New Approaches for Hybrid Nuclear Energy

New Approaches for hybrid Nuclear Energy New Approaches for Hybrid Nuclear Energy Even though challenges in the nuclear power industry often seem to be as much about politics as science, engineers continue to forge ahead with new ideas about hybrid power plants, combining nuclear with other energy sources.With the growing interest in renewables as a way to help reduce the carbon footprint, some of the thinking is focused on using renewables to meet spikes in demand over baseload power supplied by nuclear, just as might be done with fossil fuel plants. While renewables can be a good fit for this purpose since they can be easily ramped up and down unlike typical baseload plants and because they produce power at relatively low cost like nuclear the disadvantage is the unpredictability of output if there is not enough wind or sun at the time the power is needed.Control ordnungsprinzipAhira Tokuhiro, professor of mechanical and nuclear engineering, University of Idaho, says, What makes the most sense in a hybrid system depends on the objective as well as the location, regional perception of the benefit, and public acceptance of certain energy sources. The key, he notes, is an intelligent control system. There is some capability now, but with the computer technology we have, whats really exciting is that we can do it better.With such technology that connects, manages, and controls the systems, any combination of systems whether a matchup of nuclear with solar, wind, geothermal, or hydro power is possible, he says. It doesnt even have to be a large nuclear power plant it can be a small reactor if we dont like large nuclear power plants, which seems to be the case.Tokuhiro also points out that a hybrid system can be developed at various scales a large system for a big city or a smaller one for a little town. In fact, a lot of recent work has been on smaller reactors, not only because they may be more acceptable politically but also because of they require less fina ncing.U.S. energy consumption by source, 1910-2010. Source U.S. Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy ReviewShale-Oil MatchupTaking another approach, Prof. Charles Forsberg, a research scientist in MITs department of nuclear science and engineering, has come up with a different kind of solution. In a paper published in the November 2013 issue of the journal Energy Policy, Forsberg suggests that a nuclear plant be paired with either an artificial geothermal storage system, a hydrogen production plant, or a shale-oil recovery verarbeitungsschritt to divert excess power as a dispatchable source of electricity to balance production and demand.Although perhaps not readily apparent, even the shale-oil matchup would help curb greenhouse gas emissions because the nuclear plant can heat oil shale when demand for electricity is low since the heating can be done sporadically. This would replace the burning of fossil fuels to heat the shale, which generates higher emissions.The worl ds largest shale oil deposits, which have the lowest carbon footprint of any source of liquid fossil fuel, are concentrated in the western part of the U.S., according to Forsberg. When shale oil, which to date has not been used as a source of petroleum, is heated, the oil can be pumped out by conventional means.As the university lead for hybrid nuclear energy systems at the Idaho National Laboratorys Institute for Nuclear Energy, Science Technology, Forsberg is at the leading edge of research. Nuclear hybrid energy systems is one of the five Centers of Research and Education that make up the institute, and each summer the nations leading nuclear scientists and engineers gather in Idaho Falls to share knowledge about the latest work in hybrid systems to achieve clean energy objectives.At the most recent workshop in July, Tokuhiro presented his latest findings in a presentation entitled, Demonstrating Hybrid Heat Transport and Energy Conversion System Performance Characterization Usi ng Intelligent Control Systems.According to Michael F. Keller, president CEO of Hybrid Power Technologies, hybrids have the savings potential of $30 billion for Americans annually in reduced power costs and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of more than 15 percent.Nancy S. Giges is an independent writer. For Further Discussion The key to a hybrid nuclear energy system is an intelligent control system.Prof. Ahira Tokuhiro, University of Idaho

