High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: Networking, Selling Yourself & Encore Careers

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

1. 5 Ways You're Ruining Your Job Search
"It is the following five mistakes that have an even bigger impact on the outcome of your search."

2. 5 'Musts' to Network Effectively & Land the Job 
"How do you network more effectively and more consistently? First, you need to make it a priority, and schedule it into your week."

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3. The Surprising Secret to Selling Yourself
"People are much more impressed, whether they realize it or not, by your potential than by your track record. It would be wise to start focusing your pitch on your future, as an individual or as a company, rather than on your past — even if that past is very impressive indeed."

4. 14 Things You Should Do at the End of Every Work Day
"How you end the day is critical, as it has much to do with how you start the next day."

5. How to Launch an Encore Career  
"Now that we’re living into our 80s, the thought of ending our careers in our mid-60s isn’t financially realistic."

Green Job Series: Careers in Solar Power [Sixth Installment]

Site assessors, electricians, plumbers, and roofers are also involved in the solar photovoltaic installation process, but are not classified as installers. However, they possess many of the same skills as solar photovoltaic installers and often have work experience in these fields. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes some common jobs in solar panel installation and maintenance.

Occupations in Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance

Site assessors determine how much energy can be harvested at a particular location and then make recommendations based on that assessment. Site assessors help determine the best type, size, and layout of solar panels, and help draw up plans for installation crews. Assessors may take readings of sunlight at a proposed location, review weather patterns, and calculate potential costs and savings.

Site assessors are usually hired for commercial projects by companies that are making substantial investments in solar power and therefore want to ensure maximum benefits from the project. Some site assessors may consult with homeowners or solar installation companies on residential projects.

Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical and power systems in a home or business. They install and maintain the wiring and control the equipment through which electricity flows. Electricians are responsible for connecting the solar panels, inverter, and other equipment to a building's power supply. If a new building or house is being constructed with a solar power generating system, electricians may be responsible for installing the solar power system along with the electrical wiring system, or they may be responsible for simply connecting the solar equipment.

Plumbers install solar water heating systems. These systems replace or augment a conventional water heater and must be connected to a house's or building's plumbing. To install these systems, plumbers require specialized training to work with solar water heater equipment.

Roofers install and repair roofs, and they ensure that any cuts or holes made in the roof during the installation of solar panels and mounting racks are properly repaired and sealed. They may also assist with the installation of mounting systems and structural supports.

Education and Training

Site assessors generally have past experience with electrical or roofing work or experience as solar photovoltaic installers. They receive on-the-job training as well as specialized training in the equipment and techniques used to assess a site for a potential solar project. Some formal educational programs are available that teach basic site assessment including how to gauge the feasibility of solar generation, estimate costs, and determine which products to use.

Electricians and plumbers receive training through supervised apprenticeships administered by technical schools or community colleges. Apprenticeships usually consist of 4 or 5 years of paid on-the-job training and at least 144 hours of related classroom instruction per year. Most states require electricians and plumbers to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary, but it is common for states to require between 2 and 5 years of experience, followed by an examination that tests knowledge of trade and local codes. Applicants for apprenticeships must be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition. Drug tests may be required, and most apprenticeship programs ask that applicants have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

Electricians and plumbers working on solar installation projects must also have specialized training on the systems that they will be installing, or they must work under the supervision of a qualified solar photovoltaic installer. Certification by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is required for many jobs, particularly large commercial installations and residential installations.

Roofers typically have on-the-job training and may participate in 3-year apprenticeship program. Many roofers in the solar industry educate themselves through additional training, or they gain experience to become solar photovoltaic installers.

Earnings

The following table shows U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for selected occupations in the Construction of Buildings industry group for May 2010. This industry group includes new residential and nonresidential construction and remodeling. BLS does not publish data for site assessors. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location..

Occupation	Median annual wage
Electricians	$45,790
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters	$50,550
Roofers	$30,290

For more detailed information on solar panel installation and maintenance occupations in the solar power industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Next week's new green job series: Careers in Recycling

Green Job Series: Careers in Solar Power [Fifth Installment]

Solar photovoltaic installers are key to the process of solar panel installation and maintenance. They use specialized skills to install residential and commercial solar projects. They are responsible for safely attaching the panels to the roofs of houses or other buildings and ensuring that the systems work. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes the job of a solar photovoltaic installer.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Solar photovoltaic installers are often self-employed as general contractors or employed by solar panel manufacturers or installation companies. Self-employed installers typically have training and experience with installing solar power systems and are hired directly by the property owners or by a construction firm.

