Monday, 2 March 2009

Career development and starting your own business

If you are considering a business career, but have no more detailed an idea of what you want to do, then there is much to consider and countless possibilities. The word "business" covers so many diverse activities; any employment activity in which money transactions take place is almost certainly a business, or relates to a business. Medical transactions, for example, can be business to the supplier even if not to the end user, a doctor; if a private doctor, then it is business to the doctor too. Growing food is a business, transport is a business, most sport is a business, and music is often a business. The list could go on and on. If you look at every man made item within your sight, the chances are it is the product of a business, and financial transactions have taken place along the way. Business is reflected all around you.
However, deciding on what type of business it is that you want to have a career in is only one of the main parts of your decision. Another is, what aspect of that business do you want to specialise in? Do you want to be a finance specialist, or marketing, or computing? Or some other job within a business?
Nowadays, a third major decision can easily come to mind. That is, do you want a home business career or to have a separate workplace? Often related to that decision is whether or not you want to be freelance or self employed, rather than an employee?
In this article we will just offer some headings under which you need to start considering your career. But before you even go that far, it is probably worthwhile considering your career objectives and personal objectives. Also, the better you know and understand your own motivation for wanting a business career, the more likely you are to take the best direction for your future.
Deciding on What Aspect of Business to Specialize in For Your Career
Deciding on what aspects of business you want to specialize in is perhaps the best place to start. Each of the main departments of a business will be considered in more detail in separate articles. It is also important to consider your long term goal. If you want to be a business owner or chief executive, then to be effective you will need to understand all the key aspects of running a business, and how they inter-relate. For now, the broad "departments" you will find across all businesses are:
Finance
A business will have financial transactions, therefore a finance function will be essential simply for financial accounting purposes. However, to be an efficient and forward looking business, timely management information will be important too. Financial staff, if they are good, will need to relate easily to other departments within the business and understand their perspectives too. A spell in finance can be an excellent grounding for business management, whether for your own or someone else's business.
From my own experience, studying for professional management accountant status in England many years ago was what helped me to understand business much better than I would otherwise have done. With so many examinations to pass to qualify, in diverse subjects such as company and business law, computing, financial and management accounting, marketing and corporate planning, organisation and production, it provided an excellent grounding indeed.
Marketing
Alongside finance, marketing is a part of business that can inspire and produce business leaders, chief executives and successful business owners. Gaining experience in marketing is not only very interesting for those who are creative, it can become a very powerful asset in a business career. If you can get experience and finance, then you are well placed for a successful business career.
Other Business Departments
Other departments of a business to consider are purchasing, human resources (personnel department), and computing. Depending on the type of business, there may also be research, production and other departments.
Deciding on What Type of Business to Specialize in For Your Career
If your ambition is to become a business manager or owner, then the skills you acquire in the key areas of business will be applicable to any type of business. Marketing, finance and computing figure in every modern business. So, to an extent, it does not matter what the type of business is that you start in as a stepping stone to business management.
There are far too many types of business to consider listing here, and what you decide on will depend on what is available at the time, your personality, likes and dislikes, and long term prospects and salary. However, to be successful it is important to enjoy what you are doing, so choosing a type of business that you feel comfortable with is more likely to serve your career prospects well, than a business where you feel totally out of place.

Transport Logistics Jobs

Logistics refers to the procedures for managing the physical resources of a business, including how these materials are acquired, stored, and transported, both within the physical confines of the business and prior to and after leaving the business premises. Making these supply chain procedures efficient and cost effective can translate directly to an organization's bottom line.
If you're interested in starting a career in the logistics field, at the minimum you should really plan on obtaining a degree in a related field like transport or supply chain management. Even better yet, consider getting your masters in either of those fields or logistics itself. A successful candidate also needs the ability to analyze large quantities of diverse data and an insight into all facets of business including transportation.
What are some of the specific positions available in the logistics field? Well, new opportunities are opening up all the time, but some of the more popular current job possibilities include:
Logistics Manager: Must posess geographical, analytical and math aptitude, and be able to make quick decisions on a daily basis. Customer service, management, and people skills are required. The position frequently involves the necessity of working under short timelines and strict deadlines. As in all logistics positions, a familiarity with today's technology, such as e-mail, computer software and Internet usage are required.
Logistics Analyst: this position requires analyzing all facets of the logistical procedures in place with an eye towards possible improvements in efficiency and/or reduction of cost. The ability to write clearly and comprehensively and the knack for interfacing with all departments of the organization are requirements for this position.
Supply Chain Manager: will manage the organization's entire supply chain from beginning to end. Requires expertise in employee supervision, customer service, purchasing, and all facets of warehousing.
The term logistics is thought to have come from the ancient Greeks and Romans, who assigned certain members of their armies to make sure that supplies and arms were transported to the locations where they were needed by the military. These officers were supposedly called 'Logistikas'. Today's military still has need for logistics officers, so if you're inclined towards a military career, you'll find plenty of opportunity there.
Once you get some experience under your belt, you might be interested in becoming a logistics consultant. These individuals are engaged on a contract basis by companies who are considering implementing a logistics program or improving their current logistics situation. A consultant might be employed by one of the third party logistics providers (3PLs) or he could be in business for himself, which will appeal to those of you with an entrepreneurial bent.
These are just a few of the job titles available in the logistics field these days. There are many more, and today's technology means that positions that haven't even been thought of right now could be commonplace in a few years.