Top 10 Job Options for Psychology Majors

Top 10 Job Options for Psychology MajorsTop 10 Job Options for Psychology MajorsAre you a psychology major exploring job options? Your career path will depend on your interests and skills, but a psych major can use the skills acquired in college in a variety of different types of jobs. Psychology majors typically develop a keen understanding of human behavior, motivations, emotions, and thought patterns. Most psychology majors have strong verbal, writing, and presentation skills. They have the ability to read people and interact in effective and strategic ways. Most colleges now take a scientific approach to psychology, so majors learn how to apply the scientific method to assess variables. They can use quantitative skills and software to analyze data. Your individual skills, interests, and values should be the final determinants of what jobs are right for you, but here are some options to considerthatdraw upon the psychology major. 10 Job Options for Psychology Majors 1. Guidanc e CounselorGuidance counselors work with students, teachers, and families to help them plan their education and overcome any obstacles interfering with their learning. The psychology major provides a solid foundation in theories of learning, cognitive development, and motivationthatserve school counselors well. Psychology graduates are well positioned to complete a masters degree in student personnel or a related field to qualify for these jobs. Guidance counselors need to complete certification requirements and a practicum in the school system to qualify. Check with your states department of teacher certification for the exact requirements. Salary Information and Job OutlookGuidance counselorsearned an average of $62,990 in May 2017,according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS estimated that jobs for school and career counselors would grow by 13% through 2026, htte nicht viel gefehlter than the average for all occupations. 2. menschenwrdig Resources StaffHuman Resourc es (HR),or personnel workers,recruit and train staff, counsel employees, negotiate contracts, mediate personnel conflicts, administer benefits programs, and set policies/standards for managing employees. Psychology majors who take coursework in industrial/organizational psychology at the undergraduate or graduate level gain insight into workplace dynamics. Psych majors develop interviewing skills and the ability to appraise the qualities of peoplewhoserve them well on the recruiting side of HR. The communication skills and finesse with peoplethatpsychology majors tend to possess help them to counsel employees, mediate conflicts, and negotiate contracts. HR staff are heavily involved with employee assessment, evaluation, and research where the psych majors knowledge of the scientific method can be quite useful. Salary Information and Job OutlookAccording to the BLS, the median annual wage forhuman resources specialistswas $60,350 in May 2017. Employment of human resources specialists is projected to grow 7% from 2016 to 2026, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. 3. Social WorkerPsychology studies provide an excellent grounding for social workers in human behavior, social relations, addiction, personality disorder, and motivation. Many psych majors pursue graduate studies in social work to provide the professional training needed to intervene with clients in need. Psychology majors often enroll in clinical social work programsthatprepare them to conduct therapy with clients in much less time than a Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology. Psychology majors possess the interviewing skills critical for gathering information from clients and the sensitivity to emotions needed to establish a working rapport. Their analytical skills enable them to assess problems and come up with viable solutions. Strong communication skills allow psych majors to convey practical information and suggested remedies to clients. Salary Information and Job Outloo kSocial workersearned an average of $47,980,according to the BLS. The BLS estimated that jobs for social workers would grow by 16% through 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. 4. Management TraineePsychology graduates acquire knowledge in areas like motivation, personality,and industrial/organizational psychologythatcan help them supervise and motivate staff as a management trainee. Their interpersonal and communication skills can enable them to interview, train,and evaluate staff. Problem-solving abilities can help them analyze performance issues and develop strategies to improve productivity. Most mid-to large-size companies have management training programs. They often recruit through colleges, so check with your career office for opportunities to interview on campus and through career fairs. Google management traineeand search Indeed.comusingthe same phrase to see some examples. Salary and Job Outlook InformationGlassdoorestimates that entry-level salaries for management trainees average about $54,656. TheBLS expects management jobs opportunities to expandby about 8% through 2026, an average rate of growth for all occupations. 