Category: career coach

4 Ways to Improve Financial Peace of Mind

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Money isn’t so important that we should make the accumulation of it our life’s work. But it’s equally true that having no financial security can lead to a lot of unnecessary worrying, and could potentially put you and your family in trouble if something goes wrong. So while there’s little value in aiming to be so rich that you can afford a boat, we should work on at least reaching financial peace of mind. That’ll allow us to live life to the fullest, secure in the knowledge that no nasty surprises are lurking around the corner. 

In this blog, we’ll look at four handy tips that should put you on the right path towards financial freedom and security. 

Get a Grip

It’s unlikely that you’ll have good financial standing if you don’t have a firm grip on your financial situation. Your money matters are too complex for a “go with the flow” attitude. As such, it’s important to dedicate some time each week towards your money management. That means ensuring you have an understanding of all your incomings and outgoings, how your savings account is looking, and other key factors that’ll influence your financial future. A little bit of effort can go a long way!

Invest in Your Career

Your career will be your primary source of income. People who invest in their careers will be increasing their earning power, which will have a huge impact on their ability to have a happy financial future. There are plenty of ways in which you can invest in your career and improve your income, such as studying for additional courses, learning how to negotiate raises, and being willing to move to a new company (people that move jobs earn more than those who stay in one position). 

Plan for Emergencies

Your financial situation might be great when everything is going well, but what about when something goes wrong? It’s the low moments that negatively impact our financial positions, not the high moments. As such, it’s important to make plans for what will happen when things go wrong. For example, you could have a rainy day fund to use for emergencies, or you may look at National Life Group reviews and consider getting life insurance, which will help your family in case something may happen to you. By planning for the future, you can ensure that no matter what happens, your and your family’s financial position will be OK.

Diversify Your Income

As we said earlier, your career will be your primary source of income. However, it shouldn’t be your only source of income. You never know what will happen in this world, and even if it’s unlikely, your industry may hit a downturn. In that scenario, it’ll be your other sources of income that help you to stay afloat. There are plenty of ways you diversify your income. For instance, you may start a side hustle or a business, or you may begin investing in the stock market. Whatever you do, you’ll be strengthening your financial standing. 

Is Employer-Provided Life Insurance Enough Coverage?

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Supplementing group life insurance ensures your beneficiaries are taken care of—regardless of your employment status

Group life insurance policies provided through employers are a great benefit to have. Especially for young adults just starting in their careers or people who can’t necessarily afford a high premium, group life insurance policies provide a little bit of a cushion to help their loved ones in the event of their death. 

With that being said, many people find that their group life insurance policy simply doesn’t provide the level of coverage needed to support their families long-term. As people search for affordable life insurance coverage, many assume their best option is through their employer. However, in practice, employer-provided coverage isn’t always the best option. Let’s talk through how group life insurance works and why you may need an individual life insurance policy as well. 

How Does Employer-Provided Life Insurance Work?

Employers offer group life insurance as an employee benefit, often at a lower cost or free to an employee

Employer-provided life insurance is generally a group term life insurance option that some employers offer as part of their benefits package. Buying or opting into employer-provided life insurance will provide benefits to your beneficiaries should you pass away. This can help your beneficiaries with expenses after your death and provide a substitution for the salary that they depended on. 

Group life insurance coverage is typically determined by either salary or position within the company depending on your employer. The great thing about employer-provided coverage is that employers pay part or all of the premiums for your coverage. So, really all you need to do is opt-in to start your coverage. Keep in mind, though, your policy is only effective when you are employed at your company and the coverage amount tends to be very minimal. That’s why many people question whether or not they should supplement their employer-provided coverage, or even shop the market for their policy. 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Employer-Provided Life Insurance

Group life insurance is simple, but it may not give you the level of coverage you need

With premiums almost always paid for—or mostly paid for— by your company and automatic opt-ins to receive coverage, many people stop their search for life insurance coverage here. Depending on your own particular needs, this coverage absolutely may be enough for you. Keep in mind, though, that many people find that they need more coverage.

