How to ask for a Salary increment

Nikhil Karandikar wrote to us from Pune asking for tips on how to request a salary increment. We decided to help Nikhil by highlighting some aspects that come into play when preparing to ask for a salary raise.

There comes a point in your career when you realise you deserve a raise. However, asking for one is often uncomfortable and intimidating. Usually, you get a raise of no more than five per cent when you stay at the same company. Most people fall in the bracket of two to three per cent but, with some smart planning, you really can get what you deserve.

1) Schedule an appointment:

Don't storm into the boss' room with an ad-hoc request for a raise. Plan an appointment and have a strategy. Speak to trusted colleagues, friends and people from the industry and get some information on what a normal raise is for someone with your profile and experience. Also take your boss's mood into account.

Write a note to your boss without stating the precise reason for the meeting. Say it is to discuss a personal matter, to discuss your development or present an idea. If you say you want to ask for an increment, your boss is likely to say 'No' on the spot.

2) Here is a sample note you could send to fix an appointment:

Dear Sir,

Could we meet for 30 minutes anytime this week to discuss my role and development? I would appreciate your advice. Please give me a time and date that suits you.

Sincerely,
Nikhil

3) Make a list of accomplishments:

Create a list of accomplishments that are quantifiable and specific. For instance: 'Achieved 110 per cent of the sales target, managed the largest customer base of 130 high net worth customers in the sales region, supervised a team of 15 with a retention rate of 100 per cent.' Use words such as 'first', 'best in class', 'highest' and 'excellent'. Bring some supporting documents to the meeting, like an excel sheet that highlights your key accomplishments. Bosses like results, so be specific and detailed.

4) Forward-looking approach:

No boss will entertain a request of paying you more for doing the same job. A smart way is to ask for increased responsibilities and tasks and link this to a salary raise either right away or in the long term. You can also create a 'pay for performance' system with your boss, where you get rewarded for the extra value you bring to the company over and above your main responsibilities.

5) Don't walk out with an empty plate:

Give your boss/management a choice. The choice has to be between something and something else, not between something and nothing. If the company is in cost-cutting mode, consider other perks that you may be able to negotiate for in the short-term to compensate for the lack of money.

6) Send a follow-up note:

After the meeting, send a note thanking your boss for his or her time and reinforcing the value you bring to the organisation. Also use this note to summarise the meeting, so your boss has some valid documentation. Here's a sample note:

Dear Sir,

Thank you for reviewing my responsibilities, role and salary at our meeting today. I believe I should receive a raise based on the following reasons: (List the reasons, presented as three to four bullet points)

I would be happy to provide details on any of the above accomplishments. I am very positive about my job and the future of the organisation and am willing to take on increased responsibilities. I am committed to contributing to the company's success in the future.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Nikhil

Remember, as long as you provide value to your organisation and they are doing fairly well financially, you have every reason to ask for a raise.

-- The writer is a corporate training consultant based in New Delhi.

How to get the salary you want

So, you've done your research and prepared extensively for the job interview. You have produced the perfect CV and cover letter.

You have even practised answers to common interview questions. You are dressed right, have your references, and are on time.

But, have you prepared for that critical salary negotiation with human resources managers? If the answer is no, all that effort could go to waste. Here's what you need to keep in mind:

1) How much do you earn?

As simple as it sounds, most people don't know their financial status well enough. Write down your basic salary and add up all the benefits. Your current employer may be providing you free food, transportation and medical allowances. If these are not part of the benefits offered, you need to demand a higher basic salary to compensate for them.

2) Collect salary data:

You can gather information about a salary range for any position through trade publications, industry associations, a network of friends and consultants. For instance, Business Today publishes annual salary surveys based on industries and positions.

3) What do you want?

Break your expectations into three categories -- money, benefits and hygiene factors -- and jot down your expectations against each. Money would include salary, incentives, bonuses and stock options. Benefits would include company car, travel, relocation expenses, etc. Hygiene factors would comprise job title, training, exposure, international travel, etc.

This will allow you to stay flexible and also provide alternatives to the employer during negotiation.

4) Do your homework:

Get some basic facts about the overall state of the industry in which you are applying. A booming or sunrise industry will offer better packages. Check the company's profitability and market position. If you have friends in the company, try and find out the urgency to fill the particular vacancy. More information will give you an edge during salary negotiation.

5) During the interview:

Many employers will throw the salary question in the middle of an interview. The trick is that most candidates are likely to agree on a lower salary figure due to their anxiousness to crack the interview. So, delay talking about compensation as far as possible. Say something like, 'I am keen on this role and your organisation, but I'd like to hold on to salary discussions until we are both sure that I'm right for this job.'

6) Negotiate the basic salary first:

Many HR managers will try to engage you into discussing benefits and perks before getting to a consensus on basic salary. This gives the HR manager leverage in justifying why your basic salary should be lower. Always agree on the basic salary first, then move on to perks and other non-monetary benefits.

7) Get the lowdown on benefits:

Benefits can often go up to 25 per cent of your total package. Do get details on medical and life insurance, travel allowance, pension plans, educational assistance programs, overtime allowance, dependant care for parents/spouse, paid holidays, profit sharing and stock options.

8) Keep selling:

Continue selling yourself throughout the negotiation process. Keep reminding the employer of the impact you will make, the problems you will solve, revenue you will generate and unique skills and talents you bring to the table. Highlight your interest and enthusiasm to work for the organisation.

9) Wait for 24 hours:

Don't rush into accepting any offer on the spot, no matter how lucrative. In fact, a good idea is to buy some time. Tell the HR manager that you are interested in working for the organisation and will need about 24 hours to consider the offer. Think about it

� you will be spending 8 to 10 hours a day at the new job, so a 24-hour wait is worth it.

10) Relocation:

Make sure you include factors like the cost of living, relocation expenses, housing and travel in your package, if you will be moving to a new city for the job.

What if you're a fresher?

Don't be so excited about being offered a job that you end up accepting anything. Ask questions about promotional opportunities, performance reviews and the kind of salary progression that can be expected in a year or two.