Transportation Careers

There are literally hundreds of different transportation careers out there for those who are interested in travel. Some will take you to exotic and unique locations; others will take you to the back ends of grocery stories. But all are in a field that is growing and dynamic, and increasingly technological.
One of the great things about transportation careers is that transportation is a field that allows you to work and educate yourself to the top. You can start with a low-end job and with experience and either on-the-job or formal education, end with a top-level job in the career field of your choice. It all depends on what you're after.
Airlines
When thinking about transportation careers, most people immediately think of airline jobs. The perks when you work for an airline are undeniably sweet, with most companies providing free air transportation to worldwide locations for their off-duty employees and sometimes their families. The jobs, though, are harder than they look. Outside of commuter flights, shifts are irregular and hours are often very long, with lots of overnight work. When you work with an airline, you generally have to shape your life to your career.
While wages have been pretty good up to now, the airlines are starting to suffer, and it's likely that those with the best wages and benefits are either going to go under or have to drop those high salaries. It's still a great business, but you can expect a great deal of fluctuation in the near future as airlines adjust to a changing economy and soaring fuel costs.
Trains
Either city light rail or Amway commuter trains, or nationwide freight train services: you'll find a host of careers with train transportation. If you work in commuter trains, you'll likely be an engineer or a conductor/ticket taker. With freight, however, there are dozens of careers, from engineer to loader to mechanic to shipping manager, and you'll find plenty of room for all kinds of positions and advancement.
Trains are likely to see a spike in use in the near future; diesel trains are much more efficient at moving goods than trucks, even though they end up in less convenient destinations, and with more freight moving, high gas prices are going to drive shippers to using trains. When usage in an industry goes up, so do the wages. While fuel prices are high, expect better wages and opportunities in this transportation field.
Shipping By Land
Trucks move most of the goods we purchase in stores, and the industry is a huge factor in transportation today. However, with the rapid increase in fuel costs, there have been some problems in this field. A lot of truckers are very unhappy right now because they have to purchase the diesel that goes into their vehicles themselves, and prices have doubled over the last couple of years for a full tank, severely impacting their profits.
This field is growing, according the the U.S. Department of Labor - but the statistics they use are based on yesterday, not today and tomorrow. Right now, if fuel prices stay at the same level there may be a major correction in the market very soon.
Shipping By Sea
Most of the ocean-shipping jobs staffed by Americans are dock work positions, but the United States Merchant Marine also have thousands of seamen operating boats in navigable waters, from the coasts to the Great Lakes to the larger rivers of America. This is a job that requires long stays away from home, and if you operate internationally it may entail some danger as well; pirates are a real and growing threat in modern oceans.
The job outlook for these positions is particularly good, as it's getting harder to entice young sailors to sign onto these ships. In addition, international companies are seeking U.S. sailors to work on their ships as well as international shipping grows increasingly competitive. If you can handle hard work, sometimes months away from home, and have a real desire to travel and see the world, the Merchant Marine might be for you.
Government Positions
Not all transportation jobs entail working for specific companies or organizations. Today's travel challenges require strong government support, in areas as varied as air marshal and DOT officer. Working for the state or federal government gains you many of the perks of other transportation-oriented jobs, while giving you a job that has excellent benefits and guaranteed employment. It is harder to get a government job than to get a job in the private sector

