2012 NBA Mock Draft: Can’t-Miss Prospects Sure to Have Long Careers

The 2012 NBA draft looks like it will contain one of the deepest and most promising crop of players heading into the league in years.

However, some of these young men just seem destined to become stars and hang around the pros for years, while others are extremely hit-or-miss selections.

Check out the players who are without a doubt going to be a factor in the NBA from the time their name is called this June until they retire.

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

1. Charlotte Bobcats (4-27): Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Davis has so much potential, it’s practically insane.

He’s 18 years old, 6’10”, 220-pounds of pure upside.

The Kentucky product would break every blocks record in NCAA history if he stuck around, but odds are he is going to enter the 2012 draft and go No. 1 overall.

Once he develops a post game and adds more muscle, he will be unstoppable in the NBA.

2. Washington Wizards (7-24): Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn

Drummond has the size to compete in the NBA, but his inconsistency against college competition is alarming.

3. New Orleans Hornets (7-23): Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC

Harrison Barnes is a born scorer who can put the ball through the basket from anywhere on the floor.

He’s got the prototypical length and athleticism to play the SF position in the pros, and he even has a knack for playing defense.

This kid will become a franchise player for whichever lucky team gets their hands on him.

4. New Jersey Nets (9-24): Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

Lamb is a solid two guard who does everything required from the position.

5. Toronto Raptors (9-23): Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Interior force who isn’t afraid of anyone on the offensive or defensive end.

6. Sacramento Kings (10-21): Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Kidd-Gilchrist is going to have a fruitful NBA career, even if his offense doesn’t translate over to the next level.

He’s simply the best defender this draft has to offer, and he could make a living off shutting down the best perimeter player on the opposing team.

His upside is also through the roof, and if he puts it together offensively, he will be a true star.

7. Detroit Pistons (11-22): Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

No one else in this draft has the surefire talent that Sullinger possesses coming into the league, and he will be contributing immediately.

The 6’9”, 240-pound sophomore is a bit undersized and lacks explosion, but he’s fundamentally solid and plays with his head.

He’s a top candidate to win the Rookie of the Year award and promises to have a home in the NBA for a long time.

8. Utah Jazz (via Golden State 11-17): Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Just an excellent shooter who has the build to take on any defender.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers (12-17): Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor

The Cavaliers can afford to take a chance on someone with Jones’ promise, as they rebuild over the next few years.

10. Phoenix Suns (13-19): Kendall Marshall, PG, UNC

This is the best passer in the draft, and Phoenix needs to replace Steve Nash.

11. Milwaukee Bucks (13-18): Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Moultrie has been a surprise stud this year.

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Moultrie has been shooting up draft boards since he began dominating the SEC in rebounding this year.

12. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota 16-16): John Henson, PF/C, UNC

Hornets need to take a shot on developing a big if Chris Kaman is traded or walks away this offseason.

13. Utah Jazz (15-15): Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Utah is set at almost every position but point guard for the future, and Teague is the best available.

14. Denver Nuggets (17-15): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Leonard may not be mentally ready, but Denver could trot him out if Nene gets injured and be just fine.

15. Houston Rockets (via New York 16-16): Tyler Zeller, PF/C, UNC

There is no upside to this pick, but Zeller is going to be a contributor on a professional basketball team.

16. Boston Celtics (15-15): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Austin Rivers may not come out this year, but whenever he chooses to, he’s going to be entrenched with whatever lucky team grabs him for years to come.

Boston would be stupid to pass on their coach’s son, if he declares, as they direly need a SG to fill Ray Allen’s shoes when he retires or leaves the squad.

Rivers has proven to have the heart of a winner, as evidenced by his buzzer beater against UNC, as well as an incredible skill set and basketball IQ.

17. Portland Trail Blazers (17-15): Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

Portland has been plagued by poor guard play, and he’s the best available option to try and replace Brandon Roy.

18. New Jersey Nets (via Houston 18-14): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

New Jersey needs help everywhere as they prepare to move to Brooklyn, and Jones represents lottery talent at a bargain here.

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

19. Memphis Grizzlies (18-14): Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Memphis could use a sixth man if O.J. Mayo isn’t retained, and Lamb immediately fills that position.

20. Los Angeles Lakers (18-13): Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse

LA needs a point guard now that Steve Blake and Derek Fisher have shown how washed up they are after the lockout.

