Networking is a great way to develop business contacts. Something that is good for business development, finding competent suppliers and support, as well as helping to find a new job.
So the ability to properly network is definitely a skill worth strengthening.
What are the keys to good networking? (more…)
When hiring staff, I do not put much emphasis on student grades as a predictor of job success.
Sure I pay attention to the outliers. Those in the top and bottom 5%. But even then I do not make a large connection with their potential employment capabilities.
Having dealt with managers from around the globe, almost all my peers share this view when assessing job candidates.
But if we care little about grade point average, what is important? (more…)
October 17 through 23 saw the Financial Planning Standards Council celebrate their 3rd annual Financial Planning Week in Canada.
I am sure fun and games were had by all. (more…)
In Learning Real Job Skills in School?, I pointed out disconnects between the university experience and the real world.
University students (and often the administration) are not thrilled with professors who challenge students, force them to contribute in class, make them work in groups, complete assignments on time, etc.
However, in the actual business world, everything is different.
This leads to a skills gap between what employers want and what schools produce. (more…)
At times I have my doubts.
Sure, you need to learn accounting skills if you want to become an accountant. Or know how to trade derivatives if you wish to become a securities trader.
But to become truly successful, you need to master the softer skills. And from what I have seen in my educational days and my career, not too mention what I read every so often in the press, you do not learn these crucial skills in school.
For example, (more…)
Economic conditions in your local region may mean there are few available jobs in your area of expertise or interest.
If you want to stay in your home town (or vicinity), you may have to take a lesser position or be unemployed for an extended period.
But if you are open to looking farther afield, you may be able to find a position that meets your career goals. And you may obtain a broader life experience in the process. (more…)
What are the similarities and differences between professional financial accountants, Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA), and Certified Financial Planners (CFP)?
Being all three, this is a question I get asked a lot.
And right now as students begin to contemplate their career options, it is a topical issue.
So how do they compare? (more…)
Whenever I see statistics used in support of an argument I get a little suspicious.
And I am often reminded of a quote attributed to Benjamin Disraeli: “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”
Now I am not saying that statistics are necessarily false. But I am saying that data can often be manipulated to meet the needs of its user. (more…)
Courtesy of Investopedia, a good article entitled “4 Ways To Get A Head Start On Your Financial Career”.
While the article is finance specific, the general lessons apply to most career paths.
As the article states, in today’s job market, it is important to appear a more attractive employment candidate than your many competitors.
Here are a few thoughts from my side. (more…)
Courtesy of The Washington Post, 7 Life Lessons from the Very Wealthy.
Some not too bad advice for aspiring millionaires. Or, in the case of my nephew, billionaires.
A few of my thoughts on the article below. (more…)
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