Saturday, 28 February 2009

Jobs in Logistics

The complexities of the modern economy in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the entire world have meant the increase in logistics needs. Logistics professionals essentially deal with the various shipping, production, and distribution methods as they happen in real time. Proper logistics planning ensures that all of the necessary resources, manpower, and structures are in place to complete the entire production and sales process. However, best laid plans can often go by the wayside due to a last minute client need or a production issue. Logistics jobs are becoming more important because accidents do happen and planning often doesn’t reflect updated information by the minute. Logistic jobs are important to every industry but there are a number of industries particularly affected by logistics needs. Construction, architectural, and engineering firms are influenced greatly by logistics issues. On the job site, logistic professionals can help out laborers and foremen by ensuring that they have the building supplies to complete the project. At architectural firms, logistics professionals are often the voices of reason in conceptual meetings by providing the financial and transportation realities of a specific project. Indeed, engineering firms need logistics professionals to ensure that every aspect of production is able to go off without a hitch for the same reasons as mentioned above. Automotive companies need logistics professionals to stay ahead of the competition. Car, truck, and SUV producers have expanded to meet international needs. While business is good for most automotive firms, smaller companies looking to get ahead need to use logistics to their rescue. A good logistics department is able to ensure that production facilities have the raw resources they need, that designers have the information they need to create a reasonable product, and that dealerships are able to house a certain number of vehicles at their facility. Companies with high volumes of sales for smaller consumer products are in need of exceptional logistics professionals. Warehouses, distribution centers, call centers, and retail outlets need to be coordinated in order to ensure that every customer gets what they need. Telecommunication companies need logistics professionals to coordinate shipping to get the most products possible to each outlet. Publishing firms need logistics professionals to coordinate author appearances with the shipment of the appropriate books to bookstores. Computing equipment companies need logistics professionals to ensure that custom created equipment meets the standards expected by the client. Logistics professionals are need throughout the UK to help keep the economy vibrant

Friday, 27 February 2009

Careers to Pursue

During a recession, disposable income tends to dissipate. For some people, purchasing the bare necessities can be difficult. So before you decide which career path to take, look over the following lists below.
Careers to Pursue
Health Care $50,000 + People will always get sick creating a constant demand for Health Care. Depressions rates are often at a high creating an additional need. Examples include: Doctors, Nurses, Pediatricians, Specialists, and Therapists.
Transportation $30,000 + Unable to afford the extreme gas prices, people opt for taking the city bus or subway. Examples include: City Bus Driver and Subway Driver.
Beauty $30,000 + Presentation has always been and will continue to be important to an individual and required by their boss. Examples include: Hairdressers and Barbers.
Education $30,000 + People don't pull their children out of school just because of a recession and often times, adults go back to school in hopes of pursuing a more promising a different career path. Examples include: Elementary School Teachers, Teacher's Aides, College Professors, Principals, Deans and Custodians.
International Business $60,000 + When business isn't being done here it is being done overseas. This career will not only survive but thrive during tough times.
Bankruptcy Law $75,000 + Unfortunately, many Americans simply can't survive when a cut-back or lay-off occurs. Bankruptcy numbers increase dramatically during a recession.
Debt Management $50,000 + In a desperate attempt to avoid bankruptcy, debt management offices become flooded.
Grocery $30,000 + People stop eating out and start eating in, and people need food to survive. Examples include: Butchers, Managers, Cashiers and Baggers.
Internet $25,000 + Why go to the store when you can shop at home for less? Further, people have a lot more free time on their hands and as statistics show, a majority of that free time is spent online.
Research & Development $75,000 + Businesses will always invest money into finding better, faster, more cost-effective ways of producing a product and providing a service, especially when business isn't that great.
Casinos $50,000 + Regardless of how tough the times are, gambling remains an addiction. In many cases, people gamble in hopes of striking it rich during a tough time. Examples include: Owners, Hostesses, Bartenders and Security.
Pharmaceuticals $75,000 + Doctors will continue to write prescriptions and people will continue to take them. Anti-depressants are of the top prescribed during a recession. Examples include: Pharmacists and Drug Company Representatives.
Liquor Sales $50,000 + For many Americans, when the times are tough they turn to alcohol in hopes of drinking away their problems. Examples include: Counter-Sales and Bartenders.
Auditor $50,000 + When you can't find any other way to save money, you do it around tax time which is why auditors are always in demand, especially during tough times.
Public Safety $50,000 + When the times are tough, people get tough too. Crime rates experience a slight increase, creating a demand for Police Officers and Fire Fighters.
Careers to Avoid
Sales $50,000 + While a career in sales may pay well, they only pay well when things are being sold. When money starts to get tight people refrain from spending any money they don't have to.
Real Estate $50,000 + Most Americans can't afford to live never mind shop around for a house. Regardless of how low financing rates go, you can't take advantage of them with destroyed credit!
Mortgages $50,000 + If people aren't buying houses they don't need to apply for a mortgage.
Retail $30,000 + These jobs are most readily available because people are being forced to leave the industry. Most retail jobs support sales made from disposable income. Examples include: Clothing Stores Cashiers Electronic Store and Department Store Cashiers.
Automobile Sales $30,000 + Most Americans are refraining from driving, never mind purchasing a new car. Carpooling and city transportation become a more practical alternative for most individuals.
Construction $50,000 + People are downsizing not upsizing, and going for old not new. Whether its housing or additions, not much is being built during a recession.
Marketing $50,000 + While it may be the most needed, the Marketing departments are usually the first to go when companies attempt to cut-costs.
Travel $30,000 + Traveling to work is enough of a problem, never mind hopping on a plane or planning a cruise. Even if someone wanted too, taking time off from work could cost them their job. Examples include: Flight Attendant, Hostess, Travel Agent or Cruise Ship Worker.