Benefits of Group Life Insurance

Employer-provided coverage is a great first step for getting a life insurance policy. Here are some reasons why you may want to opt into your life insurance benefit at work:

  • Simplicity – With employer-provided life insurance, adding coverage is typically simple. In most cases, all you have to do is opt into coverage.  
  • Guaranteed Coverage – The insurance provided by your employer is almost always guaranteed. So, if you have a serious medical condition and struggle to find an affordable life insurance policy on the market or have been denied life insurance coverage in the past, you will find it to be much easier to get insurance through your employer. 
  • Early coverage – Life insurance can be a big financial undertaking for someone early in their professional life. Employer-provided coverage can give you a head start. 

Drawbacks of Group Life Insurance

While employer-provided life insurance is quite simple, that doesn’t mean it’s always the best option. Or, at the very least, it shouldn’t be your only form of coverage. Here are some reasons why you may not want to depend only on your employer-provided coverage: 

  • Reliance on Employment – In almost all cases, your life insurance policy is tied to your active employment. If you lose or leave your job, the insurance policy is typically devoid. While you may have the option to convert your life insurance policy, it can be a bit pricey. As you look to the open market for policy rates, prices tend to get more expensive as you age and your health declines. 
  • Few Coverage Options – Employers typically only offer insurance policies from one insurance carrier. Because of this, you won’t have the option to shop around for policies that best fit your needs. 
  • Low Coverage – The amount of coverage offered is dependent on your employer and your situation within the company. While this may be enough to get you started, the amount of coverage tends to be low. You may need more coverage than your employer offers.

Can I Rely Only On My Group Life Insurance Policy?

Your group coverage may not be enough, but finding an individual life insurance policy can help

Especially if your group life insurance is free or mostly covered by your company, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t opt into your policy. However, the coverage provided by your employer typically isn’t sufficient enough to support your family, should you pass away. That’s why many people can’t rely on group coverage alone. If you’re on the fence about finding an individual life insurance policy, here are some reasons why you may want to consider coupling your group and individual life insurance policies:

  • You will have no coverage if you lose your job – As we mentioned earlier, employer-provided life insurance coverage is tied to your active employment with the company. If you have dependents you need to cover, with or without a job, you will want to consider an individual life insurance policy. 
  • Coverage gets more expensive as you age – Say years down the line, you end up switching jobs, and your new employer does not offer life insurance coverage. Now, as you shop for life insurance policies, premiums will be more expensive than they would’ve been for you years ago. The younger and healthier you are, the less expensive term life insurance policies tend to be, so looking at policies that aren’t job-dependent ahead of time will ensure you get the most affordable life insurance policy possible.
  • You may need more coverage than what’s provided – Group life insurance policies tend to be pretty simple. Policies typically don’t consider the extent of your policy needs. So, if your beneficiaries would need more support beyond your group coverage, you must find an individual life insurance policy. This additional coverage may help your dependents pay for college, your spouse afford your mortgage, or your partner raise a large family.  
  • You may find cheaper coverage elsewhere – We mentioned above that because employers typically only work with one insurance carrier, you won’t have the option to shop around if you choose to rely only on your job-based life insurance. You may be able to add various coverage on top of your baseline policy, but, of course, that will still be job dependent and may not even provide you with the full coverage you need. You may assume that added coverage will be more affordable with the insurance carrier your company works with, but that’s not always the case. As you consider individual coverage, be sure you shop around. There’s a high chance you can find more affordable coverage with another company. 

How Much Coverage Should I Have On Top of My Group Life Insurance Policy?

Consider the needs of your dependents when deciding how much coverage to supplement

How much individual coverage you couple with your group policy depends entirely on your own unique situation. Here are some guidelines to follow when considering the amount of coverage you need, and how much coverage you need beyond your job-based coverage. 

