About the "Center for Workforce Transition"


Welcome to the CWT!

Lansing Community College's Center for Workforce Transition is located at Capital Area Michigan Works! The CWT provides information and assistance to adults looking to transition within the workforce...whether it is identifying career goals, gaining new skills and knowledge through Lansing Community College, or seeking assistance on job search techniques, the CWT is your one-stop partner.

NEW!
Lansing Community College's Center for Workforce Transition is pleased to announce that it has expanded its programming to include workshops designed specifically for baby boomers looking to re-enter the job market. For more information on the Encore Plus 50 program attend an informational orientation meeting at Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center on Tuesday, April 8th from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. If you have any questions, contact our staff at (517) 492-5580 or LCCAdvisor@camw.net.

Plus 50 Completion Initiative:
Lansing Community College has joined other community colleges in a national program designed to train 10,000 baby boomers for new jobs in healthcare, education, and social services. The program is sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The college is part of the Plus 50 Encore Completion Program and seeks to assist adults age 50 and over in completing degrees or certificates within in-demand occupations that give back to the community. Please visit our website at lcc.edu/lifelong/encore for updated information on this program.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

News From the CWT

Here's a quick update on events and opportunities (as well as Job Blasts!) available to our readers:

JOB SEEKERS:  If you haven't already done so, be sure to sign up for one (or preferably, all) of the following events available at the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center.

Michigan Talent Bank Resume AssistanceFriday, April 1st, 9:00 a.m. - noon.  Must pre-register for this event with the Greeters Desk at (517) 492-5640.  Bring a copy of your resume.

Interviewing Best Practices:  Tuesday, April 5th, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.  Must pre-register for this event with the Greeters Desk at (517) 492-5640.  Bring a copy of your resume.

Greater Lansing Journey to Jobs! Job Fair!  Friday, April 8th, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Lansing Center.  MUST PRE-REGISTER at j2j.eventbrite.com.  For more detailed information, visit the event website.  Several employers have signed up to participate in the Job Zone portion of the event!



JOB BLASTS!  For more information on Job Postings, visit the Michigan Talent Bank.  As well, to see the MTB Job Postings for the following, simply click on the posting number.

Tallis & Associates (Lansing):  Accounting Assistant/Receptionist,  MTB # 3049371

JET Case Manager (Ypsilanti):  Rotating Case Manager,  MTB # 3048494

Life Journeys (Lansing):  Substance Abuse Counselor,  MTB # 3048398

Burcham Hills (East Lansing): 
  • Cook's Assistant (F/T):  MTB # 3049595
  • Cook's Assistant (P/T):  MTB # 3049597
Autoport Limited (Lansing):  Human Resource Assistant,  MTB # 3049569

Tomorrow, you'll want to be sure to check back with us as we provide some new and important deadlines for Lansing Community College students planning on attending Summer 2011 classes!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

OMG, LOL, and Other 4N Words

When I was in fourth grade, my classmates and I were introduced to my first foreign language...French.   Once a week we would gather in the gym in front of a television set (black and white picture!) to have someone 'teach' us French.   She would say the phrase and then pretend to listen as we said it.  Sometimes, she would have us repeat it several times before she felt we had it right.  I remember being fascinated by the thought that she could 'hear' us through the television.  It was a Willy Wonka moment.  Years later, all I can remember are just two or three phrases, including the one I used most often with my siblings, fermer la grande bouche.

Later, in high school I took Latin.  You'll remember from an earlier Blog that I was interested in veterinarian medicine.  Latin was a must for anyone going into science or medicine at that time.  All I remember from that experience is amo, amas, amat, coupled with a few phrases.  No wonder it is a dead language!

Now, I'm in the process of learning a new 'language'.  Sure, I've been exposed to some of the lexicons of the latest communication methods, but, like French and Latin I have only managed to retain a few 'phrases' (if that is what they are called).  

For about the past two years my staff and I have been texting one another.  This generally occurs when I am off-site and they have questions.  Texting allows me to respond to them, quickly.  In fact, when I was in India a few weeks ago, my staff sent me a text with a work-related question that needed a timely response.  In recent months, I have noticed in their messages they use current slang terms to communicate an idea or thought to me.  Some of these I 'get' and some I don't. 