Job Duties

The main component of a solar installer's job is the preparation of the installation site. Before the installation process begins, a full audit of a structure is conducted, including a survey of the existing electrical system and developing safety procedures. The job is then designed based on the characteristics of the structure and the type of system being installed. After the layout and equipment are finalized, the permits are obtained from the relevant governments (local, state, federal, or a combination). If the installers do not do these preparations themselves, they must familiarize themselves with the site before they begin working on it.

Once installation begins, the proper safety equipment, such as a rope and anchor system, must be set up to prevent falls from the rooftop. Often, the building will have to be upgraded to support the solar panels; this may involve reinforcing the roof, replacing rafters, or installing supports to handle the added weight of the panels. The roof must be marked to show where the arrays will be placed, and holes are drilled in the roof to attach the mounting system. After the mounting system is in place, the solar panels can be installed.

Solar photovoltaic installers must be able to work with power tools and hand tools at great heights, and possess in-depth knowledge of electrical wiring as well as basic math skills. When necessary, installers must be problem solvers, able to repair damaged systems or replace malfunctioning components. Safety is a priority when installing solar panels because installers run the risk of falling from a roof or being electrocuted by high voltage.

Education and Training

Solar photovoltaic installers typically have a background in construction or as electricians. There is no formal training standard for installers, but courses are offered by a variety of institutions, such as trade schools, apprenticeship programs, or by photovoltaic module manufacturers.

Many solar installers are licensed as general contractors and many are licensed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Certification, while not necessary, can improve the job prospects of installers, and many larger projects require workers to be certified.

Solar installers may work alongside roofers, electricians, and plumbers in order to learn the variety of skills needed to complete an installation. Many installers enter the field with previous experience in one or more of these fields.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not currently publish wage data available for solar photovoltaic installers, but these data are being collected. According to industry sources, solar installers usually have starting salaries between $30,000 and $40,000 per year. Installers trained as electricians or those that are licensed as general contractors can make significantly more. As with any occupation, wages and benefits vary by employer and geographic location.

For more detailed information on operations occupations in the solar power industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Tomorrow’s final solar power industry series installment: Other Occupations in Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: 8 Secrets of Success

Each week we present our Daily Leap Career Video of the Week. The video we share presents news or advice related to career development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

In this TED video analyst Richard St. John discusses the 8 keys to achieving success in our work and lives. These keys include having passion for what we do and being of service to others. Watch the video below for more:

Career Lessons from the World's Most Powerful Women

Forbes magazine recently put out its list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, a list that includes women such as Hilary Clinton, Angela Merkel, Michelle Obama, Melinda Gates,Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga.

Writer Caroline Ceniza-Levine notes three career lessons that can be learned from these women:

1. Your own personal efforts trump external conditions

2. There is no prescribed timetable for success

3. You have to put yourself out there

She concludes: "So put yourself out there. Don’t think it’s too late or too early to make an impact. Focus on what you can do within your circumstances ..."

You can read more about these lessons here.

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: Having a Great Career

We're presenting a new feature here at the Daily Leap: a video of the week. The video we share will present news or advice related to career development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

In this TEDxUW video professor Larry Smith discusses the factors that prevent many of us from pursuing our passion and having a great career. 

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: Older Workers, Second Careers, and Success

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

1. The Best Interview Tips for Older Job Seekers
"You have a track record, and it demonstrates your capacity to create further accomplishments if given the opportunity."

2. 9 Great Second Careers that Don't Require 4-Year Degrees 
"You want to make a career change, but you don't have a bachelor's degree and don't have the funds or the interest in getting a four-year degree. Here are nine good jobs that don't require a bachelor's."

© Bellemedia | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos 

3. 21st Century Career Reinvention for Boomers
"In the 20th century, we thought of life in three broad stages: Education, Career and Retirement. In the 21st century however, I believe that these three need to be replaced by Self Awareness, Creation, and Service."

4. What Successful People Do With the First Hour of Their Work Day
"Remember when you used to have a period at the beginning of every day to think about your schedule, catch up with friends, maybe knock out a few tasks? It was called home room, and it went away after high school. But many successful people schedule themselves a kind of grown-up home room every day."

