You need to choose a specific goal and develop a smart strategy to take advantage of the opportunities that 2011 does have to offer."
Bing: How to negotiate a higher starting salary
One career strategy Shatkin recommends is to focus on fast-growing fields, where job opportunities tend to be more plentiful than in other fields. According to Shatkin and information from the Labor Department, the following 11 fields are projected to grow fastest through 2018.
1. Management, scientific and technical consulting services
Hottest jobs in this field: network systems and data communications analysts; industrial engineers; financial analysts; customer service representatives; and public relations specialists
2. Computer systems design and related services
Hottest jobs in this field: network systems and data communications analysts; network and computer systems administrators; accountants and auditors; computer software engineers, systems software; and computer support specialists
3. Social assistance, except child day care
Hottest jobs in this field: medical and public health social workers; special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten and elementary school; first-line supervisors/managers of personal service workers; occupational therapists; and social and human service assistants
4. Software publishers
Hottest jobs in this field: network and computer systems administrators; computer systems analysts; computer support specialists; market research analysts; and customer service representatives
5. Scientific research and development services
Hottest jobs in this field: biomedical engineers; network systems and data communications analysts; biochemists and biophysicists; medical scientists, except epidemiologists; and compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety and transportation
6. Health care
Hottest jobs in this field: physician assistants; physical therapist aides; speech-language pathologists; physical therapist assistants; and physical therapists
7. Employment services
Hottest jobs in this field: accountants and auditors; customer service representatives; construction laborers; computer software engineers, systems software; and computer software engineers, applications
8. Construction
Hottest jobs in this field: heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers; septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners; telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers; purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail and farm products; and cost estimators
9. Child day care services
Hottest jobs in this field: preschool and kindergarten teachers; special education teachers for preschool, kindergarten and elementary school; office clerks, general; and first-line supervisors/managers of personal service workers
10. Advocacy, grant making and civic organizations
Hottest jobs in this field: network systems and data communications analysts; compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety and transportation; compensation, benefits and job analysis specialists; market research analysts; and customer service representatives
11. Educational services
Hottest jobs in this field: network systems and data communications analysts; self-enrichment education teachers; customer service representatives; loan counselors; and medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Shatkin reminds people to "keep in mind that these 11 fields are not the only fields where job opportunities will be available in 2011. They're fast-growing, but jobs can still be found in many fields that are not growing as fast -- even shrinking."
careerbuilder.com
By Selena Dehne,
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Highest Paying Jobs - Ten Hottest Careers
Attrition rates around the world are falling, as people understand the meaning between jobs and careers. Today, even the first job a person holds is a carefully taken career-oriented decision. Here is a list of the highest paying jobs in the US.
Anesthesiologists:Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who administer anesthesia to patients and manage them medically and offer pre, during and post surgery medical care. Anesthesiologists are either oesteopathic physicians or allopathic physicians in the United
States. They should complete at least three years of undergraduate study from an accredited college. The university should include the premedical requirements.
Students wishing to pursue this career should then complete four years in a medical school training along with an internship of a year. The internship generally consists of training in internal medicine, surgery, critical care and pediatrics.They are highly specialized physicians who achieve their certification only after extensive training and specialized education. They are certified by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists make up to $150,000 per year. Anesthesiology is one of the hottest job of the future.
Internists: Internists deal with Internal Medicine. This branch and specialty of medicine concerns the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the internal organs, generally in adults.
Doctors of Internal medicine have to dedicate at least three years to the science of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases that affect adults. This is apart from their normal medical schooling and postgraduate training.
Doctors of Internal medicine are sometimes called by other doctors for consultation on rare of puzzling cases. These doctors do not just cure the organs, but the entire person. Internists make up to $150,000 per year. Internal Medicine is one of the high paying jobs in the US.
Pharmacists: Pharmacists are health professionals practicing pharmacy. Pharmacists generally cater to the requests for medicines from a prescribing doctor and then supply or dispense the medicine to the patient. Pharmacists also counsel the patients as to the proper use, and any side or adverse effects of the medicines. Today, pharmacists also participate in a disease state management and therefore manage drug therapy.
Students who have graduated in 2005 should attend the Doctor of Pharmacy course in a accredited college of Pharmacy. The course is for five years. Pharmacists earn around $115,000 per year. Pharmacy is one of the hottest jobs in America.
Dentists: Dentists are one of the most approached medical doctors The dentists work is often surgical, though they can sometimes cure and treat many diseases with the help of prescribed medicines. Dentists in America are bound by the American Dental Association. The ADA recognizes Proshtodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Public Health Dentistry and Oral Surgery as specialties of dentistry.
Dentists have to graduate with a degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Medicine in the US. Dentists earn around $110,000 per year. Dentistry is one of the ten hottest careers in the US.
Judges: Lawmakers and the keepers of law also hold one of the fastest growing jobs. Along with Judges, lawyers and magistrates hold one of the top ten careers. Judges are officials who preside over the happenings in a court. Their requirements, discipline and appointment varies from place to place. Lawyers are attorneys who practice law in the United States. They make around $100,000 per year.
Chief Executive: Chief Executives are one of the highest paid employees in a company. This post may also be one of the most famous posts in any company and also in general. Chief Executive officers are one of the highest paid posts in the company. They can make anything from $100,000 to $150,000 per year.
The other highest paying careers are:
Computer and Information System Managers
Marketing Managers
Air Traffic Controllers
Natural Science Managers
buzzle.com
By Roy D'Silva
Anesthesiologists:Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who administer anesthesia to patients and manage them medically and offer pre, during and post surgery medical care. Anesthesiologists are either oesteopathic physicians or allopathic physicians in the United
States. They should complete at least three years of undergraduate study from an accredited college. The university should include the premedical requirements.
Students wishing to pursue this career should then complete four years in a medical school training along with an internship of a year. The internship generally consists of training in internal medicine, surgery, critical care and pediatrics.They are highly specialized physicians who achieve their certification only after extensive training and specialized education. They are certified by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists make up to $150,000 per year. Anesthesiology is one of the hottest job of the future.
Internists: Internists deal with Internal Medicine. This branch and specialty of medicine concerns the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the internal organs, generally in adults.
Doctors of Internal medicine have to dedicate at least three years to the science of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases that affect adults. This is apart from their normal medical schooling and postgraduate training.
Doctors of Internal medicine are sometimes called by other doctors for consultation on rare of puzzling cases. These doctors do not just cure the organs, but the entire person. Internists make up to $150,000 per year. Internal Medicine is one of the high paying jobs in the US.
Pharmacists: Pharmacists are health professionals practicing pharmacy. Pharmacists generally cater to the requests for medicines from a prescribing doctor and then supply or dispense the medicine to the patient. Pharmacists also counsel the patients as to the proper use, and any side or adverse effects of the medicines. Today, pharmacists also participate in a disease state management and therefore manage drug therapy.
Students who have graduated in 2005 should attend the Doctor of Pharmacy course in a accredited college of Pharmacy. The course is for five years. Pharmacists earn around $115,000 per year. Pharmacy is one of the hottest jobs in America.
Dentists: Dentists are one of the most approached medical doctors The dentists work is often surgical, though they can sometimes cure and treat many diseases with the help of prescribed medicines. Dentists in America are bound by the American Dental Association. The ADA recognizes Proshtodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Public Health Dentistry and Oral Surgery as specialties of dentistry.
Dentists have to graduate with a degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Medicine in the US. Dentists earn around $110,000 per year. Dentistry is one of the ten hottest careers in the US.
Judges: Lawmakers and the keepers of law also hold one of the fastest growing jobs. Along with Judges, lawyers and magistrates hold one of the top ten careers. Judges are officials who preside over the happenings in a court. Their requirements, discipline and appointment varies from place to place. Lawyers are attorneys who practice law in the United States. They make around $100,000 per year.
Chief Executive: Chief Executives are one of the highest paid employees in a company. This post may also be one of the most famous posts in any company and also in general. Chief Executive officers are one of the highest paid posts in the company. They can make anything from $100,000 to $150,000 per year.
The other highest paying careers are:
Computer and Information System Managers
Marketing Managers
Air Traffic Controllers
Natural Science Managers
buzzle.com
By Roy D'Silva
15 top Companies Hiring Now
Times are tough.
And these days, it seems like everyone is looking for a job. But don’t be discouraged by all the depressing news.
Work smarter not harder. How? You just need to know where to look.
Luckily, Excelle‘s done the research for you. We’ve identified fifteen companies that are hiring near you — even now! Read the descriptions then click on the links at the bottom to apply!
Brown-Forman Corporation
Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Sonoma-Cutrer, Korbel and 31 other alcohol brands
Brown-Forman employs 4,440 people worldwide with about 1,300 located in Louisville. Brown-Forman, one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies and among the top 10 largest global spirits companies, sells its brands in more than 135 countries and has offices in cities across the globe. In all, Brown-Forman has more than 35 brands in its portfolio of wines and spirits.
Industry: Wine and Spirits
Corporate Offices: Louisville, Kentucky
Other Major Office Branches: North American branches include Versailles, KY; Braintree, MA; Dallas, TX; Lebanon, TN; Lynchburg, TN; Nashville, TN; Atlanta, GA; Hopland, CA; Newport Beach, CA; San Rafael, CA and Windsor, CA
How They’ve Handled the Recession: There hasn’t been much of a hit to Brown-Forman and its brands. Last quarter sales jumped 4.6%, posted higher earnings, and raised its fiscal year earnings. In a Reuters report, chief executive Paul Varga said “Thus far we are doing fine. These results also reinforce our belief that premium wines and spirits are an affordable luxury in both good times and bad.”
Working at Brown-Forman: At Brown-Forman, we focus on developing the people who build our brands. We begin by recruiting and hiring people of the highest quality and character and then help these talented people grow through formalized professional development programs, such as our award-winning Brand Building University. Less formal training, such as peer-to-peer coaching and our mentoring program, reinforces our guiding philosophy to constantly encourage and enable our employees to grow, learn, and realize their full potential.
Kraft
Cool Whip, DiGiorno, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Oscar Mayer, Maxwell House, Nabisco, Planters, Ritz, and over a hundred more
Kraft has approximately 103,000 employees worldwide and more than 180 manufacturing and processing facilities worldwide.
Industry: Food and Beverage
Corporate Offices: Global Corporate Headquarters in Northfield, Illinois
Other Major Office Branches: Glenview, Illinois; East Hanover, New Jersey; Madison, Wisconsin; Tarrytown, New York
How They’ve Handled the Recession: Kraft products are present in more than 99% of U.S. households, and even in a recession, that type of figure isn’t likely to change. More now than ever, people are turning to convenient and affordable groceries, over the previously fashionable organic and high-cost foods. The Business Mirror reports, “Sales of Kraft’s boxed mac-and-cheese rose to $193.1 million in the first quarter, 10 percent over the previous year, according to Information Resources Inc., a Chicago-based market-data company.” Economist also cite Kraft’s cutting of food costs, rather than increasing prices like their competitors, as driving more sales for the company.
Working at Kraft: Each location offers extensive convenience services, including fitness facilities, banking centers, on-site dining, on-site dry cleaning, some office locations even have car oil changing services. Also, all sites observe an “appropriate attire” policy, enabling employees to choose to wear traditional business attire or less formal alternatives.
Philip-Morris
Marlboro, Virginia Slims, Merit, Parliament, and 14 other cigarette brands
PM USA has five regional sales offices, 22 sectional sales offices and a field sales force of approximately 2,700 employees located throughout the U.S. and in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Industry: Tobacco Products
Corporate Offices: Richmond, Virginia
Other Major Office Branches: Cabarrus County, North Carolina and 22 Sales offices across the country including Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Seattle, Washington; Bedminster, NJ; Mandeville, Louisiana; Berwyn, PA; Tampa, FL; Milford, OH; Wixom, MI; Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, IL; Overland Park, KS; Denver, CO; Pleasanton, CA; Los Angeles, CA
How They’ve Handled the Recession: Hermann Waldemer, chief financial officer at Philip Morris International, calls the tobacco industry “very recession-resilient.” People are willing to sacrifice a lot of luxuries during tough times, but most have a hard time cutting back on this vice. Shares of Philip Morris have fallen nearly 30% from the year’s highs, but continue to outperform the S&P 500. On December 8th, the The Montley Fool, put PMI on the top of the list “5-Star Stocks Poised to Pop.” Plus, the foreign demand for cigarettes remains strong, keeping the bottom line afloat.
Working at Philip-Morris: For three years in a row, BusinessWeek put PM USA in its list of the 50 best places to launch a career. PM USA jumped 11 spots to No. 32 in the 2008 rankings. Richmond Magazine named PM USA to its annual “Great Places to Work” list in November 2007. The magazine featured various company benefits and amenities, while highlighting “an average tenure of 17 years for salaried and hourly employees and a one-year retention rate of 97 percent in 2006.”
Abbott Labs
15 popular prescriptions, 15 popular medical products, 9 nutritional products including Ensure, Pedialyte and ZonePerfect
Abbot Labs is a 120+ year-old company. They employee 68,000 people worldwide and have more than 100 facilities worldwide. Their products are sold in more than 130 countries.
Industry: Pharmaceutical Health Care
Corporate Offices: North suburban Chicago, Illinois
Other Major Office Branches: Parsippany, New Jersey; Worcester, Massachusetts; Ludwigshafen, Germany
How They’ve Handled the Recession: Medical care is an essential area for people to spend money in, regardless of a downturn in the economy. People will still get their prescriptions, hospitals will still need equipment, sick kids will still need Pedialyte. “Our products are the kind that people rely on and need, regardless of economic conditions,” CEO Miles White says. Furthermore, Abbot Labs’ products are sold internationally. USA Today reports, “Abbott’s third-quarter sales this year soared 18% to $7.5 billion, boosted by autoimmune disorder drug Humira and drug-coated metal stents for heart-related surgery. About half of Abbott’s third-quarter sales were international.”
Working at Abbot Labs:
Abbott has been named to DiversityInc magazine’s annual “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list for the fifth consecutive year.
Named one of America’s Most Admired Companies every year since 1984 by Fortune magazine
Ranked 96 on “The Fortune 500” list of the largest U.S. based corporations (based on 2007 earnings)
Ranked 167 on the Forbes 2000 list (based on 2007 figures)
Ranked No. 23 in 2007 ranking of world’s 100 most respected companies by Barron’s
Dow Jones Sustainability Index: Listed among world leaders in economic, environmental and social performance four straight years (2005-2008)
Home Away
HomeAway.com, VRBO.com, VacationRentals.com, CyberRentals.com, A1Vacations.com, GreatRentals.com, Holiday-Rentals.co.uk, OwnersDirect.co.uk, FeWo-direkt.de and Abritel.fr.
The HomeAway website has more than 122,000 vacation rental homes, condos, guesthouses, cottages, and cabins in 118 countries. Travelers can search vacation rental listings for free and find accommodations by the night, week or month. For calendar availability and reservations, HomeAway.com directly connects travelers with private homeowners and property managers who know their vacation homes best. Property owners who rent their vacation homes can gain valuable marketing exposure by listing their property on the website for an annual fee. HomeAway is No. 1 in the online vacation-rental sector — a $48 billion market in the USA and Europe, according to research firms PhoCusWright and Illuminas.
Industry: Travel and Hospitality
Corporate Offices: Austin, TX
Other Major Office Branches: New York, NY; London and Ashtead, Surrey in England; Kassel, Germany; Marseilles, France.
