Earning money from a commissions-only sales employment opportunity is certainly possible, but being able to make a living off of it is something that might be more tricky. It takes someone who is determined, glib and very confident to make all of their income off of a sales commission only job, but it is possible. If you are thinking of taking this career path, there are a few things that you need to know. Make sure that before you take the plunge and commit yourself to an opportunity like this that you remember the following facts.

There really are no specific classes or schools that are meant to prepare you for a career in commission-only work, but if you're interested in formal training there are a few things that you should consider. First, think about what you are looking to sell. The commissions-only field will have you selling any number of goods, from computer software to cars, and you'll find that invariably, you'll need to be an expert on the subject. Take some classes at your community college or university and make sure that you are in a position to speak knowledgeably about what you are selling. While you're at it, you might want to consider taking some courses on public speaking as well as some business courses. These are all aimed towards creating a better rapport with the customer and speaking with them in a manner that will gain their trust.

There are many jobs that can be considered commission-only opportunities, and with the advent of the internet, you'll find that some of them don't even require that you leave home. Network marketing has opened the field up and you'll find that there are plenty of websites and multilevel marketing opportunities that will allow you to work at home and sell their product. While you will need to pay an entry fee, you will also be able to take a flat commission from every product that you sell. This is a great way to make a living on your own terms and by your own talents.

Similarly, another type of network marketing job that works on a commission basis involves you getting groups of people together to give them demonstrations based on your products. The products represented in this way range from jewelry to food to kitchen knives, and you'll find that this is a great way to make money on a basis that you choose. Essentially, the opportunities will pay out exactly what you put into them in terms of effort. While some people are on the road practically every day and can make a fairly comfortable living from this sort of work, other people restrict their activities and use the opportunity as a fairly well-paying second job.

If you are interested in a commission-only sales job, think about what your situation is currently like. Be aware that this kind of work is notorious for its highs and lows. When you're doing well, you'll have money to spare, but when you are just getting started or if the economy takes a hit and you're selling something that is perceived as a luxury good, you can expect your pocket book to take a hit as well. How easily will you be able to weather the lean times? If you have some savings to fall back on, or a spouse with a steady job, this can keep things solvent, but also remember to think of things like emergency situations.

There are plenty of commission-only sales jobs in both the United States and Canada, but for the most part, they are maintained by smaller firms. If you are looking for a job like this in this location, you'll often find them in industries that sell large-ticket items, things that, if you make the sale, can pay your rent or your mortgage for a month or more. Look in large appliances, vehicles, furniture and other similar organizations to get started.

There are many reasons to be interested in commission only jobs, but before you get involved, think about what it entails, and what you need to do to make a profit! Think about whether or not you are suited to hard sells and closing deals and make sure that you are in a good place to do both when you think about signing up.

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Labels: Careers in Sales Commision

When you're wondering what to do with your accounting or business degree, you may want to look towards the world of sales and account management jobs offered throughout the United States and Canada. A wide-range of possibilities exist in this field, as you can choose to work for small businesses to large regional companies that need executives and directors to handle their many accounts. To get an idea of the different approaches in sales and accounting to consider - browse the following suggestions listed below:

Department Retail Sales Manager

The overseeing of merchandising and a staff situated within a particular zone or department describes some of the duties of a Department Retail Sales Manager, who may also possess what is known as 'keyholder responsibilities'. The training, scheduling, and individual assignments of the department retail sales staff are also the responsibility of this position, which pays between $23,422 and $40,147. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for this job and five years of related experience is usually expected.

Sales and Marketing Director

When the development of strategic sales and marketing objectives are needed, it is the duty of a Sales and Marketing Director to make sure this is completed, along with the establishment of sales territories and quotas. The director will manage the budget and keep an eye on sales performance. Marketing programs and materials (like advertising, event support, and online promotions) are expected of the director, who should possess a bachelor's degree with at least seven to ten years of sales and marketing experience. It is also quite common to see a director manage a group of sales and marketing professionals. The typical salary for this position is found between $82,865 and $179,430.