  • Your salary – It’s a good rule of thumb to have between six to 10 times your salary in life insurance coverage. 
  • Your dependents – Consider who in your life will need to be financially supported if you were to pass away. If you have young children, consider what they will need as they grow up and how much income would be needed to cover those expenses. When you consider your dependents, think of their everyday needs. 
  • Your large costs – Many parents want to help their children pay for large expenses, like college tuition. Consider any large costs for your family when thinking about the coverage you need. 

With all of this in mind, take a look at the policy you have with your employer. More than likely, there are going to be gaps in what you’re given and what you need. While you may have the option to add supplemental coverage through the insurance carrier your employer works with, you should always shop around on the market. You will have a wider range of options so you can find affordable term life insurance policies that fit both your coverage needs and how much you can afford every month. 

Employer-provided life insurance policies can be a great way to get a simple life insurance policy in a very affordable way. That being said, sometimes the amount of coverage offered isn’t quite what you need, and that’s where adding an individual life insurance policy comes into play. If you’re considering finding an individual life insurance policy, now is the time to start looking. The longer you wait, the higher your insurance premiums will be. Find an affordable life insurance policy today and rest assured your family will be taken care of in the event you pass away.

Topic – Offshore Outsourcing – Definition and Benefits

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Offshore outsourcing is the process of hiring a vendor outside the company to perform certain business functions, such as manufacturing, in an offshore location. Although offshore outsourcing generally refers to a company contracting with another entity across national borders, it can also refer to hiring within your own country but outside of your corporate structure or local area.

Although, Offshoring vs outsourcing comes with two different approaches to software development, offshore outsourcing is the best of both where a company hires a service provider in another country to perform business functions for them. This could be anything from database management to customer support. Some common examples include Indian software development centres for U.S. companies and Chinese manufacturing plants for U.S.-based retailers and distributors.

Outsourcing is often less expensive than having employees perform the same work in-house, although this depends on many factors, including the nature of the product or service being outsourced and the current economic conditions of both countries where the work will be performed and where it will be used.

Top Five Benefits of Offshore Outsourcing

Companies can benefit from offshore outsourcing by shifting time-consuming and expensive functions, such as accounting or payroll management, outside their own offices so they can focus their attention and resources on core competencies. The following are some of the benefits that companies may realise from offshore outsourcing:

Cost savings

The most common reason cited for offshore outsourcing is cost savings. Manufacturing costs overseas are typically much lower than those in the United States. For example, a company that manufactures goods in China may pay $1 per hour for labor compared with $20 per hour in the United States. Even when these cost savings are shared with an offshore outsourcer, significant savings may still be generated.

Turn Fixed Costs into Variable Costs

One of the primary benefits of offshore outsourcing is that it can turn fixed costs into variable costs. In other words, you can hire more people when you need them and let go of them when you don’t. That’s a big advantage in terms of flexibility, especially if you’re worried about the uncertain future of your business or industry.

A business owner is able to shift fixed costs into variable costs which means that he/she will only be paying for the results. The company will no longer need to invest in capital equipment needed for an operation but can instead pay for their services when needed. This allows them to save a significant amount of money, which can then be used for other purposes such as expansion or marketing campaigns. It also reduces the risk of failure because there will no longer be any capital investment required.

Focus on core business activities 

Outsourcing can help a company stay focused on core business activities because they do not have to worry about anything else. When you outsource non-core functions, you are allowing your employees to focus on their jobs and not have to worry about other things that might distract them from what they should be doing. This means that productivity levels will increase since people are doing what they are supposed to do.

Offshore outsourcing frees up your time so you can give more attention to your core business that makes a difference to your bottom line, such as developing new products or services, strengthening relationships with customers, and managing employees more effectively.

Access to global talent pool 

Offshore outsourcing also gives you access to more talent. You can hire people with skills that aren’t available locally or find people with specific language skills for projects that require them. You might even find people who are willing to work for less money, but who are more talented than their local counterparts. 

