Whether you’re getting ready to receive your undergraduate degree, or you’ve already spent time in your career field moving through the ranks, this may be a time that you are thinking about attending graduate school. Obviously, this is a huge undertaking, not only in $$$, but also time and energy. So, careful consideration is the smartest route. The payoffs of an advanced degree can be many, ranging from top paying positions, executive ranks, as well as overall personal satisfaction. It all depends upon how you decide to utilize your education and expertise.

There are a slew of programs available, so due diligence in your decision making will pay off in the end. One of the primary areas to spend time on is: YOU. It is important for you to gain a solid understanding of what you’re after, where your strengths lie and how your professional interests are developing. Self assessments are ideal for delving into these areas. If you haven’t utilized a self assessment before, or perhaps it’s been a long while, then it is well worth your time. You might try checking into the Mapp, which helps individuals to identify true motivations and matches you up to careers that meet your assessment profiles. I’ve taken this one myself and it is very thorough.

The other assessment that I found very detailed was the DISC profile (based on Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness). This is an extremely robust assessment of your overall personality profile, helping you understand the environments in which you thrive and those where you may feel less successful, along with how you interact with the other types, which is a very resourceful organizational tool. I highly recommend this one. Although I found their website a bit tough to navigate – loads of information there, so take your time.

If you’re wondering where to look or how to evaluate various graduate programs you might want to take a look at Emark.com and also GradSchools.com, where there is a plethora of information on various grad schools and programs for you do evaluate. And if you’re wondering about how to fund this fabulous education and want to check into scholarships take a look at Freschinfo where you can find a database of information on scholarship programs.

So, if you’re heading off to grad school good luck to you! And remember, when you get that education under your belt and you’re ready to tackle the job market, visit us and check out our FiredUP Interviewing audio CD – it is extensive and will help guide you through the course of your interviews.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

Visit us and get your FREE report and while you’re at it check out our Great Video ebook!

Wow time flies…enough said, it’s obviously been a while since I’ve gotten to my blog. “Where has she been?” You might ask? Well, not sitting on my laurels (although that is in my plans for 2008 – got to fit it in somewhere). Actually, we’ve been working our ‘laurels’ off over the past few weeks in order to complete the launch of a new product line – yes!! Video Resumes.

We’ve been following this concept for quite some time now, and realized from the beginning that creating positive online visibility would become one of the key components to creating career momentum. After all, if you can present to employers on an ongoing basis, the gist of ‘who you are’ and ‘what it would be like to work with you’ why would you pass up that opportunity? It sure beats a mad dash to send out a paper resume when your employer decides you’re in on a surprise layoff. Can’t you just here that message ringing in your ears? “Sorry John, but the company has decided to outsource your product line and that means that we have to cut staff. Unfortunately, your position has been affected.” Ugh… let’s see, where is that resume you haven’t updated for seven years (perhaps more)??

Sure, there are plenty of naysayers around video resumes, but that’s always true of any new concept (hello internet, hello Apple Computer, hello hybrid cars, etc., etc.). Remember, naysayers are an important component of any new undertaking – they point out areas that need to be reviewed. With video resumes these areas are: quality, content, length and impact as it relates to possible discrimination. Obviously quality, content and length issues can be easily addressed by utilizing best practice standards. Additionally, it will not be long before issues surrounding the possibility of video resume discrimination will be tackled and quelled.

Your video resume can be a huge time saver on your part. There is nothing worse than going through the motions of an interview, when someone has decided, as soon as they see you in the lobby, that you’re not the one. As for me, I’d rather interview with a company who has already reviewed my written resume, as well as video resume (introduction) – it is the introduction that sets the stage for a positive interview. And who doesn’t want that?

For more information on video resumes be sure to check out the articles on our site. There is also lots of free information there to help you create a video resume, as well as products specifically focused on creating a great video impression.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

Visit us and get your FREE report and while you’re at it check out our Great Video ebook!