Account Executive (Advertising)

When it comes to the account management of the advertising division of a company, an Account Executive is expected to uphold relationships and contacts with current and possible future advertising accounts. It is their job to pinpoint the potential advertising clients that could benefit their company, making sure to cultivate a relationship in an attempt to land new advertising accounts. A bachelor's degree is often required, as well as at least three years of experience in the field. Related experience with a high volume of sales is always a plus. Yearly salaries are generally from $51,658 to $88,147.

IT Account Manager

In regards to both internal and external customers, an IT Account Manager is responsible for creating and maintaining business relationships. They will develop IT projects to meet the business needs of their clients and make sure that objectives are accomplished within a timely manner - also keeping in line with budget limitations. Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in an area of specialty with between six and eight years of experience within the field. Usually, this position calls for one to lead and direct the progress of others for an average yearly salary of between $80,967 and $134,300.

National Sales Accounts Specialist

With a salary seen between $41,110 and $90,692, a National Sales Accounts Specialist is responsible for watching over national or major accounts for a company. They are also expected to assist in the creation of national sales and marketing programs with the goal of increasing profits. A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related area is a must to apply for this kind of position. An employer will look for at least four years of experience in the field.

Getting an Education for Sales and Account Management

Before settling on the accounting or business school that will prepare you for a career in sales and account management, performing a search on the Internet can prove rather helpful. Perhaps, you are interested in applying to the best schools in the country - then browsing information provided by sites, such as U.S. News and World Report is highly recommended. You will soon discover that schools, such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business; Alfred University; and Canisius College rank well for accounting and business majors.

When taking a look at Canisius College, you can earn a bachelor's degree and master's in Accounting to satisfy the 150-hour requirement required for the CPA exam in 4 and a half to 5 years. During that time, you will take courses, such as Calculus for Business; Principles of Financial Accounting; Business Statistics; and Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.

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Labels: Careers in Sales and Account Management

Whether you're managing a high school cafeteria or making sure the menu at the best restaurant in town is keeping up with healthy trends - there are plenty of ways to pursue a career within the restaurant and food services industry. While some people find a niche behind the scenes (such as working the kitchen, managing the budget, or preparing homemade desserts for a wedding), others enjoy people-oriented employment, such as greeting patrons at the front door or serving as a food critic for the local newspaper. To get an idea of just some of the positions found within the food industry, consider the following jobs and careers below:

Restaurant Manager

It takes a lot of patience to oversee the general operations of a restaurant, which may involve guiding the staff, evaluating inventory, buying equipment and supplies, as well as making sure customer service is top-notch. Knowledge of food and beverage regulations is a must within this business field. At times, the restaurant manager will also hire, train, and schedule other employees. A high school diploma or its equivalent is acceptable with about four to six years of related experience. The typical salary for this job is seen between $28,767 and $61,490.

Line Cook

Whenever you visit Applebee's or the International House of Pancakes, there is someone behind the scenes preparing the dishes offered on the menu. A line cook will prepare all the meats, soups, vegetables and other foods needed to fulfill the orders of patrons. Some places accept a high school diploma or its equivalent, but experience is certainly needed in this field (usually at least four years). Depending on the restaurant, a line cook is sometimes asked to lead and direct the progress of others. The average salary runs between $17,092 and $28,683.

Regional Chef

Have you ever possessed a flair for experimenting with food or truly enjoy simmering a meal over a hot stove for hours? All of this passion could serve as the spark needed to ignite a career in cooking. A regional chef is in charge of planning and creating new menus for more than one eatery found in a particular region. Many duties are associated with this sort of job, as a regional chef also trains unit chefs in the art of meal preparation techniques, portion size, and nutritional value. A bachelor's degree in an area of specialty and at least ten years of experience in the field is usually required. Yearly salaries are seen (on the average) between $69,929 and $137,665.