How They’ve Handled the Recession: HomeAway.com’s service is attractive for both home renters and property owners and managers, especially in a credit-crunch and mortgage crisis. Property owners and managers that would sell their vacation homes under normal economic circumstances now are stuck with their space. Utilizing a site like HomeAway.com, they can now rent or lease their travel homes to interested travelers for cheaper than the cost of a hotel. This business model has proved profitable with sales up 58% over 2007. Keeping their sights ambitious, HomeAway is aiming for annual revenue of $500 million within five years.
Working at HomeAway: The company cites one of its strongest selling points to potential employees as its awesome location in Austin, TX. Austin was ranked in CNN Money’s Top 100 Places to Live."
Costco Wholesale
Costco Warehouses: 400 locations in 40 U.S. States
Costco Wholesale is a multi-billion dollar global retailer with 526 warehouse club operations in eight countries. Membership sales jobs and marketing jobs abound. They employ 104,000 full and part-time workers in the U.S.
Industry: Supplies and Goods Warehouse
Corporate Offices: Issaquah, Washington.
Other Major Office Branches: Regional offices located in each warehouse in 40 States
How They’ve Handled the Recession: At the end of their fiscal year on August 30, 2008, they made $72.5 billion in revenue. By selling things in bulk at discounted prices, Costco is the go-to store for small to medium size business and individuals that have lots of mouths to feed and clean after. But the bargains come at a price: businesses and people become members to shop at Costco and must pay $50 – $100 a piece. And although stock prices dropped steadily through September and October, the company is on the rise again in November and December. With office supply chains like Office Depot and technology stores like Circuit City closing shop, Costco will remain (with Wal-Mart) a discount-retail leader.
Working at Costco: Costco’s career site asserts “Today, we have accountants, lawyers, buyers, and human resources personnel who began their careers as stockers or cashiers in our locations. We believe that Costco’s future officers are currently working in our warehouses, depots, and business centers, as well as in our Home and Regional Offices.” Costco was named by Washington CEO Magazine as one of the top three companies to work for in the state of Washington. According to an MSN Money report “(Employees) are paid well and enjoy generous health-care benefits.”
To find a job at Costco, look for warehouse in your area. Each one has a regional office and “Most of them are located near or inside a Costco warehouse for additional convenience” according to the Costco Employment website.
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart stores, Wal-Mart.com, Sam’s Club, Sam’sClub.com
Wal-Mart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide, including more than 1.4 million in the United States. Wal-Mart is not only one of the largest private employers in the U.S., but the largest in Mexico and one of the largest in Canada as well.
Industry: Retail
Corporate Offices: Bentonville, Arkansas
Other Major Office Branches: More than 4,100 facilities in the United States. Walmart.com’s office are located in Brisbane, CA
How They’ve Handled the Recession: Wal-Mart is a company meant to thrive during a time when people’s wallets are thin. Plus, their brand is well recognized as a store that offers low prices and deep discounts. This brand-recognition brings cash-strapped people flocking to buy from stores all over the country. Additionally, Wal-Mart sites conservative financial and operational practices, such as tight inventory control as contributing to their current success. According to USA Today, "During an analysts’ meeting in October, CEO Lee Scott said that Wal-Mart is doing “extraordinarily well,” and that founder Sam Walton built the company to thrive during downturns…At the analysts’ meeting, even cautious Wal-Mart executives couldn’t resist a little crowing. “How many companies,” said Chief Financial Officer Tom Schoewe, “could stand before you today and say that their balance sheet is stronger today than it was a year ago?”
Working at Wal-mart: The average, full-time hourly wage for Wal-Mart associates is $10.83 and is even higher in urban areas. The average full-time hourly wage is $11.62 in Atlanta, $12.57 in Boston, $11.52 in Chicago, $11.26 in Dallas, $11.49 in San Francisco and $11.48 in New York City. (All metro figures based on MSA). Additionally, associates receive performance-based bonuses.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s franchise restaurants, Ronald McDonald House Charity
Is the leading global food service retailer. McDonald’s employs 1.6 million people in more than 30000 restaurants worldwide; it serves 52 million people in more than 100 countries each day.
Industry: Chain Restaurant
Corporate Offices: Oak Brook, Illinois
Other Major Office Branches: Bethesda, Maryland
How They’ve Handled the Recession: When times are tough, it is hard to resist the prices of a Dollar Menu. CEO Jim Skinner says the hamburger giant is “recession-resistant.” Additionally, with their expansive reach across the globe, McDonald’s is still as popular as ever with global sales up 7.7% increase in Europe and up 4.5% in the U.S. in November. Because of the international boost, third quarter earnings rose 6% from last year’s. There’s even a term called the “Big Mac Index” coined by The Economist magazine: “the comparison of a Big Mac’s cost in various world currencies can be used to informally judge these currencies’ purchasing power parity.”
Working at McDonald’s: McDonald’s trains its franchisees and others at Hamburger University in Oak Brook, Illinois.
McDonald’s Named One of 100 Best Companies for Working Moms
2001, LATINA Style Magazine recognizes McDonald’s Corporation As One Of The Top 50 Best Companies for Hispanic Women to Work for in the USA.
1998, Fortune Magazine Global Most Admired Companies, “McDonald’s Corporation was named the most admired company in the food services category”.
ComputerWorld Magazine 1997 recognized McDonald’s Corporation As One Of The Top 100 Places To Work In Information Systems.
ComputerWorld Magazine 1997 recognized McDonald’s Corporation As One Of The Top’s In Training.
Avon Products
Industry: Cosmetics
Avon Products generated $9.8 billion in revenues in fiscal year 2007, with a gross profit margin of 60%. The stocks have been on the rise in December after a deep lull in November.
Career Opportunities at Avon
Lululemon-logo_max200w
lululemon and Urban Outfitters
These two wardrobe powerhouses are far outperforming their competitors, even in tough times.
Procter and Gamble
Industry: Consumer Goods (products include Pampers, Tide, Ariel, Always, Pantene, Bounty, Pringles, Charmin, Downy, Iams, Crest, Actonel and Olay.)
“In October, Procter & Gamble said it earned a nearly 9-percent higher fiscal first-quarter profit because of growth in emerging markets and higher prices” in a report by Forbes.
Career Opportunities at P&G
90_johnson_johnson_max200w
Johnson and Johnson
Industry: Health Care Products and Pharmaceuticals
Like Abbot Labs, health care and pharmaceutical companies will continue to perform well in a recession. Furthermore, their recognizable name brand goes far with babies’ hygiene products.
Novartis
Industry: Health Care Products and Pharmaceuticals
The range of medical products – including vaccines, over-the-counter medication, and animal health tools – will keep productions from this company in high demand.
Career Opportunities at Novartis
Svbrand_max200w
Silicon Valley Bank
Industry: Banking
One of the few banks that’s weathered “the storm better than most,” CEO Kenneth Wilcox said to USAToday. How? By using a different business model that requires any loans to have either a) backup from the company’s assets or b) be a long-term, 5-10 year technology or life science project, which are not as effected by a struggling economy. The USAToday report states “Silicon Valley Bank’s total loans hit a record $4 billion last year, and third-quarter deposits grew 18% to $4.8 billion from the same quarter last year.”
Career Opportunities at SVB
082_thehartford_max200w
Hartford Financial Services
Industry: Insurance
According to BusinessWeek, Hartford Financial Services “actually raised profit expectations, saying it expects to earn between $4.70 and $4.90 per share, up from a range of $4.30 to $4.50 previously. (HFS) has… More than $12 billion in cash and other liquid investments means “the Hartford is well-capitalized and has ample liquidity,” chairman and chief executive Ramani Ayer said in a statement.”
excelle.monster.com
And these days, it seems like everyone is looking for a job. But don’t be discouraged by all the depressing news.
Work smarter not harder. How? You just need to know where to look.
Luckily, Excelle‘s done the research for you. We’ve identified fifteen companies that are hiring near you — even now! Read the descriptions then click on the links at the bottom to apply!
Brown-Forman Corporation
Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Sonoma-Cutrer, Korbel and 31 other alcohol brands
Brown-Forman employs 4,440 people worldwide with about 1,300 located in Louisville. Brown-Forman, one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies and among the top 10 largest global spirits companies, sells its brands in more than 135 countries and has offices in cities across the globe. In all, Brown-Forman has more than 35 brands in its portfolio of wines and spirits.
Industry: Wine and Spirits
Corporate Offices: Louisville, Kentucky
Other Major Office Branches: North American branches include Versailles, KY; Braintree, MA; Dallas, TX; Lebanon, TN; Lynchburg, TN; Nashville, TN; Atlanta, GA; Hopland, CA; Newport Beach, CA; San Rafael, CA and Windsor, CA
How They’ve Handled the Recession: There hasn’t been much of a hit to Brown-Forman and its brands. Last quarter sales jumped 4.6%, posted higher earnings, and raised its fiscal year earnings. In a Reuters report, chief executive Paul Varga said “Thus far we are doing fine. These results also reinforce our belief that premium wines and spirits are an affordable luxury in both good times and bad.”
Working at Brown-Forman: At Brown-Forman, we focus on developing the people who build our brands. We begin by recruiting and hiring people of the highest quality and character and then help these talented people grow through formalized professional development programs, such as our award-winning Brand Building University. Less formal training, such as peer-to-peer coaching and our mentoring program, reinforces our guiding philosophy to constantly encourage and enable our employees to grow, learn, and realize their full potential.
Kraft
Cool Whip, DiGiorno, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Oscar Mayer, Maxwell House, Nabisco, Planters, Ritz, and over a hundred more
Kraft has approximately 103,000 employees worldwide and more than 180 manufacturing and processing facilities worldwide.
Industry: Food and Beverage
Corporate Offices: Global Corporate Headquarters in Northfield, Illinois
Other Major Office Branches: Glenview, Illinois; East Hanover, New Jersey; Madison, Wisconsin; Tarrytown, New York
How They’ve Handled the Recession: Kraft products are present in more than 99% of U.S. households, and even in a recession, that type of figure isn’t likely to change. More now than ever, people are turning to convenient and affordable groceries, over the previously fashionable organic and high-cost foods. The Business Mirror reports, “Sales of Kraft’s boxed mac-and-cheese rose to $193.1 million in the first quarter, 10 percent over the previous year, according to Information Resources Inc., a Chicago-based market-data company.” Economist also cite Kraft’s cutting of food costs, rather than increasing prices like their competitors, as driving more sales for the company.
Working at Kraft: Each location offers extensive convenience services, including fitness facilities, banking centers, on-site dining, on-site dry cleaning, some office locations even have car oil changing services. Also, all sites observe an “appropriate attire” policy, enabling employees to choose to wear traditional business attire or less formal alternatives.
Philip-Morris
Marlboro, Virginia Slims, Merit, Parliament, and 14 other cigarette brands
PM USA has five regional sales offices, 22 sectional sales offices and a field sales force of approximately 2,700 employees located throughout the U.S. and in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Industry: Tobacco Products
Corporate Offices: Richmond, Virginia
Other Major Office Branches: Cabarrus County, North Carolina and 22 Sales offices across the country including Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Seattle, Washington; Bedminster, NJ; Mandeville, Louisiana; Berwyn, PA; Tampa, FL; Milford, OH; Wixom, MI; Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, IL; Overland Park, KS; Denver, CO; Pleasanton, CA; Los Angeles, CA
How They’ve Handled the Recession: Hermann Waldemer, chief financial officer at Philip Morris International, calls the tobacco industry “very recession-resilient.” People are willing to sacrifice a lot of luxuries during tough times, but most have a hard time cutting back on this vice. Shares of Philip Morris have fallen nearly 30% from the year’s highs, but continue to outperform the S&P 500. On December 8th, the The Montley Fool, put PMI on the top of the list “5-Star Stocks Poised to Pop.” Plus, the foreign demand for cigarettes remains strong, keeping the bottom line afloat.
Working at Philip-Morris: For three years in a row, BusinessWeek put PM USA in its list of the 50 best places to launch a career. PM USA jumped 11 spots to No. 32 in the 2008 rankings. Richmond Magazine named PM USA to its annual “Great Places to Work” list in November 2007. The magazine featured various company benefits and amenities, while highlighting “an average tenure of 17 years for salaried and hourly employees and a one-year retention rate of 97 percent in 2006.”
Abbott Labs
15 popular prescriptions, 15 popular medical products, 9 nutritional products including Ensure, Pedialyte and ZonePerfect
Abbot Labs is a 120+ year-old company. They employee 68,000 people worldwide and have more than 100 facilities worldwide. Their products are sold in more than 130 countries.
Industry: Pharmaceutical Health Care
Corporate Offices: North suburban Chicago, Illinois
Other Major Office Branches: Parsippany, New Jersey; Worcester, Massachusetts; Ludwigshafen, Germany
How They’ve Handled the Recession: Medical care is an essential area for people to spend money in, regardless of a downturn in the economy. People will still get their prescriptions, hospitals will still need equipment, sick kids will still need Pedialyte. “Our products are the kind that people rely on and need, regardless of economic conditions,” CEO Miles White says. Furthermore, Abbot Labs’ products are sold internationally. USA Today reports, “Abbott’s third-quarter sales this year soared 18% to $7.5 billion, boosted by autoimmune disorder drug Humira and drug-coated metal stents for heart-related surgery. About half of Abbott’s third-quarter sales were international.”
Working at Abbot Labs:
Abbott has been named to DiversityInc magazine’s annual “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list for the fifth consecutive year.
Named one of America’s Most Admired Companies every year since 1984 by Fortune magazine
Ranked 96 on “The Fortune 500” list of the largest U.S. based corporations (based on 2007 earnings)
Ranked 167 on the Forbes 2000 list (based on 2007 figures)
Ranked No. 23 in 2007 ranking of world’s 100 most respected companies by Barron’s
Dow Jones Sustainability Index: Listed among world leaders in economic, environmental and social performance four straight years (2005-2008)
Home Away
HomeAway.com, VRBO.com, VacationRentals.com, CyberRentals.com, A1Vacations.com, GreatRentals.com, Holiday-Rentals.co.uk, OwnersDirect.co.uk, FeWo-direkt.de and Abritel.fr.
The HomeAway website has more than 122,000 vacation rental homes, condos, guesthouses, cottages, and cabins in 118 countries. Travelers can search vacation rental listings for free and find accommodations by the night, week or month. For calendar availability and reservations, HomeAway.com directly connects travelers with private homeowners and property managers who know their vacation homes best. Property owners who rent their vacation homes can gain valuable marketing exposure by listing their property on the website for an annual fee. HomeAway is No. 1 in the online vacation-rental sector — a $48 billion market in the USA and Europe, according to research firms PhoCusWright and Illuminas.
Industry: Travel and Hospitality
Corporate Offices: Austin, TX
Other Major Office Branches: New York, NY; London and Ashtead, Surrey in England; Kassel, Germany; Marseilles, France.
How They’ve Handled the Recession: HomeAway.com’s service is attractive for both home renters and property owners and managers, especially in a credit-crunch and mortgage crisis. Property owners and managers that would sell their vacation homes under normal economic circumstances now are stuck with their space. Utilizing a site like HomeAway.com, they can now rent or lease their travel homes to interested travelers for cheaper than the cost of a hotel. This business model has proved profitable with sales up 58% over 2007. Keeping their sights ambitious, HomeAway is aiming for annual revenue of $500 million within five years.
Working at HomeAway: The company cites one of its strongest selling points to potential employees as its awesome location in Austin, TX. Austin was ranked in CNN Money’s Top 100 Places to Live."
Costco Wholesale
Costco Warehouses: 400 locations in 40 U.S. States
Costco Wholesale is a multi-billion dollar global retailer with 526 warehouse club operations in eight countries. Membership sales jobs and marketing jobs abound. They employ 104,000 full and part-time workers in the U.S.