End on a positive note:

The last step of salary negotiation is to set the groundwork for what kind of performance will lead to a larger raise or promotion in the near future. Talking about future performance and expectations will make a positive impression and help you end the negotiation on a positive note.

Get it in writing:

Make sure you see everything you agreed upon with the HR manager in writing before you finally sign the offer letter. The last thing you want is a nasty surprise a month down the line.

That's all you need to negotiate your way to a fat package!

--Sunder Ramachandran The author is a training consultant and freelance writer based in New Delhi.

Are you losing your temper at work?

Long and hectic work schedules lack of sleep, colleagues you dislike, a domineering boss -- these and other factors could lead to one

becoming snappy at work. The result -- we slam doors, yell at co-workers, pull faces, snap at our boss, and end up saying things we may regret later.

It takes years to build up a reputation, and only seconds to destroy it. No matter what, you shouldn't snap. Replace negative emotions with self-confidence and manage difficult situations with grace. Here's how you can keep your emotions under control at work and maintain an unblemished reputation.

1) Identify your hot buttons:

Be alert to the types of situations that put you on the burner. Is it waiting in a long queue at the departmental store or being put on hold by the customer service person from your bank? As far as possible, stay away from situations that trigger an impulsive and unpleasant reaction, especially while you are at work or just before you get to the office. You may realise that the real reason you are angry with traffic is because of your inability to start from home on time. Wake up early instead.

2) Be prepared:

Anticipating and planning a positive reaction will help defuse your anger before the situation gets to you. For instance, if you don't like questions interrupting your presentation, plan how you will handle interruptions. You could give out an FAQ leaflet at the start of the presentation or ask the audience to e-mail questions to you for an elaborate response. Create a back-up plan for the possibility of a technical glitch freezing your power point Presentations. For instance, you could have an overhead projector and some transparencies or hand-outs.

If it's a performance review meeting you are attending, have some accomplishments ready to offset any negative feedback, so you don't respond in anger. The bottom-line: Be on the offensive.

3) Clarify before reacting:

We sometimes misunderstand the other person and react impulsively. Is your boss asking what time you arrived because he's keeping an eye on you or is it because he was also stuck in a traffic jam? Ask a lot of questions before jumping to conclusions. If need be, repeat what the other person just said. This ensures you understand the comment and gives your colleague or client the opportunity to clarify any miscommunication.

4) Don't throw tantrums:

In the age of team work, a 'head-heavy' attitude will get you labelled as the spoilt brat in the office. Learn to be more accommodating. The 'my way or the highway' approach will not get you any points. If your idea has been overruled by the boss or ridiculed, talk to him and understand his/her perspective rather than losing your temper. If you are dealing with nasty colleagues who keep shooting you down, smile and behave in a cordial manner.

5) Don't call or e-mail when upset:

Wait before writing a strong emotional e-mail or phone call. Never disrespect others, even if you're right. The angry mail you sent three months ago may make a surprise appearance at the performance appraisal meeting. Hold that strong e-mail or letter until the next day and re-read it. Ask someone to proof-read any correspondence you think may be construed as surly, condescending or rude.

6) Be ready to say "I am sorry'":

If you end up erupting in a meeting, criticise a colleague's work or make ill-timed comments that you regret, how can you bounce back? Apologise immediately to the targeted person and to everyone around. Don't offer a long justification about work pressure or

The misunderstanding. Just say "I should not have reacted that way and I am sorry". This will show that you are professional and will reflect positively on your character.

-- The author is a corporate training consultant based in New Delhi.

When Grad School is a Bad Idea: Five Signs You Shouldn't Enroll.

There are good reasons to go to grad school – to pursue an interest you’re highly engaged with, or to take the next step necessary to meet your career goals. There are also bad reasons to go to grad school. Think twice about earning an advanced degree if one of your primary motivations for going to grad school falls into one of the following categories.

1. You’re not thrilled about your current job.
It's easy to fantasize about leaving your less-than-dream job and going to graduate school, but think carefully about your motivation for getting an advanced degree before you hand in your letter of resignation. Graduate school is a lot of work and a big investment. If your motivation for going to graduate school is more to escape your unfulfilling job than because you want to pursue an interest that you are passionate about, you should reconsider. First, address what’s wrong with your career or a few years from now you may find yourself in another crummy job but with an advanced degree.

2. You're having trouble finding a job.
You've sent countless resumes, sat through dozens of interviews, and still haven't been offered a job that excites you. While some fields, like law or medicine, require advanced degrees to get ahead, in many fields a graduate degree is not a prerequisite. If you lack valuable experience, it may take time to land a job in your field even if you have completed graduate school. An advanced degree won't necessarily solve all your employment issues. It could be more worthwhile to continue your job search. Assess your career goals and evaluate if returning to school now is the best move.

3. You really like academics.
You like taking classes, you like interacting with other students and professors, you even like studying. Continuing your studies at grad school and earning a Ph.D. makes sense, right? Maybe not. Just because you enjoy being a student, doesn't mean pursuing a career in academia is the best idea. Get a more realistic picture of the challenging aspects of a career in academia before you commit to a program. Additionally, when it comes to post-graduate study, you need to focus on one area of study that interests you and have a clear sense of how an advanced degree will help you reach your academic and career goals. If you enjoy academics but don’t have a clear sense of what you want to study or what your chances for a fulfilling career in academia are, take time to weigh other options.

4. Everyone's doing it.
Your roommate is sending in applications, your old lab partner just finished their first semester at grad school -- it seems like everyone is earning an advanced degree. You may not have been considering graduate school before, but now it seems like you'll be left behind if you don't. Are you making a mistake entering the job market? Probably not. Enrolling in grad school right now might not be the best decision for your career and academic goals. Grad school may make sense for your friends but not for you. Don't let what your friends are doing persuade you to make the wrong decision.

5. Your parents want you to go.
Many parents take an active role in their children's educational and career decisions. Your parents' influence may be subtle or could be more in-your-face, but don't let them decide your future for you. Chances are you'll end up miserable in a job your parents like more than you do. Figure out whether the career you're considering -- and the advanced degree that goes with it -- is your idea or your parents before you enroll in grad school.