Restaurant Greeter

Making patrons feel welcome is the duty of a restaurant greeter, who is usually the first face seen when one enters an eatery. A greeter escorts guests to their tables and keeps an eye out to make sure their needs are being met. Greeters are also in charge of the reservation book and will take phone calls regarding the availability of a table within the restaurant. A high school diploma is usually needed (or its equivalent). Little to no experience is required for this position, which generally earns between $13,244 and $22,712.

Food Services Manager

A food services manager, who also watches over inventory levels, is in charge of overseeing the daily operations of the food services related to a specific organization (company, school, etc). When the purchase of food, kitchen supplies, or equipment is needed, it is the manager's job to comply. A familiarity with standards and cleanliness within a facility is a must, as failing to follow state or local regulations can result in the shutting down of a kitchen. An associate's degree or its equivalent with four to six years of experience in the field is recommended. The typical yearly salary runs between $39,846 and $95,036.

Possible Education for Restaurant and Food Services

The type of work you seek dictates the kind of education or training required for the restaurant and food services field. Chefs and cooks must attend cooking classes and train in the culinary arts. Diplomas and certificates are usually required to show experience and merit. Those interested in running a restaurant must possess a degree in business. Associate's degrees in management are attractive to businesses looking to hire. Some businesses will hire employees with only a high school diploma, where a degree in a specific field is required for others.

To begin a search for a suitable school regarding food services, consider the Culinary Institute of America; Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts; and The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes.

Best Places to Work in Food Services

When looking for a company within the food services industry that offers the best benefits, work hours, salaries, and extra perks - the following businesses have earned a reputation for nurturing their employees: Starbucks, Wegmans Food Markets, Whole Foods Market, McDonalds, and General Mills.

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Labels: Careers in Restaurant and Services

The progress of a company or business relies upon the research and development that comes from employees constantly looking for better approaches concerning issues like management, growth, expansion, and cost-efficiency. If seeking ways to improve a business interests you, it is recommended to consider some of the occupations listed below:

Clinical Research Coordinator

A Clinical Research Coordinator is in charge of the organization of research data concerning clinical projects. Typical responsibilities include selecting and observing subjects, and then helping out with the analysis of acquired information. A high school diploma (or its equivalent) paired with two to four years of related experience is required for this job. An array of tasks is encountered, which allows an employee to exercise their creativity, judgment, and planning skills. It is not uncommon to report to a supervisor or manager. The average annual salary for this job title ranges between $37,063 and $68,018.

Market Research Analyst

The collecting and analysis of data in regards to existing and potential product/service markets is one of the main concerns of a Market Research Analyst. Knowing the competitors within the market and keeping an eye on change within the industry is another important part of pursuing this kind of career. A bachelor's degree (with zero to two years of experience in the field) is necessary in order to build a working knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures associated with market research. The average salary is seen between $35,182 and $56,999.

Research and Development Director

If you are interested in becoming a Research and Development Director, there is a lot of experience required in order to fill the shoes of this lucrative position. As director, a watchful eye is needed in order to keep tabs on the research and development policies of an organization. You will review and approve objectives and initiatives concerning the future of a company. The research and development programs you back should boost the profitability of a business and hopefully create more of a threat to competitors. A bachelor's degree with at least ten years of experience in the field is required to apply for this position. Typical salaries are seen between $98,732 and $253,482.

Market Research Manager

As a Market Research Manager, you will manage the activities that take place within the market research department. It will become your duty to oversee the inner-workings of a team of analysts to make sure they follow proper procedures concerning analytic techniques that access the various demands for products and services on the market. You will become a wizard at predicting consumer trends and become responsible for looking over current research projects. A bachelor's degree in an area of specialty with at least seven years of experience in the field is necessary for this position. It is also important that you are able to lead and work well with others. An average yearly salary for Market Research Manager is seen between $65,538 and $114,791.

Operations Research Analyst

The collection and analysis of data in regards to the evaluation of operational difficulties is one of the many duties of a Operations Research Analyst, who will later suggest the best course of action when it comes to solving issues concerning a company. A bachelor's degree and zero to three years of experience is required for one to gain a sufficient amount of knowledge for the execution of typical concepts, practices, and procedures concerning your job. Yearly salaries for this position range from $30,126 to $61,010.

