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      10 of The Highest Paying Jobs for Early Career Candidates

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      When you’re young, it’s hard not to think about money. Money you want to spend, money you want to invest, money you want to share with your family, and money that you want to earn. Depending on who you are and what field you’re pursuing, expectations about your starting salary are bound to vary. But that doesn’t change the fact that everyone still wants to know how much money they could possibly make in a particular career.

      This being the case, we decided to create a list of some of the highest paying jobs for early-career candidates using data sourced from Salary.com. Although there may be jobs that exist in between these rankings and salaries that vary from company to company, this will give you an idea of what you can expect to make in each of the corresponding positions.

      10. Accounting Analyst – $56,076

      At the top of our list, we have a position that everyone reading this should be familiar with – accountants. Accountants can range from public, to personal, to private, serving a myriad of clients with ranging budgets. As you can imagine, an accountant handling the taxes of a typical citizen opposed to an accountant handling the profile of a Fortune 500 company will vary. So keep that in mind when choosing your route!

      9. Risk Analyst – $59,921

      Next up on our list of highest paying jobs, we have risk analysts who are responsible for reviewing and examining financial firms’ investment portfolios. This includes overseeing international investments and assessing the risk involved with certain financial decisions. Although this is near the top of our list, don’t doubt the ability to make serious money in a career like this.

      8. Financial Analyst – $61,769

      Although a risk analyst may sometimes be classified as a financial analyst, the jobs vary in depth. A financial analyst works in banks, pension funds, insurance companies, and a wide range of other businesses that exist outside the financial realm. Their official titles may be specified as securities analyst, research analyst, equity analyst, investment analyst, or ratings analyst.

      7. Inside Sales – $65,729

      An inside sales rep is an extremely broad category just because of how many different sectors they operate in. The reason this may be weighed down is because of the sheer amount of sales companies that exist in our markets. Although there may be bigshot inside sales reps who are making up to 6 digits including commission there are also reps selling cheaper products somewhere else. This is a position for the grinders as you put in what you get back.

      6. Investment Banking Analyst – $75,934

      In one of the more popular positions on our list of highest paying jobs, investment banking is an incredibly lucrative career. Placed in a variety of different industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, or any of the other emerging markets, investment banking analysts serve a critical role in securing and/or saving money for a wide variety of clients.

      5. Business and Information Technology – $81,100

      Business and information technology have always been a major presence across industries. But more so in recent times due to the advancement of technology within the space. As a business and information technology representative or analyst, you are responsible for the integration and oftentimes management of a business’ particular technology which, depending on the complexity of said technology, will range in compensation.

      4. Cyber Security Architect – $105,078

      Given the rise of cyber terrorism and the severity of the damage inflicted on victims, cyber security specialists have become a very high-paying job. Businesses across various different industries have enlisted the services of cyber security architects to make sure their defense systems are ironclad. Given the fact that finance companies with large quantities of money to keep safe are oftentimes the ones seeking out architects, you can expect to make a large chunk of change in a profession like this.

      3. Supply Chain Manager – $116,738

      A supply chain manager is responsible for coordinating, organizing, and overseeing multiple activities that revolve around the facilitation of a product. This includes the identification, acquisition, production, and distribution of said product all while making sure nothing goes wrong and saving money wherever possible. Given how fast product markets are growing, there is no wonder why this position is on our list of highest paying jobs.

      2. Software Engineer – $118,780

      Sitting comfortably at second on our list are software engineers. The degree of difficulty involved with becoming a software engineer, and a good one at that, is part of the reason why it is such a high-paying job. Depending on what kind of software you are designing and for who, expect this profession to keep you fed, well clothed, and living great.

      1. Data Scientist – $135,537

      There’s no denying the facts – data runs the world. In this information age of our’s where data and statistics have become currency, more and more companies, app developers, and entrepreneurs of every variety or seeking out knowledgeable and capable data scientists to help them turn numbers into profit. Profits that data scientists are given a large portion of. It’s for this reason that it stands at the top of our list as one of the highest paying jobs for early-career candidates.

      Although salary is an incredibly important factor when it comes to deciding where you want to work, it shouldn’t be the only factor. There are several reasons that make a job the right one for you and it’s critical that you weigh all of them with the intention of doing what’s best for you. 

      To find out more information on how to go about choosing a career path or determining what job is perfect for you, make a profile with WayUp and get matched with tons of employers all looking to fill positions today. More

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      15 Female Leaders Share Their Favorite Career Advice and Keys to Success

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      This post is brought to you by our friends at TEKsystems. TEKsystems offers great opportunities for advancement, personal and professional growth, and unlimited earning potential. TEKsystems seeks professional individuals with competitive spirit, drive, team mentality, courage, commitment, perseverance, and a desire to build a long-term career in a fast-paced environment. They are always hiring interns and entry-level roles! See their openings here. 

      It’s a widely known truth that when you place women in positions of power, businesses thrive. While gender equality at work is certainly moving in the right direction, there’s still so much work to do when it comes to creating a gender-inclusive workplace from entry-level to C-suite. Take sales. For many, the thought of sales conjures up images of suits, briefcases, stressful conversations, and well… men. Lots and lots of men.

      For many women, it never even crosses their minds that sales could be a career worth exploring, or one they could find success in. This is wild, considering women often possess the qualities that make for an excellent salesperson—empathy, resilience, and the ability to be a good listener, just to name a few.