One day, I was having lunch with my daughter and some of her college friends.  The conversation turned to texting.  My daughter blurted that not only was she shocked that I was texting, but, she loudly proclaimed that I did so in complete sentences!  While my staff and family occasionally use their abbreviated versions when messaging, it appears that they have a tendency to write more formally when communicating with me.  Good thing, bad thing?  Who knows.

This past week, I had another crash course in messaging verbiage.  One of my coworkers had indicated that she was listening to her CUTZ and would appreciate it if we avoided chatting with her.  Well, that was just the invitation I needed to start up a conversation.  So, I sent a message asking the most obvious of all questions, "What is CUTZ?" as I really did not know.

After a few back 'n forth banters, it was determined that I was really out of the proverbial 'loop'.  This aging, Caucasian woman was back in fourth grade learning a new language and it was not pretty.  Later, that very same day, I received a message from another co-worker in response to an email I had sent to all of my co-workers in the building.  She responded, very simply, with a short response of just four letters.  Once again, I had to ask what the letters meant.  That is when I learned about an online source for new and emerging urban verbiage!  Wow, did I ever receive an education! 

So, after thinking about this for awhile, I wondered, with all of these new additions to our vocabulary, how many words are there in the English language?  To get an answer to my question I went to the Global Language Monitor.  The Monitor's research indicated that on March 23, 2011 there were over one million words!  Actually, it indicated that there were 1,008,879 words.  Now, that "Word a Day" calendar sitting on my desk isn't going to get me very far at this rate.  As well, I'm wondering who has the time to figure this out!  And, most importantly, does it include the OMG's and LOL's out there!  After thinking about this for awhile, I realized I was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer numbers.  Further, should I, somehow, come up with a new word how do I get it counted? 

Anyway, back to my pre-one million English words mode, earlier today I was asked to look at a student's research paper and provide some feedback.  I reviewed the rubric detailing the necessary requirements while editing for errors in grammar and content (as I was one of the paper's subjects).  I was really pleased to see that the author had used 1.) complete sentences, and 2.) proper grammar (for the most part).  This gave me new hope that while the LOL's and OMG's and hahaha's, and ONTD's are out there (as is CUTZ), there is still hope that the formality of our language is not dead, (like Latin), but merely transformed to meet the needs of communicating in a  whole new and exciting way.  I guess that is one of the reasons why there are over a million English words out there.   Hmmmmmm.  Maybe we should be having weekly vocabulary quizzes again...in English!

By the way, I learned that CUTZ meant my coworker was listening to her 'tunes'.  Enjoy!

URGENT JOB BLAST! 

Capital Area Michigan Works! will be hosting Phoenix Services on Friday, March 25th, at 2:00 p.m. to recruit drivers to transport GM vehicles from the Delta Plant to a designated location.

This is a temporary assignment beginning on Saturday, March 26th!
  • Pay is $10/hour
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • Must NOT have any felonies
Phoenix Services will provide applications at the on-site event. 

If you have a Bachelors degree (any field):
Pearson (Lansing):  Standardized Test Scores...OPEN HOUSE
  • Base Pay $12/hour
  • Performance Pay Projects offer opportunity to earn even more
  • Day Shift:  8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F
  • Bachelors degree required (any field)
  • Proof of Degree and eligibility to work in the U.S. will be required
  • Saturday, March 26th from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • To begin:  http://www.flexiblescoring-reg.pearson.com/
    • Click on "APPLY HERE" under Featured Links
    • Complete the Survey


JOB BLASTS!
For more information about the Michigan Talent Bank Job Postings, click on the posting number.

Irish Developments (Lansing and St. Johns): Maintenance Person, MTB # 3047113

Global Technology Associates (Mason):  Quality Engineer, MTB # 3045138

Outshiner (Okemos):  Quick Lube Attendant,  MTB # 3047082

Outshiner (Charlotte):  Quick Lube Attendant,  MTB # 3047083

CATA (Lansing):  Customer Information Representative,  MTB # 3045853

Lansing Community College (Lansing):  Moving Services Associate
Capital Area Michigan Works! (Lansing):  Quality Assurance Officer, MTB # 3047151

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Job Blasts and More!