Best Companies in Research and Development

When looking for the best companies to work for in the field of research and development, using the Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list could become a rather helpful starting point. Making the list for 2008, FactSet Research Systems Inc. has proven itself worthy in the world of integrated financial information and analytical applications. As a small company, it ranks #20 on the list and captured the #52 overall position on the Top 100.

Another praiseworthy company is Genentech, which showers its employees with an onsite farmers' market and day care for dogs. Their 401(k) match is rather impressive, where employees also enjoy access to an onsite fitness center, subsidized gym membership, job sharing program, compressed workweek, and telecommuting. The most common salaried job at Genentech is a Research Associate at $85,880. There is also a satisfying balance of minority and female employees in the company.

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Labels: Careers in Research and Development

If you are looking for an exciting career that is constantly growing, you may want to consider a career in the field of real estate and mortgage. There are many great careers to choose from in this area, and they range from mortgage banking, dealing with appraisals and research, helping people sell homes and buy homes, helping people buy and sell commercial real estate, property management, and even land development. Of course before you decide that one of these careers are for you, you'll want to learn a bit more about this career, it's advantages, the education you'll need, the various positions available, the wages, and even several companies to check into.

Advantages of a Career in this Field

There are a variety of different advantages to getting involved in a career in the field of real estate. It is a field that provides freedom as well as flexibility. Also, your income will directly reflect how hard you work. People who are successful in this field are self motivated, people oriented, goal oriented, and persevering. Some of the rewards of a career in this field include freedom of time, helping others, potential for huge earnings, satisfaction, and an intellectual challenge. You also can enjoy a certain independence and you can often choose your own work environment as well.

Education Needed

Of course you are going to need some level of education if you are going to be involved in a career in real estate; however, the amount of education you'll need will greatly depend on the specific job you want to do within the field. Today there are many universities and collages that offer courses that are related to real estate and you can even specialize in programs that will allow you to get a BA in real estate as well. Of course not only are their education requirements, but there are professional requirements to be aware of. You'll need to be licensed to work in this field, and from state to state, you'll find that the requirements vary, although in every state you'll have to a written exam. There are often classes that can be taken before the exam as well. So, you may want to check into the specific licensing laws in your area so you are familiar with the local requirements.

Job Positions

There are a variety of different job positions to consider within the real estate field. First of all, you can choose to work in residential brokerage, which deals with helping others sell and buy homes. This requires a lot of preparation, knowledge of local laws, and of course good people skills. Of course you may prefer to get involved in a career in commercial brokerage instead, dealing with properties that are income producing. Some other job positions that you may want to consider include office brokerage, land brokerage, real estate appraising, property development, land development, real estate research, real estate counseling, and urban planning.

Wages

Of course for most people, the money is important as well. Most people want to know that they can make a good living in what they do. So, let's take a look at the wages that you can earn when you get involved in a career in real estate. For most real estate agents, $40,000 a year is about average, although many make a lot more than that each year, depending on their motivation. Real estate brokers usually earn closer to $60,000 a year on average. Of course, usually in this field, as you gain experience, you'll find that your wages increase.

Several Good Companies

No doubt you are interested in knowing about some companies, both in the United States and in Canada that hire people that are involved in the real estate field. The following are several companies that provide great benefits and excellent salaries as well. In the United States, a few great companies to checkout include ROI Commercial Real Estate in Las Vegas, NV, RE/MAX Direct, which has offices all over the country, and One Percent Realty, in Dallas TX. Of course there are some excellent companies to consider in Canada as well, including First Canadian Title, which is all across Canada, SNC-Lavalin in Ottawa, and The People Bank Placement Group in Winnipeg.