      So why isn’t a career in sales on the radar of many women? Like we mentioned above, it often seems like the world of sales is a boys club and there are lots of misconceptions over what a job in sales really looks like.

      Right now, only 19% of women in sales are in leadership positions and the industry itself has the second biggest gender equity gap. But the tide is changing here, and companies like TEKsystems are leading the way to welcome women to the table.

      Just a few of the programs TEKsystems provides for females are Mama Bear for mothers, a Caretakers Network, a Women Employee Resource Group, and Onyx, their Black Females Network.

      See below for some priceless career advice from some of the top talent at TEKsystems, who just happen to be women.

      Magdaleny Soberanis, Lead Technical Recruiter

      At TEKsystems for 6.5 years

      What is the best quote or piece of career advice you’ve been given?

      “Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”- Dale Carnegie

      I love this quote because all the failures and lessons learned have helped me grow as the individual I am today. I keep pushing through despite all hurdles I had to jump at work for being a person of color and a woman. It made me stronger.

      Why do you like working at TEK / a sales organization?

      TEK has invested in me and I took the opportunity to grow as a businesswoman over time. Therefore, my hard work has led to paying off a great amount of my student loans as well as helping my family. In addition, to my job being of training and coaching new recruiters it gives life to help others and give back. TEK takes a great deal of time and providing resources for the growth of its employees. Such as implementing tools like Degree and now with the upcoming badges for recruiters. I personally don’t like staying stagnant for long so I need to be challenged and encouraged to continue growing. Lastly, I’ve made lifelong friends. Priceless.

      Stacy Rice, Director of Business Operations

      At TEKsystems for 17 years

      What is the best quote or piece of career advice you’ve been given?

      “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.”  Eleanor Roosevelt

      Why do you like working at TEK / a sales organization?

      TEKsystems has provided the opportunity for me to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.  Whether I’m trying to break into a new account, learning about the hottest trend in technology, or pushing one of my partners to live up to their potential – there’s always a new mountain to climb!

      Kacey Brookes, Account Manager

      At TEKsystems 5 years

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      I like working at TEK because I have continuous opportunity to not only hit financial milestones but also grow within my career and as an individual.

      Tracy Toothaker, Delivery Lead

      At TEKsystems 8 years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” – Henry Ford

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      Two things: 1. The ability to own my own success and 2. Working amongst people that are just as driven as me who push me, motivate me, and inspire me to do better

      Frannie Pasquale, Strategic Account Lead

      At TEKsystems 7 years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      Over the course of my time with TEK, I’ve received a lot of great advice that has helped me in different scenarios. The advice that I’ve been able to use and see the most results from has been to take the time to create goals and break them down into achievable milestones. It’s helped hold me accountable during the highs and lows of the sales role, which has led to accomplishments (personally and professionally) that I’m very proud of.

      Kim Hayes, Delivery Manager in the Milwaukee Delivery Center

      At TEKsystems 6 years

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      I don’t have anyone in my family that is in Sales or Recruiting so this was a new field for me with little career advice. Coming out of college I knew I wanted an opportunity that provided great training and an opportunity to grow. I was unsure how I would pay off student loans and be debt free which was my biggest goal.

      I love working for TEKsystems because of the competitive atmosphere where I am striving to hit my personal and professional goals while pushing my partners to do the same. I’ve enjoyed being in sales because it has helped me establish my purpose and reason I want to get out of bed to work hard every day.  

      Amanda Box at South Carolina Director of Business Operations

      At TEKsystems 16 years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      “Stop doing $10 tasks and start making $100 decisions.”

      When I started in leadership I was filling too much of my time with things that I should have been delegating which was limiting the growth of both myself and those reporting to me. I was a little bit of a control freak. If someone didn’t handle something in a quick enough time frame or to my satisfaction, I would just handle it instead of having the conversation and allowing them to grow with the experience. To be a great leader you need to give people the chance to try things, fail, and grow. If I was constantly doing things for them, I was stunting both their growth and my own.

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      I worked for 8 years in an industry that gave raises and promotions based on tenure. I could outwork those around me but I was not compensated for that. I also felt like I was stuck without any ability to advance. When I came to TEKsystems, the core values (relationships, commitment, servant mentality, and open communication) fit the way I was raised. Additionally, I am an extremely competitive woman. I have found that this trait is often discouraged in the workplace but it is encouraged in both sales and at TEKsystems. The last reason I love TEKsystems is that I can be highly compensated for helping others grow and achieve their goals.

      Carol Saville, Director of Business Operations, Baltimore

      At TEKsystems 15 years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      Expect Perfect Effort, not Perfect Results.

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      I say this all the time – I came for the opportunity, and stayed for the relationships. I’m a big believer in surrounding yourself with people who love to win, but also people who are willing to go into battle with you, overcoming setbacks and solving big problems together. Through my time at TEK, my best relationships have been forged through that adversity and it has helped me grow and become a better person and leader.

      Nina Kindrick, Director, National Recruiting Center

      At TEKsystems 16 years

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      I love working for a purpose driven organization.  We are focused on helping our teams to identify their purpose and meet those goals.

      Kayla Cunningham, Recruiter Lead

      At TEKsystems 6 years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

      Allison Maltese, Director of Talent Acquisition

      At TEKsystems 24 Years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      “Don’t let fear of failing stop you.  Go for it.  One of two things will happen. 1. You will get what you were going for OR 2. You will learn from the experience.”