This past week I posted some great opportunities for Job Seekers.  Many are still viable, so be sure to review earlier posts and check out the Job Blasts.  In addition to some new Job Blasts, I'm also posting some information on area Job Fairs and Capital Area Michigan Works! activities for the remainder of the week.

Job Blasts! 

In addition to the Michigan Talent Bank, another great resource used for finding local jobs is Indeed.com.  The following jobs with their MTB # will link directly to the Michigan Talent Bank posting.

Weber Automotive (Auburn Hills): 
  • Logistics Specialist,  MTB # 3043838
  • Quality Manager,  MTB # 3043839  
  • Purchasing Manager,  MTB # 3045361
  • Human Resources Assistant,  MTB # 3043652 
  • CNC Operator,  MTB # 2983122
Mario's Market (Lansing):  (P/T) Clerk/Stock Person,  MTB # 3046299

Lovejoy Rehabilitation Center (Lansing):  Home or Program Manager,  MTB # 3046271

Office Team (Lansing):  URGENT Need for People with a Bachelor Degree!
  • Temporary Position that begins Monday, March 28th - May 11th
  • F/T hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), 30 minute lunch, two 15 minute breaks
  • Candidates would be scoring tests on a computer
  • Pay is $10/hour
  • Bachelor degree and Transcript is REQUIRED (must be completed and be able to prove that it is)
  • No felony or misdmeanor
  • For more information, contact 'Erika' at Office Team:  517.324.4469 or erika.weadock@officeteam.com
Job Fairs!
  • The Greater Lansing Journey to Jobs event is Friday, April 8th at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Avenue.  Seating is limited, so sign up now at j2j.eventbrite.com.

  • The Livingston Regional Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 20th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center (5768 E. Grand River at Lake Chemung between Brighton and Howell).  For more information, contact the Livingston County Michigan Works! Service Center at http://www.lcmw.org/.
Job Search Activities @ CAMW!  Mark Your Calendars!
  • Lansing Community College will be providing
    • LCC Assessment Testing, Thursday, March 24th beginning @ 8:45 a.m.
    • LCC Financial Aid Workshop, Friday, March 25th @ 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
    • LCC Information Technology Seminar (featuring LCC faculty):  Provides interested individuals an opportunity to meet the faculty and learn more about dynamic careers in the I.T. field.  Friday, March 25th @ 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
  • Career Networking Group:  Thursday, March 24th @ 9:00 a.m.
  • "Interviewing Best Practices":  Tuesday, April 5th @ 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    • Pre-registration required:  Contact Barb @ 517.492.5515 or register at the Greeter Desk inside the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Center
    • Must arrive early to guarantee a seat
    • Late arrivals will not be allowed to attend
    • Must have your resume posted on the Michigan Talent Bank
  • "Resume Writing Workshop":  Tuesday, April 12th @ 1:00 p.m.
    • Pre-registration required:  Contact Barb @ 517.492.5515 or register at the Greeter Desk inside the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Center
    • Must arrive early to guarantee a seat
    • Late arrivals will not be allowed to attend
    • Must have your resume posted on the Michigan Talent Bank

Did You Know

Lansing Community College has several available positions.  For more information on a position, or to apply, visit the website at:  http://www.jobs.lcc.edu/

Friday, March 18, 2011

Job Blasts and More!

Job Blasts!
The Michigan Talent Bank (MTB) is one of your best resources for finding local job postings to match your skills, knowledge, and abilities.  Another great resource is Indeed.com where postings from various sources can be found in one location. 

Today, here are some additional opportunities:

Creative Staffing (Mason):
Immediate openings in Mason.  Must be able to work any shift.   Steel toed boots or shoes required.   Must be able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days per week, if needed.  $10 per hour.  No felonies.  Must have HS diploma or GED.  Must have reliable transportation (no bus line).  Please call Tami or Alicia at Creative Staffing LLC, (517) 668-6336 to schedule an interview.