5. How to Move from a Winning Interview to a Job Offer  
"Prepare to ask about things of interest to you. Learn about the person, position, company, industry, interview process, etc."

Green Job Series: Careers in Solar Power [Fourth Installment]

Workers at solar power plants install, operate, and maintain equipment. They also monitor the production process and correct any problems that arise during normal operation. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes some of the most common jobs in operations of solar power plants.

Occupations in Solar Power Plant Operations

Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants require more workers than photovoltaic plants; photovoltaic plants can sometimes even be run remotely.

Job Duties

Power plant operators monitor power generation and distribution from control rooms at power plants. They monitor the solar arrays and generators and regulate output from the generators, and they monitor instruments to maintain voltage to regulate electricity flows from the plant. Power plant operators communicate with distribution centers to ensure that the proper amount of electricity is being generated based on demand. They also go on rounds through the plant to check that everything is operating correctly, keeping records of switching operations and loads on generators, lines, and transformers.

Some CSP plants have a secondary source of power generation, such as natural-gas powered turbines, that will generate power at night or when the weather doesn't allow for sufficient solar power generation. Power plant operators are responsible for monitoring this equipment and deciding when to switch from solar generation to the secondary source.

Pump operators tend, control, and operate pump and manifold systems that transfer oil, water, and other materials throughout the CSP plant. Pump operators also maintain the equipment and regulate the flow of materials according to a schedule set up by the plant engineers or production supervisors.

Electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining the electrical equipment and wiring that connects the plant to the electrical grid. Electricians in power plants work with heavy equipment, including generators, inverters, and transformers.

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install, maintain, and repair pipe systems. The workers monitor, regulate, and control flow through the pipes using automatic controls.

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers use electronic power equipment to operate and control generating plants, substations, and monitoring equipment. They install, maintain, and repair these complex systems.

Electrical engineers are responsible for controlling electrical generation and monitoring transmission devices used by electric utilities in power plants.

Education and Training

Power plant workers generally need a combination of education, on-the-job training, and experience. Strong mechanical, technical, and computer skills are needed to operate a power plant. Certification by the North American Energy Reliability Corporation (NERC) is necessary for positions that could affect the power grid. Companies also require a strong math and science background for workers seeking highly technical jobs. Knowledge of these subjects can be obtained through specialized training courses.

Electricians and pipefitters and steamfitters must be trained on the specific systems on which they work. They attend specialized training programs and undergo extensive on-the-job training.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have wage data specific to the solar power industry. However, BLS does have wage data for occupations in the Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution industry group, which includes the distribution of electricity generated by solar power plants. The table shows BLS data for selected occupations in this industry group for May 2010. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupation	Median annual wage
Power plant operators	$64,270
Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers	$58,740
Electricians	$59,020
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters	$66,080
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay	$66,230

For more detailed information on operations occupations in the solar power industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Next week's green job series installment: Occupations in Solar Power Installation

Green Job Series: Careers in Solar Power [Third Installment]

Once a site has been selected, civil engineers are responsible for the design of the solar power plant and related structures. When construction begins, workers are needed to build the actual plant. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes some of the most common jobs in construction of solar power plants.

Occupations in Solar Power Plant Construction

For a concentrating solar power (CSP) plant, large mirrors are arranged to catch and focus sunlight for power generation, therefore storage tanks, pipes, and generators must be installed before the plant is connected to the electrical grid. Photovoltaic plants are less complex, requiring installation of arrays of photovoltaic panels before they are connected to transformers and the grid.

Job Duties

Construction managers oversee the construction of solar power plants, from site selection to the final construction of the plant. They supervise a team of diverse occupations, including engineers, scientists, construction workers, and heavy-equipment operators. The construction manager's time is split between working at the construction site and an office, which may be located onsite or offsite.

Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of power plants. Engineers ensure that the land is graded properly and is flat enough to support large arrays of mirrors or photovoltaic panels. Civil engineers are also responsible for designing necessary infrastructure, including roadways, support structures, foundations, and plumbing systems.

Construction laborers perform a wide range of construction-related tasks. Most construction laborers specialize in one component of construction, such as metalworking, concrete pouring and setting, assembly, or demolition. Laborers prepare the site for construction by removing trees and debris. They are also responsible for monitoring and repairing compressors, pumps, and generators, and for erecting scaffolding and other support structures, as well as loading, unloading, identifying, and distributing building materials in accordance with project plans.