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      I like working for a sales organization because performance = income = flexibility = balance for me and my family

      I like working for TEK because throughout my 24 years total and 19 years as a mom of 3 sons, I have always received the support I needed to allow me to be the Professional Businesswoman and Working Mom that I strive to be.  I have been blessed to work for incredible leaders who helped me to keep in check what was really important AND worked with amazing teams who held me accountable to not just the professional commitments I made, but more importantly, the personal commitments I made to myself and family.  I can say with confidence that TEK has made me a better person.

      Michelle Webb, Executive Director – Employee Experience

      At TEKsystems 25 years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      This is hard to answer in one quote or anything one person told me. But I believe we are already enough, just as we are and the work is an “inside job” that if we believe we are already enough it provides a path to our best self. Anything about ownership of this process and learning through the struggle (both ours and others) is deeply rooted in my leadership style. My purpose is connection through compassion 

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      Over my 25 year career TEKsystems has provided an amazing amount of support, feedback, guidance and freedom to lean into my strengths while connecting to the organizational vision,  strategy and priorities. I have been trusted to solve for my own challenges and now as a leader for enterprise challenges. The amount of coaching and true care is what helped me manage even the most challenging years. Mostly the love I receive during the hardest times in my life has been the true differentiator for me. Life is hard and having a company that stands by you when you don’t have the strength is hard to come by. They just care more.

      Jill Arehart, Account Manager

      At TEKsystems 16 years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      I have two that are hard to pick between and they are both related. My mom, who was an executive with the Department of Defense, says, “don’t make a decision until you have to.” The other one comes from Michelle Webb who said, “don’t take yourself out of job before it’s too soon.”  This came in the context of speaking to a group of women who were in the position to take on leadership roles, but may have talked themselves out of it due to future family obligations that weren’t even there yet.  Several times, I have gotten caught up in the “what ifs”, what if I have kids and I won’t be able to travel, what if my husband gets a promotion and we have to move and it’s a dangerous and it’s detrimental to your leadership journey.  Make a decision on the role with your current situation in mind only, you can always figure the future out when it comes.

      Satahi Roedersheimer, Division Lead

      At TEKsystems 6.5 Years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      “Run towards the problem!”

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      I like working for TEKsystems because I’m able to run my own business. I’m in charge of my own financial fate, and when I need support from leadership, I just have to speak up. The company has given me the space to grow organically, as well as forced me to mature when it would have been easier to run away. I continue to work for TEKsystems because it’s evident that they truly care about my development as an employee, friend, mom, wife, and professional.

      Megan Soto, Director of Business Operations

      At TEKsystems 12 years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      Don’t say no to opportunities or ideas right away, listen to the opportunity or idea and THEN say no if it doesn’t work for you. If you lead with “I would love to hear more about that.” More opportunities will come to youI don’t want to be right, I want to get it right.Catch people doing things right vs. catch people doing things wrong  Be BOLD – do something that makes you uncomfortable every day.

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      I love the work/life balance. The definition of that balance has evolved as my life evolved. Young, single, 22 year old Megan looks a lot different than 34, married, mom of 3 little boys Megan.  I am thankful that I work for a company and team that trusts I will get my job done, even with a very busy life outside of the office. I am thankful that TEK has allowed me to show up authentically throughout the years, and I am thankful for strong mentors who have helped provide perspective and re-frame things when I don’t fully understand the “why”. I am also very thankful that even in leadership, our compensation model rewards equity for effort. In 12 years I have been able to build a life, while building wealth and establishing a solid financial future for my family. You can be a badass working professional AND a badass wife and mother. I am SO proud to work for TEKsystems.

      Tina Martin Professional Recruiter (National Recruiter)

      At TEKsystems 14.5 years

      What is the best quote or piece of advice you have been given (for work)?

      Just make 1 last call for the day!  Sometimes it turns out to be the diamond you’ve been looking for and if nothing more you feel like you put in good effort for the day!

      Why do you like working at TEK and/ or a sales organization?

      Big company, lots of smart tools, intelligent people, team-spirited, fun and helpful work colleagues, lots of training, paths to make good money!

      It seems pretty clear, whether you’re about to graduate college or are considering a career change, the future is bright when it comes to women in sales. Want to hear more? Join us on Tuesday, October 12th, 2021 at 6pm EST for a virtual event.  Click here to RSVP 

      This post is brought to you by our friends at TEKsystems. TEKsystems offers great opportunities for advancement, personal and professional growth, and unlimited earning potential. TEKsystems seeks professional individuals with a competitive spirit, drive, team mentality, courage, commitment, perseverance, and a desire to build a long-term career in a fast-paced environment. They are always hiring entry-level roles! See their openings here. 

      FIND RELATED TOPICS

      Networking, Career Inspiration, Female Leaders, Leadership, Women In Business, Women In Leadership, Women Leaders More

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      The Paradox Of Career Choice

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      The Big Question 

      When I first began mentoring college students, I thought it was simply a coincidence that the students I was meeting happened to be consumed by the same nagging question. As more and more students shared the same concerns with me, I noticed that individuals with very different personalities and backgrounds were all grappling with the same question. It could not be a coincidence. Rather, the mind of the young thinking, feeling, growing person naturally gravitates towards the fundamental question: What is my life’s direction?

      This question is expressed in various ways:

      What major in college should I choose?What profession should I enter?What will I do after college?What am I going to look like ten years from now?

      The sense of freedom and independence that accompanies our arrival at college is not the only feeling that comes along with us. In the back seat sits another feeling — the feeling of worry about figuring out what I am going to do with my life. 