6. SalespersonThe insight into consumer motivations and preferencesthatpsychology majorspossesscan help schlussverkaufpeople frame their product/service pitches with the right angles. Interpersonal skills help put customers at ease, and verbal skills help psych majors convey clear messages about products or services. Psychology majors qualify for sales positions and sales training programs directly out of college. Chances of landing a first job in sales are enhanced by some business coursework, psych projects related to business, and internships in a business setting. Many sales employers recruit through colleges so be sure to inquire about options through your campus career office. Salary Information and Job OutlookSales salariesvary greatly from industry to industry and by sales function. For example, the BLS rep orts that advertising salespersons earned an average of $49,680 wholesale sales workers earned an average of $60,340and securities salespeople earned an average of $63,780. The BLS expected sales jobs as a whole to grow at 3%, more slowly than average through 2026, but there will totenstill be 468,700 new jobs in this large category of employment. FundraiserFundraisers,likesalespeople,needtobesavvy with people. Psych majors are often good readers of people and have a sense of when to ask for a donation. They have the interviewing skills to draw out the interests that prospective donors have related to their organization and the communication skills to explain to donors how their contributions would advance the mission of their charity. Psychology majors shouldpursueon-campus positions (such as annual fund caller)intheircollegesdevelopment andalumni office to demonstrate their fundraising acumen. Also, consider coordinating campus fundraising campaigns for local charities or student organizations. Salary Information and Job OutlookThe BLS estimatedthat fundraisers earned an average of $55,640 in May 2017. Jobs were projected to expand by a much greater than average rate of 15% through 2026. 7. Market Research AnalystPsychology majors are trained to conduct research in a scientific manner. They have the ability to design studies, gather and analyze data,and summarize their conclusions. Psych majors gain knowledge in motivation and social psychology, which helps them understand how preferences for and attachments to products are formed by consumers.Interviewing skills, which psych majors develop while working with subjects for human studies, help them structure and carry out effective focus groups. Psych majors who aspire to be market researchers should consider a minor in business or economics and choose psych projects with a business orientation. Complete internships related to absatzwirtschaft to further your chances of being hired for positions in the field. Salary Information and Job OutlookThe BLS estimated thatmarket research analysts earnedan average of $63,230 in May 2017. Jobs were expected to grow by a much greater than average rate of 23% through 2026. 8. Public Relations SpecialistPublic Relations (PR) professionals need the psychology majors interpersonal skills to establish rapport with the media and convince them to publish stories about their organization or their clients organization. Psychology majors possess the interviewing skills used by PR professionals to gather information from staff to form the basis of press releases. They have the writing skills necessary to compose compelling stories in order to convince editors and reporters to cover developments with their client. PR professionals often have to intervene to resolve emerging image issues with an organization. Psych majors have the knowledge of how attitudes are formed through social psychology and the problem-solving skills to devise effective strategies to bui ld or repair a corporate image. Psychology majors aiming for a career in PR should take on writing intensive roles with student organizations, like the campus magazine/newspapers and complete writing-related internships. Experience organizing events on campus is also useful. Try to complete at least a few courses in business and marketing, as well. Salary Information and Job OutlookPublic relations specialistsearned an average of $59,300 according to the BLS.Further,the BLS estimated that jobs for public relations specialists would grow by 9% through 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. 9. Psychiatric AideA solid understanding of abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, and psychology of personality enable psychiatric aidestounderstand the conditions afflicting their patients and the instructions for care provided by psychiatric professionals. Interpersonal and communication skills help psych majors establish a rapport with patients and support treatment. Psych m ajors who hope to work as psychiatric aides after graduation should volunteer to work with clients or patients with psychological issues. Students should complete internships in a clinical setting as they advance to their junior year. Working as a peer counselor is another way to gain related experience. Most college grads use positions such as a mental health aide, psychiatric aide,or residential counselor as a short-term mechanism to gain clinical experience prior to graduate programs in counseling/clinical psych or social work. Salary Information and Job OutlookPsychiatric aides earned an average of $29,330,according to the BLS. The BLS estimated that jobs for psychiatric aides would grow by 6% through 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. 10. LawyerLitigators draw heavily on social psychology when they are involved with appraising the suitability and attitudes of potential jurors. Knowledge of motivation is essential when analyzing crime scenarios and selecting witnesses. Verbal, presentation, and persuasive skills are essentialinpresenting cases and influencing judges, jurors, and opposing attorneys. Since many cases are resolved outsideofthe courtroom, reading the mindset of the opposition and negotiating skills are essential for trial lawyers. Psych majors will benefit from taking someundergraduatelaw courses prior to law school to test their interest in and aptitude for legal analysis. Salary Information and Job OutlookThe BLS estimates thatthe median salary for attorneysin May 2017 was $119,250. Jobs were expected to grow by about 8%, an average rate for all occupations.