Outsourcing companies have the ability to tap into a larger talent pool than their onshore counterparts. This is because there are many highly qualified individuals living throughout the world who are unable to find jobs in their own countries. These individuals have the same level of experience and expertise as onshore employees but are able to perform tasks for a fraction of the cost. 

Outsourcing companies can also use freelancers who work remotely for various clients around the world. Freelancers provide even more flexibility to teams by allowing them to add additional resources when needed without worrying about project constraints and deadlines.

Increased efficiency 

One of the most common benefits of offshore outsourcing is increased efficiency. This can happen in a number of ways. 

In some cases, outsourcing allows companies to focus on their core competencies. Core competencies are an organisation’s strengths. For example, a company that designs software may not want to spend the time and money to create its own customer service department to handle technical support calls. Instead, it can outsource this responsibility. This frees the company up to focus on its business goals and core competencies while still providing service to its customers.

In other cases, outsourcing can increase efficiency because it takes advantage of economies of scale (the quantity discounts that come from mass production). Manufacturers often work with external suppliers who sell the raw materials needed for production at a lower cost than if the manufacturer had to produce them itself. 

And sometimes companies outsource tasks because they don’t have the expertise in-house or because they want to take advantage of new technologies that outside firms provide. Often these technologies are founded on innovations made by companies whose sole purpose is researching and developing new tools and processes.

Takeaway 

There’s no doubt that offshore outsourcing has many benefits. It can help companies achieve their goal of saving time and money while achieving the same results. But before going to such extremes, it would be wise to investigate the pros and cons carefully so that the option is a win-win for your business.

If you’re a company considering offshore outsourcing, it’s very important to conduct proper due diligence and research. The key to a successful outsourced project is effective communication, clear objectives, and open follow-through from your potential supplier. Without these three things, you run the risk of losing money, time and ultimately faith in your supplier.

Career Stuck? How To Get Out

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Everyone experiences a career rut at some point. Even the most interesting profession may become monotonous. Too long in the same work will make you feel stuck. In a world where there aren’t enough chances to learn and grow, we feel stuck. The good news is that escaping a career rut is easy if you put in the effort.

Break Out Of Your Shell

Get out of your comfort zone initially. Doing things the same way can just make you feel more stuck. Staying within your comfort zone is a big part of why you feel stuck in your profession. That’s fine, but to make a difference, you have to leave your own little safety net. It’s a significant move, but it will help you get out of your job rut. Not waiting for something to happen, but taking initiative and making it happen.

Set A Goal And A Strategy

To get out of a career rut, you need a goal and a plan. Setting goals offers you something to strive for and keeps you motivated. After deciding on a goal, determine how to achieve it. Create a game plan including action items, a timeline, and steps. Improve your web presence, update your résumé, and attend networking events. To truly observe progress and get out of your rut, you must be accountable throughout the process. Find an accountable friend to help you stay on track. A great way to set goals is to find someone who inspires you to do well such as Stephanie Summers Atlanta. 

Go For It

Take a risk to change your situation. Taking risks will challenge you and break up your everyday routine. Also, venturing out of your comfort zone can be part of your strategy. The idea is to think outside the box. If you’re stuck but not ready to ask for a raise, go for it. Apply for a job even if you don’t think you’re qualified for it. It doesn’t hurt to try, and you never know how risk can pay off.

Don’t Go Solo

Even if it is ultimately your responsibility, you cannot accomplish it alone. Locate a mentor, find a sponsor, attend networking events, and talk to your friends. Everyone you encounter could assist you to get out of your rut. Don’t be shy; you never know who will assist you locate your next chance. Ask for what you want directly.

Change Your Routine

Change your everyday routine to better your job and personal life. Even tiny changes, like waking up ten minutes earlier or checking email after reading the news, add up. Doing something different will help you break old patterns. It’s easy to go through your day on autopilot, rushing from one duty to the next without any thought. The days meld together, with a weekend vacation and a Monday return to the grind. Change one thing each morning, afternoon, and evening to see how it affects your entire day.