      I want to share with you the most effective approach to answering this question. Having the answer will make the college experience (and life!) far more valuable and enjoyable.

      Looking for personal career advice? Click here to get in contact with me.

      The Overwhelming Choice

      When I visit New York City, I like to pick up my favorite collectible: those silly, small ceramic New York Yankees dolls with the bobbing head attached to the body with a spring (the ones that cab drivers like to place on their dashboards), known as “bobbleheads”. As the car moves, the head bounces around in reaction to the turns and bumps of the car. For many, this doll encompasses the college experience, where we bounce around randomly between classes, majors, and career possibilities, our heads constantly bobbing in reaction to the many thoughts, options, and opinions that sway us.

      I remember the moment I received the course catalog during orientation for my freshman year in college. I looked through the catalog feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of options. I was enrolled in a liberal arts program that was supposed to “empower” me in life, but instead I felt disheartened, not knowing what to choose.

      Barry Schwartz, the author of The Paradox of Choice, describes one of the ultimate dilemmas in life: an overwhelming amount of options. The primary indicator of freedom may be quantified in terms of a person’s ability to choose. That is, freedom is measured by the degree to which a person is free to choose. In today’s world, people in free countries have more options than ever before in human history. From the variety of products that one finds in the local grocery store to the vast opportunities for career choice, the world has never been a place of such abundant options.

      However, today’s world surpasses the rest of history in another area: our overall sense of well-being has never been lower. Depression today is ten times as prevalent as it was in 1960, and it strikes at a much younger age. Almost seventy years ago in America, the average age of initial onset of depression was 29.5. Today the average age of initial onset is 14.5. Issues of low self-esteem have never been as rampant. In America, the leading prescription drug type is the anti-depressant. Divorce rates are higher than they have ever been. Domestic violence, acts of aggression, and unwanted pregnancies are at all-time highs. The list goes on and on.

      What is the reason for this phenomenon? Why is it that while a majority of the population of the world experiences an unprecedented level of freedom, universal measures of well-being have never been so low?

      Having the freedom to choose is essential to a life of happiness, but having too many options from which to choose tends to lead to poor decision-making, anxiety, stress, and dissatisfaction.1 The time and energy expended in considering and pursuing multiple options detracts from our overall freedom and well-being.

      Although the notion may seem counter-intuitive, limitation of choice can be the very thing that produces the ultimate freedom and well-being in life.2

      College Students

      One significant factor contributing to this phenomenon applies to the vast majority of college students, and it is one that every college student must confront: lack of direction. The wealth of options out there makes it difficult to find my direction in here, inside of me. 

      Whenever I speak with college students, I find that most feel paralyzed, overwhelmed, and consumed by the myriad of options facing them. They tell me that if somehow they could eliminate a lot of the options, it would become much easier for them to choose.

      Solution

      How, though, do we limit our options and thereby increase our happiness and well-being?

      The answer is that inside each one of us is a compass that points us in the right direction. Let’s call it our inner compass. This inner compass can filter out the options that are not relevant to our lives and to give us clarity in every decision we need to make. How exactly does this inner compass accomplish this? Just like the magnetic force of the earth causes the needle of a compass to point to the north, my strengths direct me towards those options that are most fitting for me, helping me navigate all major life choices, especially my career choice.

      A life of true greatness and happiness is achieved only when I can figure out how to make the choices that are consistent with my essential self.

      College is, for many, the first real taste of freedom and individual expression. The experience would be much more powerful and effective in establishing the foundation for future success and well-being if the student would form a clear and confident vision of how to spend his college years.

      Natural Strengths

      All living things share the tendency to grow, to develop, and to realize their potential, humans included. Within each of us is a kind of internal compass that directs us along the paths that lead us toward becoming the best that we can be. That internal compass provides us with a sense of what is right for ourselves. To the extent that we follow its guidance, we are able to live authentically, in harmony with our unique and individual selves. Our strengths represent our alignment with that internal compass. Our personal combinations of interests, natural capabilities, and preferences signal them. It is when we put them to use in our lives that we feel most authentic, energized, and fulfilled, confident that we are being who we were meant to be. Each person’s greatest potential for growth is in the area of his or her greatest strength. 

      What happens when people operate from their strengths? They are more effective and more fulfilled. In the workplace, where we spend so much of our lives and where our strengths can be so clearly expressed, employees are six times more likely to be engaged in their role when their job requires them to use their strengths.3

      Gallup’s research indicates that people who are not operating from their strengths at work tend to:

      Dread going to workHave more negative than positive interactions with co-workersTreat customers poorlyTell friends they work for a miserable organizationAchieve less on a daily basisHave fewer positive and creative moments.4

      When we live our lives according to our strengths, we thrive. We are happy, energized, relaxed, and we celebrate our many successes. There are various reasons given for why so many people do not live according to their strengths. One of the main reasons, and the one I hear most often from students, is that they simply do not know their strengths. They lack the awareness, sensitivity, and self-knowledge required to identify their unique abilities and character traits.

      How To Discover Your Natural Strengths

      Some people are endowed with profound clarity about who they are, and their strengths are obvious to them. Most people, however, need a little (or a lot) of help in uncovering their true areas of strength. A good mentor, friend, or coach (and a parent can be any of those!) can help. There are also valuable resources available that can help us find our strengths:

      The VIA Institute on Character (www.viacharacter.org) offers the free VIA Survey, a scientifically validated strength assessment for adults. Detailed reports provide strategies on how to use your strengths at work, at school, and in relationships.The Clifton StrengthsFinder (www.strengthsfinder.com), the culmination of more than 50 years of Dr. Donald O. Clifton’s lifelong work, has led millions of people around the world to discover their strengths. The Reflected Best Self Exercise (www.reflectedbestselfexercise.com) enables people to identify their unique strengths and talents. Each participant requests positive feedback from significant people in his or her life and then synthesizes it into a cumulative portrait of his or her “best self.” 