6 Ways to Rock Your First Entry-Level Job After Graduation

6 Ways to Rock Your First Entry-Level Job After Graduation6 Ways to Rock Your First Entry-Level Job After Graduation6 Ways to Rock Your First Entry-Level Job After GraduationThis career advice will help you make the most of your first entry-level job in the real world.Congratulations You made it through four (or more) years of school and have a brand-new, freshly printed diploma to show for it. But even better than that, you have your first official job offer signed, sealed, and delivered. And its a job youre actually excited to startConsider yourself among the lucky. Although the economy and subsequently, the job market has improved over the past few years, many recent college graduates still struggle to secure full-time jobs in their field of study.Dont head into the real world blind arm yourself with this career advice. It has everything you need to kickstart your professional life.Prepare for your first day at your new job.You remember all-too-well how important it was to make the right first impression during each job interview. Similarly, creating a great first impression with your new colleagues is incredibly important and requires some careful preparation on your part. Click on the following link for a list of things to do before your first day at work to ensure your first job will be a success.Create a plan for your first 90 days on the job.Employers often consider a new hires first 90 days at the company to be an extension of the interview process, and with good reason. Your manager is still feeling you out, and youre probably doing the same, making sure this hiring decision was the right move for everyone involved.While some companies provide an orientation program to set their new employees up for success, dont assume youll receive such support. Instead, take matters into your own hands by creating your own 90-day plan. Create a list of things you can do during your first week, month, and 90 days on the job that will set you up for success. Click on the following link to view our suggested 90-day plan for new employees.Reset your expectations for your entry-level position.Youre excited to join the workforce and take the first step towards your dream job, and thats a good thing. But make sure you enter this entry-level job with realistic expectations. Click on the following link to learn what you can expect from your first job out of college and how you can make the most of this experience.Continue to learn in and out of the office.The fastest way to lose your edge, both in and out of the workplace, is to stop learning. Sure, after your last semester of finals, presentations, term papers, and group projects, you may be ready to burn your library card. Its perfectly natural to feel a bit burnt out. However, after youve given yourself a break and settled into your new job role and routine, find ways to continue your professional development in and out of the office. For instance, you may want to start scouting for the right m entor or sign up for an online course through sites like Coursera, Lynda.com, edX, or Skillshare. If youre looking for other cheap ways to supplement your on-the-job training, check out this list of highly-recommended career development books.Invest in your professional network.You already landed a job, so why the emphasis on networking? Well, a strong professional network doesnt just help you find and land an entry-level position. In fact, the most successful professionals are often excellent networkers. Networking will help you build and sharpen your skills, stay on top of industry trends and technologies, find the right mentor, and keep an eye on the job market, should you suddenly find yourself unemployed or desperate to jump ship.Start building a network of valuable contacts by getting involved in your alma maters alumni events, joining relevant LinkedIn groups online, and finding other face-to-face opportunities through relevant professional associations, Meetup groups, and tr ade shows.Start a brag book of your work accomplishments.If you want to get ahead in your career, you have to be comfortable speaking about your job skills and the value you bring to an employer. Prepare for these future conversations by tracking your work accomplishments from the very start of your career in a brag book.A brag book, also known as a wins journal, is an uncomplicated job-search tool that allows you to keep track of all your major contributions and accomplishments over the course of your career. This ongoing record of your professional achievements will bedrngnis only help you prepare for your annual performance review and future salary negotiation conversations, but it will also make it easier to update your entry-level resume when youre ready to conduct another job search. Click on the following link to learn more about how to build a professional brag book.Take this career advice to start your first entry-level position with gusto and confidence. Oh, and enjoy that graduation partyClick here for a recap of our OfficeHours on the biggest job-search mistakes made by recent college graduates featuring special guest Danny RubinWant to see how your entry-level resume stacks up? Request a free resume review todayRecommended Reading11 Tips to Jumpstart Your Career Early OnTop Jobs for Recent College GradsTurn Your Summer Internship Into Your First Full-Time Job