Industry: Supplies and Goods Warehouse
Corporate Offices: Issaquah, Washington.
Other Major Office Branches: Regional offices located in each warehouse in 40 States
How They’ve Handled the Recession: At the end of their fiscal year on August 30, 2008, they made $72.5 billion in revenue. By selling things in bulk at discounted prices, Costco is the go-to store for small to medium size business and individuals that have lots of mouths to feed and clean after. But the bargains come at a price: businesses and people become members to shop at Costco and must pay $50 – $100 a piece. And although stock prices dropped steadily through September and October, the company is on the rise again in November and December. With office supply chains like Office Depot and technology stores like Circuit City closing shop, Costco will remain (with Wal-Mart) a discount-retail leader.
Working at Costco: Costco’s career site asserts “Today, we have accountants, lawyers, buyers, and human resources personnel who began their careers as stockers or cashiers in our locations. We believe that Costco’s future officers are currently working in our warehouses, depots, and business centers, as well as in our Home and Regional Offices.” Costco was named by Washington CEO Magazine as one of the top three companies to work for in the state of Washington. According to an MSN Money report “(Employees) are paid well and enjoy generous health-care benefits.”
To find a job at Costco, look for warehouse in your area. Each one has a regional office and “Most of them are located near or inside a Costco warehouse for additional convenience” according to the Costco Employment website.
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart stores, Wal-Mart.com, Sam’s Club, Sam’sClub.com
Wal-Mart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide, including more than 1.4 million in the United States. Wal-Mart is not only one of the largest private employers in the U.S., but the largest in Mexico and one of the largest in Canada as well.
Industry: Retail
Corporate Offices: Bentonville, Arkansas
Other Major Office Branches: More than 4,100 facilities in the United States. Walmart.com’s office are located in Brisbane, CA
How They’ve Handled the Recession: Wal-Mart is a company meant to thrive during a time when people’s wallets are thin. Plus, their brand is well recognized as a store that offers low prices and deep discounts. This brand-recognition brings cash-strapped people flocking to buy from stores all over the country. Additionally, Wal-Mart sites conservative financial and operational practices, such as tight inventory control as contributing to their current success. According to USA Today, "During an analysts’ meeting in October, CEO Lee Scott said that Wal-Mart is doing “extraordinarily well,” and that founder Sam Walton built the company to thrive during downturns…At the analysts’ meeting, even cautious Wal-Mart executives couldn’t resist a little crowing. “How many companies,” said Chief Financial Officer Tom Schoewe, “could stand before you today and say that their balance sheet is stronger today than it was a year ago?”
Working at Wal-mart: The average, full-time hourly wage for Wal-Mart associates is $10.83 and is even higher in urban areas. The average full-time hourly wage is $11.62 in Atlanta, $12.57 in Boston, $11.52 in Chicago, $11.26 in Dallas, $11.49 in San Francisco and $11.48 in New York City. (All metro figures based on MSA). Additionally, associates receive performance-based bonuses.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s franchise restaurants, Ronald McDonald House Charity
Is the leading global food service retailer. McDonald’s employs 1.6 million people in more than 30000 restaurants worldwide; it serves 52 million people in more than 100 countries each day.
Industry: Chain Restaurant
Corporate Offices: Oak Brook, Illinois
Other Major Office Branches: Bethesda, Maryland
How They’ve Handled the Recession: When times are tough, it is hard to resist the prices of a Dollar Menu. CEO Jim Skinner says the hamburger giant is “recession-resistant.” Additionally, with their expansive reach across the globe, McDonald’s is still as popular as ever with global sales up 7.7% increase in Europe and up 4.5% in the U.S. in November. Because of the international boost, third quarter earnings rose 6% from last year’s. There’s even a term called the “Big Mac Index” coined by The Economist magazine: “the comparison of a Big Mac’s cost in various world currencies can be used to informally judge these currencies’ purchasing power parity.”
Working at McDonald’s: McDonald’s trains its franchisees and others at Hamburger University in Oak Brook, Illinois.
McDonald’s Named One of 100 Best Companies for Working Moms
2001, LATINA Style Magazine recognizes McDonald’s Corporation As One Of The Top 50 Best Companies for Hispanic Women to Work for in the USA.
1998, Fortune Magazine Global Most Admired Companies, “McDonald’s Corporation was named the most admired company in the food services category”.
ComputerWorld Magazine 1997 recognized McDonald’s Corporation As One Of The Top 100 Places To Work In Information Systems.
ComputerWorld Magazine 1997 recognized McDonald’s Corporation As One Of The Top’s In Training.
Avon Products
Industry: Cosmetics
Avon Products generated $9.8 billion in revenues in fiscal year 2007, with a gross profit margin of 60%. The stocks have been on the rise in December after a deep lull in November.
Career Opportunities at Avon
Lululemon-logo_max200w
lululemon and Urban Outfitters
These two wardrobe powerhouses are far outperforming their competitors, even in tough times.
Procter and Gamble
Industry: Consumer Goods (products include Pampers, Tide, Ariel, Always, Pantene, Bounty, Pringles, Charmin, Downy, Iams, Crest, Actonel and Olay.)
“In October, Procter & Gamble said it earned a nearly 9-percent higher fiscal first-quarter profit because of growth in emerging markets and higher prices” in a report by Forbes.
Career Opportunities at P&G
90_johnson_johnson_max200w
Johnson and Johnson
Industry: Health Care Products and Pharmaceuticals
Like Abbot Labs, health care and pharmaceutical companies will continue to perform well in a recession. Furthermore, their recognizable name brand goes far with babies’ hygiene products.
Novartis
Industry: Health Care Products and Pharmaceuticals
The range of medical products – including vaccines, over-the-counter medication, and animal health tools – will keep productions from this company in high demand.
Career Opportunities at Novartis
Svbrand_max200w
Silicon Valley Bank
Industry: Banking
One of the few banks that’s weathered “the storm better than most,” CEO Kenneth Wilcox said to USAToday. How? By using a different business model that requires any loans to have either a) backup from the company’s assets or b) be a long-term, 5-10 year technology or life science project, which are not as effected by a struggling economy. The USAToday report states “Silicon Valley Bank’s total loans hit a record $4 billion last year, and third-quarter deposits grew 18% to $4.8 billion from the same quarter last year.”
Career Opportunities at SVB
082_thehartford_max200w
Hartford Financial Services
Industry: Insurance
According to BusinessWeek, Hartford Financial Services “actually raised profit expectations, saying it expects to earn between $4.70 and $4.90 per share, up from a range of $4.30 to $4.50 previously. (HFS) has… More than $12 billion in cash and other liquid investments means “the Hartford is well-capitalized and has ample liquidity,” chairman and chief executive Ramani Ayer said in a statement.”
excelle.monster.com
Friday, August 26, 2011
15 Jobs that Pay $70,000 per year
High salaries have a nasty stigma attached them. One that reeks of years of school, advanced qualifications, extensive training and many years of experience, which some people just don't have. While these are in fact requirements of some high-figure salaries, they aren't a prerequisite for all of them.
What many workers don't know is that there are numerous jobs that pay well above the average full-time worker's salary of $33,634* that don't require a Ph.D. or at least 10 years experience. That's not to say that the following positions are easy to come by like any position, no matter what the salary, you do have some qualifications to score the job.
To help you figure out your options, we came up with a list of 15 jobs that earn in the $70,000 range and are expected to increase in demand between now and 2016. They require various levels of experience and education so take a peek and see if there's something for you:
Radiation therapist
Annual median income: $70,010
Projected employment in 2016: 18,000**
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 25 percent
Nuclear power reactor operator
Annual median income: $70,410
Projected employment in 2016: 4,200
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 11 percent
Management analyst
Annual median income: $70,990
Projected employment in 2016: 827,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 22 percent
Psychologist
Annual median income: $71,551
Projected employment in 2016: 191,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 15 percent
Environmental engineer
Annual median income: $72,350
Projected employment in 2016: 68,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 25 percent
First-line supervisor/manager of police and detectives
Annual median income: $72,620
Projected employment in 2016: 102,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 9 percent
Computer systems analyst
Annual median income: $73,090
Projected employment in 2016: 650,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 29 percent
Advertising and promotions manager
Annual median income: $73,666
Projected employment in 2016: 50,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 6 percent
Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officer
Annual median income: $74,170
Projected employment in 2016: 15,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 0 percent
Administrative services manager
Annual median income: $75,083
Projected employment in 2016: 276,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 12 percent
Education administrator, postsecondary
Annual median income: $75,780
Projected employment in 2016: 150,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 14 percent
Marine engineers and naval architect
Annual median income: $76,200
Projected employment in 2016: 10,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 11 percent
Physician assistant
Annual median income: $78,450
Projected employment in 2016: 83,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 27 percent
Agricultural sciences teacher, postsecondary
Annual median income: $78,460
Projected employment in 2016: 2.1 million (postsecondary teachers)
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 23 percent
Veterinarian
Annual median income: $79,368
Projected employment in 2016: 84,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 35 percent
*Figures based on data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics and CBSalary.com
**Employment data from the BLS.
By Rachel Zupek, Careerbuilder writer
What many workers don't know is that there are numerous jobs that pay well above the average full-time worker's salary of $33,634* that don't require a Ph.D. or at least 10 years experience. That's not to say that the following positions are easy to come by like any position, no matter what the salary, you do have some qualifications to score the job.
To help you figure out your options, we came up with a list of 15 jobs that earn in the $70,000 range and are expected to increase in demand between now and 2016. They require various levels of experience and education so take a peek and see if there's something for you:
Radiation therapist
Annual median income: $70,010
Projected employment in 2016: 18,000**
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 25 percent
Nuclear power reactor operator
Annual median income: $70,410
Projected employment in 2016: 4,200
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 11 percent
Management analyst
Annual median income: $70,990
Projected employment in 2016: 827,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 22 percent
Psychologist
Annual median income: $71,551
Projected employment in 2016: 191,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 15 percent
Environmental engineer
Annual median income: $72,350
Projected employment in 2016: 68,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 25 percent
First-line supervisor/manager of police and detectives
Annual median income: $72,620
Projected employment in 2016: 102,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 9 percent
Computer systems analyst
Annual median income: $73,090
Projected employment in 2016: 650,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 29 percent
Advertising and promotions manager
Annual median income: $73,666
Projected employment in 2016: 50,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 6 percent
Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officer
Annual median income: $74,170
Projected employment in 2016: 15,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 0 percent
Administrative services manager
Annual median income: $75,083
Projected employment in 2016: 276,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 12 percent
Education administrator, postsecondary
Annual median income: $75,780
Projected employment in 2016: 150,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 14 percent
Marine engineers and naval architect
Annual median income: $76,200
Projected employment in 2016: 10,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 11 percent
Physician assistant
Annual median income: $78,450
Projected employment in 2016: 83,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 27 percent
Agricultural sciences teacher, postsecondary
Annual median income: $78,460
Projected employment in 2016: 2.1 million (postsecondary teachers)
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 23 percent
Veterinarian
Annual median income: $79,368
Projected employment in 2016: 84,000
Increase between 2006 and 2016: 35 percent
*Figures based on data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics and CBSalary.com
**Employment data from the BLS.
By Rachel Zupek, Careerbuilder writer
Thursday, August 25, 2011
25 top-paying companies
1. Salesforce.com
Average total pay: $318,323
For: Senior Account Executive*
Best companies rank: 52
Salesforce.com goes to extremes to reward the top performers who have helped drive its growth. No wonder this online software provider tops this year's list of best payers.
The sales force gets hefty bonuses. The biggest earners get to enjoy goodies like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" -- a $5,000 shopping spree offered during last year's sales incentive trip to Hawaii. Since Tiffany doesn't have a store in Kauai, Salesforce.com hired local carpenters to recreate one, shipped in $1 million in merchandise from surrounding islands, and hired a violin player, chef, and even Miss Hawaii to add ambience.
Not that they don't spread the wealth around: Full-time employees receive a "Mahalo Bonus" (Hawaiian for "thank you"), twice a year -- up to 140% of the target payout. And those lucky employees who've received stock have seen their shares more than double in value over the past year.
2. Bingham McCutchen
Average total pay: $219,888
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 28
This Boston-based law firm not only pays attorneys more than $200K in salaries on average, they also kick in 7.5% of salary to a pension plan for staff members, plus another 2.5% through a 401(k) match. Bingham also pays the lion's share for a health plan that covers everything from acupuncture to sex-change surgery.
Employees can rub shoulders with bigwig advocates like Thurgood Marshall Jr. and the former governors of California (Pete Wilson) and New Hampshire (Steve Merrill). Bingham lawyers last year worked on pro bono cases ranging from supporting gay marriage equality in California to supporting Haitians displaced after the earthquake.
Yet the firm also fosters a playful culture with regular ping-pong matches, poker tournaments, and "Wii and Bucket of Beer" competitions. It even pays to play well in the sandbox: Staff can earn merit bonuses for demonstrating "office citizenship" or "positive thinking and teamwork."
3. Alston & Bird
Average total pay: $182,681
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 13
Once the workplace of golfer Bobby Jones, this Atlanta-based law firm provides employees with merit bonuses up to 10% as a matter of course, and that payout has gone as high as 25% when budget goals are exceeded. Staff can top off their pay with a 7% profit-sharing bonus, and 25 cents-on-the-dollar match on their 401(k) contributions, up to 4% of salary.
A&B has outstanding family benefits, allowing primary caregivers to take up to 90 days' maternity leave and covering up to $7,000 in costs related to adoption. The firm also provides subsidized on-site childcare, granting scholarships to the children of lower-paid staff members. Women lawyers and staff help each other throughout the leave process, even swapping clothes through the firm's "Maternity Closet." Every baby born gets a romper that reads, "My Mommy [or Daddy] works at Alston & Bird."
4. Perkins Coie
Perkins Coie
Average total pay: $182,544
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 55
Associates at this Seattle-based firm earn above-market salaries while representing clients like Boeing, Amazon.com, Craigslist, and Starbucks (yes, they get free coffee). They can also reap dividends from the firm's equity stakes in various early-stage companies.
Last year, P&C fended off spammers for Facebook; helped Al Franken win his election; and defended Osama Bin Laden's driver on a pro-bono basis. One of the firm's partners is President Obama's personal attorney; her predecessor, also from Perkins Coie, holds a post as White House Counsel.
P&C was admirably egalitarian during the recession, as partners took a 10% pay cut but merely froze pay for staff and associates. When business ticked back up, non-attorney staff were the first to receive year-end bonuses. Other progressive perks include a 50% subsidy for employees to commute by public transportation, and $20-per-month reimbursement if they ride a bike in to work.
5. Devon Energy
Devon Energy
Average total pay: $172,575
For: Engineer*
Best companies rank: 41
Now that's a lot of turkey: In a tradition dating back more than 30 years, all 3,500 employees at this Oklahoma City-based natural gas and oil company receive a $600 holiday bonus around Thanksgiving.
Devon also pays generous bonuses through a "cash performance" program that paid a median bonus of $7,200 in 2009. And their industry-leading retirement package contributes as much as 16% of salary to employees' 401(k) plans, in addition to a 6% match.
Devon laid off some 450 employees last July, as it divested its offshore operations. The company spent about $675,000 on outplacement services for affected workers. Remaining employees got a 3% raise -- except Executive Committee members, who declined to take a pay increase.
6. Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company
Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company
Average total pay: $166,354
For: Sr Oncology Sales Specialist*
Best companies rank: 56
Employees at this Cambridge, Mass., biopharma company have a serious mission: producing therapies to tackle cancer. But they still know how to have fun, holding regular WHIP ("Why the Hell aren't we In a Pub?) events, which last year ranged from taking the whole company to the Red Sox home opener to holding a Cinco de Mayo party where the CEO discussed the company's achievements.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Millennium rewards top performing employees with phantom and restricted stock through a long-term incentive plan.