Labels: Careers in Real Estate and Mortgages

In a world of managers, buyers, and agents - an assortment of careers in purchasing allow individuals to enter the mechanics of buying and selling goods. When it comes to most of the jobs associated with this career choice, possessing a bachelor's degree and undergoing a decent amount of experience is usually required. To get an idea of the jobs found under this career path, consider the following options:

A Purchasing Manager is in charge of overseeing all purchasing functions within a company. In regards to the purchasing of goods and services, they receive and deem the approval of such transactions. In an effort to lessen the costs associated with the buying and selling of company interests, it is also their responsibility to investigate new trends or issues concerning materials and supplies. Quality improvement is also part of their job description. A bachelor's degree with at least eight years of experience in the field is needed in order to pursue this kind of job. Most Purchasing Managers will manage a staff and possess strong ties to top-level management. The typical salary for this position is found between $59,302 and $103,742.

As a Purchasing Agent, you will have the honor of supervising all purchases connected to a particular organization. Evaluating and approving potential vendors becomes one of your main duties, as you will also authorize the purchase orders for goods or services. Completing your studies for a bachelor's degree and racking up at least eight years of experience within the field is necessary in order to enter this profession. You should also become familiar with managing a team of buyers, where routine reporting to a purchasing manager is then expected. You stand to earn an average of $57,520 to $88,146 when pursuing a position as a Purchasing Agent.

When looking for a more higher-level management position, perhaps a career as a Purchasing Director better suits your interests. Job requirements include the direction and management of the purchasing division of an organization as a whole. At least ten years of experience in the field and a bachelor's degree is required to gain the knowledge necessary to develop the policies that affect the effective transactions of goods and services. A variety of tasks are associated with this kind of position that demands a certain degree of creativity and latitude. Leadership qualities are a must in order to successfully work well with others as a Director. A typical annual salary is seen between $72,794 and $147,211.

A Purchasing Clerk mainly develops purchase orders for the attainment of materials. They also conduct research, interviews, and enter negotiations on behalf of a company in order to get the best prices and specifications of desired products. The job title also requires an individual to supply regular administrative support. A high school diploma or its equivalent (accompanied by zero to two years of experience in the field) is needed to pursue this job. Reporting to a manager is expected in regards to this job that usually makes between $25,822 and $42,775.

As a Purchasing Supervisor, there are varying levels of duties associated with this position with plenty of room for advancement. For example, a Purchasing Supervisor II will watch over the daily activities of the purchasing division. They are responsible for reviewing the purchasing decisions of a company, as well as the orders and vendor contracts. A level II supervisor possesses the authority to pursue most of the everyday operations of the overall group. You should also keep in mind that a bachelor's degree in an area of specialty is sometimes necessary for many companies. The average annual salary of a Purchasing Supervisor II is found between $46,308 and $85,058.

Typical College Courses

In order to obtain a degree for a career in purchasing, you will find that many colleges focus on a bulk of business courses. Most will concentrate on basic purchasing procedures, cost containment strategies, and legal responsibilities associated with this kind of job. Practical methods of purchasing, supplier management, and reporting are taught. Common courses may include Keyboarding; Spreadsheets; Databases; Filing and Records Management; and Business Communications.

Upon graduation, you may want to seek employment at a company with a reputation for treating their employees the best, such as Seattle, Washington-based BD&A - a full-service creative agency associated with some of the biggest brands in the world. They've won the distinction as one of the best companies to work for in the city more than four times.

Labels: Careers in Purchasing

Printing is one of the most widely spread industries in the world; throughout each day, billions of tons of printed material is set to press, printed and shipped to customers. Printing is one of the few remaining "secure" blue collar trades in the United States, though even now, more printing work than ever is being outsourced to India and China and Malaysia than has ever been done before.

The reason printing remains stable is that the cost of shipping the raw materials is one of the major factors driving total profitability; the need to meet local demand in a timely manner is the other - having a seven week turnaround cycle isn't sufficient for a daily newsletter or running advertising circulars for most businesses. Most towns have at least one printer for every 30,000 to 40,000 residents.

So, now that we've established that there's a demand for printing, what kinds of jobs are there?