21. Indiana Pacers (19-12): Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Indiana is stacked at most positions, but they need a solid center to play behind newly minted All-Star Roy Hibbert.

22. Atlanta Hawks (19-12): Patric Young, PF, Florida

Young can bang with the best down low, and Atlanta desperately needs insurance for Al Horford.

23. Orland Magic (20-12): Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Miller has drawn comparisons to a poor man’s Kevin Durant, which definitely isn’t a bad thing for a team that needs a talented swingman.

24. Philadelphia 76ers (20-12): William Buford, SG, Ohio State

A consistent player that could be a contributor late in the draft for an upcoming team like Philly.

25. Los Angeles Lakers (via Dallas 20-12): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

The Lakers seriously need a new point guard.

26. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers 19-10): Jeff Withey, C, Kansas

Boston isn’t used to being a small team, and striking gold on a center to replace Kendrick Perkins (traded) and Jermaine O’Neal (bum) with is important.

27. San Antonio Spurs (22-9): Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia

Tim Duncan isn’t going to last forever, and the Spurs could use depth at PF after he retires.

28. Chicago Bulls (25-8): John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Jenkins can be developed to fill Rip Hamilton’s role in Chi-town.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder (24-7): Draymond Green, F, Michigan State

Green is a promising player that can play both forward positions for a young team.

30. Miami Heat (25-7): Tomas Satoransky, G, Czech Republic

Miami needs a point guard, and Satoransky has a ton of upside.

Article source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1076602-2012-nba-mock-draft-cant-miss-prospects-sure-to-have-long-careers

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ExxonMobil Engineers Encourage Girls to Envision Careers in Science and Math

IRVING, TX–February 22, 2012: Fifty middle
school girls were innovators for a day as they learned
about the exciting aspects of engineering careers during the ninth
annual “Introduce a Girl to Engineering”
program at ExxonMobil
headquarters on February 21, supported by ExxonMobil
employees and the ExxonMobil
Foundation.

“We want
to demonstrate to girls that engineering careers are not only
exciting,
rewarding and diverse, but they also offer the power to make a
difference in society. Whether creating advanced technologies or
developing new medicines, engineers are changing the world every
day.”

Girls from Dallas, Irving and Plano Independent School Districts took

part in hands-on activities designed to showcase the fun and unique
applications of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that

help solve everyday problems. Through first-hand accounts, ExxonMobil

employees demonstrated creative and collaborative aspects of
engineering, and how engineers are responsible for many of the
world’s
most important innovations.

Employees also served as on-site mentors, leading experiments such as
Marshmallow
Mania, where girls built a catapult and launched marshmallows
using
the laws of physics, and A View from the Top, where team
members
designed and built a sturdy structure with playing cards.

“ExxonMobil is working to build the next generation of
innovators by
introducing students to the marvels of engineering when they are
making
critical course decisions,” said Tracey Gunnlaugsson,
senior downstream
advisor, corporate strategic planning, Exxon Mobil Corporation.
“We want
to demonstrate to girls that engineering careers are not only
exciting,
rewarding and diverse, but they also offer the power to make a
difference in society. Whether creating advanced technologies or
developing new medicines, engineers are changing the world every
day.”

Although women comprise about half of the U.S. workforce, they hold
only
14 percent of engineering jobs, according to the Economics and
Statistics Administration.

The ExxonMobil
Foundation “Introduce a Girl to Engineering”
program seeks to
promote the distinct advantages of the profession as well as the need

for women to pursue careers in the field. The ExxonMobil headquarters

event is one of 13 “Introduce a Girl to
Engineering” programs hosted at
ExxonMobil facilities nationwide.

About ExxonMobil Foundation

ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon
Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation and the
Corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that
advance
education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has

significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports
initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and
higher
education levels.

Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education,
promote women as catalysts for economic development, and combat
malaria
and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2010,
together
with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation , its
divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $237
million in contributions worldwide, of which $110 million was
dedicated
to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s
community
partnerships and contributions programs is available at
ExxonMobil Community.

About National Engineers Week

National Engineers Week,
founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, is

dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering
workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering
and
technology careers among young students and by promoting pre-college
literacy in math and science. Engineers Week also raises public
understanding and appreciation of engineers’ contributions to society

and is among the oldest of America’s professional outreach efforts.
For
more information please visit E Week.