10 Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started College.

When designing this column, I aim to relate the peaks and pitfalls of my experience as an undergraduate in a way that will make you think, feel and laugh. I hope the information I’ve shared has been a help. As a grand finale and because I love compilations, I created this: a list of the Top 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Four Years Ago.

1. ... that Barbaro was going to suffer a breakdown in the Preakness. That’s the last time I’ll put my money on a horse.
2. ... not to take survey classes. A general education in a subject may sound like a good idea, but these types of courses are often lecture-based, over-populated and generally useless. Go for something more specialized, even if you don’t have a background in the area.
3. ... that numbers don’t correspond with difficulty level. Unlike the gym’s RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) levels, course numbers don’t indicate how much effort you’ll put into the class. Higher numbers almost always mean smaller classes, which almost always work better for almost everyone.
4. ... to spend time alone. I place a lot of emphasis on involvement in extracurricular activities, and the fuller my schedule is, the better I function. Yet, some of the moments I felt most at peace were when I was strolling through my neighborhood, baking, knitting, out for a drive… don’t be afraid to do things by yourself.
5. ... to expect a change in outlook. I knew I’d be different after four years at U.Va., but I was thinking in terms of hair cuts and favorite colors. I didn’t foresee a huge change in my political opinions or which groups I identify myself with. Even my musical taste has altered. That’s right, folks. Now I only listen to the Beach Boys on special occasions.
6. ... to figure out how you operate. It seems obvious, but learning what strategies work for you can simplify your life enormously. I like to study with music playing, but if there are lyrics, I can’t focus. I accomplish more if I do it early in the day, rather than late at night. Pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses early and learn to work with – not against – yourself.
7. ... to take pictures. Like reality television, college is worth documenting.
8. ... to enjoy your college. Go to sporting events, shows and class functions. You’ll feel tapped into the school. And there’s always free food.
9. ... to cozy up to your city. Even if you live in a college town like Charlottesville, there are loads of local happenings that will appeal to you. It’s also important to remember that you aren’t living in a city created exclusively for students; imagine the town as a hotel that you’re staying in. Think town center, not self-centered.
10. ... to choose teachers, not topics. A good professor is like a pair of galoshes. You can wear them in all weather and be pretty comfortable. A bad professor is like a pair of spiky stilettos. They look nice for a while, but it’s t-minus two minutes until your feet begin to hurt. Great teachers will make anything interesting and the opposite is true of bad ones.

By Molly Seltzer from 1stweb.

10 Hot Career Fields For Upcoming Years.

1. Computer Software Engineer - Get your bachelor's degree in programming and computer software engineering and get ready to work! The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts this occupation to be one of the fastest-growing through 2014.
2. Paralegal - With employers trying to cut costs by replacing lawyers with these well-trained professionals, paralegals are expected to be in high demand. An associate's degree in paralegal studies or a specialized certificate to add to your bachelor's degree could get you in on the action in this field.
3. Accountant - Get in the numbers business and you could find yourself adding up job offers. According to CNNMoney.com, job-hunters in accounting can probably negotiate a great salary due to the high demand for accountants.
4. Occupational Therapist - While you'll need at least a master's in occupational therapy to qualify for a job, once you've earned that diploma, hang on! The need for occupational therapy is growing and qualified workers may find themselves overwhelmed by job possibilities.
5. Post-Secondary Teachers - Number two on CNN.com's list of the top 50 jobs in America, this one's a great bet if you're willing to put in some time earning a teaching degree. Teachers in the fields of health, business, and computer science are especially in demand, so get your master's degree in education and prepare to be snatched up by a college or university.
6. Actuary - Essential in risk assessment for the insurance industry, actuaries are highly skilled in mathematics and should have strong computer skills. With a bachelor's degree in finance or mathematics you could get into this field, which should be one of the fastest-growing through 2014.
7. Medical Assistant - It IS possible to have a career in medicine without devoting the next decade of your life to school. Training programs at medical assisting schools last 1 to 2 years, and demand is high for these invaluable professionals. Get some education and get hired!
8. Lawyer - With growth coming from the areas of health care, energy, and environmental law, lawyers will be needed in the years to come. While you'll have to invest some time to obtain a law degree, focus on sought-after areas such as tax or patent law and the job search should be a breeze.
9. Home Health Aide - Home health aides are desperately needed as our population ages and needs extra medical care. Home health aide training courses for can usually be completed quickly, giving you more time to ponder your many job prospects.
10. Computer Systems Analyst - With more and more organizations relying on information technology, computer systems analysts are needed. Join their ranks by getting your bachelor's degree in computer science and draft up a few rejection letters for all the jobs you'll be turning down.

Eight popular certificate programs that can ignite salary potential.

1. Information Technology Security. According to MATRIX Resources, one of the nation's top IT staffing firms, managers are putting security and data recovery at the top of their priority lists. Though most IT fields saw a pay increase of 3.1 percent in 2006, those demanding the hottest skill sets -- with security at the top of the list -- saw increases of up to 4-5 percent.

2. Paralegal. There are approximately 600 paralegal educational programs available, and about 250 are approved by the American Bar Association. The National Association of Legal Assistants reports an above-average expected growth rate for the profession through 2010 at 33 percent.

3. Digital and Graphic Design. Beginning designers and career-changers are finding that the focused curriculum of certificate programs actually has incredibly broad design applications including entertainment, publishing, and media fields. According to Mary Domowicz, an acting associate director at New York University's School of Continued Professional Studies, enrollment in the school's design certificate programs has doubled in the past year.

4. Nursing Management. Nurses who aspire to supervisory roles can use certificate courses to apply credits to their degree and develop skill sets that include understanding the basics of health care organizations and administration; analyzing and managing data in health care systems; and applying the techniques of personnel management. There are about 126,000 unfilled nursing positions in U.S. hospitals -- a number expected to grow to 400,000 by 2020 -- says the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

5. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). A launching pad of sorts, Cisco's CCNA certification is an introductory-level certification that is a prerequisite for higher-level certifications for working with networking and communications technology. Certification Magazine recently quoted the average salary for a Cisco certified IT professional as $59,550 a year. An average CCNA makes $9,967 more than before earning the certification.