Other perks include a tuition benefit up to $10,000 a year; pet insurance subsidies; an on-site camp for employees' kids; food deliveries from a local farm; and an unlimited sick-pay policy that says, "If you are sick, stay home until you feel better." Everyone gets three weeks' vacation -- plus a week off between Christmas and New Year's.
7. Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs
Average total pay: $160,000
For: Other Exempt (Analysts, Program Analysts, Associates and Professional Non-Exempt)*
Best companies rank: 23
Everyone knows Goldman Sachs pays big salaries and jaw-dropping bonuses, but the firm's other benefits are nothing to sneeze at either. Case in point: Goldman has funded employees' retirement plans every year for more than 65 consecutive years. The current contribution is a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match, up to 4% of salary, that maxes out at $9,800. Everyone is guaranteed at least $6,000 a year, regardless of what they put in.
Nearly 40% are lucky enough to have access to "wealth creation opportunities" that enable them to reap bounty from the firm's investments. And more than 38,550 current and former Goldman employees have received stock since the firm's IPO in 1999.
Lest anyone say they're just out for themselves, Goldman donates about half a billion to charities and community programs every year, in part through a one-to-one match of employees' donations up to $20,000 per year.
8. EOG Resources
EOG Resources
Average total pay: $158,008
For: Engineer*
Best companies rank: 66
When this Houston-based oil and gas company celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2009, all the men who work there received a pewter belt buckle with a drilling rig design, while women received a sterling silver pendant with 10 tiffany-cut cubic zirconia stones.
Even better than bling, EOG has not had a layoff in its 10-year history. Every new hire gets stock options and benefits on their first day -- including a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 6% of salary, a money-purchase pension plan, and at least three weeks' vacation.
All employees, from "roughnecks" in the field to the chairman at headquarters, participate in the same benefit plan: EOG pays 100% of employees' health-care costs and covers 80% for their dependents (including domestic partners), with a plan that covers vision care, acupuncture, and other benefits.
9. Brocade Communications Systems
Brocade Communications Systems
Average total pay: $156,508
For: Software Engineer*
Best companies rank: 89
Employee ownership is a cornerstone at Brocade: All new employees get restricted stock on their hire date; later, they can receive shares based on performance. Managers and peers award spot bonus "Kudos" to high-performing employees, up to $2,000.
Tied into the business goals of this data management services and Ethernet switch provider is a drive to help society. Through one of its philanthropic initiatives, Brocade partners with local elementary and high schools to help boost students' interest in math and science.
Meanwhile, Brocade employees can take career-related classes and get tuition reimbursed up to $5,250 a year. Those in its finance and operations departments can broaden their skills via a job rotation program.
10. Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group
Average total pay: $154,051
For: Consultant*
Best companies rank: 2
Elite management consulting firm offers signing bonuses to new hires, as well as profit-sharing bonuses of between 5% and 10% of salary, and perks like automatic "gold" status on key partner airlines. Everyone gets three weeks' vacation to start -- which rises to four weeks after two years on the job.
To make the pot even more attractive, BCG last year launched "Project Choice," which lets people decide how their total compensation is split up. The firm lowered its automatic 15% retirement contribution, but raised base salaries and bonuses -- providing consultants with more cash on hand to pay off loans and other expenses.
BCG also looks out for employees' work-life balance. The firm issues a "Red Zone Report" showing which consultants have worked more than 60 hours for five weeks straight, so managers can lighten their load.
11. NetApp
NetApp
Average total pay: $149,985
For: Member of Technical Staff SW 4*
Best companies rank: 5
This Sunnyvale-based data storage provider lowered incentive payout targets during the downturn to make sure everyone got their bonuses. Then when revenues increased again, the payout jumped up to 171% -- and employees carved up a whopping $146.7 million in bonuses, or about 8% of the company's operating budget. NetApp even paid out bonuses to the families of employees who had passed away, and to people who had left the company.
All new hires receive equity, and stock is given out on a performance basis each year. Last year, NetApp's VP of investor relations worked into the night urging shareholders to vote to allow employees to turn their underwater stock options into shares. Nearly 4,000 employees participated, and exchanged more than 24 million options into fully vested stock shares.
12. Scripps Health
Scripps Health
Average total pay: $141,545
For: Manager-Director*
Best companies rank: 37
Manager-Directors may pull in six-figures, but Registered Nurses at this San Diego-area hospital and clinic system make out pretty well too: around $90,000 on average, plus more than $22,000 in additional compensation.
Scripps also offers a futuristic perk: Employees can receive a DNA screening to determine their genetic risk for more than 20 health conditions. Participants agree to have their lifestyle changes tracked via self-reported health assessments at three- and 12-month intervals, with follow-ups conducted for up to 20 years. Employees, their families, and friends pay just $150 for the $2,500 scan.
Other pay supplements include identity protection insurance, college savings plans, take-home dinners, auto insurance, pre-school discounts, and more. Anyone who participates in the hospital's wellness program gets discounted health insurance -- and anyone who avoids taking a sick day for one year receives a week's pay.
13. Qualcomm
Qualcomm
Average total pay: $134,211
For: Engineer, Staff*
Best companies rank: 33
As if having a headquarters in sunny San Diego wasn't good enough, shares of this wireless technology maker climbed 60% over the second half of 2010 -- which is great for employees, since everyone gets equity shares upon hire. More than 90% of workers received a bonus and stock options last year.
Employees can also earn between $150 and $400 in subsidies to buy products equipped with the company's technologies, including Kindles and notebook computers. Qualcomm stays at the cutting edge of worker development with a web-based forum for employees to share and develop ideas, and the QIN Venture Fest, an annual competition in which teams develop new products, services, and businesses. Voluntary turnover is below 3%.
14. Cisco
Cisco
Average total pay: $131,716
For: Software Engineer IV*
Best companies rank: 20
After the recession made it unlikely that Cisco would hit its bonus targets, company leaders simply lowered the mark -- and everyone got paid. And when on-site childcare at the company's San Jose campus filled up, Cisco built another one. The two centers now serve about 800 children combined, there is a full-time art and music teacher on staff, and the walls are installed with video cameras so employees can watch their kids from their desks.
About 95% of employees use flex-time while 85% take advantage of telecommuting options at Cisco, and the number of remote workers has grown by 27% in the last year as they use the company's video conferencing and virtual meeting technologies to stay in touch. In 2009, Cisco launched an early retirement program that provides a lump-sum payment equal to 12 months of base salary and 24 months' worth of health benefits.
15. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Average total pay: $131,234
For: Hotel General Manager*
Best companies rank: 83
The stylish San Francisco-based hotel chain fosters an irreverent and fun-loving culture while paying managers top-dollar salaries. New employees are asked to hula-hoop at meetings, and front-desk hotel employees challenge customers to games of "Rock, Paper, Scissors" to earn free room upgrades. If a hotel or restaurant earns customer raves, the entire staff can earn gift certificates, cash, or other prizes. Managers hand out special tokens to reward employees for delivering "Kimpton Moments," for outstanding customer service. The employee with the best "moment" of the year receives a $10,000 prize.
Kimpton's health insurance plan, available to those who work 30 hours or more a week, provides dental and vision, mental health, acupuncture, and fertility treatments. Families and opposite-sex domestic partners are also covered. Employees get free meals during their shifts, along with free nights per year at the hotel where they work (and discounts at other Kimpton hotels).
16. CH2M Hill
CH2M Hill
Average total pay: $129,986
For: Engineer*
Best companies rank: 90
About 15,000 employees own shares in this engineering company, which develops large-scale projects like water systems, energy plants, and highways. Workers can buy stock directly or through payroll deduction, 401k, or incentive rewards.
All full- and part-time workers begin receiving benefits on their first day of work, with coverage for medical, dental, life, and disability -- not to mention legal, auto, vision, long-term care, and even pet insurance. The company kicks in a 401(k) match of 81 cents on the dollar up to 4% of salary, with 2% given regardless of employee contribution.
CH2M Hill also provides grants to employees to participate in "Engineers Without Borders," whose projects range from developing fish farms at an orphanage in Thailand to upgrading water systems for a hospital in Kenya.
17. MITRE
MITRE
Average total pay: $127,734
For: Information Systems Engineer, Lead*
Best companies rank: 96
A nonprofit research and development firm serving the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration, and other government divisions, MITRE helps its employees stash away enough savings to replace 80% to 100% of their salaries during retirement. The company matches up to 12% of employees' retirement savings with immediate vesting. The participation rate is 99%. MITRE's retirement holdings are around $3 billion.
Due to the recent downturn, the company opted not to grant pay raises in 2010, and instead gave lump-sum merit payments to everyone in the company. Some managers skipped their own payments to increase the pot for others in their divisions.
MITRE also compensates its workers through generous training programs: The company spends more than $7 million per year on internal and external training and offers each employee up to $24,000 in tuition reimbursement per year, with bonuses given for earning master's or doctoral degrees.
18. Johnson Financial Group
Johnson Financial Group
Average total pay: $123,926
For: SVP Commercial RM*
Best companies rank: 46
Family-owned and Wisconsin-based Johnson Financial Group is the kind of company that has its own employee choir and band. Employees take pride in offering "small-town service" to clients; workers volunteered an average of 63 hours last year, and the company contributed $1.1 million to charitable causes.
Unable to offer a profit-sharing bonus last year for the first time in decades, Johnson raised salary ranges at an above-the-market pace while bumping up merit bonuses. Senior tellers can make additional compensation that can equal almost a third of their salaries. The company also gives out abundant awards to recognize employees' contributions, including some cash prizes up to $15,000.
Johnson looks out for workers' futures with a money-purchase pension plan, as well as a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match of up to 2% of salary, with 50% matching on the next 5% of salary.
19. Adobe Systems
Adobe Systems
Average total pay: $123,599
For: Computer Scientist, Software Development 4*
Best companies rank: 65
You don't have to be a manager to earn big benefits at Adobe Systems, maker of software like Flash and Photoshop. The company provides "Dual Career Ladders," enabling top subject-matter experts to earn generous incentives and rewards without having to approve a single vacation request.
Everyone at the company is eligible for a 4- to 6-week sabbatical after every five years of service. Adobe also gives each new hire stock options and matches 401(k) contributions at 50%, up to 6% of salary. At the end of the year, the company even "matches-up" the contributions of those who don't reach their maximums. Employees over the age of 50 can earn an additional $5,000 through the plan's catch-up provision.
Adobe provides a $20 subsidy per month for commuting to work via bicycle, and employees in Seattle are given $30 vouchers for kayaking to work. The company provides all U.S. employees with a $100-per-month subsidy for public transit.
20. Microsoft
Microsoft
Average total pay: $120,657
For: Engineering - Software Development Engineer in Test*
Best companies rank: 72
The house that Bill Gates built keeps top talent in the door with pay packages that include above-market base pay and a 401(k) match that pays 50 cents on the dollar, up to 6% of salary.
Microsoft's healthcare policy is as comprehensive as it gets: The company pays 100% of premiums for employees and dependents, with no deductible or payroll contributions, and it covers everything from weight management to autism therapy.
The main campus in Redmond, Wash., continues to expand, with new sports fields, restaurants, shops, and convenience services. Workers get there from across the region via the company's fleet of Wi-Fi-equipped buses.
21. Baker Donelson
Baker Donelson
Average total pay: $118,996
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 50
This Atlanta-based law firm -- which counts former U.S. Senator Howard Baker among its partners -- is one of the largest in the Southeast, attracting lawyers with above-market salaries and an amiable culture.
Baker Donelson offers a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match of up to 3% of salary, regardless of employee contribution, and everyone is eligible for a year-end bonus. Secretaries get additional bonuses when they work for more than two attorneys -- a unique perk in the industry, according to the firm.
Through its "Thank it Forward" program, the firm sends packets of thank-you cards to randomly selected employees, who send cards and packets on to coworkers they want to appreciate. The firm "mandates" at least one fun event per quarter, including chili cook-offs, pumpkin-carving contests, and ice cream socials. CEO Ben Adams Jr. personally calls people on their milestone anniversaries to thank them for their contributions.
22. The Everett Clinic
The Everett Clinic
Average total pay: $118,500
For: Nurse Practitioners*
Best companies rank: 91
A physician-owned health care system in the Seattle area, the Everett Clinic surveys employees frequently to make sure their benefits are up to snuff. While other providers in the region were imposing pay freezes during the downturn, Everett bumped up its payroll by $1.82 million and doled out a 5% profit-sharing bonus on average to employees at all levels.
The company also kept up a 100% tuition reimbursement program and maintained 100% of employees' health-care coverage. It even contributes to the health premiums of retired employees.
Everett is piloting a "pay for performance" program -- an unusual approach in health care. The Clinic's turnover rate is just 3% for full-time positions.
23. Atlantic Health
Atlantic Health
Average total pay: $114,868
For: Manager*
Best companies rank: 54
A coupon for a free colonoscopy is just one way this New Jersey-based nonprofit health system compensates staff. More enticing perhaps, Atlantic also offers a pension plan that contributes up to 13% of employees' salaries per year, plus interest; 95% coverage of health care premiums; free life insurance; and salaries that are among the best in the market. The company also offers financial planning seminars to help workers manage their money.
Women outnumber men by more than 3-to-1 at Atlantic, and when employees asked for a better maternity benefit, they got it. A staffer can pay a whopping $15 for all her prenatal visits, delivery, and hospital stay. Other maternity perks include unlimited in-vitro fertilization procedures and on-site childcare across locations.
24. Chesapeake Energy
Chesapeake Energy
Average total pay: $114,084
For: Toolpusher*
Best companies rank: 32
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Chesapeake Energy has by far one of the most generous 401(k) programs among the "100 Best" -- 100% up to 15% of an employee's contribution, with $48 million contributed in 2009 alone. Employees aren't thrown to the wind regarding how to invest, either, with quarterly financial training available to all.
All new hires receive restricted stock, which is in keeping with the company's commitment to treat all employees as equals -- all workers receive the same benefits regardless of their role with the company, and no lavish perks are reserved for executives. Bonuses abound: In 2009, $4.2 million went to 2,858 employees to reward safety efforts.
25. Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk
Average total pay: $112,939
For: Diabetes Care Specialist III
Best companies rank: 47
The world's largest maker of insulin, Denmark-based Novo Nordisk provides its U.S. employees with world-class pay and benefits for helping save the lives of diabetes patients in 179 countries.
At the manufacturing facility in Clayton, N.C.,hourly workers are eligible for a 10% bonus each quarter. To inspire them, posters hang throughout the facility that show the running tally of how much they'd get "if the bonus were paid today."
The company also matches 50 cents on the dollar of employees' 401(k) contributions, with an average automatic contribution of 8% of an employee's income.
Top salespeople receive a five-day trip for two to destinations like Monte Carlo, Maui, or the Bahamas; those who earn big for five years straight get a $5,000 bonus, company car upgrade, and other perks. To mark a recent revenue milestone, the company's entire sales force was treated to a "training at sea" cruise in the Virgin Islands.
by:money.cnn.com
Average total pay: $318,323
For: Senior Account Executive*
Best companies rank: 52
Salesforce.com goes to extremes to reward the top performers who have helped drive its growth. No wonder this online software provider tops this year's list of best payers.
The sales force gets hefty bonuses. The biggest earners get to enjoy goodies like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" -- a $5,000 shopping spree offered during last year's sales incentive trip to Hawaii. Since Tiffany doesn't have a store in Kauai, Salesforce.com hired local carpenters to recreate one, shipped in $1 million in merchandise from surrounding islands, and hired a violin player, chef, and even Miss Hawaii to add ambience.