Spring Into Happiness

Spring Into HappinessSpring Into HappinessSpring into HappinessSpring is upon us For most of us, spring evokes familiar images of Easter eggs, flowers, and longer, warmer days to come. However, according to our members, spring is also the time of year when youre happiest with your job.Across the country, employees report the biggest increase in job satisfaction when winter weather gives way to spring, boosting overall job happiness by 13 percent. Are you ready to be 13 percent happier?While overall job satisfaction increases across the country from winter to spring, the variance of the increase was also dependent on things like regional climate, and a persons job industry and salary. In colder American job markets, like Boston, New York, and Chicago, working professionals are 30 percent happier to see spring come than their counterparts in warmer markets like Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami. Makes sense right? If your winter is colder, then of course youll be happier to see spring th an someone in a warmer climate.But hold on, after further analysis, we discovered that people in colder markets report an average job satisfaction level 28 percent higher all year long than warmer markets (even those toughing it through famously cold Boston winters). Lets look into whyWarmer job markets have a higher percentage of sales professionalsRegardless of location, season, AND salary, sales professionals generally report higher levels of dissatisfactionColder weather markets have a more even distribution of professions across their top job typesBasically, more sales employees with a less diverse job market means that no matter how beautiful it is outside, that market is relatively less happy with their jobs.Ladders unearthed lots of other interesting trends here are some highlightsHappiest Job Market Washington, DC,Unhappiest Job Markets SacramentoHappiest Professions Law, Tech, and Accounting FinanceUnhappiest Professions Real Estate, Sales, and EducationOne more interesti ng trend showed that the axiom, mo money mo problems is actually true. Professionals making or about to make $100k proved to be the happiest, meaning there is a psychological factor in starting to make six figures (something employers could leverage in raises/bonus considerations), even though the difference between $90k and $100k is mnznominal in your take-home pay.Additionally, the trend data shows quickly diminishing returns on incremental salary as employees near the $200k mark. Across all industries, professionals reported being less happy the more money they made after $170,000 per year. Think about that on average, professionals making $240,000 a year reported being slightly unhappier than those making $40,000.So who is the prototypical happiest worker in the country? Drumroll pleaseour analysis shows that a city-dwelling techie, who works in the northeast during the spring months, and makes six figures (but under $200k) is the happiest employee in the country. Conversely, if you find yourself working a sales job in Sacramento, perhaps this research will persuade you to pack your bags and take a cross-country road trip this spring.*This study analyzed the behavior of over 390,000 Ladders members over the past two years.

Best Resume Maker Ideas

Best Resume Maker Ideas The Dirty Truth on Best Resume Maker The point is to let you can boost your CV as much as you desire. Its totally fine if you opt to compose your own resume. Whichever resume format you select, make certain to include examples of accomplishments that benefited your prior employers. Creative formats like infographic resumes and video resumes cant be appropriately scanned for accordant details. Unless youre an expert, you might get overwhelmed by the range of hints and formats out there. So far as features are involved, it is a lot more versatile. The program is web-based in place of downloadable, and the range of features, in addition to the websites connectivity and convenience, are not simple to beat. There are different choices to take into account when it has to do with putting together an verbunden resume. More than a few companies have created add-ons that youre able to download with resume or CV templates, usually free of charge. There are p lenty of templates available that you are able to select from based on your job program, personal preferences, and professional needs. Its quick and simple to find and use templates. Resume templates can be ideal for ideas but take the opportunity to produce your own formatting. 20 design templates are easily obtainable. There are over 50 templates to select from. The Basic Facts of Best Resume Maker No employer will appear at it twice. The organization would like to observe how knowledge youre and whether you have the correct knowledge for the job. When you have sufficient comprehension of the job which youll appear self-possessed. If youre looking for a job and dont want your present employer to understand, its certainly not the most discreet choice. The Characteristics of Best Resume Maker The only opportunity to succeed with a resume is the moment when its being read for the very first time. Our resume builder is the quickest approach to create a resume that will allo w you to get your fantasy job. The website will inform you exactly how many views your resume has. The times you ought to use a creative resume are fewer than when you need to use a formal resume. Writer a template you adore Templates can allow you to structure your letter and resume so they are well organized. A template provides you with a suggested structure for your documents, and that means you can quickly begin writing. Sample resumes and suggestions on how to compose a resume available. Just sign up there, complete the details and your Resume is about to download. What You Should Do About Best Resume Maker Beginning in the Next Five Minutes If you feel the payment mode resume makers are worth, then you may give them a go. You will get a link that will permit you to share it publicly with others on LinkedIn and other social networking platforms. You may think that there are already dozens of free resume building tafelgeschirrs offered in the internet world. You sh ould have the ability to utilize your phone to access the platform. Updating your resume manually whenever you need to put in an application for a new position is hard. Your job application is going to be to the point because an expert knows the way to create it in the very best quality. Chronological resumes are perfect in case you have experience in the area and a number of years of uninterrupted employment or whether youre a recent college grad. Resume builders may also help prepare a simple to follow formatted resume. When picking a resume builder, you will need to make sure you get one which is simple to update and will give you a document that could be edited. The tool supplies a step-by-step guide to resume building which offers you total control over it and youll be able to manage it in any manner you prefer. Resume Constructor The resume building process is really simple. Best Resume Maker Can Be Fun for Everyone A totally free trial period will make it possible for you to check different characteristics that it offers. There are a lot of professional services that will enable you to share your resume after its been written in the ideal quality. Check to guarantee youre providing all of the info required and clearly define your skill sets concerning application requirements. All the info required isnt time-consuming. The New Angle On Best Resume Maker Just Released Think of best resume maker for a system, which you are able to strategically generates to be in a position to target a particular job and to win ones heart of the business. Youre creative, but you will need to discover a way to show it on your resume. Ultimately the decision is yours. You must also think about melding many deadlines including the people which are in charge as a way to find a better follow up. Resume software lets you save many copies and customize them easily. Google Docs letter templates supply you with a coordinated look to coincide with the type of your resume. While its still possible to download your completed resume in PDF format, the service encourages you to make a link which you are able to share with friends and prospective employers. Occasionally as the company receives a lot of letters, then they could use application to look at the letter.