You are the greatest person to get yourself out of a job rut, so take responsibility and do it. In addition to the previous five actions, invest in your professional development to keep growing and learning. This can help you avoid feeling trapped and provide you abilities you can use now and in the future.

Sitting at Your Desk All Day? Improve Posture with These Tips

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We spend a lot of time sitting at our desks. What if I told you that your posture could affect your health? The way we sit for hours on end is terrible for the spine, leading to back pain or even worse! But don’t worry, there are some things you can do to improve your posture. Here are a few tips:

Sit Up Straight

Make sure you are sitting up straight by having your computer monitor directly in front of you at eye level. Consider using high-quality gel packs like Accurate Gel Packs to help relieve pressure on the lower back while typing for long periods. If possible, consider getting a standing desk that allows you to stand sometimes instead of sitting behind a desk all day.

Notice Your Posture When You Stand Or Walk

Your sitting area is not the only time to notice your posture. When you stand and walk around, look for areas that need improvement as well.

When you stand up straight, your spine is in its natural alignment. This will help to improve your posture when sitting down as well. To achieve a good standing posture, tuck your chin in slightly, pull your shoulders back and push your chest out. This will help with future back and neck problems as well.

Make Sure Your Desk Is Adjusted to Fit You

Your desk should also be adjusted to fit your body. For example, the height of your chair and desk should be such that when you are sitting with your feet flat on the ground, your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle. If needed, use a footrest or stool to adjust the height of your feet.

Your Back Needs Support

When sitting at your desk, it is essential to have good back support. This can be done by using a lumbar support cushion or pillow or by adjusting the height of your chair so that your lower back is supported.

Take Breaks Often to Move Around

It’s easy to get lost in your work and spend hours sitting at your desk. But taking breaks often to move around is essential for keeping your body healthy. Get up and walk around the office, do some stretches, or take a quick lap around the building. You’ll improve your circulation, increase your energy levels, and reduce the risk of developing a long-term health problem by moving regularly.

Try Not To Slouch

Sitting at your desk all day can be easy to forget about posture since no other activities are taking up space in your mind. However, if you keep slouching throughout the workday without considering how bad this is for your back and spine, then more than likely, that will lead to discomfort and pain in the future. You might not even realize it, but chances are you’re slouching right now as you read this!

There are several ways to improve posture at your desk job. You can take frequent breaks, stretch periodically and consider investing in a good office chair if possible. In addition, consider working on some exercises that will help with muscle groups you use most often during the day.

Building A Career in Social Media

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One of the most underrated yet accessible careers today is that of a social media brand ambassador. It seems like a daunting endeavor, but becoming an ambassador is easier than it looks and it’s the perfect career for generations such as Millennials and members of Generation Z. These two generations are incredible tech-savvy and make great social media representatives.

What is a Brand Ambassador?

A brand ambassador’s main responsibility is to raise awareness of a company and their available products. By utilizing social media, they function as spokespeople and attempt to sell a company’s product’s to their fanbase. Anyone can become a brand ambassador with the right direction and strategic social media campaigning.

How To Get Started

The hardest part about becoming an online brand ambassador is getting started, so here’s the best place for you to begin.

Step 1: Find a brand you connect with.

When choosing what brand you’d like to represent, you should choose to apply for brands that fit your own personal style. In order to really encourage audience engagement, your looks and lifestyle should enhance the products you’re trying to sell. If you’re sporty and want to produce more athletic content, then a sportswear company like Fabletics will be more enjoyable for both you and your following. However, if you’re more of a cocktail and wine night host, a store like Oh Polly is a better fit for your personal brand.

Step 2: Building Your Audience

A major part of your success is going to come from your audience’s engagement with your social media pages. Start with people you know. The best networks start with those you’re familiar with. Reach out to friends and family members, and get the word out that you’ve taken on a brand ambassador position. This way you’ll be able to reach new people through sources who can advocate for not only the company you’re representing but for you as the ambassador. You should also make sure to tag the social media pages of the company you’re representing. Their company is likely to repost pictures from  your page and that allows more people to discover your accounts.