6. Homeland Security. Certificate programs that originated from the military and National Guard are now attracting learners in private business and municipal government. The U.S. Department of Labor has been predicting that the employment of security management personnel will grow faster than all other occupations due to the threat of terrorism. Trends demonstrate increased demand for employees with knowledge of investigative services, surveillance systems, and risk management training.

7. Forensic Nursing. With nursing careers in demand, many RNs are boosting their credentials with specialization certificates. Forensic nursing coursework educates students on evidence collection, preservation, and documentation related to crime, acts of violence, mass casualty incidents, sexual assaults and human abuse. Beyond hospitals, local institutions like rape crisis centers and prosecutors' offices contribute funding to support this training.

8. Executive Coaching. In 2002 the Harvard Business School Journal indicated that employers are willing to pay from $1,500 to $15,000 a day for executive coaching. Leading schools like Penn State's Smeal College of Business, which added two new certificates to its executive education offerings this past year, are addressing this growing field. With applicability in any business setting -- corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government -- executive coaching certificates provide the chance to increase earning power.

The Rise of the Mid level Professional.

Why some people choose the lower pay of a mid level career

When my wife slipped on some angry ice and cracked her wrist last winter, she dutifully rushed to a hospital emergency room for repair. Surprisingly for us, the repair person was not a big-time, lavishly paid medical doctor, but a well-skilled though somewhat more modestly rewarded "physician assistant."

He had earned a university-awarded certificate qualifying him to set fractures, administer injections, read X-rays and perform many other challenging medical tasks associated with her ten weeks' treatment -- without a doctor.

Physician assistants constitute a rapidly expanding category of professional that is like a warrant officer in the armed forces -- somewhere between an enlisted man and an officer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that physician assistants are the fourth fastest-growing profession in the country.

More than that, physician assistants embody a major trend in job markets throughout the nation. Not only in medicine but in many other fields as well, people are finding alternatives to the daunting demands of traditional white-collar professions.

They are going into fields that require less paperwork and shorter hours than the 60 per week that have become the norm in many fields. Small wonder then that talented people are choosing to become paralegals instead of lawyers, electricians instead of electrical engineers, bookkeepers instead of accountants, opticians instead of ophthalmologists.

Choosing less stress -- and less pay

Here are some typical cases:

Anthony Fresquez, 46, of San Francisco, says that as a kid, "I just loved to draw and sketch, and my goal was to become an architect, but there were financial reasons that I did not go to university. My family did not stress education, and I wasn't prepared to go into significant debt."

So he attended the Denver Institute of Technology for two years and earned an associate's degree in architectural drafting. Today, he manages twelve people and earns just under $100,000 a year as a computer-aided design (CAD) draftsman at a large engineering firm. He could get somewhat more authority -- and money -- if he went back to college and became an architect, but that would require more work, more investment, and longer hours on the job for only marginal gains, and he has no desire to do that.

Leo Caamano, 32, of Port Chester, N.Y., wanted to be a doctor, but figured that he could never raise the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed for a medical degree. He also worried about malpractice suits and the high cost of malpractice insurance that doctors increasingly confront.

Instead of spending eight or more years studying to become a doctor, he spent four years at university and another two-and-a-half years in a hospital-based certification program for physician assistants. That certification enables him to do many of the things a medical doctor can do, short of, say, brain surgery. He can make diagnoses, prescribe medicines, order and interpret tests, conduct physical exams, and refer patients to specialists.

Says Caamano: "If I can do everything a doctor does, notably taking care of people, why not?" He earns $75,000 a year versus the $140,000 to $160,000 made by young doctors practicing family medicine in New York.

Some day, people like them may go back to college and pick up the roughly two to four years of additional class work needed to become a doctor or lawyer.

But, Fresquez said, "In my experience, people in this field don't want to invest the time and energy to go back to school."

More likely, many of them will focus on professions where the pay may be somewhat less but so is the stress.

Career: Computer Operators

While the number of things that computers can do is impressive, it still takes a human to control and monitor the tasks they perform.

Computer operators work for many kinds of industries to input computer tasks, monitor mainframes (large computers that support many users at once) that often run 24/7, and check for problems that come up during their shift. They often work closely with programmers and users to decide how computers may be used most efficiently.

Computer operators oversee the operations of computer hardware systems, working with mainframes, networked PCs, or minicomputers.

Did You Know?

• Despite being faster than ever, computers can still complete only one task at a time. Scientists are working on the quantum computer, which they hope will perform multiple operations at once.

Are You Ready To...?

• Set controls on a mainframe digital computer
• Interpret error messages to locate and solve problems
• Help a systems analyst debug a new program
• Keep a logbook of each job run on the computer
• Work a night shift monitoring a computer that runs twenty-four hours a day

It Helps to Be...

Willing to learn. Computer technology is evolving at an amazing rate and you’ll need to keep up with new advances.

Make High School Count

• Help out in the school computer lab and apprentice yourself to whoever’s in charge.
• Intern with a local business to learn how computers and computer networks are used in the business world.
• Sign up for computer science. Learn as much as you can about a wide range of computer processes and languages.

Did You Know?

• More computer operators are increasingly working on PCs and minicomputers that are connected through local area networks or multiuser systems.

Outlook

Government economists predict a sharp decline in the number of jobs for computer operators between 2004 and 2014.

Thanks to advances in technology, each operator can monitor more computers and a greater range of computer processes. Therefore, fewer operators are needed.

Compensation

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average yearly salary of computer operators in 2006 was $35,010.

Career: Administrative Assistants and Secretaries

Administrative assistants and secretaries are talented, versatile people. If you have any doubt, stop by the school office and watch the secretary at work. You'll see him or her juggle a dozen tasks -- signing in a late student, answering the phone, sorting the mail -- all without batting an eye.