Spark A Conversation Representing Your Company in Video Interviews - Spark Hire

Spark A Conversation Representing Your Company in Video Interviews - Spark HireHere at Spark Hire, we want to help companies utilize the power of online video to find the best candidates. We get a lot of questions from readers about best practices for using online video in the hiring process. These posts will address those questions about how to find your next superstar employee.Question How do I positively represent my company in a video interview? -Colleen from San AntonioWhen interviewing a job seeker, you focus on how they are representing themselves, what their skill set is, what qualifications they have and which they do not. In a video interview in particular, you are taking a look at how they present themselves to you and their hintergrund as well. If theres a mess in the background or the lighting is terrible, it will certainly be a check against them. This is all well and true, but what kind of impression are you giving of your company in a video interview with job seekers? We often look at what job seekers should do in a video interview, so in light of Colleens question, lets take a look at what should be done on the employer side of the video to ensure you are representing your company in the best way.No DistractionsIn aiding job seekers with their video interviews, we often tell them to be sure they are avoiding any distractions. The same goes for the hiring manager or employer participating in a video interview. If you are participating in a two-way video interview with a job seeker and someone barges into your office, either you are cut off or the job seeker is cut off, but neither is good. Phones ringing in the background and constant chatter is another distracting agent.In order to maximize your interview experience and represent your company in a good light, be sure to cancel out any distractions. Go into a conference room and close the door if you do not have your own office. Let your managers and coworkers know that you are on an interview a nd should not be disturbed. This way, the job seeker has your full attention and distractions are minimized.Checking EquipmentAs part of video interview 101, we often tell job seekers that they absolutely must check their video equipment and background before participating in a video interview. Employers and hiring managers are no different. You should set up all of your video interview technology and check it out before you sign onto your interview. In fact, to be sure you should test it out first in a mock interview with a coworker or associate.If your technology malfunctions in the middle of a video interview, its not your fault. However, if the camera isnt positioned correctly and the lighting is terrible, that is. You should be in the center of the camera frame and the lighting should be not too bright and not too dark. That is why it is essential to see how you look in the webcam before you start a video interview. Furthermore, you should set yourself up in front of a neutral- colored wall to be sure the job seeker is not distracted.Stay Focused on the Job SeekerPerhaps the most important part in representing your company positively is keeping your focus on the job seeker. That means not checking email in the middle of the video interview, not answering your desk phone and certainly not texting. All of behauptung things would be unacceptable in a traditional interview, so the standard should remain the same for an online video interview. Nothing shows a job seeker that you dont care more than texting while they are speaking or not giving them the attention they deserve.When you participate in an interview with a job seeker, be it in person or through video, you are representing your company. What you do and what you say will be part of the perception the job seeker has of your company. Take care to make that a good perception and prepare adequately before your video interviewDo you have a question you need answered? Spark a conversation with the Spark Hir e gruppe by submitting your question to blog(at)sparkhire.com or in the comments below.