Fedewa Plumbing (Lansing):  Looking to fill an IMMEDIATE need for an on-call position.  Must have at least 2 years construction experience.   Tools and van will be provided.  Will receive 1099 at end of year.  If qualified, please call Jessica or Aaron at (517) 803-2330 or email:  fedewaplumbing@gmail.com.

PNC Bank (Charlotte):  (P/T) Tellers:
Requirements:
  • Seeking energetic and career-minded individuals
  • 1 year of cash handling experience
  • Customer service and/or sales experience
  • Strong communication skills
  • Computer familiarity is required
Please visit:  http://www.pnc.jobs/ and submit your resume.  Keyword search:  Part-time Teller

CDS Environmental Sales: (Marshall):  Labor Technicians, Operators, and CDL Drivers needed for Possible Environmental Cleanup work this Spring.
  • CDS Environmental Services has a signed agreement with an Environmental company to provide labor for the oil spill clean-up in Marshall, MI this spring.  This is contingent upon them securing contracts to return back to work for Enbridge.  Applicants will undergo background checks, drug testing, pre-employment physicals and a 40 hour hazmat training class.  To receive a flyer on additional qualifications required, please email a request to cwilhm@camw.net


Today, while searching the Michigan Talent Bank, I entered "Maintenance" in the "Keyword" section and indicated a 10 mile radius of Lansing.  There were 56 postings that came up.  To view these, click on the link.



IMPORTANT NOTE:  LCC Students:  The last day to apply for Spring 2011 Associate Degrees and Certificates is APRIL 1, 2011.



Upcoming Lansing Community College and CAMW! activities for the week of March 21st:
  • Monday (3/21):  LCC Assessment Testing:  8:30 a.m. - noon
  • Tuesday (3/22):  LCC Jobs Connection Workshop:  1:30 - 3:00,  LCC Truck Driver Training Program (meet the faculty and obtain more information!):  1:30 - 3:00
  • Wednesday (3/23):  LCC Financial Aid Workshop:  1:30 - 3:00
  • Wednesday (3/23):  CAMW! Orientation:  2:00 - 3:30
  • Thursday (3/24):  LCC Assessment Testing:  8:30 a.m - noon
  • Friday (3/25):  LCC Financial Aid Workshop:  1:30 - 3:00,  LCC Information Technology Seminar (meet the faculty and obtain more information!):  1:30 - 3:00
                             

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The "Dog" and I

Over the years I have learned to never say "never!"  My friends and family have been corrected by me when they use the phrase, "I will never...."  I'm quick to remind them of the error of their ways when the "never" actually occurs!  So, having said that, I can honestly say that I never thought I would ever write this blog...but, I guess I was wrong.

The other day while I was at church, a sweet, kind, elderly woman was sitting behind us as she does most Sundays.  And, as is also the case, we visit for a while before the mass begins.  Well, this week, she caught me off-guard...waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy off-guard. 

My friend asked me if I ever watched the show, Dog, the Bounty Hunter.  I responded "no," but, acknowledged that I had heard of it and had seen short bits of it when channel-hopping.  What came next silenced me as she loudly proclaimed that she thought I looked like "Dog." 


Well, we were seated in an area with several people, so her 'kind' words were overheard by about a dozen people.  My mouth was hanging open and my eyes were wide as I tried to process just where this conversation was headed.  That and the laughter around us brought me back to the realization that 1.) she said I looked like a man, 2.) a man with facial hair, no less; and, 3.) again, she said I looked like a man!  However, to her benefit, she quickly realized that she had only shared part of what she wanted me to know.  It was not so much that I looked like a man, but rather, she thought my long, blond hair looked nice...like the "Dog's"!  Okay, maybe, but, I was still being compared to a man...with facial hair!

So, I went to the Internet and checked up on the Bounty Hunter just to see what, exactly, I was being compared to.  Sorry, Dog, but I was not feeling better when I clicked on the link.  First, I discovered that Dog has a name, Duane Chapman.  Second, I'll give credit where credit is due...the blond mane looks nice and is very well styled.  But, I'm still having trouble getting past the facial hair.  Anyway, I decided to research the career of Bounty Hunter as I thought it might be fun.  Besides, I'm often checking out career options as part of my work.  So, my first stop was to visit one of my favorite career websites, O*Net.  With approximately 900 occupations listed in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics' database, I proceeded to see what I could find under the heading of 'Bounty Hunter'. 