Administrative assistants and secretaries provide various office support services.

Did You Know?

• Some secretaries choose to specialize in a field such as medicine or law.

Are You Ready To...?

• Use computers constantly
• Answer phones
• Use fax machines, photocopiers, and other office equipment
• Schedule appointments and meetings
• File documents
• Take dictation
• Draft and type letters
• Proofread your writing and your boss’s
• Deal with the public
• Make travel arrangements

It Helps to Be...

At ease with computers and the English language. Good interpersonal skills are also key. You'll also need to work independently, stay organized, and take initiative. Office technology keeps changing, so be ready for continued on-the-job learning.

Make High School Count

• Make the most of English classes and sharpen your command of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Build computer skills -- practice on a wide variety of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Practice your keyboarding skills (and train yourself to type accurately, even when you're sending personal e-mails).
• Take psychology to learn about human nature.
• Sign up for accounting.
• Take an organized approach to your schoolwork -- keep an assignment book, take careful notes, and stick to a study schedule.

Did You Know?

• Once you've gained experience, you can earn a certificate from a group such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals, which will help you advance in your career.

Outlook

The job outlook in this field varies widely.

Government economists expect there to be fewer jobs for general secretaries (those who don't specialize in law or medicine or work as executive secretaries) in 2014 than there were in 2004. Technology plays a big role in this development. Computers have made office workers more efficient. What's more, managers use software to create letters and other documents on their own. Therefore, fewer office workers are needed.

On the other hand, job growth for legal and medical secretaries should be as fast as the average for all careers. Job growth for executive secretaries and administrative assistants should also be as fast as the average. For the best job prospects, it helps to have good communication skills and know a wide range of software programs.

Compensation

Some secretaries and administrative assistants belong to clerical unions, which may mean that they receive higher pay and better benefits. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the following average salaries for 2006:

• Executive secretaries and administrative assistants: $39,160
• General secretaries: $28,460
• Legal secretaries: $39,670
• Medical secretaries: $29,220

Career: Network Administrators

There’s no question that a computer on its own is quite powerful. It can perform superhuman calculations and makes typing up your research papers a breeze. But networks of computers that can share information multiply that power -- and businesses now depend on them. And that, of course, means they also depend on the administrators who tend to them.

Network administrators design, install, and manage computer networks for businesses and organizations.

Did You Know?

• Many network administrators offer their services remotely, through email or the Internet, to reduce travel time for both their clients and themselves.

Are You Ready To...?

• Discuss network needs with the employees of a small start-up company
• Configure a network and server from a remote location
• Design a wide-area network (WAN) for the various branches offices of a corporation
• Protect networks against hackers

It Helps to Be...

As interested in working with people as you are in working with computers.

Make High School Count

• Sign up for computer science.
• Apprentice yourself to whoever’s in charge of your schools computer lab.
• Build strong communication skills in English, drama, and speech classes.
• Learn by doing: create your own website on the Internet, the biggest network of all.

Did You Know?

• Data was first transmitted between individual computers in the 1950s, when MIT set up a network for monitoring the air defense of the United States.

Outlook

Government economists predict job growth for network administrators to be much faster than the average for all careers through 2014. Businesses continue to depend heavily on networks and are particularly concerned about “cybersecurity.”

Compensation

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average yearly salary in 2006 for network and computer systems administrators was $65,260.

Career: Database Administrators

When you created a My Organizer account on this website, you answered questions about yourself and came up with a password. But where does all that information go? How is it stored and then promptly retrieved each time you log in?

Just ask our database administrators. Thanks to their efforts, your data and the data of thousands of other users remains secure and accessible.

Database administrators organize, track, and store information for businesses and other organizations. They also design and coordinate database security systems.

Did You Know?

• The United Network for Organ Sharing uses a database to match donated hearts, lungs, and other body organs to the people who need them.

Are You Ready To...?

• Learn database programming languages
• Interview users to learn more about their database needs
• Test databases
• Make sure data is secure
• Coordinate your efforts with a team of computer specialists and managers
• Continue to update your knowledge of the best tools for organizing and storing data

It Helps to Be...

Curious about new technology and adaptable. Employers look for people who can learn new systems quickly and start putting them to use right away.

Make High School Count

• Take as much advanced math as your school offers.
• Make the most of your science classes. They train you to think logically.
• Sign up for computer science classes. If your high school doesn’t offer any, look into summer classes for precollege students at local two- or four-year colleges.
• Consider summer computer science camp programs like MIT’s Women’s Technology Program.
• Sign up for a business class to get a sense of how databases can help organizations.
• Keep up with the latest news in computer technology.

Did You Know?

• Database administrators must know a programming language for managing databases called SQL.

Outlook

Government economists project that between 2004 and 2014, jobs for database administrators will grow at a much faster rate than other occupations. In fact, it’s one of the fastest growing fields the government studied.

The rapid growth of e-commerce -- doing business on the Internet -- continues to fuel demand for database administrators. Candidates with advanced degrees in computer science or engineering, and those with an MBA in information systems will be in high demand.

The news isn’t all good, however. Offshoring should limit job growth in the United States. Offshoring is the practice of hiring people in foreign countries who work for lower salaries than Americans.

Compensation

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average yearly salary of database administrators was $67,460 in 2006. Here are average salaries in the industries that hire the most database administrators:

• Computer systems design and related services: $74,570
• Management of companies and enterprises: $68,520
• Colleges and universities: $58,720
• Insurance carriers: $70,770
• Local government: $62,500

Career: Computer Systems Analysts

A new website for learning foreign languages is about to start up. A team of experts is ready to get to work -- from the people who create the content to the people who write the computer programs that drive the site. But before the programmers can start, a systems analyst must design the best way for customers to interact with the site. She has to decide everything from how they’ll sign up and pay to how they’ll use the site to master new vocabulary throughout the online learning process.

Computer systems analysts create technology solutions for large and small businesses and other organizations. They start by deciding what hardware and software will be needed. They then develop or adapt software to meet those needs.