Construction equipment operators use machinery to move construction materials, earth, and other heavy materials at a construction site. They operate cranes to lift and place heavy objects, such as photovoltaic arrays, large mirrors, and turbine generators. They set up and inspect their equipment, make adjustments to the equipment, and perform some maintenance and minor repairs.

Welders who work in solar power plant construction are important for both CSP and photovoltaic plants. In CSP plants, the work of welders includes joining structural beams together when constructing buildings, installing the structures that support the mirrors, and joining pipes together. At photovoltaic plants, welders are instrumental in building the solar panel mounting systems.

Structural iron and steel workers use blueprints to place and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other structures to form the support structures for power plants. These workers also cut the structures to proper size, drill bolts for holes, and number them for onsite assembly by construction workers or solar photovoltaic installers. The structures are then shipped to worksites where they will be erected by structural iron and steel workers on a construction site.

Education and Training

In most construction occupations, workers are trained on the job. Laborers typically work under supervisors, who direct them to complete tasks. As laborers gain more experience and prove their abilities, they may move up to become supervisors. Equipment operators often learn on the job or complete a formal training program, or a combination be certified, which involves some training and testing to ensure competence and safety.

Construction managers are typically educated in construction management, business management, or engineering, and usually have experience working in construction. Experience is important for construction managers, so it may be substituted for some educational requirements. Workers with a degree in construction management or engineering, but without significant experience, may be hired as assistants to construction managers.

Civil engineers have at least a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. Lead engineers on large projects, such as power plants, have specialized experience and typically have at least a master's degree. Licensure as a professional engineer (PE) may be required.

Welders usually learn their trade through on-the-job training or a formal apprenticeship program, or they may attend a formal training program at a trade school or community college. Structural steel and iron workers are typically trained on the job and may complete additional specialized training.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have wage data specific to the solar power industry. However, BLS does track the wage of occupations in the Utility System Construction industry group, which includes construction of solar power plants. The table shows BLS data for selected occupations in this industry group for May 2010. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupation	Median annual wage
Construction managers	$83,170
Civil engineers	$74,620
Construction laborers	$29,600
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators	$43,240
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers	$45,990
Structural iron and steel workers	$44,890

For more detailed information on construction occupations in the solar power industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Thursday's green job series installment: Occupations in Solar Power Plant Operations

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: Resumes, Job Boards, and the Blues

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

1. 10 Reasons Your Resume Isn't Getting You Interviews
"If you're like most people, you're making at least a few of these mistakes—which will put your resume promptly in the 'no' pile."

2. How to Deal with Job Search Blues 
"Whether you are knee-deep in a job search, involuntarily unemployed or about to start a search on your own, here are a few things to keep in mind."

© Bellemedia | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos 

3. Recovering from Common Career Setbacks
"Here are five common workplace blunders and what you can do to make the best of them."

4. 4 Best Tips for Using a Job Board
"You've posted your resume on all the most popular job boards. It's been weeks and you've heard zilch in response. It's justifiably frustrating."

5. 5 Tips to Handling a Career Transition in Your 50s and 60s  
"If you are not comfortable around computers, you will not succeed in most of today’s workplaces."

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Solar Power [Second Installment]

The vast majority of solar manufacturing firms focus mainly on photovoltaic solar power and producing photovoltaic panels. The production process for photovoltaic panels is more complex than for concentrating solar power (CSP) components, and it involves complicated electronics. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes some of the most common jobs in manufacturing of solar power.

Occupations in Manufacturing for Solar Power

Making photovoltaic panels requires the work of many skilled workers, including semiconductor processors, computer-controlled machine tool operators, glaziers, and coating and painting workers. The manufacture of CSP mirrors includes many of the same occupations.

Job Duties

Semiconductor processors are workers who oversee the manufacturing process of solar cells. They test completed cells and perform diagnostic analyses. Semiconductor processors are required to wear special lightweight outer garments known as "bunny suits" and spend most of their day working in clean rooms to prevent contamination of the cells and circuitry.

Computer-controlled machine tool operators are workers who run computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines, a machine tool that forms and shapes solar mirror or panel components. Some of the more highly trained CNC workers also program the machines to cut new pieces according to design schematics. CNC operators use machines to mass-produce components that require highly precise cutting. In the solar power industry, they manufacture precisely designed mirrors for CSP plants and many of the components of photovoltaic panels.