Lease Accounting Trends in Philadelphia

Lease Accounting Trends in PhiladelphiaLease Accounting Trends in PhiladelphiaLEASE ACCOUNTING TRENDS IN PHILADELPHIAHas your company begun the transition to the new lease accounting standard?PhiladelphiaU.S.Yes26%44%No75%56%Finance leaders who reported their company has begun the transition also were asked As part of that transition, have you begun the diagnostic work necessary to determine the level of effort which wil be required for you to be ready to adopt the new standard?PhiladelphiaU.S.Yes, already completed32%48%Yes, started but notlage completed67%51%No, havent started1%1%Have you completed the following?PhiladelphiaU.S.Identified team members and responsibilities for completing the transition to a new standard25%61%Made an inventory of, and prioritized, any systems changes which might be required51%51%Developed a project plan to address all gaps emanating from the diagnostic work54%49%Identified, at a high level, the magnitude and type of the lease inventory (e.g., propert y, equipment)58%49%Written new accounting policies39%47%Written new accounting procedures20%43%Investigated any lease or property management systems which will facilitate adoption27%42%What is the most challenging aspect of the transition to the new standard?PhiladelphiaU.S.1.Identifying, inventorying and categorizing companys leases1.Training staff2.Managing change2.Diagnosing the needed changes3.Training staff3.Finding professionals with the requisite expertiseFor your company, which new accounting standard has been more challenging to adopt?PhiladelphiaU.S.Revenue recognition79%71%Lease accounting21%29%How much of the processes and learnings from transitioning to the new revenue recognition standard have you been able to apply to adopting the new lease accounting standard?PhiladelphiaU.S.fruchtwein of them12%29%Some of them62%54%Almost none of them25%17%Source Robert Half and Protiviti survey of more than 2,000 finance leaders in the United States, including 100 in PhiladelphiaTo tal may not equal 100 percent due to rounding.

Questions to Ask About Employee Benefit Packages

Questions to Ask About Employee Benefit PackagesQuestions to Ask About Employee Benefit PackagesYou have interviewed with a company where the position sounds great, the salary is more than you expected, and the job offer is on the table. Before you say yes though, its important to consider the employee benefits package. Employment benefits can comprise 40%, or even more, of your total compensation package, so its important to know exactly what benefits you will be provided with and to get enough benefit information to ensure that the coverage is what you need. Investigate Benefits Coverage It is much better to be fully informed before you accept a position than it is to have an unpleasant surprise later on. For example, if youre notlage married and want to cover your partner, will your health insurance plan insure him or her? Perhaps, if domestic partner coverage is provided. However, some plans only cover same-sex partners, not opposite-sex partners. Even though this sounds disc riminatory, and its certainly not fair, a federal court has ruled that its legal. Employer-provided insurance plans can have waiting periods of up to 90 days. So, if you or anyone in your family, have health issues, you will need to inquire about when coverage would go into effect. If youre leaving one job for another, you will need interim coverage, fruchtwein likely through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). When you have small children or elderly parents or are otherwise a caregiver,you will need to know how generous the sick time policy is. Some employers provide sick leave when either yourself or a family member is sick and allow time off for doctors visits. Others arent as flexible. Some companies provide time-off for holidays, others expect you to work. If you are required to work on a holiday you may, or may not, be paid extra. Vacation leave also varies depending on the organization you work for. Some employers offer a generous amount of vacation or flex time off others dont. There are many different scenarios, as you can see, so its important to review what benefit coverage is provided and to decide whether the employee benefits package is one that meets your needs. A great salary isnt always going to be enough to compensate for an employee benefit plan that doesnt offer what you need. In general, there are employee benefits questions you should ask about to ensure that your overall compensation plan is right for you and for your family. Also, ask specific questions based on your needs and on the criteria that are important to you. Questions to Ask Does the employee pay for health insurance coverage? If so, how much for individual coverage and/or family coverage? Is the premium deducted from my paycheck? How much is the deductible?Can I review a summary of the health insurance plan options? What restricts and limitations are there? What about pre-existing conditions? When does coverage begin?How much sick time, vacation t ime, and holidays are provided. When do benefits start to accrue?What type of pension plan is there? How much does the company contribute? Is life insurance provided? Does the company offer short-term and long-term disability coverage?Are there educational and training benefits? If so, are they are available for my family, as well as for me? One important caveat is never to ask these questions during the interview. Wait until you have a job offer to discuss employee benefits, either with Human Resources or the person who is offering you the job. Next, take some time to review the benefit plans so you can make an educated decision based on the benefits information provided by your prospective employer. Making a Decision Review the benefits offered. Are the programs what you need?What benefit costs are you responsible for paying? How much will this cost on an annual basis?If you have a family - is the workplace family-friendly? Finally, make a decision on whether to accept the pos ition based upon the entire compensation plan, including salary, fringe benefits, and additional perks that may be offered or negotiated. That way, youre accepting, or rejecting, the job based on overall compensation rather than just one facet of it. And, most importantly, you wont have any unexpected costs or benefits issues when it might be too late to do anything about it.