Article source: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2012/02/22/026180-exxonmobil-engineers-encourage-girls-to-envision-careers-science-and-math.html

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The 10 Lost Careers of RoboCop

Paul Verhoeven’s RoboCop was mordent critique of Eighties corporate excess, what with its privatized police department and dystopian fake advertisements. But like some sort of cyborg ouroboros, RoboCop himself became a media personality and the pitchman for many a bizarre product. Here are ten times RoboCop has moonlighted as something other than Detroit’s finest man-machine. Watch as his dignity is completely disassembled!

10.) Professional Wrestler
To promote RoboCop 2, the hero appeared at the 1990 WCW Capital Combat pay-per-view event, where he saved noted greasepaint aficionado Sting from a metal cage. Wrestling crossovers have not reached such heady apices since the Muppets showed up on WWE Raw last year.

9.) Marvel Comic Stalwart
Before he appeared in Dark Horse Comics’ seminal 1992 beat-em-up RoboCop Versus Terminator, Officer Murphy was part of the Marvel stable of characters, thanks to Marvel Productions’ RoboCop: The Animated Series and his own comic series.

Ergo, he could wander into the same panel as She-Hulk, a character who’s been known to break the fourth wall of comics. It was no Aliens versus Predator versus The Terminator, but what is?

8.) Terrible Theme Song Inspiration
But RoboCop’s animated adventures didn’t stop with The Animated Series. He attempted to bottle some of his former glory in 1998, with RoboCop: Alpha Commando (which is available entirely on Hulu). This series will always be remembered for its intro, which gave RoboCop both rollerblades and the laziest lyrics since Adam West’s Batman.

7.) Pee-wee Herman Savior
At the 1989 Academy Awards, RoboCop hobnobbed with the stars to save Pee-wee Herman from celebrated enforcement droid ED-209. If we had to encapsulate the cultural zeitgeist of the 1980s for extraterrestrials, we would simply roll this footage. Of course, Earth would be vaporized 10 minutes later, but at least we’d die honest.

6.) Nemesis of Roaches
RoboCop once enjoyed a lucrative career as a pitchman for products on the Eastern Pacific Rim. Here he demonstrates a hale disregard for insects. I’m assuming this roach killer originated as an Omni Consumer Products face-melting spray that proved too gruesome for street use.

5.) The Muffler Doppelgänger
At the height of RoboCop’s popularity, Meineke sidestepped a character tie-in entirely and create their own off-color cyber-sheriff. Note that a ninja also appears in this commercial. Two decades back, business school textbooks contained nothing but diagrams of ninjas, turtle or otherwise.

4.) The RoboCop Ramen Army
Ramen commercials are an underexplored nexus of reality. They’re these pocket dimension where Jedi knights and robotic police officers congregate to worship high-sodium pasta that can survive nuclear explosions. Here, a phalanx of RoboCops appeared to chant the praises of Nissin’s UFO noodles.

3.) The Fried Chicken Incident
But the shameless promotion didn’t stop there — RoboCop also shilled breaded bird in South Korea. He demonstrated his new ability to travel through television waves and ignored his prime directive by stealing that poor woman’s refrigerator. The look of terror on the family’s face cuts to the bone. Nothing sells poultry like home invasion.

2 1.) Japanese Monster Fighter
RoboCop received another Japanese tribute in the form of Kidou Keiji Jiban, a 1989 tokusatsu program that featured tentacle monsters and a whole lot of thematic symmetry. In my mind, this is what happened after the cameras stopped rolling on Robocop 3.

Jiban wasn’t the only television program to draw from Paul Verhoeven’s well (which I imagine is guarded by the spectral forms of Casper Van Dien and Elizabeth Berkley). Toei also used the “dead cyborg cop” motif for 1993′s Tokusou Robo Janperson. I am uncertain if the “I’d Buy That For A Dollar” guy ever received his own cross-cultural spin-off.

Article source: http://io9.com/5887325/the-10-lost-careers-of-robocop

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Teeing up careers: Kathy Wilkes, PGA of America director of employment services

Kathy Wilkes, director of employment services for The PGA of America in Palm Beach Gardens, is an accidental golfer. But she turned it into a career.

After a stint working for Marshall Fields in Chicago with its management team in retail buying, Wilkes says she was ready for warmer weather.

She moved to Arizona and took a job managing McCormick Ranch, a golf resort. That’s when Wilkes says she fell into the game and the golf business.