Step 3: Get Your Audience To Engage With Your Page

Now that you’ve built an audience, keep them on the book by encouraging them to engage with your social media platforms. Try different trends like making ”A Week In My Life” videos or doing a Q&A session about yourself and the company you;re representing. This way, your audience can get to know both you and the company better and on more personal terms. Be sure to make sure these videos and streams are of a high quality. Content is more engaging if you have the right kit. If you’re showing off your kitchen, something as silly as a misplaced water stop can make your video seem less entertaining or can draw focus away from the main focus of your video.

In a digital age, there has been a rise of everyday people becoming successful social media influencers and brand ambassadors. For members of the Millenial and Generation Z crowds, their natural knack for social media campaigning and networking makes them strong candidates for this career path. Although a lot of this position involves being at the right place at the right time, the beauty is you can reach out to as many brands as you wish in a short amount of time and continue to work in this field for as long as you desire.

How To Start A Career In Finance

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Choosing a job can be challenging, particularly if you are interested in a variety of subjects. However, a career in finance can be very lucrative, and financial professionals earn some of the highest salaries around. Do you know how to get started in finance if you believe it’s a good fit for you? Here are a few ideas.

Select A Sector

The words’ financial career’ encompasses a wide range of opportunities. There are several industries under the finance umbrella that could spark your interest. Commercial banking, public accounting like the work done at CPA Accounting firm, corporate finance, insurance, and financial planning are among them. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, as well as varied admission requirements. Before you rush into a college degree or even job applications, you must choose which financial industry would provide you with the most job satisfaction. After all, you must like your job in order to be good at it, and you must enjoy your work in order to enjoy life – it takes up a large part of it. 

What Qualifications Do You Need? 

If you want to work in finance, there are several qualifications you might pursue. Accounting degrees and specific certificates, as well as college degrees in finance, are important. However, if you wish to work in corporate finance, an MBA or business degree could be more valuable than a pure finance degree. Would something larger that incorporates communication be a better match if you want to work in public banking? Again, you must choose a topic that will make you happy and keep you focused, but that will also help you get the job you are looking for.

If the profession you’ve selected requires a specific certificate and you don’t enjoy the studies needed to complete the degree, you’re unlikely to enjoy the job that comes later as it will relate to the same kind of thing. Think bigger, broader, and laterally. Furthermore, having a certificate in something other than finance is always beneficial in case you change your job path later in life, as many people now do.

Which Company? 

Finance positions are available at dozens of different companies (possibly hundreds if you broaden your search). Not all of them will be suitable for you. If you read a job post that seems wonderful and that you are completely qualified for, if you don’t investigate the firm itself, you may be in for a surprise if you later realize that you disagree with their ethics, for example. You should scrutinize every facet of a potential employer to ensure that you would be happy to work for them if you are hired. This has the added benefit of allowing you to identify what (or rather who) they will be searching for in an interview. Applying for an internship is a great way to learn all you need to know about a firm. Think about the big picture and try to work for a firm where you’d be happy to work for life – it may not happen, but it’s an admirable goal to have.

The Devil Is In The Detail, But Do You Have What It Takes To Build A Career In Engineering?

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You could argue that every career requires precision handling from impassioned employees. After all, it’s this level of focus that creates real results. For individuals considering a career in any aspect of engineering, however, the word precision takes on an entirely new meaning. 

In fact, with even one lapse in concentration potentially proving fatal, you could say that concentration here is an absolute must. yet, for millennials who have grown up operating on instant gratification, and with attention spans so-called shorter than that of a goldfish, it’s easy to assume that this field isn’t viable. .

However, with skills shortages already ravaging our engineering industry, it’s plain to see that things need to change. After all, far from simply fulfilling practical needs (which they also do), engineers are at the cutting edge of innovation. And, in a world where things are always changing, we need engineering expertise that keeps on bringing us back up to speed.