Computer systems analysts create new computer systems and improve existing technology and business processes.

Did You Know?

• Systems analysts who perform extensive tests on new products may be called software quality assurance (QA) analysts.

Are You Ready To...?

• Work with managers to decide on a budget for a new system
• Prepare a project timeline
• Talk to users to find out what they need
• Design a system to meet those needs
• Write a description of the design
• Spend many hours “debugging” (working out the kinks of) a system

It Helps to Be...

Attentive to details and to the needs of your clients, but also able to consider the big picture. Systems analysts plan new computer systems from scratch and overhaul existing ones. Either way, they must do so on time and within budget.

Make High School Count

• Take as much advanced math as your high school offers.
• Make the most of your science classes. They train you to think logically -- a skill that will come in handy when you need to anticipate how users will use computer systems and find the best ways for those systems to respond to users.
• Sign up for computer science classes. If your high school doesn’t offer any, look into summer classes for precollege students at local two- or four-year colleges.
• Sign up for business and economics classes to become familiar with the world in which computer systems are used.
• Build great writing and speaking skills in English, speech, and drama so you'll be ready to communicate with system users.
• Consider summer computer science camps like MIT’s Women’s Technology Program.

“When I worked for a university, I designed a system to help the people in finance keep track of tuition payments.”

Julie, Computer Systems Analyst

Outlook

Government economists project that from 2004 to 2014 jobs for computer systems analysts will grow much faster than the average for all occupations. A drop in hardware and software prices, coupled with the competitive edge created by computer technology, will continue to create demand for systems analysts.

Compensation

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary of computer systems analysts was $72,230 in 2006. Here are average 2006 salaries in the industries that hire the most systems analysts:

• Computer systems design and related services: $74,800
• Management of companies and enterprises: $72,250
• Insurance carriers: $71,170
• State government: $61,000
• Commercial equipment merchant wholesalers: $82,890

Career: Computer Support Specialists

Are you the person friends and family call when they can’t figure out what’s wrong with their computer? Do you enjoy solving what others think of as insurmountable tasks and watching them breathe a sigh of relief as you rescue their lost document or rid their computer of a virus? Do you read the latest computer magazines and keep up with the best new hardware and software products?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, a career as a computer support specialist may be for you.

Computer support specialists, also known as help-desk technicians, provide technical assistance to customers by identifying and solving their hardware and software problems.

Did You Know?

• Although many support specialists help customers, others help coworkers.

Are You Ready To...?

• Decide whose questions to answer first
• Troubleshoot problems, such as hard-drive crashes
• Respond calmly to panicked users who are working on deadlines
• Train users on new technology
• Advise people designing new software and hardware

It Helps to Be...

A great communicator and problem solver. You’ll need to provide clear explanations and directions on paper, via email, in person, and on the phone.

Make High School Count

• Take as much advanced math as your high school offers.
• Make the most of your science classes. They train you to think logically.
• Sign up for computer science classes. If your high school doesn’t offer any, look into summer classes for precollege students at local two- or four-year colleges.
• Develop your written and verbal communication skills in English, drama, and speech classes.
• Consider summer computer science camp programs like MIT’s Women’s Technology Program.

Did You Know?

• Writing instruction manuals and training people one-on-one may be an important part of your job as a support specialist.

Outlook

Government economists expect job growth for computer support specialists to be faster than the average for all professions through 2014.

As computer hardware and software become more sophisticated and continue to change at a fast pace, support specialists will be needed to educate and update users. College graduates with strong computer and communications skills combined with practical work experience will do best in the job market.

Compensation

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that computer support specialists earned an average yearly salary of $44,350 in 2006. These are average salaries in the industries that are the biggest employers:

• Computer systems design and related services: $46,020
• Elementary and secondary schools: $39,810
• Colleges and universities: $41,450
• Management of companies and enterprises: $45,620
• Software publishers: $51,180

Career: Computer Software Engineers

You’re on vacation with your family, and just as you lay down on the beach it hits you -- you forgot to mail those bills your mom asked you to drop in the mailbox as you ran for the bus the other day. Not to worry, thanks to a software engineer (and a nearby Internet cafe), your mom can pay those same bills online and avoid any late fees.

Software engineers instruct computers how to perform functions like online bill-paying through step-by-step processes of programming and problem solving.

Computer software engineers combine their expertise in computer science, engineering, and math to design, develop, and test software for home, school, and business use.

Did You Know?

• Software engineers usually begin their careers testing ongoing designs, but with greater experience they eventually design and develop software.

Are You Ready To...?

• Try several approaches to the same programming problems
• Spend many hours debugging programs
• Keep up with a constantly changing and growing technology by reading and taking classes
• Be patient and tactful, but also relentless in getting the job done
• Work as part of a team

It Helps to Be...

Someone who pays attention to details and can handle more than one task at a time. You’ll need to work independently, but also with a team of other engineers. And you’ll need to be a good listener if you’re going to understand what clients and users need your software to do.

Make High School Count

• Take as much advanced math and science as your high school offers.
• Sign up for computer science classes. If your high school doesn’t offer any, look into summer classes for precollege students at local two- or four-year colleges.
• Consider summer computer science camp programs like MIT’s Women’s Technology Program.
• Pay attention to your foreign language studies. You’ll need to catch on quickly to new computer languages, and you may end up working for an international company where speaking more than one human language may come in handy.

Did You Know?

• After several years of experience, you may have the skills to start your own computer consulting business.

Outlook

According to government economists, software engineers are in the top ten when it comes to predicted job growth through 2014. For the most success in the job hunt, combine at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or computer science with practical experience in a job or internship.

Compensation

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineers who specialized in applications earned an average salary of $82,000 in 2006. Those who specialized in systems software averaged $87,250.

Career: Computer Scientists

Imagine a time when computers didn’t impact our daily lives. Now imagine new ways that computers will influence our lives in the future. How can they make your life easier, safer, healthier, and richer? Computer scientists are searching for the answers.