What came up first was Hunters and Trappers
Right behind Hunters and Trappers was Tour Guides and Escorts followed closely by Umpires, Referees and Other Sports Officials.  Additionally, Agricultural Workers, All Others, Fishers and Related Fishing Workers, Logging Workers, All Others also appeared.  The list continued on with Commercial Pilots, Production Workers, All Other, Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers, and Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other.  And finally, Travel Guides, Fish and Game Wardens, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, and Municipal Clerks rounded out the list of occupations displayed based upon the Relevance Score.

Somehow, none of these occupations, standing on their own, matched what I believed to be Dog's line of work, based upon my own personal research of his website.  So, I proceeded to go through the lists of skills, knowledge, and abilities of some of the occupations to see if there was a way to match tasks required in the execution of Dog's line of work.

For example, O*Net describes : "Patrol trap lines or nets to inspect settings, remove catch, and reset or relocate traps" as a function of a hunter.  I could see where it would be most helpful for Dog to have a very good understanding of the skills necessary to effectively patrol, inspect, remove, and/or relocate.  Additionally, to be able to "Travel on foot, or by using vehicles or equipment such as boats, snowmobiles, helicopters, snowshoes, or skis to reach hunting areas" would be extremely valuable.  However, as described under Umpires, Referees and Other Sports Officials, the ability to "Resolve claims of rule infractions or complaints by participants and assess any necessary penalties, according to regulations" might be a bit out there...particularly "according to regulations."   (http://www.online.onetcenter.org/, retrieved 3/16/2011). 

While the occupation of Bounty Hunter has not been demonstrated as a "High Demand" occupation in our tri-county area, I have to admit that the Dog does have nice hair.  So, having looked through the lists of skills, knowledge, and abilities in the above occupations, and being unable to find any information from O*Net on the Dog's line of work that I could effectively share with job seekers, I decided that I'd rather look into the hair thing and checked up on Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists.  After all, my friend did clarify that she meant my hair looked nice like Dog's; but, I'm still struggling with the facial hair thing.

Job Blasts:
To view any of the following Job Postings, or to research others, be sure to visit the Michigan Talent Bank.

Sundance Chevrolet (Grand Ledge):  Financial Sales,  MTB  # 3043987

Lansing School District (Lansing): 
Accident Fund (Lansing):  Be sure to visit the Michigan Talent Bank for these postings:
  • Actuarial Analyst,  MTB # 3034522
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO),  MTB # 3044092
  • Data & Diagnostic Specialist, MTB # 3008492
  • Data Analytics & Medical Trends Specialist, MTB # 3034526
  • Human Resources Associate, MTB # 3044074
  • Security Officer (On Call), MTB # 3044090
  • Strategic Planning Advisor, MTB # 3034527

Thursday, March 10, 2011

An Opportunity to Practice Your Job Search Skills!

Are you looking for a job in the greater Lansing area?  If so, you'll want to be sure to register for the Greater Lansing Journey to Jobs event to be held on Friday, April 8, 2011.  This is a FREE, one-day conference where you can practice the skills needed to land a job through a variety of workshops.  You will also have the opportunity to network with dozens of hiring employers.  As well, information will be available about various educational programs in the region.

The event will be held at the Lansing Center located at 333 E. Michigan Avenue in Lansing.  Seating is limited so register now at j2j.eventbrite.com.

Agenda:

  • 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.:       Registration
  • 8:15 - 9:00 a.m.        Welcome
  • 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.:    Workshop Break Out Sessions
  • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.:  Workshop Break out Sessions
  • 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.:    Open Campus Lunch
  • 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.:      Job Zone and Keep Learning Zone
Be sure to attend the Greater Lansing Journey to Jobs event dressed professionally with extra copies of your resume and an electronic copy of your resume.  There will be opportunities for resume assistance if needed.  You must attend the entire conference in professional dress to gain access to the Job Zone in the afternoon.  It will be during the Job Zone portion of the event that participants will have the opportunity to interview with hiring employers.