Not that they don't spread the wealth around: Full-time employees receive a "Mahalo Bonus" (Hawaiian for "thank you"), twice a year -- up to 140% of the target payout. And those lucky employees who've received stock have seen their shares more than double in value over the past year.
2. Bingham McCutchen
Average total pay: $219,888
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 28
This Boston-based law firm not only pays attorneys more than $200K in salaries on average, they also kick in 7.5% of salary to a pension plan for staff members, plus another 2.5% through a 401(k) match. Bingham also pays the lion's share for a health plan that covers everything from acupuncture to sex-change surgery.
Employees can rub shoulders with bigwig advocates like Thurgood Marshall Jr. and the former governors of California (Pete Wilson) and New Hampshire (Steve Merrill). Bingham lawyers last year worked on pro bono cases ranging from supporting gay marriage equality in California to supporting Haitians displaced after the earthquake.
Yet the firm also fosters a playful culture with regular ping-pong matches, poker tournaments, and "Wii and Bucket of Beer" competitions. It even pays to play well in the sandbox: Staff can earn merit bonuses for demonstrating "office citizenship" or "positive thinking and teamwork."
3. Alston & Bird
Average total pay: $182,681
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 13
Once the workplace of golfer Bobby Jones, this Atlanta-based law firm provides employees with merit bonuses up to 10% as a matter of course, and that payout has gone as high as 25% when budget goals are exceeded. Staff can top off their pay with a 7% profit-sharing bonus, and 25 cents-on-the-dollar match on their 401(k) contributions, up to 4% of salary.
A&B has outstanding family benefits, allowing primary caregivers to take up to 90 days' maternity leave and covering up to $7,000 in costs related to adoption. The firm also provides subsidized on-site childcare, granting scholarships to the children of lower-paid staff members. Women lawyers and staff help each other throughout the leave process, even swapping clothes through the firm's "Maternity Closet." Every baby born gets a romper that reads, "My Mommy [or Daddy] works at Alston & Bird."
4. Perkins Coie
Perkins Coie
Average total pay: $182,544
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 55
Associates at this Seattle-based firm earn above-market salaries while representing clients like Boeing, Amazon.com, Craigslist, and Starbucks (yes, they get free coffee). They can also reap dividends from the firm's equity stakes in various early-stage companies.
Last year, P&C fended off spammers for Facebook; helped Al Franken win his election; and defended Osama Bin Laden's driver on a pro-bono basis. One of the firm's partners is President Obama's personal attorney; her predecessor, also from Perkins Coie, holds a post as White House Counsel.
P&C was admirably egalitarian during the recession, as partners took a 10% pay cut but merely froze pay for staff and associates. When business ticked back up, non-attorney staff were the first to receive year-end bonuses. Other progressive perks include a 50% subsidy for employees to commute by public transportation, and $20-per-month reimbursement if they ride a bike in to work.
5. Devon Energy
Devon Energy
Average total pay: $172,575
For: Engineer*
Best companies rank: 41
Now that's a lot of turkey: In a tradition dating back more than 30 years, all 3,500 employees at this Oklahoma City-based natural gas and oil company receive a $600 holiday bonus around Thanksgiving.
Devon also pays generous bonuses through a "cash performance" program that paid a median bonus of $7,200 in 2009. And their industry-leading retirement package contributes as much as 16% of salary to employees' 401(k) plans, in addition to a 6% match.
Devon laid off some 450 employees last July, as it divested its offshore operations. The company spent about $675,000 on outplacement services for affected workers. Remaining employees got a 3% raise -- except Executive Committee members, who declined to take a pay increase.
6. Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company
Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company
Average total pay: $166,354
For: Sr Oncology Sales Specialist*
Best companies rank: 56
Employees at this Cambridge, Mass., biopharma company have a serious mission: producing therapies to tackle cancer. But they still know how to have fun, holding regular WHIP ("Why the Hell aren't we In a Pub?) events, which last year ranged from taking the whole company to the Red Sox home opener to holding a Cinco de Mayo party where the CEO discussed the company's achievements.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Millennium rewards top performing employees with phantom and restricted stock through a long-term incentive plan.
Other perks include a tuition benefit up to $10,000 a year; pet insurance subsidies; an on-site camp for employees' kids; food deliveries from a local farm; and an unlimited sick-pay policy that says, "If you are sick, stay home until you feel better." Everyone gets three weeks' vacation -- plus a week off between Christmas and New Year's.
7. Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs
Average total pay: $160,000
For: Other Exempt (Analysts, Program Analysts, Associates and Professional Non-Exempt)*
Best companies rank: 23
Everyone knows Goldman Sachs pays big salaries and jaw-dropping bonuses, but the firm's other benefits are nothing to sneeze at either. Case in point: Goldman has funded employees' retirement plans every year for more than 65 consecutive years. The current contribution is a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match, up to 4% of salary, that maxes out at $9,800. Everyone is guaranteed at least $6,000 a year, regardless of what they put in.
Nearly 40% are lucky enough to have access to "wealth creation opportunities" that enable them to reap bounty from the firm's investments. And more than 38,550 current and former Goldman employees have received stock since the firm's IPO in 1999.
Lest anyone say they're just out for themselves, Goldman donates about half a billion to charities and community programs every year, in part through a one-to-one match of employees' donations up to $20,000 per year.
8. EOG Resources
EOG Resources
Average total pay: $158,008
For: Engineer*
Best companies rank: 66
When this Houston-based oil and gas company celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2009, all the men who work there received a pewter belt buckle with a drilling rig design, while women received a sterling silver pendant with 10 tiffany-cut cubic zirconia stones.
Even better than bling, EOG has not had a layoff in its 10-year history. Every new hire gets stock options and benefits on their first day -- including a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 6% of salary, a money-purchase pension plan, and at least three weeks' vacation.
All employees, from "roughnecks" in the field to the chairman at headquarters, participate in the same benefit plan: EOG pays 100% of employees' health-care costs and covers 80% for their dependents (including domestic partners), with a plan that covers vision care, acupuncture, and other benefits.
9. Brocade Communications Systems
Brocade Communications Systems
Average total pay: $156,508
For: Software Engineer*
Best companies rank: 89
Employee ownership is a cornerstone at Brocade: All new employees get restricted stock on their hire date; later, they can receive shares based on performance. Managers and peers award spot bonus "Kudos" to high-performing employees, up to $2,000.
Tied into the business goals of this data management services and Ethernet switch provider is a drive to help society. Through one of its philanthropic initiatives, Brocade partners with local elementary and high schools to help boost students' interest in math and science.
Meanwhile, Brocade employees can take career-related classes and get tuition reimbursed up to $5,250 a year. Those in its finance and operations departments can broaden their skills via a job rotation program.
10. Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group
Average total pay: $154,051
For: Consultant*
Best companies rank: 2
Elite management consulting firm offers signing bonuses to new hires, as well as profit-sharing bonuses of between 5% and 10% of salary, and perks like automatic "gold" status on key partner airlines. Everyone gets three weeks' vacation to start -- which rises to four weeks after two years on the job.
To make the pot even more attractive, BCG last year launched "Project Choice," which lets people decide how their total compensation is split up. The firm lowered its automatic 15% retirement contribution, but raised base salaries and bonuses -- providing consultants with more cash on hand to pay off loans and other expenses.
BCG also looks out for employees' work-life balance. The firm issues a "Red Zone Report" showing which consultants have worked more than 60 hours for five weeks straight, so managers can lighten their load.
11. NetApp
NetApp
Average total pay: $149,985
For: Member of Technical Staff SW 4*
Best companies rank: 5
This Sunnyvale-based data storage provider lowered incentive payout targets during the downturn to make sure everyone got their bonuses. Then when revenues increased again, the payout jumped up to 171% -- and employees carved up a whopping $146.7 million in bonuses, or about 8% of the company's operating budget. NetApp even paid out bonuses to the families of employees who had passed away, and to people who had left the company.
All new hires receive equity, and stock is given out on a performance basis each year. Last year, NetApp's VP of investor relations worked into the night urging shareholders to vote to allow employees to turn their underwater stock options into shares. Nearly 4,000 employees participated, and exchanged more than 24 million options into fully vested stock shares.
12. Scripps Health
Scripps Health
Average total pay: $141,545
For: Manager-Director*
Best companies rank: 37
Manager-Directors may pull in six-figures, but Registered Nurses at this San Diego-area hospital and clinic system make out pretty well too: around $90,000 on average, plus more than $22,000 in additional compensation.
Scripps also offers a futuristic perk: Employees can receive a DNA screening to determine their genetic risk for more than 20 health conditions. Participants agree to have their lifestyle changes tracked via self-reported health assessments at three- and 12-month intervals, with follow-ups conducted for up to 20 years. Employees, their families, and friends pay just $150 for the $2,500 scan.
Other pay supplements include identity protection insurance, college savings plans, take-home dinners, auto insurance, pre-school discounts, and more. Anyone who participates in the hospital's wellness program gets discounted health insurance -- and anyone who avoids taking a sick day for one year receives a week's pay.
13. Qualcomm
Qualcomm
Average total pay: $134,211
For: Engineer, Staff*
Best companies rank: 33
As if having a headquarters in sunny San Diego wasn't good enough, shares of this wireless technology maker climbed 60% over the second half of 2010 -- which is great for employees, since everyone gets equity shares upon hire. More than 90% of workers received a bonus and stock options last year.
Employees can also earn between $150 and $400 in subsidies to buy products equipped with the company's technologies, including Kindles and notebook computers. Qualcomm stays at the cutting edge of worker development with a web-based forum for employees to share and develop ideas, and the QIN Venture Fest, an annual competition in which teams develop new products, services, and businesses. Voluntary turnover is below 3%.
14. Cisco
Cisco
Average total pay: $131,716
For: Software Engineer IV*
Best companies rank: 20
After the recession made it unlikely that Cisco would hit its bonus targets, company leaders simply lowered the mark -- and everyone got paid. And when on-site childcare at the company's San Jose campus filled up, Cisco built another one. The two centers now serve about 800 children combined, there is a full-time art and music teacher on staff, and the walls are installed with video cameras so employees can watch their kids from their desks.
About 95% of employees use flex-time while 85% take advantage of telecommuting options at Cisco, and the number of remote workers has grown by 27% in the last year as they use the company's video conferencing and virtual meeting technologies to stay in touch. In 2009, Cisco launched an early retirement program that provides a lump-sum payment equal to 12 months of base salary and 24 months' worth of health benefits.
15. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Average total pay: $131,234
For: Hotel General Manager*
Best companies rank: 83
The stylish San Francisco-based hotel chain fosters an irreverent and fun-loving culture while paying managers top-dollar salaries. New employees are asked to hula-hoop at meetings, and front-desk hotel employees challenge customers to games of "Rock, Paper, Scissors" to earn free room upgrades. If a hotel or restaurant earns customer raves, the entire staff can earn gift certificates, cash, or other prizes. Managers hand out special tokens to reward employees for delivering "Kimpton Moments," for outstanding customer service. The employee with the best "moment" of the year receives a $10,000 prize.
Kimpton's health insurance plan, available to those who work 30 hours or more a week, provides dental and vision, mental health, acupuncture, and fertility treatments. Families and opposite-sex domestic partners are also covered. Employees get free meals during their shifts, along with free nights per year at the hotel where they work (and discounts at other Kimpton hotels).
16. CH2M Hill
CH2M Hill
Average total pay: $129,986
For: Engineer*
Best companies rank: 90
About 15,000 employees own shares in this engineering company, which develops large-scale projects like water systems, energy plants, and highways. Workers can buy stock directly or through payroll deduction, 401k, or incentive rewards.
All full- and part-time workers begin receiving benefits on their first day of work, with coverage for medical, dental, life, and disability -- not to mention legal, auto, vision, long-term care, and even pet insurance. The company kicks in a 401(k) match of 81 cents on the dollar up to 4% of salary, with 2% given regardless of employee contribution.
CH2M Hill also provides grants to employees to participate in "Engineers Without Borders," whose projects range from developing fish farms at an orphanage in Thailand to upgrading water systems for a hospital in Kenya.
17. MITRE
MITRE
Average total pay: $127,734
For: Information Systems Engineer, Lead*
Best companies rank: 96
A nonprofit research and development firm serving the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration, and other government divisions, MITRE helps its employees stash away enough savings to replace 80% to 100% of their salaries during retirement. The company matches up to 12% of employees' retirement savings with immediate vesting. The participation rate is 99%. MITRE's retirement holdings are around $3 billion.
Due to the recent downturn, the company opted not to grant pay raises in 2010, and instead gave lump-sum merit payments to everyone in the company. Some managers skipped their own payments to increase the pot for others in their divisions.
MITRE also compensates its workers through generous training programs: The company spends more than $7 million per year on internal and external training and offers each employee up to $24,000 in tuition reimbursement per year, with bonuses given for earning master's or doctoral degrees.
18. Johnson Financial Group
Johnson Financial Group
Average total pay: $123,926
For: SVP Commercial RM*
Best companies rank: 46
Family-owned and Wisconsin-based Johnson Financial Group is the kind of company that has its own employee choir and band. Employees take pride in offering "small-town service" to clients; workers volunteered an average of 63 hours last year, and the company contributed $1.1 million to charitable causes.
Unable to offer a profit-sharing bonus last year for the first time in decades, Johnson raised salary ranges at an above-the-market pace while bumping up merit bonuses. Senior tellers can make additional compensation that can equal almost a third of their salaries. The company also gives out abundant awards to recognize employees' contributions, including some cash prizes up to $15,000.
Johnson looks out for workers' futures with a money-purchase pension plan, as well as a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match of up to 2% of salary, with 50% matching on the next 5% of salary.
19. Adobe Systems
Adobe Systems
Average total pay: $123,599
For: Computer Scientist, Software Development 4*
Best companies rank: 65
You don't have to be a manager to earn big benefits at Adobe Systems, maker of software like Flash and Photoshop. The company provides "Dual Career Ladders," enabling top subject-matter experts to earn generous incentives and rewards without having to approve a single vacation request.
Everyone at the company is eligible for a 4- to 6-week sabbatical after every five years of service. Adobe also gives each new hire stock options and matches 401(k) contributions at 50%, up to 6% of salary. At the end of the year, the company even "matches-up" the contributions of those who don't reach their maximums. Employees over the age of 50 can earn an additional $5,000 through the plan's catch-up provision.
Adobe provides a $20 subsidy per month for commuting to work via bicycle, and employees in Seattle are given $30 vouchers for kayaking to work. The company provides all U.S. employees with a $100-per-month subsidy for public transit.
20. Microsoft
Microsoft
Average total pay: $120,657
For: Engineering - Software Development Engineer in Test*
Best companies rank: 72
The house that Bill Gates built keeps top talent in the door with pay packages that include above-market base pay and a 401(k) match that pays 50 cents on the dollar, up to 6% of salary.
Microsoft's healthcare policy is as comprehensive as it gets: The company pays 100% of premiums for employees and dependents, with no deductible or payroll contributions, and it covers everything from weight management to autism therapy.
The main campus in Redmond, Wash., continues to expand, with new sports fields, restaurants, shops, and convenience services. Workers get there from across the region via the company's fleet of Wi-Fi-equipped buses.
21. Baker Donelson
Baker Donelson
Average total pay: $118,996
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 50
This Atlanta-based law firm -- which counts former U.S. Senator Howard Baker among its partners -- is one of the largest in the Southeast, attracting lawyers with above-market salaries and an amiable culture.