Jobs in Transport

In times of economic recession, people in general tend to trim away any unnecessary spending, which can lead to further concerns from retailers and manufacturers. They can grow concerned about their own bottom line if consumers aren't spending money, which can lead to further economic letdowns rather than upturns.
However, even in times of economic hardship, there are still career areas that are recession-proof and that will still be viable industries even after weak economies suffer:
1. Transportation Industry: The transportation industry is a hearty and robust field that will always be necessary. Even when there is a reduced need for products, those products that are manufactured will still be made and will still need to be shipped.
2. Warehouses: Even in economic hardships, products that are manufactured will need to be placed into storage before they are shipped to retailers or consumers. The warehouses and warehouse workers are a vital part of the industry because they ensure that the manufactured product is stored properly.
3. Nurses: There shall always be a need for those in the medical industry, like nurses. It is inevitable that people will be sick and there must be capable, experienced individuals to cater to this need.
4. Accountants/Finance: Number crunchers and financial analysts will never go out of style. Their professional services will always be needed in virtually every sector of the population, whether things are prospering or not. Someone has to be around to count the money and tell us what's left!! Any job in accounting is needed greatly, even if the position is basic record keeping all the way up to comptrollers and financial executives. What makes this career so appealing is that it requires analytical skills that are not immediately comprehensive to an average person. This can make a skilled person in the industry highly marketable.
5. Food Service Industry: The food service industry is likely to only be touched by economic conditions only if there is not a demand for a particular food by a particular region. Other than that challenge, food service needed by average consumers, grocers, retailers and even manufacturers.
No matter what turn the economy may take or what can happen in the lives of the average citizen, there's comfort in knowing that there are certain industries that simply are not likely to be adversely affected by the economy.

Transportation Jobs in the 2009 Economy

We are told that our country is not in a recession, but it certainly appears that way and feels that way to many Americans. All the signs point in that direction which means that the economy and the job market are chaotic. Even though there is no career that is absolutely secure in these disorderly times, it is important to take measures to ride out the storm until the economy is more stable. There are, however, some jobs that handle the fluctuations of the economy much better than others. Instead of finding yourself headed to the unemployment line, consider finding a career that is more secure and can withstand the turbulent times of a troubled economy.
Even though there are no careers that are absolutely immune from the poor economic situation, there are some careers that are better able to withstand the recession than others. Here are a few factors to consider:
* Consider a job that is high in demand. * Consider jobs that require special skills. * Consider jobs that provide necessary goods and services. * Consider jobs offered by stable and reputable companies.
According to some recent statistics, there have been some occupations harmed by the economic downturn such as: construction, retail businesses and transportation. There are some occupations that have been able to withstand the pressures of a troubled economy. The following is a list of the ones we need to consider in times of a recession:
*Healthcare and pharmaceutical careers will always have a place in our society. As people become older and the demand for healthcare increases then more physicians, physicians' assistants, registered nurses, and pharmacists will be needed to meet the demand.
*Education will be necessary to meet the demand of educating children, youth and young adults at many educational levels. Therefore, there will always be a need for teachers and educational administrators across our nation.
*Sales-Marketing careers are of value because these positions often help to increase business and save money for the company.
*Computer-Technology careers with emphasis on managing databases and programming software are more secure in their jobs. Having the specialized skills of being able to know the inner workings of computers and being able to work with complex computer systems will give you an advantage.
*Accounting careers will continue to be needed as tax laws change and more laws imposed on the nation. Careers in accounting remain secure during recessions.
*Environmental careers should remain a secure area of employment since the green movement is in demand. It may be a good time to consider a career in an environmental field.
Careers that offer advice on how to stretch the dollar are usually in demand. Play it smart and plan ahead by preparing for careers that are high in demand and fine-tune your skills to bring value and benefit to the organization.