Computer scientists are thinkers, designers, architects, and innovators. In a world where success is measured by speed, efficiency, and access, computer scientists are inventing new languages, tools, and methods so that computers will continue to enhance our lives in new ways.

Computer scientists come up with new ways of improving computers. They often work on a more abstract level than other computer professionals.

“You can't know in advance what's going to work out or who you'll be working with, but the more things you're ready for and willing to try, the better off you're likely to be.”

Brian Kernighan, Professor of Computer Science,
Princeton University

Are You Ready To...?

• Invent new ways for humans and machines to communicate
• Earn an advanced degree to achieve greater expertise in your field
• Specialize in robotics, virtual reality, programming languages, or another area
• Work as part of a team

It Helps to Be...

A logical thinker and a good communicator. You may have great ideas, but often you’ll work as part of a team and you’ll need to convince others why your ideas will work.

Make High School Count

• Take as much advanced math as your high school offers.
• Make the most of your science classes. They train you to think logically.
• Sign up for computer science classes. If your high school doesn’t offer any, look into summer classes for precollege students at local two- or four-year colleges.
• Keep up with the latest computer technology news, and read about the industries that excite you the most.
• Consider summer programs in computer science like MIT’s Women’s Technology Program.

Did You Know?

• Some computer scientists work as part of a university team to design robots.

Outlook

Government economists expect jobs for computer scientists to grow much faster than the average for all professions through 2014. Computer scientists must continue to innovate to meet new demands, from the urgent need for “cybersecurity” to the growing needs of electronic commerce.

Compensation

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary of research computer and information scientists was $96,440 in 2006.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers in 2005 averaged $50,820 for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science; $46,189 for those with a degree in computer systems analysis; $44,417 for those with a degree in management information systems; and $44,775 for those with a degree in information sciences and systems.

Career: Computer Programmers

If you picture yourself as a computer programmer, you may already know a computer language. Once you know multiple computer languages, you’ll be able to communicate throughout the world.

In addition to mastering programming languages like C++ and Java, you’ll also need to communicate easily with people. After all, you’ll often work with a team and sometimes with the users of the products you develop. At the end of the day, the key to programming is language.

Computer programmers write, test, and maintain the instructions that computers must follow to land airplanes, sell products online, build machines, share information, and so much more.

“Just as in the English language there are different ways to say the same thing, in programming, too, there are various ways to achieve the same end result. There is actually a lot of creativity involved.”

Sam, Applications-Systems Programmer and Analyst

Are You Ready To...?

• Tackle assignments that at first seem impossible
• Work long hours, sometimes on tight deadlines and even on weekends
• Juggle more than one assignment at a time
• Be flexible and think creatively

It Helps to Be...

A problem solver who’s attentive to detail, patient, and able to work under pressure. You should be comfortable communicating with people who don’t know much about computers as well as those who do. If you love crossword puzzles, you might love programming.

Make High School Count

• Take as much advanced math as your high school offers.
• Make the most of your science classes. They train you to think logically -- a basic skill in programming.
• Sign up for computer science classes. If your high school doesn’t offer any, look into summer classes for precollege students at local two- or four-year colleges.
• Consider summer computer science programs like MIT’s Women’s Technology Program.

“Programming languages and the tools used to create new programs have become incredibly sophisticated, so it's much easier for software developers to get things done.”

Brian Kernighan, Professor of Computer Science,
Princeton University

Outlook

Government economists expect jobs in programming to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2014. Experts predict that the fields of computer systems design and software publishing will need the most programmers.

As programming becomes more advanced and specialized, graduates of two-year programs, those with less than a two-year degree, and even bachelor’s degree holders will face strong competition for jobs. Learning a variety of programming languages and tools for networking, database management, and Internet applications will increase your chances of landing a job.

Compensation

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average yearly salary of computer programmers in 2006 to be $69,500. Here are average 2006 salaries in the industries that hire the most computer programmers:

• Computer systems design: $72,400
• Software publishers: $80,340
• Management of companies and enterprises: $68,620
• Insurance Carriers: $67,830
• Employment Services: $75,830

Major: Web Management

Have you ever clicked on a seriously outdated website -- or one that just didn’t work right? Welcome to the world of the webmaster, whose job it is to make sure such nightmares never happen.

As a Web management major, you’ll prepare for such a job. You’ll learn the basics of networking and the best ways to ensure site security. You’ll also practice evaluating and improving websites for maximum user-friendliness and marketability.

Web management majors learn the technical skills needed to manage and maintain websites and servers.

Did You Know?

• Web management is frequently found as a specialization within a broader major, such as information technology.

Are You Ready To...?

• Log long hours in the computer lab
• Learn what’s involved in Web hosting
• Build a website for a class project
• Study security issues and other Web policies
• Join the campus technology club

It Helps to Be...

A computer enthusiast who can see the big picture.

College Checklist

• Are there any computer programs or skills you should learn before starting the program? It may help to get a handle on basic computer applications or Web design, for example.
• Check out the labs. Are they equipped with the latest computer hardware and software?
• Does the school maintain partnerships with industry leaders?
• Is there an internship program or other opportunities for real-world experience?
• Are classes small enough for individualized help?
• Will the school help you find work after graduation?

Did You Know?

• The World Wide Web got its start when British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee used hypertext to organize his own notes.

Course Spotlight

Knowing the ins and outs of Web servers is key to a webmaster’s job. That’s why a course on servers is typically required. In this lecture/lab class, you’ll learn not only how to install and configure basic network services, but how to troubleshoot when a coworker complains that the server’s down. Your grade will likely be based on hands-on assignments as well as quizzes, so you’ll have to do more than simply define domain name -- you’ll actually have to create one.

Major: Web Development

HTML, XML, SGML: web languages and other tools used to create websites will continue to evolve. But in college, you can build the foundation you’ll need to keep up with changing technology throughout your career.

As a web development major, you’ll learn how to create, design, edit, and launch Internet documents, images, graphics, sound, and multimedia products. You’ll also learn about web page standards and policies, e-commerce, new web technologies, and more.

Web development majors learn how to use both technical skills and design concepts to create websites.

