November 2004

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CareerPort Benefits

The Alumni CareerPort has all sorts of benefits to help you find a job, keep a job, land a promotion and more. But we also know that in order to be a savvy member of the workforce, you have to be in-the-know about the job market and current trends. That’s why we have a section on the front page of our site devoted to providing you with up-to-the-minute news. Powered by Moreover Technologies, this system compiles the latest headlines and news about the job market in one convenient place. Check it out today for the latest information—it may just provide a tip that will land you a job or a promotion!

On the Job

If you’re not already a member of a professional association, joining one just might be the kick that jump-starts your career. There are organizations for virtually every field, so whether you’re an accountant or a zoologist, you should be able to find one that fits your needs. Stephanie Legatos, a career counselor and job search coach, highlights the top three reasons professional associations are such great resources:

• Networking. The opportunities are endless. You’re connected to others in your field, and taking an active role by volunteering or holding a leadership position can help you get ahead.
• Continuing education. Many associations provide training, workshops and conferences that offer information that’s on the cutting edge in its field.
• Information. Your professional association can keep you informed about trends, new services, industry publications, research and more.

Lunchtime rolls around, and instead of going out to lunch with coworkers, you stay at your desk, open up that brown bag and chow down. But where you eat can hurt you. A University of Arizona study reports that the toilet seat in your office bathroom is cleaner than your desk—there are 400 times more germs on the typical office desk than on the typical toilet seat. The main culprits are the telephone, desktop, keyboard and computer mouse. And bacteria levels are three times higher on the typical office fax machine than on the bathroom door. To avoid catching something in the office, wash your hands frequently and scrub your desk daily with a disinfectant wipe to reduce the bacterial levels by 99 percent—and consider eating in the company cafeteria.

Featured Article

If you’re lucky enough to receive a holiday bonus this year, it might just be the perfect excuse to splurge on that iPod or those expensive shoes. But before you blow the cash, consider making that extra money work for you. The Armchair Millionaire has some advice for using a holiday bonus or some extra cash for good versus gluttony:

• Zap your consumer debt.
• Secure your retirement.
• Save for college.
• Pay your mortgage off early.

Recent Postings

The Alumni CareerPort has almost 250 jobs listed right now. Below are some recently posted positions. If these aren’t right for you, search the job board and you may just find your next job.

Creative Program Designer at MAT Consulting Group
This and other positions can be found in the Arts, Entertainment and Media category.

Toxicologist at The Gillette Company
This and other positions can be found in the Science category.

Manager of Financial Analysis at Sparrow Health System
This and other positions can be found in the Finance/Economics category.

This Month’s Poll