She started working for the PGA of America in 1987 as executive director of the southwest PGA section, which covers all of Arizona and Las Vegas.

The PGA employment services division launched in 1996 when the industry wanted a better way to match PGA professionals with golf facilities, says Wilkes.

In the Palm Beach regional office, Wilkes has a staff of 13 people, 12 who are employment consultants located across the country and an in-house administrative assistant.

Employment consultants work with employers to find a PGA professional for their particular facility using a state-of-the-art database system, CareerLinks, which identifies qualified PGA candidates based on the employers search specifications.

The goal of each consultant is to fine-tune and simplify the hiring process and create a successful employment relationship, says Wilkes.

Details: Kathy Wilkes, director of employment services, The PGA of America, 100 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens.

On the Web PGA.com/employment

The drill-down:

Why are you a good fit for this job? I enjoy personal interaction — thrive on it actually. We are a member-based association, and my passion is for working with those members. When you can bring passion and enthusiasm to what you do — that helps you do your job well.

What is the aspect to working in South Florida that sets you apart from your counterparts around the rest of the country? South Florida has beautiful golf courses, PGA Tour players live here, the PGA Tour plays here, they build golf communities here — golf “happens” here. South Florida is the third largest PGA Section with 1,644 PGA professionals — 3,394 total in Florida. Golf has a $7.5 billion economic impact in this state providing 167,000 jobs at the 1,100+ golf facilities.

What is a PGA professional? They are the “backbone” of golf — the teachers and the players — those who ensure that everyone else’s golf experience is the best.

What are some of the newer jobs introduced into the golfing community because of technology and increased consumer knowledge/expectations of the golfing experience? We have new positions for teaching indoors or club fitting — both with state-of-the-art video for assistance. Tee times have become electronic which also has created new positions.

To what do you attribute employment stability in the golf industry? People still want to spend time with their family, and golf combines many aspects that people seek — such as recreation along with health and fitness. You can get it all in a round of golf.

What strategy is your company implementing to grow in this economy? The PGA is addressing the economic challenges with our new strategic initiative Golf 2.0. We know we need to grow our way out of this, so our focus is on player development. For PGA members, player development equates to employment opportunities. 

What’s the best advice you received? It worked for me and I would advise anyone seeking employment to follow it — “You are a walking resume.”

Your day-to-day actions and behavior reflect on who you are, and you never know who your next boss will be. 

I got the opportunity to work for the PGA because I made an impression on someone years before the job was open.

Article source: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/wellington/fl-golf-industry-jobs-20120217,0,7658550.story?track=rss

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Energy Department Makes a Difference Helping Students’ Careers

To stay a top competitor in today’s global economy, we need to make sure that students who aspire to be the next generation of America’s scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs can get the hands-on experience and training they need to lead our industries and businesses.

The Energy Department takes an active role in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow in the field of clean energy. This role has probably never been more important as more and more people understand the need to expand our use of renewable energy and energy efficiency to tackle the challenges we face as a global community.

The Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy supports a number of workforce development and training programs that you might have heard of already, and others that might be new to you. Here’s a list of a few of the ones I’ve been following recently:

• The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 20 teams from colleges and universities across the United States and from around the world to build solar-powered, highly energy-efficient homes that combine affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence. Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently announced the 20 collegiate teams selected to compete in 2013 and unveiled the competition’s location, the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California.
• EcoCAR 2: Plugging in to the Future is a unique competition that helps train students and engineers to become the next generation of workers the U.S. needs to lead the global auto industry.
• America’s Home Energy Education Challenge helps educate students about the benefits of energy efficiency, motivates them to play an active role in how their families use energy, and inspires young people to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
• Using the National Training and Education Resource, DOE is partnering with the Manufacturing Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, and Macomb Community College to explore opportunities to provide students with highly interactive and engaging materials in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) areas, as well as virtual technician training.
• The National University Clean Energy Business Challenge supports six regional competitions that will inspire, mentor, and train students from across the country to develop successful business plans to create a new generation of American clean energy companies.
• The Industrial Assessment Centers enable promising engineering students around the country to conduct energy assessments in a broad range of manufacturing facilities, providing skills and experience that prepares them to compete in today’s economy while helping local companies and factories to reduce energy waste, save money, and become more economically competitive.
• The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Postdoctoral Research Awards offer recent PhD recipients the opportunity to conduct applied research at universities, national laboratories, and other research facilities.
• Wind for Schools helps students gain not only practical knowledge in wind turbine technologies, but also get hands-on experience installing turbines, and kick-starts careers for U.S. students entering science and engineering fields.
• The National Geothermal Student Competition is an intercollegiate competition that challenges students to advance their understanding of geothermal energy’s potential and provides students with opportunities to gain important industry knowledge, skills and experience.
• The Hydrogen Student Design Contest challenges university students to design hydrogen energy applications for real-world use and showcases the talents of students in many disciplines, including engineering, architecture, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

All of these efforts open opportunities for the students of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. Pass along these ideas to others, and help a young mind prepare for an exciting career in clean energy.