JOB BLAST:

Telamon Corporation (Lansing):  Deputy State Director,  MTB # 3020636

Monday, March 7, 2011

The Field of Change

Years ago, before sports for girls were commonplace in our schools, I played in a city softball league.  While the boys had a really neat ballpark, the girls had Wells Park.  My brothers were in Little League and played at a city park that boasted great facilities:  concession stands, bathrooms, multiple groomed fields, LIGHTS!  They had it all, even an announcer's box complete with loud speakers!  Our league had a field with one set of bleachers and some grassy practice fields. While I was envious of my brothers' advantages, I was still happy to be playing.  Never mind that our games had to be completed before the sun fell too low and completely disappeared beyond the horizon, or, that if I wanted a snack I had to bring my own, I was playing ball.  Since our field was a ways from our house or any public buildings, I was grateful for the small bathroom facility that was built one summer.  Yep, all things being (supposedly) equal, in actuality, were not.  But, that is not why I am writing this blog.

Because we all worked hard during the warm summer months in the family business, having a parent at one of my ball games was not a common occurrence.  However, there were times when my mother did come to watch me play.  My father, on the other hand, showed up less than three times over my four years of league play.  The first time he came to see me play was also the first time I ever struck out during a game.  It didn't help that he stood behind the backstop making comments that, still to this day, I do not believe were words of encouragement.  One of us was having fun and it wasn't me.

I showed up to my very first practice having never thrown a softball before (but had thrown plenty of other things in my youth, so I picked up the sport pretty quick!).  I ended up over the course of those four years of league sports (before I aged out at 15) playing outfield, third base, and my personal favorite, catcher.  As well, I made the All Star Team my last two years which gave me the opportunity to travel to other cities and play against their best players.  It was only when our All Star team made the finals and we were the home team that we were able to use the city's Little League park.  For our big game we were able to use the field that had two large sets of bleachers, the sacred announcer's box and PA system, plus, the best part...use of the dugout! 

As I mentioned, my father was, for the most part, unable to attend my games, but, there was one time that he stopped by to watch as I practiced.  That was when I learned something about changeIt appears that the softball park had some family history, sort of.  The grassy field with a lone groomed (to some extent)  field was property that had apparently once belonged to my great-grandfather! 

While growing up, there were times when family members would share stories about our ancestors.  Like most young people, I had secretly hoped that there was a connection to England's Royal Family (there's a wedding I'd like to attend in April).  But, alas, while there were connections to the British Isles all right, the linkage to the royals did not appear (which I'm sure the Royals would consider a good thing).  As a youth, I wasn't much interested in hearing most of the stories because they weren't really that glamorous, but, this was one stuck with me. 


It seems that my great-grandfather was fairly well-to-do.  He owned a tack and buggy type shop at the turn of the century...that would be the year 1900.  He had a very successful business and had managed to invest in a significant amount of land owning nearly half of the town at one point.  So, this story had my attention.  Problem was, I wasn't sure where my father was going with it, but I was curious as to why was the field was still not in the family.

Apparently, my great-grandfather, while riding through town in his horse and buggy combo one day, came across a 'new' thing...a motorized vehicle.  He was adamant that this new found contraption was just a 'passing phase'.  Well, as we all know, he was wrong.  He had failed to look at the new technology and see the change that was coming amid his rapidly becoming outdated business.  Soon, his failure to adapt to the changing landscape resulted in a devastating conclusion.  So, now you know why I played ball at the Wells family namesake park and not our family's namesake.

Change has always been a part of our daily lives.  In recent years, we have become all too familiar with how the changes in technology can significantly impact our workplace and lives.  We can sit back and, like my great-grandfather, continue with outdated skills, methods, and technology while holding on to the concept that everything will get back to 'normal' soon.  Or, we can accept that change is coming and hopefully, choose to embrace the opportunities that come with those changes. 

