Career Development

"The economic and educational disadvantages of low-income black students who struggle to complete college are well-documented. While black students at elite universities don't necessarily fit into that category, a new book says they face social and institutional obstacles of their own - obstacles that ultimately drive them away from the high-status, high-paying jobs that they're qualified for in fields such as engineering, science, finance and information technology. And while the reasons are complex, universities are partly at fault, the book argues."

"Workers fired or disciplined for bad-mouthing employers on social-networking sites are fighting back using a decades-old labor law-a new front in the murky battle over what workers can do and say online."

"In an effort to school senior executives in technology, social media and the latest workplace trends, many businesses are pairing upper management with younger employees in a practice known as reverse mentoring. The trend is taking off at a range of companies, from tech to advertising. "

Autism is a spectrum disorder. Behavioral symptoms or characteristics for autism can be present from mild to severe (Rapin, 2008, p.1129). Often the following terms or labels are used to describe our loved ones: autistic, autistic-like, high-functioning or low-functioning. A person with autism usually has problems interacting, communicating and showing restrictive, repetitive, or ritualistic behaviors, interests and activities. The important point to remember is our loved ones with autism can learn, make progress and may grow up to function productively with an appropriate education, benefits, support and services.

If you're gearing up for a job search now as an undergraduate or returning student, there are several bright spots where new jobs and promising career paths are expected to emerge in the next few years.

Many workers who lost jobs in the hardest-hit sectors of the economy are now looking to change careers. But crafting a résumé that shows the benefits of hiring an industry outsider can be challenging.

"With prospects for new jobs or promotions still looking grim, many workers are struggling to take their careers to the next level. Some, though, have found ways to cope and make themselves more marketable for when companies start hiring again."

"NBC made two critical missteps six years ago when the network signed Mr. O'Brien to replace Mr. Leno in 2009, say management consultants. It's a bad idea to promise someone a promotion in order to retain him, they say, and so is naming a successor too far in advance. "

"A new Conference Board study shows that only 45% of Americans are satisfied with their work -- the lowest level recorded in the 22 years this report has existed."

"Heather Logrippo says her employees didn't seem too enthusiastic at first when she handed out construction paper and crayons and told them to find a quiet place for 30 minutes."

"As talk of a thaw in hiring freezes rises above a whisper, many people are already planning to look for a new position when the job market picks up. "

"When Margaret Tahyar was a teenager, she spent her free time working as a carhop for the local Big Boy Restaurant in Rochester, Michigan. As far from law as waiting on car patrons may be, Ms. Tahyar says the job prepared her well for her current position as a partner in the Financial Institutions Group at law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell."

"A new study shows a large gap in perceptions among the sexes in who has more opportunities for advancement-men or women."

"You messed up a job search, making a faux pas during an interview or handling a turndown badly. But you probably don't realize that your mistake, exacerbated by the tight job market, could harm your long-term prospects. "

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Realistically, your husband's chances of "going back" to the large company are minimal, at best, say the experts. "Companies are a lot like human beings," says Al Stewart, president of Business Mentors, Inc., a career management consulting firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

December issue of Employment in New York State is now available.

I am driven, hard working and smart, but I lack the self-discipline to look for a job. I have hired a career counselor, but I still can't muster the motivation I need and am always procrastinating. Do you have any advice for being a more effective job seeker?

High unemployment is spreading in New York City beyond the poorest neighborhoods to once-secure middle-class enclaves, where some residents are falling behind on rent and mortgage payments.

Just before the current recession set in, 35-year-old Just before the current recession set in, 35-year-old Samuel Peery quit a stable job as a vice president of marketing to start his own social-networking company. Unable to secure funding for his start-up, Mr. Peery, of Lehi, Utah, was left unemployed, with an unrealized dream.