Baker Donelson offers a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match of up to 3% of salary, regardless of employee contribution, and everyone is eligible for a year-end bonus. Secretaries get additional bonuses when they work for more than two attorneys -- a unique perk in the industry, according to the firm.
Through its "Thank it Forward" program, the firm sends packets of thank-you cards to randomly selected employees, who send cards and packets on to coworkers they want to appreciate. The firm "mandates" at least one fun event per quarter, including chili cook-offs, pumpkin-carving contests, and ice cream socials. CEO Ben Adams Jr. personally calls people on their milestone anniversaries to thank them for their contributions.
22. The Everett Clinic
The Everett Clinic
Average total pay: $118,500
For: Nurse Practitioners*
Best companies rank: 91
A physician-owned health care system in the Seattle area, the Everett Clinic surveys employees frequently to make sure their benefits are up to snuff. While other providers in the region were imposing pay freezes during the downturn, Everett bumped up its payroll by $1.82 million and doled out a 5% profit-sharing bonus on average to employees at all levels.
The company also kept up a 100% tuition reimbursement program and maintained 100% of employees' health-care coverage. It even contributes to the health premiums of retired employees.
Everett is piloting a "pay for performance" program -- an unusual approach in health care. The Clinic's turnover rate is just 3% for full-time positions.
23. Atlantic Health
Atlantic Health
Average total pay: $114,868
For: Manager*
Best companies rank: 54
A coupon for a free colonoscopy is just one way this New Jersey-based nonprofit health system compensates staff. More enticing perhaps, Atlantic also offers a pension plan that contributes up to 13% of employees' salaries per year, plus interest; 95% coverage of health care premiums; free life insurance; and salaries that are among the best in the market. The company also offers financial planning seminars to help workers manage their money.
Women outnumber men by more than 3-to-1 at Atlantic, and when employees asked for a better maternity benefit, they got it. A staffer can pay a whopping $15 for all her prenatal visits, delivery, and hospital stay. Other maternity perks include unlimited in-vitro fertilization procedures and on-site childcare across locations.
24. Chesapeake Energy
Chesapeake Energy
Average total pay: $114,084
For: Toolpusher*
Best companies rank: 32
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Chesapeake Energy has by far one of the most generous 401(k) programs among the "100 Best" -- 100% up to 15% of an employee's contribution, with $48 million contributed in 2009 alone. Employees aren't thrown to the wind regarding how to invest, either, with quarterly financial training available to all.
All new hires receive restricted stock, which is in keeping with the company's commitment to treat all employees as equals -- all workers receive the same benefits regardless of their role with the company, and no lavish perks are reserved for executives. Bonuses abound: In 2009, $4.2 million went to 2,858 employees to reward safety efforts.
25. Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk
Average total pay: $112,939
For: Diabetes Care Specialist III
Best companies rank: 47
The world's largest maker of insulin, Denmark-based Novo Nordisk provides its U.S. employees with world-class pay and benefits for helping save the lives of diabetes patients in 179 countries.
At the manufacturing facility in Clayton, N.C.,hourly workers are eligible for a 10% bonus each quarter. To inspire them, posters hang throughout the facility that show the running tally of how much they'd get "if the bonus were paid today."
The company also matches 50 cents on the dollar of employees' 401(k) contributions, with an average automatic contribution of 8% of an employee's income.
Top salespeople receive a five-day trip for two to destinations like Monte Carlo, Maui, or the Bahamas; those who earn big for five years straight get a $5,000 bonus, company car upgrade, and other perks. To mark a recent revenue milestone, the company's entire sales force was treated to a "training at sea" cruise in the Virgin Islands.
by:money.cnn.com
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Top 5 Industries Hiring Now
Are you wondering which industries are hiring the most graduates?
New data indicates that accounting and engineering firms, among others, are leading the pack.
"Rounding out the current top five 'top employers' for 2010-11 bachelor's degree graduates were those in consulting services, retail/wholesale trade, and financial services," writes the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) in its "Summer 2011 Salary Survey".
Here's how NACE's top five industries rank in terms of job offers to graduates from the class of 2011:
Accounting Services
Engineering Services
Consulting Services
Retail/Wholesale Trade
Financial Services
Keep reading to learn more about careers in these hot industries and how you can prepare for them.
#1 Industry - Accounting Services
"Few professions appear to weather economic storms as well as the accounting industry," writes the Business First journal in a June 2011 article. Therefore it should come as little surprise that accounting services is NACE's number one industry when it comes to job offers for the class of 2011.
That good news is echoed by a June 2011 report by job site Indeed.com, which says that accounting job postings have increased 31 percent over the past 12 months.
Check out these career options in the accounting industry:
Accountant
Think you know what an accountant does? Think again. "Forget the green eyeshades stereotype," writes the Associated Press in June 2011. "Accountants now do everything from audits and budgets to financial planning and analysis to advising companies as they create new products and services."
Accountant jobs are projected to rise 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Department of Labor.
Accountants typically have a bachelor's in accounting, according to the Department. More options include an MBA specializing in accounting or an accounting certificate.
Average earnings: $68,960*
Click to Find the Right Accounting Degree Program
Budget Analyst
Companies and organizations of all kinds, no matter what they do or sell, require budget analysts to help them balance their books and turn a profit.
Budget analyst career opportunities are projected to rise 15 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Department of Labor. That equals more than 10,000 new jobs for budget analysts.
A bachelor's degree is required and sometimes an MBA is preferred, according to the Department, which adds that many budget analysts take continuing education classes throughout their careers.
Average earnings: $70,660*
Click to Find the Right Accounting Degree Program
#2 Industry - Engineering Services
Not only did engineering come in second overall in terms of job offers to the class of 2011, but NACE's salary survey indicates that engineering degrees account for seven of the top 10 best paying majors.
In a June 2011 speech, President Obama said the nation needs to produce 10,000 more engineers each year to work at U.S. companies.
"These are the jobs that China and India are cranking out," the President said. "Those students are hungry because they understand if they get those skills they can find a good job, they can create companies, they can create businesses, create wealth."
Check out these career options in engineering:
Biomedical Engineer
An aging population and the health issues that go with that are creating a need for medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
While overall engineering employment is expected to grow 11 percent between 2008 and 2018, new biomedical engineering jobs are projected to jump 72 percent, according to the Department of Labor. That makes biomedical engineering the fastest growing career in the U.S.
In addition to a bachelor's, many biomedical engineers need a graduate degree, according to the Department. This may include a master's of science or master's of engineering.
Average earnings: $84,780*
Click to Find the Right Engineering Degree Program
Civil Engineer
Population growth is causing a need to improve the country's infrastructure, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which is creating a demand for civil engineers.
Civil engineers are expected to see employment growth of 24 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Department of Labor.
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, according to the Department.
Average earnings: $82,280*
Click to Find the Right Engineering Degree Program
#3 Industry - Consulting Services
Employment in the consulting services industry is expected to grow 83 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That represents a gain of more than 800,000 jobs, which makes for the biggest projected jump among all industries tracked by the Department of Labor.
Check out these career opportunities in consulting:
Management Consultant
Management consultant jobs are projected to grow 24 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Looking for some career flexibility? Approximately 26 percent of management consultants are self-employed, which is three times the average of other occupations, according to the Department of Labor.
For some entry-level consulting positions, a bachelor's degree is enough to get started, according to the Department of Labor, which adds that an MBA is often required as well.
Average earnings: $87,260*
Click to Find the Right MBA Degree Program
Environmental Consultant
Businesses who want to "go green" and shrink their carbon footprints are creating a new need for environmental green consultants, according to Los Angeles-based industry research firm IBISWorld.
The environmental consulting industry is projected to grow 9.4 percent per year to $30 billion by 2016, according to IBISWorld.
Consultants in this field generally have a bachelor's, and sometimes a master's degree, in environmental engineering or a related science field.
Average earnings: $79,000**
Click to Find the Right Engineering Degree Program
#4 Industry - Retail/Wholesale Trade
The wholesale (sales between businesses) and retail trade (sales between businesses and consumers) industry finished fourth overall in NACE's rankings for job offers for members of the class of 2011.
In encouraging news for the wholesale trade industry, the number of overall workers has risen every single month between May 2010 and May 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Check out these career tracks in retail/wholesale trade:
Wholesale and Retail Buyers
Wholesale and retail buyers do not just purchase products, such as clothing or electronics, for resale. They also help determine what products their establishment should buy and sell.
While travel is still a big part of the job, the internet has helped change this profession and ultimately make it a more flexible career, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, since it helps buyers search for specific products from wherever they can get an internet connection.
Many big employers hired buyers with a bachelor's degree in an area like business administration and sometimes an MBA as well, according to the Department.
Average earnings: $56,300*
Click to Find the Right MBA Degree Program
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
Supervisors of non-retail sales workers oversee a sales team who may be selling insurance, advertising, industrial products, internet services, or financial services.
In addition to helping your workers hit their goals, you may find yourself preparing budgets, making personnel decisions, devising incentive programs, and approving sales contracts.
While requirements can vary, most supervisors of non-retail sales workers have an associate's or bachelor's degree in an area like business or management, according to the Department.
Average earnings: $81,120*
Click to Find the Right Management Degree Program
#5 Industry - Financial Services
While the economic crisis isn't exactly old news yet, "the finance job market has largely stabilized, and may indeed be growing," according to a June 2011 report in PCWorldmagazine.
In fact, financial services and banking job postings have increased 24 percent since June 2010, according to a July 2011 analysis by career site Indeed.com.
Check out these growing finance careers:
Personal Financial Advisor
In a 2011 Forbes column headlined "The Most Secure Job in the World," corporate headhunter Danny Sarch writes "one type of employee has always been in demand: The Financial Advisor."
Employment opportunities for personal financial advisors are projected to grow by 30 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
A bachelor's or graduate degree is usually required for personal financial advisors, according to the Department, which adds that relevant subjects include accounting, finance, economics, business, and mathematics.
Average earnings: $91,220*
Click to Find the Right Accounting/Finance Degree Program
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts look at short-term and long-term investment strategies and share targeted advice with their clients, some of whom may be businesses or individuals and families.
Career opportunities for financial analysts are expected to grow 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
At a minimum, most employers require a bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting, statistics, or economics, according to the Department, and many prefer to hire those with an MBA that specializes in finance.
Average earnings: $86,040*
By Chris Kyle
New data indicates that accounting and engineering firms, among others, are leading the pack.
"Rounding out the current top five 'top employers' for 2010-11 bachelor's degree graduates were those in consulting services, retail/wholesale trade, and financial services," writes the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) in its "Summer 2011 Salary Survey".
Here's how NACE's top five industries rank in terms of job offers to graduates from the class of 2011:
Accounting Services
Engineering Services
Consulting Services
Retail/Wholesale Trade
Financial Services
Keep reading to learn more about careers in these hot industries and how you can prepare for them.
#1 Industry - Accounting Services
"Few professions appear to weather economic storms as well as the accounting industry," writes the Business First journal in a June 2011 article. Therefore it should come as little surprise that accounting services is NACE's number one industry when it comes to job offers for the class of 2011.
That good news is echoed by a June 2011 report by job site Indeed.com, which says that accounting job postings have increased 31 percent over the past 12 months.
Check out these career options in the accounting industry:
Accountant
Think you know what an accountant does? Think again. "Forget the green eyeshades stereotype," writes the Associated Press in June 2011. "Accountants now do everything from audits and budgets to financial planning and analysis to advising companies as they create new products and services."
Accountant jobs are projected to rise 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Department of Labor.
Accountants typically have a bachelor's in accounting, according to the Department. More options include an MBA specializing in accounting or an accounting certificate.
Average earnings: $68,960*
Click to Find the Right Accounting Degree Program
Budget Analyst
Companies and organizations of all kinds, no matter what they do or sell, require budget analysts to help them balance their books and turn a profit.
Budget analyst career opportunities are projected to rise 15 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Department of Labor. That equals more than 10,000 new jobs for budget analysts.
A bachelor's degree is required and sometimes an MBA is preferred, according to the Department, which adds that many budget analysts take continuing education classes throughout their careers.
Average earnings: $70,660*
Click to Find the Right Accounting Degree Program
#2 Industry - Engineering Services
Not only did engineering come in second overall in terms of job offers to the class of 2011, but NACE's salary survey indicates that engineering degrees account for seven of the top 10 best paying majors.
In a June 2011 speech, President Obama said the nation needs to produce 10,000 more engineers each year to work at U.S. companies.
"These are the jobs that China and India are cranking out," the President said. "Those students are hungry because they understand if they get those skills they can find a good job, they can create companies, they can create businesses, create wealth."
Check out these career options in engineering:
Biomedical Engineer
An aging population and the health issues that go with that are creating a need for medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
While overall engineering employment is expected to grow 11 percent between 2008 and 2018, new biomedical engineering jobs are projected to jump 72 percent, according to the Department of Labor. That makes biomedical engineering the fastest growing career in the U.S.
In addition to a bachelor's, many biomedical engineers need a graduate degree, according to the Department. This may include a master's of science or master's of engineering.
Average earnings: $84,780*
Click to Find the Right Engineering Degree Program
Civil Engineer
Population growth is causing a need to improve the country's infrastructure, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which is creating a demand for civil engineers.
Civil engineers are expected to see employment growth of 24 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Department of Labor.
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, according to the Department.
Average earnings: $82,280*
Click to Find the Right Engineering Degree Program
#3 Industry - Consulting Services
Employment in the consulting services industry is expected to grow 83 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That represents a gain of more than 800,000 jobs, which makes for the biggest projected jump among all industries tracked by the Department of Labor.
Check out these career opportunities in consulting:
Management Consultant
Management consultant jobs are projected to grow 24 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Looking for some career flexibility? Approximately 26 percent of management consultants are self-employed, which is three times the average of other occupations, according to the Department of Labor.
For some entry-level consulting positions, a bachelor's degree is enough to get started, according to the Department of Labor, which adds that an MBA is often required as well.
Average earnings: $87,260*
Click to Find the Right MBA Degree Program
Environmental Consultant
Businesses who want to "go green" and shrink their carbon footprints are creating a new need for environmental green consultants, according to Los Angeles-based industry research firm IBISWorld.
The environmental consulting industry is projected to grow 9.4 percent per year to $30 billion by 2016, according to IBISWorld.
Consultants in this field generally have a bachelor's, and sometimes a master's degree, in environmental engineering or a related science field.
Average earnings: $79,000**
Click to Find the Right Engineering Degree Program
#4 Industry - Retail/Wholesale Trade
The wholesale (sales between businesses) and retail trade (sales between businesses and consumers) industry finished fourth overall in NACE's rankings for job offers for members of the class of 2011.
In encouraging news for the wholesale trade industry, the number of overall workers has risen every single month between May 2010 and May 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Check out these career tracks in retail/wholesale trade:
Wholesale and Retail Buyers
Wholesale and retail buyers do not just purchase products, such as clothing or electronics, for resale. They also help determine what products their establishment should buy and sell.
While travel is still a big part of the job, the internet has helped change this profession and ultimately make it a more flexible career, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, since it helps buyers search for specific products from wherever they can get an internet connection.
Many big employers hired buyers with a bachelor's degree in an area like business administration and sometimes an MBA as well, according to the Department.
Average earnings: $56,300*
Click to Find the Right MBA Degree Program
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
Supervisors of non-retail sales workers oversee a sales team who may be selling insurance, advertising, industrial products, internet services, or financial services.
In addition to helping your workers hit their goals, you may find yourself preparing budgets, making personnel decisions, devising incentive programs, and approving sales contracts.
While requirements can vary, most supervisors of non-retail sales workers have an associate's or bachelor's degree in an area like business or management, according to the Department.