Eric Barendsen is a communications specialist and former Presidential Management Fellow with EERE’s Communications and Outreach office in Washington, D.C.

Article source: http://www.ecnmag.com/News/2012/02/Energy-Department-Makes-a-Difference-Helping-Students%E2%80%99-Careers/

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Exxon Mobil Corporation Organizing Engineering Drive

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) has organized the ninth annual ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering’ program sponsored by National Engineers Week.

Exxon Mobil Corporation Organizing Engineering Drive

As a part of the move aimed at encouraging girls to take engineering careers, the US based oil giant Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) has organized the ninth annual ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering’ program at company headquarters on February 21.

Tracey Gunnlaugsson, senior downstream advisor, corporate strategic planning, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) said, “Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is working to build the next generation of innovators by introducing students to the marvels of engineering when they are making critical course decisions. We want to demonstrate to girls that engineering careers are not only exciting, rewarding and diverse, but they also offer the power to make a difference in society. Whether creating advanced technologies or developing new medicines, engineers are changing the world every day.”

Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:XOM) company shares are currently standing at 86.57.

Price History
Last Price: 86.57
52 Week Low / High: 67.03 / 88.23
50 Day Moving Average: 84.36
6 Month Price Change %: 22.7%
12 Month Price Change %: 2.1%

Article source: http://www.stocksandshares.tv/exxon-mobil-corporation-organizing-engineering-drive/32017290

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ExxonMobil Engineers Encourage Girls to Envision Careers in Science and Math

“ExxonMobil is working to build the next generation of innovators by introducing students to the marvels of engineering when they are making critical course decisions,” said Tracey Gunnlaugsson, senior downstream advisor, corporate strategic planning, Exxon Mobil Corporation. “We want to demonstrate to girls that engineering careers are not only exciting, rewarding and diverse, but they also offer the power to make a difference in society. Whether creating advanced technologies or developing new medicines, engineers are changing the world every day.”

Although women comprise about half of the U.S. workforce, they hold only 14 percent of engineering jobs, according to the Economics and Statistics Administration.

The ExxonMobil Foundation “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” program seeks to promote the distinct advantages of the profession as well as the need for women to pursue careers in the field. The ExxonMobil headquarters event is one of 13 “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” programs hosted at ExxonMobil facilities nationwide.

About ExxonMobil Foundation

ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation and the Corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels.

Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education, promote women as catalysts for economic development, and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2010, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $237 million in contributions worldwide, of which $110 million was dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.

About National Engineers Week

National Engineers Week (www.eweek.org), founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers among young students and by promoting pre-college literacy in math and science. Engineers Week also raises public understanding and appreciation of engineers’ contributions to society and is among the oldest of America’s professional outreach efforts. For more information please visit www.eweek.org.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50177237lang=en

Article source: http://www.sunherald.com/2012/02/21/3767832/exxonmobil-engineers-encourage.html

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Post-secondary education key to successful careers

I often write of four-year college scholarships and opportunities. This week, however, I’m switching gears to write about job readiness in today’s economy.

The United States Department of Education projects that about 80 percent of the fastest growing jobs added in the future will not require a bachelor’s degree, although they will require some postsecondary education.

Meet Texas State Technical College (TSTC), a taxpayer-supported, four-year technical college established 45 years ago. It’s helping Texas meet the high-tech challenges of today’s global economy in partnership with business and industry, government agencies, and other educational institutions.

Most of the Texas Legislature’s attention has been focused on preparing students for a college degree, but TSTC and community colleges offer another path to success, rewarding careers and good incomes (see www.tstc.edu).

More than 17,000 students attend TSTC every year in credit programs, but the number grows to more than 30,000 when you count the training TSTC does for business and industry.