So, what does that mean for millennials who have thus far considered engineering precision out of reach? In large part, it highlights the need to begin tailoring an entirely different skillset to the fast-fire, office-based focuses that so many of us have been geared up for. Here, we’re going to consider just a few of the ways that millennial job seekers can start tailoring their skill sets for that purpose. 

# 1 – Put in the study

Many modern employers now simply seek graduate-level candidates, without really requiring specializations as such. However, just as you wouldn’t enter a career in medicine without putting in the specialist work, it’s imperative that individuals put in the study necessary to truly succeed in this field. The good news is that there are different ways to do this, the most obvious of which is a specified engineering degree, for which individuals must hold A levels in maths and some field of physical science. For individuals without A levels, apprenticeships that provide on-the-job training are a fantastic alternative route, and are especially invaluable at a time where employers in this field are keener than ever to ramp up production using fresh, applicable skills.

# 2 – Tailor your concentration

Everything that you do in any field of engineering requires dedicated concentration that enables you to ensure the safest, best-built results possible. Whether you want to be a civil engineer focusing on bridge beams and girders or a marine engineer positioning silicon bronze carriage bolts, there is no room for error. Yet, with millennials often taught to expect instant gratification, these levels of concentration are no longer a given. Instead, individuals must harness this skill, both through obvious outlets like brain-training games, and also less-obvious benefits to concentration including exercise and improved sleep. During their studies, too, budding engineers should harness higher levels of concentration to ensure that they’re always operating with the precision necessary to ensure great results.

# 3 – Understand workplace communication

While communication is necessary for every workplace, engineering that requires teams to work together seamlessly to create safer finished products takes this necessity to the next level. For individuals just entering the career world, this can be a problem, and it’s realistically one that even studying and increased focus isn’t going to help with. In fact, the only real way to perfect on-job communication is to experience it first-hand. Of course, individuals working engineering apprenticeships enjoy this benefit first-hand by getting stuck straight into the practicalities of engineering work. For individuals taking a classroom-based route, however, accepting part-time jobs alongside studying can be an ideal first step towards the seamless inter-colleague communication on which this career is ultimately going to rest. 

# 4 – Embrace creativity

It’s also essential to note that, for all of the practical learning inherent in great engineering, innovation and creativity are really what set experts apart from average achievers. As such, aside from the practicalities of your learning, you must start to tap into a more intuitive engineering outlook. Drawing or other creative hobbies can be a great way to achieve this, especially if you center them around your specific field of engineering. After all, once you’ve perfected the design of your own bridges, boats, or whatever else, you’ll be far better able to offer intuitive, valuable, and importantly viable, ideas either during the interview stage or within a role that you’ve already secured.

Engineering an engineering career isn’t easy, but these tips will surely be worth it if you think you’re the right person to fill this ever-widening skills shortage.

How to Build Your Personal Brand

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Everyone knows that a successful brand needs to stand out and be unique. However, many people don’t think about how much of an individual’s personal interests and tastes go into building a brand; we all have different passions we dedicate ourselves to, causing our personal brands to be as unique as our fingerprints. In today’s society, it is essential for everyone, not just business owners or celebrities, to have their own personal brand.

The three biggest reasons why every person should have a strong personal brand are:

Be Uniquely You

By creating your own sense of style through the clothes you wear and the music you listen to, you can express your personality in a way that no one else can. Your personal brand allows you to make a statement and show the world who you truly are.

Make an Impact

When you build your own personal brand, not only do other people see what kind of person you are, but others also start to associate certain qualities with your name. That means whatever positive or negative attention you receive will always be associated with your name, allowing for more opportunities to come your way.

Get Noticed by People You Want to Meet

Once other people recognize how unique and different you are from everyone else, they will naturally want to associate themselves with the things they think you like and admire. Plus, whether it is at work or during a party, you will always be surrounded by the people who share your interests.