      Conclusion

      The decisions we have to make upon entry to college can be daunting. The course catalog is hundreds of pages long, overwhelming us with confusion, uncertainty, anxiety. How am I to choose my major and my career path, with so many paths in front of me? If I pick one path, I’m automatically rejecting hundreds of others, and maybe one of those hundreds is the correct path for me! How can I feel confident that I am making the right choice?

      With a little detective work on the self, I can discover the innate strengths that empower me, and make wise decisions based on them. Personal discussions, online resources, and seeking the guidance of a college or career counselor are effective avenues not only for choosing a career but for discovering the strengths within me that will be the guiding light for all of life’s major decisions.

      Dr. Yosef Lynn is Dean of Students at The Dr. David Robinson Institute of Jewish Heritage. He is also an author, Career Discovery Coach, adjunct professor of Positive Psychology, and the founder and director of “Greatness Within Seminars”. He holds a Doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology (PsyD) from Touro and earned a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied under the founder of the field of Positive Psychology, Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman.

      Interest in connecting with Dr. Yosef Lynn and receiving personal career advice? Click here to find out more.

      Or click here to send Dr. Yosef Lynn an email.

      Endnotes

      Schwartz, B. (2004). The paradox of choice: Why more is less. New York: Ecco.Schwartz, B. (2000). Self-determination: The tyranny of freedom. American Psychologist, 55(1), 79-88.Rath, T. (2007). StrengthsFinder 2.0. New York: Gallup Press, p. 12.Ibid., p. 12.  More

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      in Career Hacks

      Quiz: What’s Your Perfect Side Hustle? 6 Ways To Work Flexibly

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      No matter what you study or what your ambitions are, you don’t have to wait to start making a little extra money. That’s what having a side hustle is all about. Whether it’s tutoring, cleaning, dog-walking, or even elder care, there are a ton of ways to make money on the side (and pad your resume while you’re at it).
      And no one has more options for these kinds flexible work than Care.com. That’s why we partnered with them to make this quiz to help you determine what your best path to part-time pocket change really is.
      Check it out below.

      Ready to put your results to the test? Check out even more amazing part-time jobs and opportunities at Care.com on WayUp right now! More

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      in Career Hacks

      Learn About Lumen With Car And Pizza Analogies

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      Let’s say you’ve read about the amazing benefits and inspiring mission of Lumen—the Platform for Amazing Things. But you’re still silently wondering, am I the only one who doesn’t know what this means? Read on to discover what the rebranded company and the platform are all about, how they’ll help their customers realize their potential and how laser tag and pepperoni can help explain it.
      Why Lumen? Why Now?
      Lumen’s goal is to further human progress through technology (their stated purpose) in the 4th Industrial Revolution. That’s the explosion of data and applications that has changed the way we live and work. To access the cutting-edge technology required to compete, Lumen customers need better application performance and security. Because things change quickly and constantly, they need it now. And so – The Platform for Amazing Things.
      A simple, and admittedly loose, analogy: Your car is unreliable. You stay close to home in case it breaks down. That limits you to a small local market with boring fruit, four mediocre restaurants and a movie theater with one screen. Your friends, who have new cars, can access faster, newer, better, tastier, more amazing stuff, like laser tag and farmer’s markets. You hate being left out, so you buy a new car (the platform) right away.
      This new vehicle, with its upgraded sound system, doesn’t just serve as your mode of transportation; it’s your primary means for getting you everywhere you want to go – and with a new car scent as a bonus. It’s so amazing, it becomes your new identity (like our updated name).
      The Platform for Amazing Things
      The platform will enable each of Lumen’s four product lines: Adaptive Networking, Edge Cloud and IT Agility, Connected Security and Communication and Collaboration.
      Adaptive Networking provides high bandwidth that the platform automatically adjusts up or down, in real time, depending on their customers’ data and application needs. The platform is intelligent and flexible to help change network services on demand. It is also a high-performing machine. This is what people require to tap into the newest technology.
      Another car analogy: You land an amazing job in the city, but it’s 20 miles away with heavy traffic. Congested roadways translate to inefficient travel and slow speeds. Imagine Lumen – unlike the rude Department of Transportation who makes you share the road with everyone else – opens an express lane you can travel alone, with streamlined pathways through the interstate (network) to improve performance and reduce congestion.
      Edge Cloud & IT Agility moves computing power closer to the devices that use it—at the “edge” of the network. The Edge Computing features of the Lumen platform help customers move workloads (digital stuff) even closer to digital interactions around the world. Being closer to the network edge means faster processing and better performance, because that digital stuff doesn’t have to travel as far. With that speed and goodness, the platform helps customers open the door to more amazing technology. More on this here.
      Now we’re going to put Lumen in the driver’s seat. Your usual pizza joint (cloud) is far from your business and you’re not in their delivery area. By the time you drive to the restaurant and back, your pie (data) is cold, and you’ve also wasted your time.
      Now what if the restaurant opens some franchise stores (edge cloud) closer to you? With a shorter distance to travel, a reliable car and his thermal-enhancing rich Corinthian leather seats, your pizzeria driver delivers an amazing customer experience in the form of a piping hot, hand-tossed pepperoni pizza in 30 minutes or less. Mangia!
      Connected Security has embedded superpowers to protect customers’ precious data and apps. With Lumen’s huge network, they can see and proactively thwart malicious attacks with automated threat detection and response, which is pretty cool. It’s also invaluable for Lumen’s customers, whose assets are beyond important.
      Back to the car: With that ugly commute, you are dependent on your AM-radio “eye-in-the-sky” segment every 10 minutes on the 10s. Because the reporter/pilot can see so much more of the landscape (network) from her bird’s-eye view, she can protect you against accidents, slowdowns and an errant mattress in the far left lane. And with its integrated security protections that come standard with the platform, it’s like you’re driving a car with the world’s most powerful OnStar system that is fully integrated to your airbag, your lane-departure detection, your pre-collision throttle management and your blind-spot indicator on the side mirror.
      Communication and Collaboration tools, like Lumen’s Engage, Cisco Webex and Hosted Collaboration are built into the platform. These tools help businesses adapt to changing work environments and keep dispersed teams connected and engaged. That’s corporate speak for: “Fantastic. I don’t have to drive all the way to your house to work on a presentation.”
      Just one more: You love your ’88 Pontiac Fiero, but it’s a two-seater. You can only drive one friend at a time to a party, concert or hoe-down, and you end up missing the conversation and tomfoolery in your other friend’s bigger Toyota Camry. What you need is a Lumen luxury passenger van that allows everyone to ride together (collaboration tools) in a private express lane (adaptive networking), to a closer destination (Edge Computing), protected by Chopper 9’s commuter reports (security). Pile in!
      Want to learn more? Check out stories and open opportunities at Lumen on WayUp! More