Because it is a state college, the cost to attend TSTC is lower than other technological and for-profit schools.

In addition, TSTC works with industry, which drives what is taught. It allows companies to tell them what they want students to learn so that students graduate with the appropriate skills.

A plant manager with Entergy at the Harrison County power plant says there is nothing wrong with starting with an associate’s degree. He said Entergy pays many of their associate degreed people more than four-year graduates.

On the Texas Comptroller’s website you will find “Texas Works,” a report on career, technical and work force education; jobs in demand; and other information.

The report warns that foregoing postsecondary training can mean a huge loss of income over a lifetime.

Students who earn an associate’s degree, the report states, will earn an average of $340,000 more over a working lifetime than someone with just a high school diploma, and nearly $600,000 more than a worker with no diploma.

High schools must make more parents and students aware of alternative educational options, including career and technical education, as well as the availability of financial assistance.

The Jobs and Education for Texans grant program awards grants to public junior colleges and TSTC, which, in turn, award scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need; are permanent legal residents of the United States; and are enrolled or enrolling in a training program for a high-demand occupation as determined by the State Comptroller.

A list of eligible high-demand occupations is published annually at www.everychanceeverytexan.org/funds/trainingprograms/ along with financial aid opportunities and more.

As skilled baby boomers retire, trained and ready replacements are needed.

Whether you are looking for a career change, graduating from high school or are a veteran looking to put your military training to good use in a civilian career, TSTC and community colleges are here to assist.

State Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) represents portions of the Metrocom in District 25. He can be reached at jeff.wentworth@senate.state.tx.us or by calling 826-7800.

Article source: http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/northeast/news/article/Post-secondary-education-key-to-successful-careers-3347508.php

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How Brunel University gets female students to consider business careers

After Brunel University announced the appointment of its first female vice-chancellor, Professor Julia Buckingham, it seems timely to write about a programme that we are running to encourage more of our female students to consider a career in business.

The programme is not necessarily about getting through the much-publicised glass ceiling – and getting women into senior roles in top companies (though there is an ongoing need there) – the focus is more on getting young women to actually think about a career in business in the first place, which even in 2012 can still be a challenge.

Women into Business, which we have launched following a successful pilot last year, is designed to raise aspirations among our female students.

There are perceptions around the so-called barriers to being a woman in business, and some are simply incorrect, so our aim is to equip our students with an approach and a series of tools and techniques that support career progression and help them overcome the genuine barriers of being a woman in a male-orientated world.

We want to inspire Brunel’s female students (and staff) to aim high and unlock their potential when it comes to their chosen career path, whether that’s in senior management or starting up their own business.

Around 50 female students have signed up to the programme, a series of workshops running in addition to their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. At Brunel our students study a whole range of subjects – arts, engineering, design, health sciences, social care, IT, computing, maths, law, social sciences, sport, education, as well as business subjects – and we’re getting a real mix of students wanting to learn from the inspirational female leaders brought in to lead the workshops.

They are learning about issues ranging from career planning, leadership, networking and image to assertiveness, negotiation, confidence-building and looking after their own reputation.

The speakers who run the workshops are very powerful women who have fought their way to the top. The message to our students is that if these women can do it, so can they. From the workshops run so far perhaps the biggest learning has been around the importance of developing networks – it’s not just what you know, it’s who you know, as they say – and having role models or mentors from a young age is important.

Understanding how men and women communicate differently has also come through strongly. Women tend to have more empathy, whereas men generally just want to cut to the chase. It’s not that men in business are necessarily ruthless, it’s just the way they communicate, and learning to adapt to that is really important for a woman.

We’ve found the students eager to learn, and at the end of the programme in March they will receive a formal certificate to mark their achievements which is a great asset on their CV when going for interviews. At Brunel we are already hot on employability, not least through the success of our award-winning Placement and Careers Centre, which picked up the prize for “university with a forward thinking attitude to work-based learning” at the National Placement and Internship awards last year.

My advice to other institutions looking to run a similar programme is simply to find what’s right for your own students. It is a case of trial and error. We started off by getting business women around the table and discussing the key issues they have had to overcome, then building up a programme of speakers and a pilot to discover what our students want. That’s been the key – ensuring that what we offer is relevant to students’ interests and ambitions.

Pauline Seston is a employability and entrepreneurship consultant at Brunel University

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Article source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2012/feb/22/brunel-university-female-students-careers?newsfeed=true

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