Welding, soldering, and brazing workers apply heat to metal pieces during the manufacturing process, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. Welders join two or more pieces of metal by melting them together. Soldering and brazing workers use a metal with a lower melting point than that of the original piece, so only the added metal is melted, preventing the piece from warping or distorting.

Glaziers are responsible for selecting, cutting, installing, replacing, and removing glass or glass-like materials. The glaziers are responsible for measuring and cutting the glass or laminate to cover the panel; securing it in place; and sealing it using rubber, vinyl, or silicone compounds.

Coating and painting machine setters, operators, and tenders apply coatings to solar panels, which can be a complicated process that must be done with a high level of precision. It is their job to set up the systems, add solvents, monitor the equipment, and feed the pieces through the machines. Workers are usually required to wear masks and special suits to protect them from hazardous fumes produced by paint, solvents, and other chemicals.

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers work on a number of the complex electronic equipment that the solar industry depends on for a variety of functions. Manufacturers use industrial controls to automatically monitor and direct production processes on the factory floor.

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers put together the final products and the components that go into them. They are responsible for assembling the complex electrical circuitry in a photovoltaic panel, as well as assembling the components that connect to solar panels. Many of these assemblers operate automated systems to assemble small electronic parts that are too small or fragile for human assembly.

Industrial production managers plan, direct, and coordinate work on the factory floor. They keep production runs on schedule, and are responsible for solving problems that could jeopardize the quality of the components.

Education and Training

The level and type of training necessary for occupations in the solar power manufacturing process varies. Most production workers are trained on the job and gain expertise with experience. Workers in more skilled positions, such as computer-controlled machine tool operators, may attend formal training programs or apprenticeships. Experience working with electronics or semiconductors may be helpful for some of these occupations. Industrial production managers are typically required to have college degrees in business administration, management, industrial technology, or engineering.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have wage data specific to the solar power industry. However, BLS does track wage data for the semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing industry group, which includes production of solar panels. The table shows BLS data for selected occupations in this industry group for May 2010. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupation	Median annual wage
Semiconductor processors	$32,880
Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic	$31,470
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers	$27,590
Glaziers	$36,640
Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders	$32,520
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment	$47,480
Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers	$27,500
Industrial production managers	$97,330

For more detailed information on manufacturing occupations in the solar power industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Next week's green job series installment: Occupations in Solar Power Plant Construction

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Solar Power

The solar power industry employs a wide range of occupations in a number of major industry segments: research and development, manufacturing of solar power materials, construction of solar power plants, operation of solar power plants, and solar power installation and maintenance. Sales occupations are also integral to the solar power products industry. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes some of the most common jobs in scientific research.

Occupations in Scientific Research

Solar power is still gaining popularity and acceptance, so research and development are key aspects of the industry. Continued research and increased returns to scale as production has increased have led to many developments that have decreased costs while increasing efficiency, reliability, and aesthetics.

Occupations in scientific research and development have become increasingly interdisciplinary, and as a result, it is common for physicists, chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to work together as part of a team. Most scientists in the solar industry work in an office or laboratory and also spend some time in manufacturing facilities with engineers and processing specialists.

Job Duties

Physicists work with chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to improve the efficiency of solar panels. Physicists also find new materials to use for solar panel generation, such as the thin-film photovoltaic solar panels.

Chemists improve on solar cell design, develop new materials for making solar cells, or improve existing materials. They typically focus on semiconducting materials, which are usually silicon-based materials or organic compounds, because most solar panels are made of semiconducting materials and some newer thin-film panels are made out of organic materials.

Materials scientists focus on developing new materials, especially thin-film cells, and decreasing the cost of photovoltaic panels. Materials scientists are also seeking to increase solar panel efficiency. Finally, material scientists are seeking to create building-integrated solar energy technologies that address common complaints about solar panels taking away the aesthetic appeal of a building because of their large and bulky nature.

Education and Training

A doctoral degree is a necessity for scientists that conduct original research and develop new products; however, some workers may enter the scientific fields with a bachelor's or master's degree. Computer skills are essential for scientists to perform data analysis, integration, modeling, and testing. Certification or licensure is not necessary for most of these scientists.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have wage data specific to the solar power industry. The table shows wages for selected scientist occupations for May 2010. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupation	Median annual wage
Physicists	$106,370
Chemists	$68,320
Materials scientists	$84,720

For more detailed information on scientific research occupations in the solar power industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Thursday's solar power industry series installment: Occupations in Solar Power Manufacturing

Turning a New Contact into an Ally in Your Job Search

When looking for a new job it's important to evaluate your resources and a key resource is your network. In your network of friends, family, and acquaintances there just might be that person to make referral that will get you a new job. And when looking for work one should always make an effort to meet new people to enhance that network.