“Web design becomes more exciting every year as new technologies allow us to create and deliver more exciting content over the Internet.”

Michelle, Freelance Web Designer

Are You Ready To...?

• Learn HTML, XML, and other coding languages
• Add sound and images to web pages
• Get graded on your web designs
• Study e-commerce
• Spend long nights in the computer lab

It Helps to Be...

A computer maniac with an eye for detail and tons of patience. You’ll have to check your work carefully and make minute changes.

College Checklist

• Does the program offer significant course work in your area of interest, such as e-commerce or multimedia?
• Are labs and classrooms equipped with the latest computer hardware and software?
• What is the faculty-to-student ratio? Will you get the attention you need?
• Will the school help you find work after graduation?

Did You Know?

• E-commerce -- doing business over the Internet -- is a hot growth market for web developers and designers.

Course Spotlight

Your first assignment in a class on website development might involve evaluating websites created by others. But by the time you finish this intensive core course, you’ll be designing, creating, and managing dynamic sites of your own.

Before you even get in the door, though, you might have to complete some prerequisites. For example, you may need to have some programming under your belt.

Major: System Administration

If you’ve ever experienced the satisfaction of playing on a winning team, you know how much it takes to get everyone working together smoothly. A computer system, with its network of hardware, software, programmers, users, and data presents a similar challenge.

If you major in system administration, you’ll learn how to meet that challenge, making use of the latest and most effective technology. And once you graduate, you should find your skills in demand in a variety of workplaces.

Students of system administration learn how to manage computer operations based out of specific organizations and locations.

Did You Know?

• Between 2004 and 2014, employment of systems administrators is expected to increase much faster than the average career.

Are You Ready To...?

• Intern off-campus while earning your degree
• Learn how to set up, monitor, and adjust networked computer systems
• Study operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows
• Practice installing and troubleshooting hardware and software
• Explore the latest technologies
• Learn the best ways to store data
• Study cybersecurity
• Join a study group

It Helps to Be...

A good problem solver who is able to work independently and as part of a team. In both your studies and your career, you’ll need to juggle many responsibilities at once.

College Checklist

• If the program leads to an associate’s degree, does it focus more on preparing students for further education or for the workforce?
• Will the program help you prepare for certification exams?
• Are instructors certified and actively working in the field?
• Are hands-on learning activities a regular part of your education?
• Does the program have state-of-the-art classrooms and computer labs?
• Does the program coordinate with local companies and organizations to provide internships?
• What are recent graduates doing now?

Did You Know?

• Viruses cost business big bucks: $55 billion in 2003.

Course Spotlight

In an introductory course in operating-system technologies, you’ll learn the ABCs of the software that runs computers. You’ll learn how operating systems help us make the most of our PCs by storing data efficiently, controlling memory, and connecting to networks.

You’ll probably study and compare more than one type of operating system, including such key players as Windows, DOS, UNIX, and Linux.

Major: Information Technology

Do your friends and family come to you with computer questions? Do you get a sense of satisfaction when you’ve solved their problems? If so, imagine working some day as the go-to “tech person” at a small company or a large institution where the flow of information is critical to its mission.

As an information technology (IT) major, you'll study computer science, business, and communications. Along the way, you might focus on one specialty such as web development or digital communications. But regardless of your focus, you’ll acquire strong technical and communication skills.

IT majors focus on how information and computing systems support business, research, and communications needs. Instruction ranges from the basics of computer hardware to the complex relationship between humans and computers.

Did You Know?

• According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 13 percent of Internet users maintained their own websites in 2003.

Are You Ready To...?

• Take classes in different departments, from computer science to philosophy
• Learn about IT from an international and historical perspective
• Study the ethical issues and social impacts of IT
• Intern off-campus as a member of a company’s IT staff

It Helps to Be...

A flexible and adaptable problem solver who is ready and willing to learn about working with systems and with people.

College Checklist

• Will you be able to specialize in an area of interest?
• Are some professors working off-campus as well as teaching -- thus practicing the latest trends in information technology?
• Will you get credits toward your major for related courses in other departments such as journalism, philosophy, or business?
• Will the college help you find an internship?

Did You Know?

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 50 million Americans purchased books online in 2003.

Course Spotlight

Since an IT major involves taking core courses in several different departments, many students end up with a specialty or track in one area of interest. For example, you may decide to specialize in Web development and take classes such as Web page design and database development for the Web. Or you may be drawn to digital communications and take classes in telecommunications networks and the science of telephones.

Major: Information Science

Students of information science learn about computers, but they also study people. Most importantly, they explore the way people and computers come together.

If you major in information science, you’ll examine the many challenges we face when it comes to technology: How can we build websites that are easy to use? How can we use computers to open new worlds to children without endangering them? How can we bridge the “digital divide” between the haves and the have-nots?

Information science majors learn how to create systems for finding and storing data. Students look at the big picture of information exchange and learn how people interact with, use, and sell information.

“We must be experts in both technical and human-related areas of information. My interests in computers, technology, and psychology also help. ”

Joseph, junior, informatics, University of Washington

Are You Ready To...?

• Read about the latest in computer and information technology (IT)
• Become a student member of the American Society for Information Science and Technology
• Complete an internship working in the IT department of a large company, helping software users on the phone, or testing software for people with disabilities

It Helps to Be...

Curious about human behavior, organized, good with numbers, and a good communicator.

College Checklist

• Can you major in information science or is it a concentration within another major?
• Will you be able to take a well-rounded selection of courses in a variety of disciplines, including everything from psychology to programming?
• Will the department help you arrange internships?
• Are computer labs equipped with the latest technology?

Did You Know?

• The development of new information retrieval methods, as well as the improvement of existing ones, is currently one of the hottest frontiers in the field of information science.

Course Spotlight

Most information science programs include some sort of capstone experience. As a senior, you may find yourself enrolled in a seminar that provides support while you work independently or with a group on a senior project.

Your project could take many forms. You might, for example, create an information system that helps students find internships. Or you might study the way athletes use a website designed especially for them and measure its effectiveness.