First, we need to differentiate between the two kinds of local printing businesses - there's digital printing and four color offset. Digital printing takes digital files and runs them through a machine like an HP Indigo, which is, for all intents and purposes, an incredibly high end laser printer. Offset printing breaks a printing job down into plates (one for each color, cyan, magenta, yellow and black - called CMYK), using carefully prepared mixes of inks - these plates are then set up in a press, and paper (on rolls, or large sheets) is run through the press.

Digital printing is best for short runs - the amount of effort needed to set up the job is lower. Offset is best for larger runs, because once the setup work has been done, the machinery just runs - indeed, starting and stopping the machine can cost more than letting it run for a few minutes longer.

Working in the printing industry, there are several jobs you'll do in a shop. Technicians and pressmen work on the equipment, loading paper, making sure that the machinery is working as intended. Dyers and ink specialists are sometimes used in larger offices that do offset work on clay coated (glossy) papers.

Beyond the back room people who work on the presses, there are other important jobs as well. Every printer needs an estimator; this is the person who takes the job from the client and works out exactly how much work is needed to do each step of the process, and what those materials costs will be - including the labor of the technician. It's also the job of the estimator to ask for clarifications in the client's request.

The client will interface with their printing rep; the printing representative is the person who prepares the estimates and bids from the estimator, and liases with the client to make sure that the files are turned in, and that the specifications are hammered down. The print rep has to communicate the concerns from the estimator to the client and back to make sure everyone's printing to the same sheet of job specifications.

Once the files have been turned in, there's also the pre-press operators - these take the client's files and manipulate them using a process called RIP into offset ready files - they generate color separations, with computer programs, and specify inks and PANTONE colors. The pre-press operators are the ones that work at the graphic workstations at the office and are the likeliest workers there to need a college degree.

Once the files have been pre-press checked, the print scheduler puts the job in the queue; her job is to make sure that the presses are running for as long as possible with the fewest interruptions and delays, so she tries to get every job lined up and scheduled to maximize the amount of printing that can be done in each day. She's also responsible for getting the first proofs back to the client rep, so the client can see how their job will run. A strong sense of organization and time management is critical to this position.

Lastly, at the end of the print job are the people who use the trimmers and warehousing equipment to cut and trim print jobs, and pack them into cartons for shipping to the client's needs - it's at this stage that steps like lamination or aqueous coatings are applied.

As you can see, running a print shop requires a lot of people to do their jobs to make the client happy; it's a lot of work, under tight, demanding schedules and requires organizational skills and communications ability. It's also a lot of fun once you're into the work. Search, post, and find jobs, online jobs, and hot jobs at Seek4Jobs.net.

Labels: Careers in Printing

Careers in project and program management will need individuals who are highly organized and skilled at organizing even the most complicated systems and procedures, are keen at observation, assessment and decision-making, and possess good people skills. Project managers are in charge of a team of core personnel and members hired on a contractual basis, working together on a project as supervised by the project manager, from the initial stages, to planning and design, to implementation or production, and maintenance.

While the terms project manager and program manager are sometimes interchanged, there are distinctions between the two. A program can be made up of several projects happening simultaneously, meaning the work of a program manager is larger in scope than a project manager, although both project and program managers have to have the same level of high qualifications to be succeed with their project or program, although there can be many project managers answering to one program manager. Program management also encompasses the long-term goals of the company, while projects last a shorter period of time. If the project revolves around development of a product, a product manager works under the project manager.

The three main industries that employ project managers are construction, architecture and software development, although there are other areas that would need a program or project manager, including technology, production and design industries, environmental agencies and companies that offer services instead of products. Project managers are also hired for investment management, asset control, human interaction management, project accounting, and e-commerce, among others. Project management has also spawned new kinds of services, such as customer relations management and project portfolio management.

To get work as a construction project manager, you should have a degree in civil engineering, management, building or construction science. Work experience is a plus, as well as certification from institutions such as the Construction Management Association of America or the American Institute of Constructors. Likewise, architectural project managers must have a background in architecture, as well. In many cases, the construction project manager and the architectural project manager coordinate and collaborate on one project.

Project managers in software development should have working knowledge of computer science to be able to understand and determine timetables and believable estimated deadlines. Project managers in the IT business will usually have studied business and IT, especially now that courses such as IT management are available.