No one said that change was easy.  Often times it can be a stressful challenge.  Today we are witnesses to the many ways that technology has brought about rapid changes within our lifetime.  In his bestseller, Undaunted Courage:  Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West by Stephen Ambrose, I am reminded that the fastest way Jefferson had available to send and receive communication with his team of cross country trekkers was the same one that had been around for over a thousand years...a rider on horseback.  For example, I think about the changes in transportation alone in just the last one hundred years.  I am awed by how quickly we were able to take the knowledge of flight learned from the Wright brothers' test flights at Kitty Hawk in 1903 and six decades later put a man on the moon! 

When I first started my professional work life, email was not in the office place.  Today, we would be hard pressed to complete daily tasks without it in my line of work.  Change.  It impacts us and,  hopefully, moves us to change, as well.


To remain competitive (unlike my great-grandfather) businesses must change.  To demonstrate a competitive advantage in today's workplace, people must change and adapt to changing technologies and new knowledge.  Does this mean that every single job is impacted by technology?  I would venture to say, yes.  From the young person looking to do lawn work for neighbors and family friends to the company that is building the newest means on the planet to transport people, technology is everywhere.  

Lansing Community College has many opportunities available to assist in updating skill sets that help our workforce keep current with many of the new technologies, skills, and knowledge needed in today's workplace.  We offer day-long seminars, weekend classes, continuing education courses, as well as our Certificate and Degree programs.  Formats include the classroom, online, or a combination of both.  In about a month enrollment for Summer 2011 semester will begin. Yes, change is coming, again.  The question we must each ask ourselves is, "Are we ready?"

To find out more about our programs at at Lansing Community College, visit our website.  For more information on our "Learning for Life" opportunities, visit our website or contact the staff at the Extension, Community, and Continuing Education Center  at (517) 483-1860, located at the LCC East Campus.  

Change is happening.  Let LCC be a partner to help you gain the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding of some of the new technologies to be ready.


Job Blasts!   Be sure to visit the Michigan Talent Bank to learn more about the Job Postings seen below.

Capital Area Michigan Works! (Lansing):  Assistant Communications Officer,  MTB # 3037347

Accident Fund (Lansing):  
  • Actuarial Analyst,  MTB # 3034522
  • Chief Financial Officer,  MTB # 3000543
  • Data & Diagnostic Specialist,  MTB # 3008492
  • Data Analytics & Medical Trends Specialist,  MTB # 3034526
  • Strategic Planning Advisor,  MTB # 3034527    
Ryder Logistics (Lansing):  Customer Logistics Manager,  MTB # 2930654

Sears (East Lansing, Frandor):  
  • Footwear Merchandise Customer Assistant,  MTB # 3011451
  • Merchandise Customer Assistant,  MTB # 3036444
  • Sales: Home Appliances,  MTB  # 3036449
  • Sales: Home Electronics,  MTB # 3036447  
  • Sales:  Home Improvement,  MTB # 3034787
  • Backroom Associates,  MTB # 3008867
  • Cashier,  MTB # 3008865
  • Fine Jewelry Position,  MTB # 3034783   
 Employment Group (Charlotte area), Call Center -- Customer Service Asso., 
  • Qualified candidates must be able to meet these reequirements:
    • Strong background in customer service, collection, sales and/or billing calls
    • Able to remain professional and focused to provide top-notch customer service in this pressure-filled job; requires patience and ability to deal with high stress
    • Computer skills:  Word, Excel, Outlook, and data entry
    • No felony convictions; pass a drug screen and background check
    • Able to work a flexible schedule and weekends
  • About the position: 
    •  Successful candidates will take inbound calls from people nation-wide concerning billing questions and service concerns for cable service. There will be three to five weeks of training before being placed on the floor to take live calls
  • Getting started:
    • Visit the website:  www.employmentgroup.com
    • After completing the registration, call the Lansing Office at 517.664.2990 for additional information regarding interviewing and screening.  Interview hours will be posted on the website.
    • When coming into Employment Group's office, be sure to bring:
      • Two forms of identification (i.e. drivers license or state I.D.)
      • Social security card OR a birth certificate
REMEMBER:  When applying for any of the above postings (or any posting available on the Michigan Talent Bank or through a company website), be sure to follow the employer's instructions for making application.