There are several easy ways to help build a personal brand from home without spending any money, such as:

Stay Up-to-Date on Trends

Think about the clothes that you wear and how they set you apart from everyone else. Always buying new clothing every season allows you to have a unique style and also shows others what is currently in fashion. Furthermore, it is important to keep your hair and makeup up-to-date so others can notice how well put together you are.

Follow Celebrities You Admire

By following celebrities with similar tastes in music, movies, or favorite clothing brands, you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Plus, who doesn’t want to know what their favorite celebrity is wearing or listening to?

Follow Your Favorite Brands

If you are truly passionate about a specific clothing brand, then follow them on social media to stay up-to-date with all of their new products and collections. This allows you to always have your own unique style because you are able to buy every collection that your favorite brand offers without having to pay full price for anything.

Create Quality Content

As a brand owner, you need to provide quality and informative content to your audience in order to keep them interested in what you have to say. For example, when writing articles for your blog, make sure that everything is clear and easy for anyone to read. Plus, whenever posting on social media like Facebook or Twitter, use hashtags that will help others find the topics they are also interested in.

Once you start noticing how much of an impact your personal taste can have on others, you will want to experiment with different ways of expressing yourself through either fashion or interests. Remember creating a personal brand doesn’t just involve creating new content and sharing it with others; it also means taking the time and effort to do something different. As your brand grows, so will your responsibility to maintain it. Purpose Brand Marketing Agency is a brilliant partner to help you grow.

In Closing

With these simple ways, everyone can start building their own personal brand while working within their budget. The more time and effort someone puts into becoming knowledgeable about their personal interests, the more successful their brand will be.

Is A Career In Property Development Right For You?

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Collaborative post – may contain affiliate links

Property developers carry out projects to increase the value of properties or land. They then generate a profit by selling properties, or through rental income. There are lots of different projects that a property developer might take on.

A developer might buy a piece of land and then build commercial or residential properties here. Once the property (or property complex) is built the developer can choose to sell the building (s) or rent the properties out. Using refinancing options developers can gain back what they invested, and generate a profit on the value increase.

This isn’t the only way to pursue property development, developers can also purchase existing properties, renovate them, and then sell these properties to make money. Some developers buy properties that are not suitable for renovation, demolish these and use the land to develop a property complex.

Property developers work with several different professionals to carry out their projects, a few examples include architects, building contractors, planning consultants and property management companies.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in property development, it’s worth understanding what the role involves, and the skills you’ll need 

What skills do you need to become a property developer?

1 . Research skills

To become a property developer you’ll need great research skills. Property developers need to perform effective market research and be able to identify real estate market trends. When researching the property market property developers might focus on factors of demand and supply, economic factors, or relevant social demographics. Performing market research is the key to ensuring ROI. One of the most important research aspects is finding the perfect location for property development. You’ll need to choose the location where you stand to earn a great profit.

2. Financial savvy

Property developers need to be financially savvy. It’s essential that you’re good with numbers, and can assess the profitability of your projects. Property developers need to be able to follow a budget and predict earning potential. They also need to work with a range of investors, commercial banks, or other lenders. To support the financial success of their projects most developers also work with an accountant.

3. Project management skills

Property developers need to have good project management skills, they’ll need to be able to create a roadmap for their projects, and oversee the construction. Property developers need to choose the best team to deliver on their projects, from the contractors to the architect. Developers need to hire construction teams with plenty of expertise. If you’re looking for a talented and experienced construction company, take a look at Rockford Construction Staff.

Is a career in property development right for you?

If you have a keen interest in real estate and great project management skills, property development could be a great choice for you. Success in the industry depends on financial knowledge, organizational skills, and an understanding of the investment market. You can professional teams to renovate your properties but it’s also useful to have an understanding of renovation practices and basic interior design. Once you get started with property development you’ll want to focus on wealth management strategies to protect and grow your investments.