Since project management is so highly complex and a company's future can be determined by the success of failure of particular projects, many companies would rather hire project managers with top qualifications. There are Master of Science in Project Management programs in several universities across the US and Canada, and a Master's Certificate in Project Management is offered at The George Washington University. Instead of an MSPM, MBA graduates are then preferred, and more so if they are certified, either by institutes of their respective fields, or by the Project Management Institute.

In 1969, the Project Management Institute (PMI) was established to systematize the standards, tools and techniques used in project management, even among and across the different fields that employ project management. Being a member of PMI will not only keep you abreast of the new updates of the Project Management Body of Knowledge, it will also introduce you to a network of other project managers and possible employers. Its counterpart in Europe, the International Project Management Association, was established a few years earlier.

There are many tools and software that have been developed recently for the sole purpose of making project and program management much easier. Planning and implementation are a breeze once you've mastered the right software. Additionally, many major companies in the US and Canada, as well as in Europe, are employing these software tools for their employees, so project managers should always keep an open mind to new technologies.

The compensation for project managers may depend on the amount of work put in, or on the level of difficulty of the project, usually determined by the hiring company. Full time project managers may receive a minimum of $80,000 annually, while part time project managers, or those hired on a contractual basis, may receive between $40,000 and $70,000 per year for as low as half the hours put in.

Labels: Careers in Project/Program Manager

Product management is a broad area of expertise, that involves the planning of a particular product, its creation, development and distribution to specified markets. Therefore, product management is involved in all aspects of this product and its life cycle. Product management would usually make up a team, composed of a sales engineer, a marketing manager, a product planner and a product marketer. There are companies, however that employ individualized product managers, instead of a team composed of these four roles, or a lesser number of workers in the product management team. The important roles that remain would be the product planner and product marketer.

Product management is essentially composed of two separate disciplines, product planning and product marketing. These disciplines are quite different in scope and implementation, but companies usually place them under one directive because one supposedly continues into the other, and the outcome of each affect each other closely.

Product planning involves distinguishing the product as a necessity, and figuring out market conditions and demands. All aspects of the product life cycle are addressed and portfolio of the product is created, based on product differentiation, a process in which the product's marketability is determined against similar products already being distributed. These are aspects of marketing but still fall into the product planning phase, which is why many companies lump product planning and marketing together, as product marketing then follows through with the planned strategies through positioning and implementation. Many companies have found that although separate planning/development and marketing departments may work well, the collaborative efforts between the two departments make sales more effective, which is why many corporations opt to combine the two departments.

Different companies may have different job descriptions for their product managers, based on the needs and development of each company. Usually, besides overseeing the development of the product through its life cycle and creating a substantial marketing plan and implementation, product managers may also take on the roles of project manager, which entails supervision of the entire production and marketing processes as a project, and program manager, which includes scheduling and programming the different aspects of production and marketing according to procedure.

A well-rounded background in business and strategic management or any management degree, with courses in marketing, advertising, and accounting will do well for a career in product management, although experience in the field contributes greatly to skill development. Degrees in behavioral and social sciences are also valued in product management, as well as degrees in communication and science and technology.

Of course, it is very important that product management revolves around the specific product and product managers must necessarily know what it is they're managing in the first place. Beyond basic information, product managers of a specific product must be knowledgeable in all aspects of this product to be able to ensure excellence in its production, improvement and marketing.

Therefore, those employing in Banking and other Finance-oriented industries may have degrees in Finance and Commerce to be able to function well as product managers. Similarly, graduates in computer courses that deal with the development and creation of gaming software can work as product managers in game publishing and entertainment software and technology companies. They are also able to market this product because being gamers themselves, they will be able to pinpoint their target markets and know which strategies will work in attracting these markets.

Product management is highly employed in such industries as food and beverage, consumer products, health care, insurance, media, education, publishing, technology, electronics, biotechnology, medical and pharmaceutical, oil and energy services, home and building construction, chemical, steel, metal fabrication.