4 Ways Introverts Can Stand Out and Land the Perfect Job

4 Ways Introverts Can Stand Out and Land the Perfect Job4 Ways Introverts Can Stand Out and Land the Perfect JobDid you know that up to half of all people in the U.S. are introverts? This fact, revealed in Susan Cains book Quiet The Power of Introverts in a World That Cant Stop Talking was also was explored in herbeibei popular TED Talk, and it has ignited a conversation about the power of introverts.In her book and TED Talk Cain addressed the undervaluing of introverts, especially in the workplace. She noted that hiring managers often overlook introverts because introversion is seen as a weakness. The good news for introverts is that many of their defining traits are strengths that can make them the best candidates for a wide range of jobs.According to The Myers Briggs Foundation, introverts are people who gain energy by being alone and lose energy by being around others. Extroverts, on the other hand, gain energy by being around other people and lose energy by being alone.The leve l of introversion varies by person, but introverts tend to be more reserved and uncomfortable in large groups. Introverts might seem less engaged or enthusiastic because theyre more introspective. These traits can be misinterpreted as indifference or a lack of passion, but they can be real assets in the workplace.Why Hiring Managers Overlook IntrovertsDuring a job bewerbungsinterview a hiring manager might perceive an introverted candidate as dull or lacking confidence because of his or her reserved demeanor and short, fact-based responses to questions.What the hiring manager cant see during such a short interaction is the introverts amazing ability to observe his or her environment with surgical precision. This trait allows the introvert to notice small nuances that other people often miss. Introverts tend to have a tremendous work ethic but dont usually feel the need to let anyone know.And because an introvert might not be perceived as a people person, he or she might be overlooke d for a promotion because its assumed the person doesnt know how to manage others. Its also true that many introverts dont apply for internal positions or advocate for promotions because they dont enjoy being in the spotlight.Why Introverts Make Great Job CandidatesAlthough its clear why introverts might get passed over, its important to realize the flip side how their traits can add value to a company.Introverts make great employees because theyre excellent listeners, effective writers, diligent researchers and great decision makers, among other positive qualities. They also dont need the constant praise and validation required by many extroverts. Introverts only need clear and concise direction and information. They excel in environments that allow them the autonomy to do their work with minimal interruption.If introverts are given room to breathe, they can do amazing things. For instance, introverts are perfect for jobs that require analysis and forming relationships. Some of the roles in which introverts excel might even surprise you - sales, for instance. No matter the role, though, introverts are team players who can add value to any organization and work well with everyone.How Introverts Can Stand OutIf you recognize some of these traits in yourself, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success during the job search and interview process1.Be pickyFocus on what you really want in a job and workplace. Research a company before applying so you can avoid a situation that isnt a good fit. For example, you probably dont want to work in a job where you have multiple bosses always looking over your shoulder. Look for an opportunity that will afford you some autonomy.2.Take your timeYou dont like to be rushed or pressured into things, so allow plenty of time to review your options. You can avoid stress by setting some parameters for the type of job you want and the type of company youre looking for. Then you can narrow down your top cho ices before applying. When its interview time, prepare in advance so you can go in with confidence.3.Observe during the interviewDuring interviews you should tap into your power of observation and study how the hiring manager is responding. If she seems disengaged, try to elaborate more on your answers and make eye contact to show youre engaged. A genuine smile never hurts.4.Follow up after the interviewTake time to reflect after the interview and consider how things went. Think about the interview from the hiring managers perspective. List reasons why youre right for the job. Write a note to the hiring manager thanking her for the opportunity. Include a brief summary of how you can help meet the companys goals. This is an easy way to forge a connection, show your appreciation and reinforce your interpersonal skills.Its understandable why hiring managers sometimes overlook introverts. Armed with this knowledge, you can take steps to help them see that youre an ideal candidate. Learn how to effectively communicate your strengths and youll stand out in the job market and serve as an example of the power of introverts.Brook Price is president and co-founder ofForte Strong, a failure-to-launch program that gives young men the skills and character traits they need to tackle the challenges of life. Brook has more than 15 years of experience working for some of the most prestigious leadership programs in the nation.