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      BlackRock’s Sustainable Investing Initiatives Are Changing The World (And You Could, Too)

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      Sustainable investing is a term that refers to the growing trend of tying investment strategies to their impact on society, specifically in terms of their environmental, social, and business outcomes. At BlackRock—a financial technology (FinTech) and asset management leader—innovation is a critical part of the company culture, so when it comes to the growing prominence of sustainable investing, they aren’t just capitalizing on a trend, they’re changing the way certain seemingly “intangible” factors are accounted for in investment strategies.
      That’s where their focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) comes into play. Through technological and methodological advancements, BlackRock gathers data and creates unique models that power sustainable investment initiatives across the company.
      To get an inside look at careers in this cutting-edge field, we connected with a few members of the various teams at BlackRock focused on ESG to learn about their experiences.
      What Is ESG? How Does It Power Sustainable Investing Initiatives?
      The ESG teams at BlackRock are dedicated to gathering data on environmental, social, and corporate governance factors that affect both present and future investments. While that might sound like a standard practice for an investment company, the way BlackRock approaches it is far from ordinary.
      For example, one of the biggest environmental factors is climate change. With far-reaching impacts from unpredictable weather to the availability of resources, climate change will shift everything in our world. But while some investment firms’ response to this is to allocate specific funds to “environmental investing,” BlackRock’s teams are creating new ways of tracking the potential impact of climate change and integrating that data into every investment decision.

      The ESG teams at BlackRock are dedicated to gathering data on environmental, social, and corporate governance factors that affect both present and future investments. While that might sound like a standard practice for an investment company, the way BlackRock approaches it is far from ordinary. For example, one of the biggest environmental factors is climate change. With far-reaching impacts from unpredictable weather to the availability of resources, climate change will shift everything in our world. But while some investment firms’ response to this is to allocate specific funds to “environmental investing,” BlackRock’s teams are creating new ways of tracking the potential impact of climate change and integrating that data into every investment decision.
      Larry Fink, Chief Executive Officer
      That’s one of the primary differences between BlackRock’s approach to sustainable investing and the traditional approach: It’s not a one-off venture or a side project, it’s about changing the way companies gather data about these factors in order to make investment decisions for the good of their clients and the world.
      And, as Manling, an Analyst on the Sustainable Investing team tells us, those things are often far more aligned than someone with a traditional understanding of investing might think.
      “Our research reveals that focusing on financially relevant ESG factors can lead to better risk-adjusted returns for our clients (i.e. good for business versus good for society),” Manling explains. “Instead, as market prices shift with consumer preference, regulatory changes, and technological innovations related to sustainability, we expect companies with better ESG performance to be better positioned in the long run.”
      Creating A Better World Requires More Than Just An Investment Strategy
      As a firm that manages over $7.4 trillion in investments on behalf of its clients and has more than 16,000 employees around the world, BlackRock recognizes that there are more ways for them to make a difference than through investing alone.
      From an environmental standpoint, BlackRock has taken aggressive action to reduce their carbon footprint. They’ve pledged to power all offices and data centers with 100 percent renewable energy and to offset the carbon output of 100 percent of their business travel by the end of 2020.
      On the human capital side, the company is continually working to enhance diversity and inclusion at the firm. One way BlackRock demonstrates this commitment is by truly listening to their employees who take part in an annual survey designed to anonymously crowdsource input on how the company’s culture can improve and evolve. This is part of the reason BlackRock invests so heavily in employee networks that are designed to cultivate inclusion and  support diverse talent.