Capital Area Michigan Works! Orientations:  For more information on how Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center can assist Job Seekers with services, be sure to attend an orientation.  They are offered each Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.  The St. Johns Service Center provides an orientation on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

For more information on services available at the Lansing, St. Johns, and Charlotte Service Centers, visit the CAMW! Calendar of Events


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

It's All About the Resume!

Lately, I have been meeting with some Lansing Community College students and recent graduates who are searching for jobs.  One of the things that seems to continually show up during our discussions on why they struggle with the job search is in the resume itself. 

While there are many good templates available to use in building a good resume, the problem lies in what information is IN the resume.  For example, some recent graduates from a skilled-trades program had indicated on their resume that they had received a certificate at the College in their program.  However, they had failed to indicate what new skills they had acquired through the training.  The resume highlighted what they had done in previous positions (and for some that had been more than a year prior to the training), yet, it lacked substance in their new skills that was critical in their job search for a position that required those skills!


After reviewing the curriculum and identifying the new skill sets acquired, we went to work to update their resumes to reflect the new skills.  As well, we looked at reducing the two and three page resumes to just one page that was more focused on the specific position that they were seeking to obtain rather than highlighting old and outdated skill sets. 

Once that was completed, the new resumes were updated on the Michigan Talent Bank and professional copies were made for additional use.  The job search was restarted with better tools that more clearly communicated the job seekers qualifications.  Results to this effort soon became apparent as several of the participants in this endeavor were beginning to obtain interviews and jobs!


There are many, many useful websites available to assist the Job Seeker in making sure they have the right tools for the job search.  One recent article from the Lansing State Journal highlighted some of the biggest mistakes people make when compiling the ever-important resume.  Ten Ways to Botch Your Resume by Kate Lorenz of CareerBuilder.com provides some common mistakes that people make and ways to avoid them.  I encourage you to take a few minutes to look over your resume to see if you have managed to avoid some of these common mistakes. 

So, now that you have reviewed your resume and have checked to make sure that your skills are updated for the position being applied to, check out some of this week's Job Blasts:

JOB BLASTS!

Advanced Energy Options (Lansing):  Salesperson,  MTB # 3013177

Educational Child Care Center (Lansing):  Substitute Teacher,  MTB # 3011715

HRU Inc., Technical Resources (Lansing): 
Biomed Pharmacy, (Lansing):  P/T Pharmacy Technician,  MTB # 3011503

Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer (St. Johns): 
  • Equipment Assembler,  MTB # 3014196
  • Receptionist/Office Assistant,  MTB # 3023190
KTM Industries (St. Johns):  Operations Supervisor,MTB # 3011128

Franchino Mold & Engineering (St. Johns):  Supervisor (2nd shift),  MTB # 3010360

Ingham County, Michigan:  Multiple Job Listings!  Go to the MTB and enter the Job Posting to view each position.
  • Dentist,  MTB # 3013696 and MTB # 2977128
  • Physician Assistant -CHC,  MTB # 3013697
  • Disease Control Nurse,  MTB # 3013699
  • Family Nurse Practitioner/Provider (F/T), MTB # 2959163
  • Health Center Nurse,  MTB #3013700
  • Jail Nurse,  MTB # 2971155
  • Medical Director/Physician,  MTB # 2959167
  • Public Health Nurse,  MTB # 3013701
  • Universal Deputy Roster ICSO Corrections,  MTB # 3013676
  • Account Clerk Sheriff's Office,  MTB # 2996103
  • Community Health Rep. II,  MTB # 2996102
  • Disease Control Nurse (F/T),  MTB # 2996101
  • Disease Control Nurse (P/T),  MTB # 2959165
  • Health Center Nurse (P/T),  MTB # 2959165
  • Office Coordinator, Sheriff's Office,  MTB # 2996104
  • Physician Assistant - CHC,  MTB # 2953976
Don't forget that Capital Area Michigan Works! has their weekly orientations each Wednesday at 2:00 at the Lansing Service Center located at 2110 S. Cedar Street in Lansing.  Be sure to check out the website's Calendar of Events for more activities including the Lansing Community College "Jobs Connection" workshop held most Tuesday's beginning at 1:30 p.m.