Average earnings: $81,120*
Click to Find the Right Management Degree Program
#5 Industry - Financial Services
While the economic crisis isn't exactly old news yet, "the finance job market has largely stabilized, and may indeed be growing," according to a June 2011 report in PCWorldmagazine.
In fact, financial services and banking job postings have increased 24 percent since June 2010, according to a July 2011 analysis by career site Indeed.com.
Check out these growing finance careers:
Personal Financial Advisor
In a 2011 Forbes column headlined "The Most Secure Job in the World," corporate headhunter Danny Sarch writes "one type of employee has always been in demand: The Financial Advisor."
Employment opportunities for personal financial advisors are projected to grow by 30 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
A bachelor's or graduate degree is usually required for personal financial advisors, according to the Department, which adds that relevant subjects include accounting, finance, economics, business, and mathematics.
Average earnings: $91,220*
Click to Find the Right Accounting/Finance Degree Program
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts look at short-term and long-term investment strategies and share targeted advice with their clients, some of whom may be businesses or individuals and families.
Career opportunities for financial analysts are expected to grow 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
At a minimum, most employers require a bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting, statistics, or economics, according to the Department, and many prefer to hire those with an MBA that specializes in finance.
Average earnings: $86,040*
By Chris Kyle
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Best 10 Companies Hiring This Week
August 21 - August 27
We know that your job search can get quite frustrating these days with more people trying to find a job and fewer employment opportunities available.
To ease the burden, we've tracked down 10 top companies that are hiring this week -- from sales jobs to finance jobs, full-time jobs to part-time jobs. We hope you find a job that's perfect for you.
Good luck job hunting!
1. Citi
With the world's largest financial services network, Citigroup, Inc., spans 140 countries and employs roughly 260,000 worldwide. After suffering from massive losses during the financial crisis of 2008, the company fell from the esteemed title of "largest bank in the world by assets." They are, however, still one of the "big four" banks in the United States. Citigroup repaid the emergency government aid in full by the end of 2010.
As stock prices plunged recently, banks were at the forefront of the slide. Citigroup was a part of this fall, yet CEO Vikram Pandit claims Citi is still secure and in good shape as a company.
Employee Review: "Nice coworkers, good hours, pleasant management, good location, interesting work spanning decades of involvement in the country, good springboard for future jobs."*
Top Job Categories:
Banking Jobs
Finance Jobs
Accounting Jobs
See all Citi jobs
2. Sunrise Senior Living
First opened in 1981, Sunrise now offers assisted living facilities for seniors in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. They serve nearly 40,000 residents in total and offer a range of services, from assisted living to rehabilitative services.
The company has ranked repeatedly on the Fortune 1000 list, starting in 2005. Washingtonian magazine has also named Sunrise Senior Living as a "Great Place to Work" three times thus far.
Employee Review: "The best part of working at Sunrise is working with the residents, and having great team members around you. Your work feels very rewarding because you are making a difference in people's lives."*
Top Job Categories:
Health Care Jobs
Management Jobs
Nurse Jobs
See all Sunrise Senior Living jobs
3. Bridgestone
The company is headquartered in Tokyo and, with all its subsidiaries included, employs over 150,000 worldwide. In 1906, Bridgestone founder Shojiro Ishibashi took over his family's clothing business at 17 years of age.
He revolutionized the traditional Japanese socks known as "tabi" with the creation of a rubber-soled version that could be used as work shoes. It was this same tabi-sock division of his company that produced the first Bridgestone tire in April of 1930.
In 1988 the company purchased the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, solidifying Bridgestone's position as a major player in the worldwide tire market. Since then, the company has continued to grow and currently has manufacturing centers in 25 countries.
In May, the company was recognized as one of Boeing's Suppliers of the Year. The airline manufacturer works with around 17,500 suppliers, and Bridgestone was among 15 companies honored (in various categories) for their service to the company.
Employee Review: "As industry leader, Bridgestone is a global brand with great quality tires. The products are recognized world over and customer recognizes the quality."*
Top Job Categories:
Retail Jobs
Automotive Jobs
Installation/Maintenance/Repair Jobs
See all Bridgestone jobs
4. Spirit Halloween Superstores
Located at shopping malls nationwide for seemingly few months at a time, Spirit Halloween Superstores are operated as temporary storefronts before and during the Halloween season. The company is owned by Spencer Gifts, a popular novelty retail chain.
Though Spencer's has come under fire for allegedly allowing young children access to adult toys in their stores, the Spirit stores are operated independently and have received positive reactions. Some California stores also donated nearly $30,000 to the U.C. Davis Child Life Program last season as a way of giving back to the local community.
Employee Review: "This was a great seasonal job. The DSM was wonderful to work with and the organization was very good. I would highly recommend this job to anyone looking for seasonal work."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Retail Jobs
Management Jobs
See all Spirit Halloween Superstores jobs
5. Dollar General
Founded in 1939, the Dollar General corporation operates over 9,300 stores across the United States. Typically located in smaller strip malls or shopping plazas, the stores sell both name-brand and off-brand goods at bottom-dollar prices. The stores typically operate in locales where larger chains, such as Wal-Mart, do not serve the market.
With the stock market fluctuating wildly as of late, Dollar General has remained stable in recent weeks. The stores are known for often providing better deals than larger "big box" retailers.
Employee Review: "Dollar General is a great company with a bright future ahead. They provide excellent customer service, management training programs, and outstanding company benefits. It was truly a privilege to work for such a great company."*
Top Job Categories:
Management Jobs
Retail Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
See all Dollar General jobs
6. RadioShack
Affectionately known as "The Shack" by some, Radio Shack has almost 7,200 locations worldwide. In order to staff these locations as well as their corporate offices, the company employs somewhere in the neighborhood of 35,000.
The company is known for selling electronic products and parts, as well as mobile phones and coverage, offered by a variety of carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and various pre-paid services.
The company has obviously come a long way since it was founded by Norton Hinkely and Dave L. Tandy in 1919 as the Hinkley-Tandy Leather Company. From its humble beginnings selling shoe leather parts in Fort Worth, Texas, the company has evolved into one of the nation's largest consumer electronics retailers.
Employee Review: "Made many friends and had some really good customers. Salary is commission plus base-rate, so averaged a decent amount on my pay checks."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
Management Jobs
See all RadioShack jobs
7. Amazon
Amazon.com, incorporated in 1994, was originally based out of founder Jeff Bezos' garage. In the company's first month of business, it shipped orders to all 50 states as well as 45 countries. Amazon now employs 33,700 workers in 12 countries worldwide.
A leader in the e-book platform since the launch of their Kindle e-reader, the company has reached the point where its sales of Kindle books exceeds the number of hardcover books sold.
Amazon is currently in the process of building new distribution centers and expanding existing facilities in several locations around the country. The company is set to build a new $125 million distribution center in Lexington County, S.C., as well as a second distribution center in Tennessee.
Earlier this month, the company announced plans to build a fourth fulfillment center in Phoenix in addition to expanding another of its fulfillment facilities in the city. All told, these expansions are expected to create over 4,000 new jobs.
Employee Review: "The company has some of the best and brightest co-workers I've ever worked with. There are challenging problems to work on in every department, and management is rarely afraid to invest in bold new ideas."*
Top Job Categories:
Information Technology Jobs
Engineering Jobs
Manufacturing Jobs
See all Amazon jobs
8. Panera Bread Company
Established in 1981 and headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., the company operates 1,453 company-owned and franchise locations in 40 states and Ontario, Canada. The Zagat Guide named Panera Bread the most popular restaurant chain (in the chains-with-fewer-than-5,000-locations division).
In April, the Florida-based franchisee Covelli Family LP announced plans to open 25 new stores, 19 of which will be in the Orlando area. The company plans to open a new store every two months using a $25 million line of credit from PNC Financial Services.
The company has been quite innovative lately in its social outreach and charitable programs. Taking a page from nonprofit initiatives like Karma Kitchen, the company has opened their third Panera Cares restaurant in Chicago. These locations allow customers to donate an amount of their choosing in exchange for meals.
Employee Review: "The company offered a thorough training program, which was great for those with little experience. An excellent place to start for diligent and hard-working employees."*
Top Job Categories:
Restaurant/Food Service Jobs
Management Jobs
Sales Jobs
See all Panera Bread Company jobs
9. ADT
ADT originally was founded as the American District Telegraph company in 1874. Over time, the company evolved from delivering messages by telegraph to providing home security services. The company now provides both residential and commercial service to roughly 230 major U.S. markets.
Last year the company released ADT Pulse, which allows homeowners to manage their security system, as well as regulate thermostat and lighting levels in their home, via smartphone app.
The product has become the focus of a major marketing push for the company. According to CEpro.com, the company has invested more money in promoting remote home security since the product's launch than the rest of the entire industry has in the last 25 years!
In April, the company added a high-profile client when ADT became the official security provider at Boston's Fenway Park. The deal features IP-based cameras placed throughout the park to protect Red Sox fans, stadium employees and team members.
Employee Review: "I feel good about a job that helps protect people and property. The 401(k) is really good with a full match up to 5 percent of income. We provide great, cutting edge technology for customers."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Business Development Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
See all ADT jobs
10. Liberty Mutual
Founded in 1912, the company provides a range of insurance products to individuals to cover personal property such as automobiles, homes and valuables. Liberty Mutual also offers consumers personal liability coverage as well as life insurance and annuity products.
Additionally, the company provides an array of commercial products, such as workers compensation insurance and corporate automobile insurance, to both mid-sized and large companies.
Currently ranked #82 on the Forbes 100, the company employs roughly 45,000 people worldwide. Liberty Mutual is the third largest U.S.-based property and casualty insurer, based on 2010 revenues, trailing only Berkshire Hathaway and AIG.
The company recently deployed one of their mobile claims-response vehicles to Springfield, Mass., so that clients affected by tornado devastation would have a place to meet with claims adjusters other than in their homes.
Employee Review: "Great benefits from day one. As sales agent you have laptop and aircard to use for personal use, flexibility to schedule your own appointments as long as you maintain your I/M status..."*
Top Job Categories:
Insurance Jobs
Sales Jobs
Business Development Jobs
See all Liberty Mutual jobs
By AOL Jobs Contributor
We know that your job search can get quite frustrating these days with more people trying to find a job and fewer employment opportunities available.
To ease the burden, we've tracked down 10 top companies that are hiring this week -- from sales jobs to finance jobs, full-time jobs to part-time jobs. We hope you find a job that's perfect for you.
Good luck job hunting!
1. Citi
With the world's largest financial services network, Citigroup, Inc., spans 140 countries and employs roughly 260,000 worldwide. After suffering from massive losses during the financial crisis of 2008, the company fell from the esteemed title of "largest bank in the world by assets." They are, however, still one of the "big four" banks in the United States. Citigroup repaid the emergency government aid in full by the end of 2010.
As stock prices plunged recently, banks were at the forefront of the slide. Citigroup was a part of this fall, yet CEO Vikram Pandit claims Citi is still secure and in good shape as a company.
Employee Review: "Nice coworkers, good hours, pleasant management, good location, interesting work spanning decades of involvement in the country, good springboard for future jobs."*
Top Job Categories:
Banking Jobs
Finance Jobs
Accounting Jobs
See all Citi jobs
2. Sunrise Senior Living
First opened in 1981, Sunrise now offers assisted living facilities for seniors in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. They serve nearly 40,000 residents in total and offer a range of services, from assisted living to rehabilitative services.
The company has ranked repeatedly on the Fortune 1000 list, starting in 2005. Washingtonian magazine has also named Sunrise Senior Living as a "Great Place to Work" three times thus far.
Employee Review: "The best part of working at Sunrise is working with the residents, and having great team members around you. Your work feels very rewarding because you are making a difference in people's lives."*
Top Job Categories:
Health Care Jobs
Management Jobs
Nurse Jobs
See all Sunrise Senior Living jobs
3. Bridgestone
The company is headquartered in Tokyo and, with all its subsidiaries included, employs over 150,000 worldwide. In 1906, Bridgestone founder Shojiro Ishibashi took over his family's clothing business at 17 years of age.
He revolutionized the traditional Japanese socks known as "tabi" with the creation of a rubber-soled version that could be used as work shoes. It was this same tabi-sock division of his company that produced the first Bridgestone tire in April of 1930.
In 1988 the company purchased the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, solidifying Bridgestone's position as a major player in the worldwide tire market. Since then, the company has continued to grow and currently has manufacturing centers in 25 countries.
In May, the company was recognized as one of Boeing's Suppliers of the Year. The airline manufacturer works with around 17,500 suppliers, and Bridgestone was among 15 companies honored (in various categories) for their service to the company.
Employee Review: "As industry leader, Bridgestone is a global brand with great quality tires. The products are recognized world over and customer recognizes the quality."*
Top Job Categories:
Retail Jobs
Automotive Jobs
Installation/Maintenance/Repair Jobs
See all Bridgestone jobs
4. Spirit Halloween Superstores
Located at shopping malls nationwide for seemingly few months at a time, Spirit Halloween Superstores are operated as temporary storefronts before and during the Halloween season. The company is owned by Spencer Gifts, a popular novelty retail chain.
Though Spencer's has come under fire for allegedly allowing young children access to adult toys in their stores, the Spirit stores are operated independently and have received positive reactions. Some California stores also donated nearly $30,000 to the U.C. Davis Child Life Program last season as a way of giving back to the local community.
Employee Review: "This was a great seasonal job. The DSM was wonderful to work with and the organization was very good. I would highly recommend this job to anyone looking for seasonal work."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Retail Jobs
Management Jobs
See all Spirit Halloween Superstores jobs
5. Dollar General
Founded in 1939, the Dollar General corporation operates over 9,300 stores across the United States. Typically located in smaller strip malls or shopping plazas, the stores sell both name-brand and off-brand goods at bottom-dollar prices. The stores typically operate in locales where larger chains, such as Wal-Mart, do not serve the market.
With the stock market fluctuating wildly as of late, Dollar General has remained stable in recent weeks. The stores are known for often providing better deals than larger "big box" retailers.
Employee Review: "Dollar General is a great company with a bright future ahead. They provide excellent customer service, management training programs, and outstanding company benefits. It was truly a privilege to work for such a great company."*
Top Job Categories:
Management Jobs
Retail Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
See all Dollar General jobs
6. RadioShack
Affectionately known as "The Shack" by some, Radio Shack has almost 7,200 locations worldwide. In order to staff these locations as well as their corporate offices, the company employs somewhere in the neighborhood of 35,000.
The company is known for selling electronic products and parts, as well as mobile phones and coverage, offered by a variety of carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and various pre-paid services.
The company has obviously come a long way since it was founded by Norton Hinkely and Dave L. Tandy in 1919 as the Hinkley-Tandy Leather Company. From its humble beginnings selling shoe leather parts in Fort Worth, Texas, the company has evolved into one of the nation's largest consumer electronics retailers.
Employee Review: "Made many friends and had some really good customers. Salary is commission plus base-rate, so averaged a decent amount on my pay checks."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
Management Jobs
See all RadioShack jobs
7. Amazon
Amazon.com, incorporated in 1994, was originally based out of founder Jeff Bezos' garage. In the company's first month of business, it shipped orders to all 50 states as well as 45 countries. Amazon now employs 33,700 workers in 12 countries worldwide.
A leader in the e-book platform since the launch of their Kindle e-reader, the company has reached the point where its sales of Kindle books exceeds the number of hardcover books sold.
Amazon is currently in the process of building new distribution centers and expanding existing facilities in several locations around the country. The company is set to build a new $125 million distribution center in Lexington County, S.C., as well as a second distribution center in Tennessee.