      “Last year, I participated in Fast-track to FinTech, a program to introduce and hire women in STEM to opportunities in the financial services industry. I’ve also participated in BlackRock’s Hackathon, which is a firm-wide effort that connects people across teams and business functions to solve problems or create new solutions using a variety of different perspectives.”
      Richa, Analyst, Portfolio Analytics Group
      Getting involved isn’t just something that’s determined by the highest levels of the company either.
      “Throughout the year, BlackRock amplifies employees’ efforts to positively contribute to their local communities,” Rhoda says. “Our 23 BlackRock Gives committees award nonprofits nominated by our colleagues with funding each year. BlackRock Gives supports local non-profits in the communities that our employees live and work in through volunteering, donation matches, and grants.”
      And that means whether it’s supporting a local food bank or raising funds around the world for some of the most pressing crises like wildfires in Australia or earthquakes in Puerto Rico, BlackRock employees can count on their fellow colleagues—and the company—to help out. And while these efforts might seem far away from the firm’s FinTech and investment focus, supporting the communities that need it most is pivotal to BlackRock’s ability to achieve its purpose of helping more and more people experience financial well-being.  
      “As someone who works in sustainable investing, [efforts like these] reaffirm to me that I am at the right place to make a lasting impact,” Ashwin, a Vice President on the Global Fixed Income team, says.
      Cutting-Edge FinTech And Investment Strategies Mean Constant Growth Opportunities For New Grads
      Given the diverse backgrounds of the firm’s team—BlackRock actively recruits new grads of all majors—it’s no wonder that the firm is so dedicated to changing the way FinTech and investment companies operate, both for the common good and the bottom line. Working on cutting-edge initiatives (like ESG-powered investments) can also have benefits for your career trajectory at the firm.
      “Simply put BlackRock is a leader in everything it does,” Robert, an Analyst with the Global Public Policy Group who joined BlackRock in 2018, says. Robert’s team engages with policymakers and advocates for public policies that enhance financial market transparency, protect investors, and facilitate the responsible growth of capital markets.
      “It is a tremendous privilege to work at a firm that has the reputation of being a leader in the industry. Ultimately what keeps me at BlackRock is the challenge to live up to the firm’s reputation as a leader,” he says.
      Of course, you don’t have to work on a team focused on ESG to experience this at BlackRock. The firm’s constant growth leads to an abundance of opportunities for all types of individuals. When you work on exciting, successful projects at BlackRock, it’s only natural that your career advances alongside them.
      Alexis, who went from being an intern in 2010 to becoming the Chief Corporate Sustainability Officer last year, explained it through her own experience:

      The firm’s commitment to professional development is something that drew me to BlackRock and has definitely held true in practice. I stay for everything from the smart and talented people I get to work with every day, to the great mentors and sponsors who have guided me through different roles, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit of the firm, which means every day is something new and challenging.
      Alexis, Chief Corporate Sustainability Officer, started as an intern in 2010
      Interested in a different kind of FinTech or investment career? Check out open opportunities at BlackRock on WayUp! More

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      5 (Non-Technical) Roles You Thought You Wouldn’t Find In T-Mobile’s Internship Program

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      When you think of working at T-Mobile, technology is probably the first thing on your mind. You might picture rows of bespectacled programmers and engineers with sketches and pencils behind their ears. And that makes sense, too: They’re a wireless company leading the charge on 5G technology with one of the coolest summer tech internship programs around.
      But there’s way more than just technology at a company like T-Mobile—and that goes for internships, too.
      To learn more about some of the coolest non-technology roles at T-Mobile, we spoke to two recruiters for their internship program: Sean and Corey. Here are five great internships they told us about that could be your next summer gig.
      1. Strategy Internship
      “The Strategy Group are our internal consultants,” Sean says.
      This means, like people at major consulting firms, they work on innovative, high-level solutions to different business issues at T-Mobile. While that’s a broad description, so is the stuff they come up with. They could propose a new product offering, an investment in a bleeding-edge technology, or even a new methodology for an existing process that benefits the company and the customers.
      But that’s not the reason they’re one of Sean’s favorite roles to recruit for.
      “They work on cool, top-secret projects,” Sean says. “One example that’s now public: T-Mobile Money. It’s essentially a banking solution for T-Mobile customers.”
      Perfect For You If: You have experience in consulting, either at a big firm or a brand like T-Mobile.
      2. Events Internship
      “The events team does a little bit of everything,” Corey, who recruits events interns, explains. “Everything from our sponsorships and partnerships, like with major league baseball or our Pride events. We have a huge sponsorship partnership with Lollapalooza.”
      Events interns might put together a reception for T-Mobile investors at a baseball game in Seattle. They might also attend Lollapalooza and run a T-Mobile tent with swag, music, raffles, and more. It’s a hands-on role that deals with behind-the-scenes marketing aspects as well as logistics and execution for live, in-person events.
      “It’s more than a typical marketing role,” Corey says. “Although we have tons of marketing opportunities, this one is perfect for people with a specific interest in event planning as well.”
      Perfect For You If: You want to gain or have experience in event planning, brand repping, or other forms of in-person marketing.
      3. Corporate Social Responsibility Internship
      “Corporate Social Responsibility is a department dedicated to giving back and making a positive change in the world,” Corey says.
      The CSR intern takes on responsibilities that range from human resources—like creating a place in the employee benefits portal to make donations—to partnership management—like setting up volunteer days with charitable organizations. It’s a wide-ranging corporate office role that ultimately contributes to one incredible mission: Giving back to the communities that make T-Mobile what it is.
      Perfect For You If: You have experience in non-profit work, fundraising, or want to start a business career with a high social impact.
      4. Emerging Products Internship
      “The Emerging Products group also works on hush-hush projects,” Sean says. “But their main goal is to pave the way for T-Mobile products that will help shape the future.”
      This role is a combination of business development, technology, and partnership management. But what’s really exciting about it is that they’re building the future, not just for T-Mobile but for the millions of people who will use these products and services. Despite the clandestine nature of the work, Sean was able to tell us one category of product they’re working on: T-Mobile Home, the company’s answer to home internet and entertainment services.
      “They just launched a pilot out in Grand Rapids, Michigan,” he says. ”I’m proud because I know some of our interns worked on this project. And now people are using it for their home internet service.”
      Perfect For You If: You want to work on a cross-functional tech/business team on cutting-edge technology projects (aka building the future).
      5. Corporate Real Estate
      “You’d probably never look at T-Mobile and think you could get into real estate there,” Corey says. “But you really can.”
      As a massive company with thousands of employees, T-Mobile obviously has a growing need for office space. But even more important is the real estate required to build the 5G infrastructure of the future. (Read more about the field engineers working on this here.) This team works on the acquisition, planning, and development of these essential real estate projects for T-Mobile.
      “They’ll do everything from plotting our cell towers to picking and designing the next office,” she says. “And there are huge opportunities because of our merger with Sprint.”
      Perfect For You If: You’re studying real estate, development, or want to focus on a more operational business area.
      These Roles Are Just The Tip Of The Iceberg—Your Dream Internship Awaits You At T-Mobile
      No matter what your educational background or professional ambitions are, there’s a place for you at T-Mobile. That goes for your personality, too. The company’s #BleedMagenta culture  means they’re looking for people who—above all else—are passionate about changing wireless to make it better for the people using it.
      Think you’d look majestic in magenta? Check out open roles at T-Mobile on WayUp! More