In the video below, networking expert Keith Ferrazzi provides valuable tips on turning that new contact into a valuable member of your network--someone who can help you find meaningful work:



   

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week

We're presenting a new feature here at the Daily Leap: a video of the week. The video we share will present news or advice related to career development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

In this video well-known author and speaker Seth Godin suggests that this is the time to make your own path to "doing work worth doing". 

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

1. 5 Techie Tools Every Job Seeker Should Use
"Technology provides the tools to make life easier, however, they are not the quick fix to getting a job. These tools will improve upon the job-search strategies you're already using."

2. 5 Career Training Tips Inspired by Olympic Athletes 
"Olympic athletes have an array of mentors, from coaches to physical therapists and expert analysts. Seek out peers and influential colleagues to learn more about your company, line of work or industry when you need help."

© Bellemedia | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos 

3. 5 Lessons the Presidential Campaign Teaches Us About Getting a Job
"While most of us won't experience anything near this level of intensity in our own job-search efforts, we can still learn quite a bit from watching the candidates as they make their way through the process of trying to get the country's most important job."

4. 5 Questions Great Job Candidates Ask
"Great candidates want to know what truly makes a difference. They know helping the company succeed means they succeed as well."

5. Colleagues Complaining? Why You Need to Tune it Out  
"It's clear that constant exposure to complaints will reinforce negative thinking, and your behavior is likely to change to fit those negative perceptions."

Doing What You Can't Not Do

For the Social Capitalist Tahl Raz, co-author of Never Eat Alone, interviewed author, speaker, and entrepreneur Jonathan Fields about his book, Uncertainty: Turning Fear and Doubt Into Fuel for Brilliance. Jonathan spoke about the importance of passion and about finding your calling:

"If you feel like what you’re doing is a calling, it changes how you exist within what you do. You tend to become far more committed to that thing you do and very often far more willing to work, not for the money, not for the prize or for the power or for the ego, but because this is the thing that you can’t not do."

© Melis82 | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

You can listen to the entire interview or read the transcript here.

Career Advice from the Olympics

While you're staying up late watching all the Olympic action it's useful to also think about what lessons might be learned from the Olympians.

Caroline Dowd-Higgins, a career coach, professor, radio host, and author of This is Not the Career I Ordered, shares 10 Olympic lessons that can be applied to your career:

© Glenjones | Stock Free Images &Dreamstime Stock Photos

1. Distinguish Yourself: "Olympic runners are not equally strong as sprinters and long distance runners. They excel in a particular role that showcases their talent best. Find your niche and focus on the special strengths that set you apart from the competition."

2. Don't Let Ageism Get in Your Way

3. Resilience is Essential and Persistence Pays

4. Team Work Rules

5. Game Face On

You can read more details, including 5 additional lessons here.

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week

We're presenting a new feature here at the Daily Leap: a video of the week. The video we share will present news or advice related to career development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.


In this video career coach Margaret Buj provides tips on how to effectively follow-up following a job interview. These tips will help keep you in line for that job.

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!


1. 4 Tips for Older Job Seekers Facing Discrimination
"As an older worker, you can't eliminate age discrimination. But you can learn what lies behind it and take steps to differentiate yourself from stereotypes."


2. Why Schools Should Help Students Find Their Passion 
"(I)f you can't find passion and purpose in your work, you're disconnected from who you really are and you'll never truly excel at what you do."

© Bellemedia | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

3. Ten Reasons Winners Keep Winning, Aside from Skill
"(W)inners gain ten important advantages as a result of victory ... smart leaders can cultivate and build on these advantages to make the next success possible."

4. How to Stop Procrastinating at Work
"Try doing your least preferred activities at the start of each day and at the beginning of each week."


5. Having a Family Can Be Good For Your Career  
"(B)y sacrificing our families -- and by extension, ourselves -- on the altar of our careers, we are in danger of cutting ourselves off from our own wisdom and perspective."

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Electric Vehicles [Installment Five]

According to a study by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at the University of California, Berkeley, the largest source of job creation related to alternative fuel vehicles is expected to come from the construction of a nationwide charging infrastructure. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes some of the most common jobs in infrastructure development.