While many companies have their own product management team within their internal corporate structure, others outsource to product management organizations, such as Phase Forward, a product management team which prides itself in producing excellent product management service, from product development to retail management and product evaluation.

These product management companies offer many services aside from developing your product and implementing a corresponding marketing scheme. For example, Phase Forward also takes on existing products for marketing, while Bit 7, Inc. Product Development in Madison, Wisconsin, offers its special Speed-to-Market feature. Insight Product Development in Chicago, with offices in Boston and Raleigh, aim at shortening developmental cycles, which help in cutting costs. Some companies have particular specializations, such as MIDIOR Consulting, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which cater to companies needing technology and data products, and Vertex Product Development Inc in New York, offer complete design concepts or redesign services.

Labels: Career in Product Management

Choosing a career in personal care and services opens the doors to a wide range of possibilities, as there are plenty of different paths to pursue in this particular field, including health care and physical fitness. To get an idea of the usual qualifications associated with this line of work, consider the following suggestions:

Nurse Practitioner

It is the duty of the Nurse Practitioner to examine and help out patients with or without the guidance of other health care professionals. They evaluate the proper measures regarding the care of patients battling illness and injury. They also make suggestions for disease prevention, diagnosis ailments, recommend treatments, and assist people in following necessary steps towards recovery. A nurse practitioner must also gain a license in this field after becoming familiar with common concepts, practices, and procedures. This position may also involve leading and directing the work of others. The typical salary for this position ranges between $66,809 and $91,564.

Day Care Center Teacher

Every city and state has their fair share of day care centers, which helps cultivate the minds of young children not old enough to attend a full day of school. A day care teacher watches over the education-based lessons of kids in a classroom. A structured curriculum is followed, while children engage in various activities at the instruction of their teachers. A bachelor's degree in an area of specialty is usually required for this sort of job, alongside two to three years of experience in the field. A state license is also necessary. Day care teachers usually earn between $19,317 and $35,063.

Personal Trainer

With the boost in health and fitness awareness, a Personal Trainer comes in quite handy, as they use specialized exercise programs to help clients reach their personal goals. Experience in creating fitness programs that accommodate specific client needs is a must. Knowledge in nutrition, physical fitness, weight training, and cardiovascular training typically increases success in this business. A high school diploma (with two to four years of experience) is acceptable to apply for this type of job. Certification in personal training is often required in order to successfully perform the variety of tasks associated with this career choice. Average salaries are found between $24,790 and $71,928.

Physical Therapist (Home Care)

A Physical Therapist evaluates and assesses the needs of referred patients - creating treatment plans meant to take place within the home care environment. Depending on the course of action, therapy services play a significant role. A master's degree and certification as a physical therapist is required, as it is important to follow standard procedures and concepts. An average annual salary of $61,601 to $80,602 is associated with this job description.

Case Worker (Home Care)

In regards to the sick, elderly, and young - an assortment of careers and services are found in social work. This particular branch deals with patients and their families in regards to making sure an appropriate living environment is created. A case worker will also evaluate the level of social interaction that each patient encounters. A bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology or another specialty area is required for this career path. Two to four years of experience in the field is suggested. The average annual salary for this job is found between $37,154 and $49,679.

Best Companies to Work For

A wide-range of companies in the field of personal care and services allows people to provide a great service to others. Many reputable companies provide satisfying benefits for their employees, including Methodist Hospital System, which pays their Nursing Managers a salary of $88,972 and their RN Clinical Colleagues an hourly pay of $78,746. Employees also enjoy access to an onsite fitness center, a compressed workweek, telecommuting, and a job-sharing program.

When working at Griffin Hospital, not only are the patients happy, but also the employees, who enjoy becoming part of what is known as the "Griffin family." The Registered Nurses make hourly wages that add up to around $67,619. At the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, this highly rated pediatric hospital system has added a lot of extra perks over the year, including additional care for children and the elderly. Pet insurance is now offered as well. A Staff Nurse Colleague at this company is paid about $63,228.

Labels: Careers in Personal Care and Services