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      From 5G To Family First: How T-Mobile Is Innovating With More Than Just Technology

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      You’ve probably known T-Mobile for as long as you can remember. You know they’re a wireless company that works differently. You know they’re one of the biggest networks in the nation. And, of course, you’d recognize their signature magenta color anywhere. But that’s just the tip of the proverbial cell tower at T-Mobile.
      Something you might not know is that working at T-Mobile can accelerate your career by steeping you in a culture of innovation, diversity, and learning. They’ve got one of the hottest tech internships in the US and their employees work on high-impact work from day one.
      To get an idea of how T-Mobile’s #BeMagenta culture can kickstart your career— we spoke to Becky, a Program Manager who works on career growth projects. Here’s what we learned.
      Don’t Just Be Magenta, Stay Magenta
      If you were to pick one word to describe T-Mobile people, you’d probably go with “enthusiastic.” (If you were an English major, you might pick “zealous.”) The whole company is filled with people who aren’t just excited about their work—which ranges from building a world-class 5G network to creating innovative wireless plans that genuinely benefit consumers—but excited about the place where they’re doing it.
      This enthusiasm is valuable, and recognizing that value is what fuels the culture of career development at the company, Becky tells us.
      “It’s not about keeping people engaged, it’s about keeping engaged people,” Becky explains. “At T-Mobile, we’re focused on finding ways to continue to grow our employees careers within the company.”
      Given T-Mobile’s unusually enthusiastic (and talented) team, it’s no surprise that there is a big demand for career growth opportunities within the company. If you love where you work and the work you do, the only question is: What’s next?
      Thanks to people like Becky, T-Mobile always has an answer for that question.
      From Your First Day, T-Mobile Helps You Figure Out Your Next Step
      Besides a culture that encourages mentorship and gives its full-throated support to inclusive, cross-functional events, T-Mobile takes a lot of concrete steps to help advance their employees’ careers. One such example is Careerfest, which isn’t actually one career fair–style event like you’d find on a college campus, but a series of networking events and learning opportunities specifically built for people looking to move into a particular business area.
      “Careerfest is an event platform that all of our internal employees have access to,” Becky says. “The events are geared toward raising awareness for our employees about what other opportunities there are within T-Mobile around the company.”
      But it’s not all learning. T-Mobile also gives their employees the chance to try out new skills through their internal internship program.
      “Our employees looked at our internship program and loved what we were doing for these students’ careers,” Becky tells us. “So, we created an opportunity for them to do the same.”
      So, whether you’re a mobile expert working in a T-Mobile store or a programmer working in their technology division, you can apply to complete a 12-week internship program on an entirely different team. This is an opportunity to get real experience in a different field and boost your resume, without necessarily having to leave the building.
      This isn’t just valuable for the employee either. T-Mobile benefits from the fresh perspective, too. For example, there have been internal interns who work in the T-Mobile stores that bring a direct customer experience to a corporate role.
      “We love to leverage people who work so closely with our customers. That’s how we know what works,” Becky says.
      Build The Future, Build Your Future
      No matter what your work is—from finance to marketing to technology—you’ll be building the future when you work at T-Mobile. And that’s because 5G is going to rapidly change the way we’re able to interact with technology. That’s an exciting prospect for T-Mobile employees, Becky included.
      “We are living in a world unknown, in a lot of ways,” she says. “It’s so refreshing to work for a company that is forward-thinking, values their employees, values their customers, and continues to find ways to raise the bar and challenge their competitors.”
      This combination of “family-first” values and 5G tech possibilities creates a perfect storm of opportunity to work AND opportunity to learn.
      Want to start your own #BeMagenta journey? Check out open opportunities at T-Mobile on WayUp! More