Earlier this month, the company announced plans to build a fourth fulfillment center in Phoenix in addition to expanding another of its fulfillment facilities in the city. All told, these expansions are expected to create over 4,000 new jobs.
Employee Review: "The company has some of the best and brightest co-workers I've ever worked with. There are challenging problems to work on in every department, and management is rarely afraid to invest in bold new ideas."*
Top Job Categories:
Information Technology Jobs
Engineering Jobs
Manufacturing Jobs
See all Amazon jobs
8. Panera Bread Company
Established in 1981 and headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., the company operates 1,453 company-owned and franchise locations in 40 states and Ontario, Canada. The Zagat Guide named Panera Bread the most popular restaurant chain (in the chains-with-fewer-than-5,000-locations division).
In April, the Florida-based franchisee Covelli Family LP announced plans to open 25 new stores, 19 of which will be in the Orlando area. The company plans to open a new store every two months using a $25 million line of credit from PNC Financial Services.
The company has been quite innovative lately in its social outreach and charitable programs. Taking a page from nonprofit initiatives like Karma Kitchen, the company has opened their third Panera Cares restaurant in Chicago. These locations allow customers to donate an amount of their choosing in exchange for meals.
Employee Review: "The company offered a thorough training program, which was great for those with little experience. An excellent place to start for diligent and hard-working employees."*
Top Job Categories:
Restaurant/Food Service Jobs
Management Jobs
Sales Jobs
See all Panera Bread Company jobs
9. ADT
ADT originally was founded as the American District Telegraph company in 1874. Over time, the company evolved from delivering messages by telegraph to providing home security services. The company now provides both residential and commercial service to roughly 230 major U.S. markets.
Last year the company released ADT Pulse, which allows homeowners to manage their security system, as well as regulate thermostat and lighting levels in their home, via smartphone app.
The product has become the focus of a major marketing push for the company. According to CEpro.com, the company has invested more money in promoting remote home security since the product's launch than the rest of the entire industry has in the last 25 years!
In April, the company added a high-profile client when ADT became the official security provider at Boston's Fenway Park. The deal features IP-based cameras placed throughout the park to protect Red Sox fans, stadium employees and team members.
Employee Review: "I feel good about a job that helps protect people and property. The 401(k) is really good with a full match up to 5 percent of income. We provide great, cutting edge technology for customers."*
Top Job Categories:
Sales Jobs
Business Development Jobs
Customer Service Jobs
See all ADT jobs
10. Liberty Mutual
Founded in 1912, the company provides a range of insurance products to individuals to cover personal property such as automobiles, homes and valuables. Liberty Mutual also offers consumers personal liability coverage as well as life insurance and annuity products.
Additionally, the company provides an array of commercial products, such as workers compensation insurance and corporate automobile insurance, to both mid-sized and large companies.
Currently ranked #82 on the Forbes 100, the company employs roughly 45,000 people worldwide. Liberty Mutual is the third largest U.S.-based property and casualty insurer, based on 2010 revenues, trailing only Berkshire Hathaway and AIG.
The company recently deployed one of their mobile claims-response vehicles to Springfield, Mass., so that clients affected by tornado devastation would have a place to meet with claims adjusters other than in their homes.
Employee Review: "Great benefits from day one. As sales agent you have laptop and aircard to use for personal use, flexibility to schedule your own appointments as long as you maintain your I/M status..."*
Top Job Categories:
Insurance Jobs
Sales Jobs
Business Development Jobs
See all Liberty Mutual jobs
By AOL Jobs Contributor
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Get The Best Job With Career Development
here are many places where you can look for the right and best career and apply for it. Furthermore, one of the main things that you will have to do is the so called career development, which means that you will have to make a detailed plan, which will guide you to a lot better success.
First, make a career assessment test, because that way you will see what the most suitable career is for you. There are a lot of places where you can make such test and it is a good idea to do a research in the internet.
On internet there are many websites that conduct the career assessment test, and you can take help of such test to know where exactly your skill lies. However, make sure that the self assessment test you will be making will be created from professionals, because that way you will be sure that they will work for you. Do you like groups or working alone? Do you like to give or receive orders? Perhaps you are best with numbers or better with words or pictures. Your mind might be better attuned to language or to mechanics.
After that you must spend some time and explore all the possible career opportunities that you are facing. That way you will be able to choose that one that you like most and try to achieve the highest position possible. Know what interests you, and what you like doing basically.
You see what are all the career opportunities that are available for you, the only thing that you will have to do is to find a suitable career for you and apply for it. Internet is the best place to get more information about which career you can choose and go for it, if you find anything suitable.
When you get the career you wanted, make sure that you will set some goals and follow them. There are 2 main types of goals - short and long term. First, start setting up short term goals and make everything possible to achieve them, because that is the best way to show your employers what you are capable of and also this will increase your confident.
After you start to achieve your short term goals, it is time to set some long term ones, because you must face career challenges each time you go to work. If you make that happen you will be able to reach the highest possible position for a really shorter period of time.
When you are setting your goals, spend some time and see what the possible barriers, which are keeping you from achieving them are. That way you will have better knowledge what you will be dealing with and how to overcome the problems that may occur. Look at each and every detail that you come over and try to achieve your goal on given time.
allbestarticles.com/
By: James Copper
First, make a career assessment test, because that way you will see what the most suitable career is for you. There are a lot of places where you can make such test and it is a good idea to do a research in the internet.
On internet there are many websites that conduct the career assessment test, and you can take help of such test to know where exactly your skill lies. However, make sure that the self assessment test you will be making will be created from professionals, because that way you will be sure that they will work for you. Do you like groups or working alone? Do you like to give or receive orders? Perhaps you are best with numbers or better with words or pictures. Your mind might be better attuned to language or to mechanics.
After that you must spend some time and explore all the possible career opportunities that you are facing. That way you will be able to choose that one that you like most and try to achieve the highest position possible. Know what interests you, and what you like doing basically.
You see what are all the career opportunities that are available for you, the only thing that you will have to do is to find a suitable career for you and apply for it. Internet is the best place to get more information about which career you can choose and go for it, if you find anything suitable.
When you get the career you wanted, make sure that you will set some goals and follow them. There are 2 main types of goals - short and long term. First, start setting up short term goals and make everything possible to achieve them, because that is the best way to show your employers what you are capable of and also this will increase your confident.
After you start to achieve your short term goals, it is time to set some long term ones, because you must face career challenges each time you go to work. If you make that happen you will be able to reach the highest possible position for a really shorter period of time.
When you are setting your goals, spend some time and see what the possible barriers, which are keeping you from achieving them are. That way you will have better knowledge what you will be dealing with and how to overcome the problems that may occur. Look at each and every detail that you come over and try to achieve your goal on given time.
allbestarticles.com/
By: James Copper
Friday, August 19, 2011
List of High Paying Jobs
High paying jobs are plenty all over the world. With so many lucrative careers and so many different types of industries requiring a variety of talents, high paying jobs are not difficult to come by. With the right use of talents, skills and qualifications, you can become one of the best paid persons. Mentioned below is the list of high paying jobs across the globe. Take a look at these to choose the right career for you.
List of High Paying Jobs in America
Surgeons
Surgeons top the list of high paying jobs in the medical field with an average salary of around $250,000 a year. This pay packet depends on the type of surgeon the person is, his/her qualifications and working experience. The job of a surgeon is one of the top 10 highest paying jobs in the world.
Airline Pilots
Airline pilots are the next in the list of highest paying jobs. They earn roughly around $240,000 a year, almost as same as the surgeon. However, the pilot needs the right educational qualification degree and an experience of around 6 years in order to earn that pay packet.
Anesthesiologists
Next comes the anesthesiologist with a pay packet of around $200,000. An anesthesiologist's job is one of the high paying jobs in the medical field. The job description includes examining patients in order to determine the type of anesthetic needed by them before their surgery. A person needs the right qualifications and some work experience in order to earn that much of money.
Chief Executive Officers
After the anesthesiologist comes the chief executive officer's job which is one of the highest paying jobs in the US. This job pays around $180,000 depending on the years of experience and the qualifications the person has in a management position.
Engineers
With an experience of about 7 years, engineers can earn up to $150,000. They need to have a bachelor's degree in their respective field for the same. With an additional post graduate degree, these engineers can earn a lot more and climb towards the top of the list of high paying jobs.
Lawyers & Attorneys
Lawyers and attorneys are needed in the society to fight criminal suits, civil suits, environmental suits etc. They are also specialized in different kinds of laws and based on their qualifications and experience, they can earn up to $120,000 or more annually. A lawyer who is extremely famous may earn a lot more than the others in the similar field. This could be one of the high paying jobs for women.
Actuaries
Actuaries are people with professional degrees in the mathematical area. These people are mostly employed by the insurance companies where they need to analyze financial risks and uncertainties. It is not a job that is taken by many and hence, there is a lot of scope in this field. With the necessary qualifications, an actuary can earn a base salary of about $120,000.
Air Traffic Controllers
The job of an air traffic controller is a high paying job without a degree. The person needs to complete a course of some 12 weeks of training in order to get the job. A graduate degree is desirable though not necessarily needed. An air traffic controller earns about $110,000 annually.
Managers
Those managers with a bachelor's and a master's degree who hold good positions in the management cadre are the next in the list of high paying jobs. Managers can earn about $100,000 annually based on the type of industries they work in and the number of years of experience.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists earn about $90,000 annually. This is one of the entry level high paying jobs in the medical field. With the right qualifications, a person can enter this stream and start off with a good annual salary. Physical therapists could top the list of high paying jobs for women.
High Paying Jobs List
Apart from the jobs mentioned above, several more top career choices are listed below. Choose the one according to your qualifications.
Dentists
Project Managers
Architects
Scientists
Registered Nurses
Computer Analysts
General Managers
Advertising Managers
Computer Programmers
Computer Scientists
Physicists
Scientists
Airline Jobs
Pharmacists
Operations Managers
Occupational Therapists
Writers
Podiatrists
Judges
Movie Directors
General Practitioners
Therapists
Petroleum Engineers
Realtors
Executive Jobs
Gynecologists
Most of these jobs need a specific degree and working knowledge. There are some jobs, however, which are high paying jobs with no degree. I hope the above list of high paying jobs has been helpful to you. As I said before, pick the one that best suits you in all aspects. All the best!!
buzzle.com
By Deeptee A
List of High Paying Jobs in America
Surgeons
Surgeons top the list of high paying jobs in the medical field with an average salary of around $250,000 a year. This pay packet depends on the type of surgeon the person is, his/her qualifications and working experience. The job of a surgeon is one of the top 10 highest paying jobs in the world.
Airline Pilots
Airline pilots are the next in the list of highest paying jobs. They earn roughly around $240,000 a year, almost as same as the surgeon. However, the pilot needs the right educational qualification degree and an experience of around 6 years in order to earn that pay packet.
Anesthesiologists
Next comes the anesthesiologist with a pay packet of around $200,000. An anesthesiologist's job is one of the high paying jobs in the medical field. The job description includes examining patients in order to determine the type of anesthetic needed by them before their surgery. A person needs the right qualifications and some work experience in order to earn that much of money.
Chief Executive Officers
After the anesthesiologist comes the chief executive officer's job which is one of the highest paying jobs in the US. This job pays around $180,000 depending on the years of experience and the qualifications the person has in a management position.
Engineers
With an experience of about 7 years, engineers can earn up to $150,000. They need to have a bachelor's degree in their respective field for the same. With an additional post graduate degree, these engineers can earn a lot more and climb towards the top of the list of high paying jobs.
Lawyers & Attorneys
Lawyers and attorneys are needed in the society to fight criminal suits, civil suits, environmental suits etc. They are also specialized in different kinds of laws and based on their qualifications and experience, they can earn up to $120,000 or more annually. A lawyer who is extremely famous may earn a lot more than the others in the similar field. This could be one of the high paying jobs for women.
Actuaries
Actuaries are people with professional degrees in the mathematical area. These people are mostly employed by the insurance companies where they need to analyze financial risks and uncertainties. It is not a job that is taken by many and hence, there is a lot of scope in this field. With the necessary qualifications, an actuary can earn a base salary of about $120,000.
Air Traffic Controllers
The job of an air traffic controller is a high paying job without a degree. The person needs to complete a course of some 12 weeks of training in order to get the job. A graduate degree is desirable though not necessarily needed. An air traffic controller earns about $110,000 annually.
Managers
Those managers with a bachelor's and a master's degree who hold good positions in the management cadre are the next in the list of high paying jobs. Managers can earn about $100,000 annually based on the type of industries they work in and the number of years of experience.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists earn about $90,000 annually. This is one of the entry level high paying jobs in the medical field. With the right qualifications, a person can enter this stream and start off with a good annual salary. Physical therapists could top the list of high paying jobs for women.
High Paying Jobs List
Apart from the jobs mentioned above, several more top career choices are listed below. Choose the one according to your qualifications.
Dentists
Project Managers
Architects
Scientists
Registered Nurses
Computer Analysts
General Managers
Advertising Managers
Computer Programmers
Computer Scientists
Physicists
Scientists
Airline Jobs
Pharmacists
Operations Managers
Occupational Therapists
Writers
Podiatrists
Judges
Movie Directors
General Practitioners
Therapists
Petroleum Engineers
Realtors
Executive Jobs
Gynecologists
Most of these jobs need a specific degree and working knowledge. There are some jobs, however, which are high paying jobs with no degree. I hope the above list of high paying jobs has been helpful to you. As I said before, pick the one that best suits you in all aspects. All the best!!
buzzle.com
By Deeptee A
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Top 10 Jobs Hiring The Most
Top 10 Jobs Hiring The Most: Look For Work In These Industries
There's no denying it: it's a tough job market out there. Unemployment in the Chicago area reached a 27-year high of 11.6 percent earlier this year. For every available position, there are six people looking for a job.
But there are some industries where work is easier to find than others. A new report released by Manpower Inc., an employment services provider, detailed the jobs in the most demand for 2009, which should give job seekers an idea of where to look.
Some of the positions, like "doctor" or "executive," could be out of reach for the average out-of-work Chicagoan. But others on the list are more helpful. For instance, drivers and restaurant staff are still in quite high demand despite the struggling economy.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported on the Manpower surveyand shared the story of Dhruv Khanna. Khanna, a 22-year-old who recently graduated with a bachelor's in hotel management from Kendall College in Chicago, was hired as the assistant food and beverage manager at the Trump Tower.
Check out Manpower's job suggestions, and let us know what you think.
Read More: Chicago, Chicago Job Market, Customer Service, Drivers, Illinois, Job Market, Nurses, Skilled Trades, Slidepollajax, Unemployment, Chicago News
huffingtonpost.com
There's no denying it: it's a tough job market out there. Unemployment in the Chicago area reached a 27-year high of 11.6 percent earlier this year. For every available position, there are six people looking for a job.
But there are some industries where work is easier to find than others. A new report released by Manpower Inc., an employment services provider, detailed the jobs in the most demand for 2009, which should give job seekers an idea of where to look.
Some of the positions, like "doctor" or "executive," could be out of reach for the average out-of-work Chicagoan. But others on the list are more helpful. For instance, drivers and restaurant staff are still in quite high demand despite the struggling economy.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported on the Manpower surveyand shared the story of Dhruv Khanna. Khanna, a 22-year-old who recently graduated with a bachelor's in hotel management from Kendall College in Chicago, was hired as the assistant food and beverage manager at the Trump Tower.
Check out Manpower's job suggestions, and let us know what you think.
Read More: Chicago, Chicago Job Market, Customer Service, Drivers, Illinois, Job Market, Nurses, Skilled Trades, Slidepollajax, Unemployment, Chicago News
huffingtonpost.com
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