Occupations in Infrastructure Development

Urban and regional planners will be involved in planning the infrastructure upgrades, while electrical power-line installers and repairers will lay the wires that carry this extra electricity. Electricians will install the charging stations.

Job Duties

Urban and regional planners plan and implement infrastructure upgrades to support electric vehicles. Urban and regional planners determine how many charging stations are necessary to support a given number of vehicles, as well as where to situate them to reach the greatest number of citizens.

Electrical power-line installers and repairers install and maintain the power grid—the network of power lines that move electricity from generating plants to customers. Electrical power-line installers install new lines that are capable of handling the anticipated increased load.

Electricians install charging stations and any other equipment needed for electric vehicles. They attach the charging stations to lines that have been installed by electrical power-line installers and ensure that the chargers are working properly. When there is a problem with the charger, electricians are called to make necessary repairs.

Education and Training

Urban and regional planners typically work for local or state governments and enter the field with a master’s degree in urban or regional planning or a related field. Some urban and regional planners may be certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners if they have the appropriate combination of education and professional experience, and pass an examination.

Electrical power-line installers and repairers must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have basic math and reading skills. Technical knowledge of electricity is helpful but not required for entry into this field. Installers and repairers receive 1 to 5 years of on-the-job training from their employer.

Electricians should have a high school diploma or equivalent and must go through an apprenticeship that lasts at least 3 years. During an apprenticeship, an electrician receives formal classroom training as well as on-the-job training from an experienced electrician to gain the skills necessary to work independently. In addition, most states and localities require an electrician to be licensed, which usually involves passing an examination that covers knowledge of building codes, the National Electric Code, and electrical theory. Before electricians are certified to install a particular type of charging station, they are required to go through specialized training by the manufacturer.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have wage data specific to the electric vehicle industry. The table shows wages for selected infrastructure occupations for May 2010. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupation	Median annual wage
Urban and regional planners	$63,040
Electrical power-line installers and repairers	$58,030
Electricians	$48,250

For more detailed information on infrastructure development occupations in the electric vehicle industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Next week's green job series installment: Careers in Solar Power

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Electric Vehicles [Installment Four]

All vehicles need to be occasionally maintained and repaired. However, special skills and knowledge are required of automotive service technicians and mechanics to work on electric vehicles. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes some of the most common jobs in electric vehicle maintenance.

Occupations in Electric Vehicle Maintenance

Much of the routine maintenance and repair work can be done by normal repair workers, but the electrical systems and drivetrain will often need skilled workers familiar with electric vehicles. Repairing or installing electric vehicle batteries requires workers who are trained to work with specific types of batteries. Batteries need to be replaced every few years depending on usage and type of battery.

Job Duties

Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles that run on gasoline, electricity, or a combination of the two. They plan and perform basic car maintenance and vehicle repairs. The job of automotive service technicians and mechanics has evolved from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. Integrated electronic systems and complex computers regulate vehicles and their performance on the road. Fixing problems with these systems requires workers to use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components as well as traditional hand tools.

Education and Training

Automotive service technicians and mechanics are increasingly required to have formal training because of the rapidly growing sophistication of automotive technology. Training typically begins in high school or a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is usually required to work for larger repair shops or at dealerships. Formal education programs can last from a few weeks of on-the-job training to a 2-year associate’s degree. On-the-job training is necessary before a worker can begin to work independently. It typically takes 2 to 5 years of experience to become a fully qualified automotive service technician through ASE.

Electric vehicles use new and unique technologies, so technicians generally are trained to work on a particular type of vehicle and often specialize in vehicles made by a single manufacturer. Auto manufacturers typically provide this specialized training to technicians and mechanics. Workers are usually sent by their employers to formal training courses to gain certification on a particular vehicle type.

Programs, such as the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), have been developed to train workers on a wide variety of skills needed to work on electric or alternative fuel vehicles. NAFTC provides curricula and training to secondary and postsecondary students studying automotive technology as well as automotive technicians who are already working in the field.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have wage data specific to the electric vehicle industry. The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the automotive repair and maintenance industry group was $33,010 for May 2010. The wage is for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

For more detailed information on vehicle maintenance occupations in the electric vehicle industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Tomorrow’s final electric vehicle industry series installment: Occupations in Infrastructure Development