Job Blast!!

Comerica Bank (Lansing, Jolly and Cedar st.) Customer Representative Full time position MTB#3159827

Westaff (Lansing) CMM Programmers (direct hire) Full time position MTB#3162739

Lady Aitch Designs (Lansing) Sewer/Seamstress Part time position MTB#3153311

Pet Smart (Lansing) Stock Part time MTB# 3162596

Soap Slingers (Lansing) Labor Apply in person

JOB FAIR!

Military Personnel

Current or former can attend at National Guard Drill Hall November 10, 2011 10 am - 3pm.

Questions contact: westm@michigan.gov

JOB BLAST!!!

Elite Home Health Care INC. ( Okemos ) Marketing Rep Healthcare with Elite Home Health MTB: 3145347

Wood's Okemos Matathon ( Okemos ) Full Time Auto Mechanic MTB: 3132238


Main Street Cafe(St. Johns) Waitstaff with flexible schedules. Apply in person at Main Street Cafe. (Pay is $3.50 hr. plus tips.)

Chelsea/Dexter area looking for assistance in filling all these open positions, listed on the Talent Bank:

MTB #

3019719 -Acme Screw Machine Operator

2996112- CNC Machine Operators

3073838 -Customer Service Safety Response Coordinator 3:30am to 12 noon

3114749- General Assembly all shifts

3132186 - Inspection

3113486 – Robotic Welders Chelsea, MI

3139959 - CNA ‘s

3133865 Saline production all shifts 27 openings

Anyone with Medical office both clinical or clerical

ANY skilled Trade workers

All LPN’s or RN’s

3113501- 1^st shift Dexter MI 55 openings

3114139 –Welders

"Employer of the Day"

Employment Group will be the "Employer of the Day" at Capital Area Michigan Works! In Lansing on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 from 1:30-3:30pm. They are recruiting for CNC Machinists, Fabricators, Forklift Drivers, General Labor, Injection Mold Operators, Inspectors, Machine Operators, Maintenance Technicians, Packagers, Press Operators, Welders, etc. www.employmentgroup.com

JOB BLAST!

October 4 - Job Fair Cleary University Livingston Campus
12-2 pm Veterans only career and professional fair
3-6 pm Collegiate & career fair
careerservices@cleary.edu

Lansing School District (6 full time Teachers) Early Childhood- Lansing MTB# 3137987

Michigan Works (office Administrator) Lansing MTB# 3137975

Baumstark & Vincent PLLC (2 part time employees) MTB# 3128758

Gerdau Macsteel (Full time Production Workers) Lansing MTB# 3136770

WILX (Full time News Assistant) Lansing MTB# 3135801

Biophotonic Solutions (Part time Financial Specialist) East Lansing MTB# 3136871

Ingham Intermediate School District (Full time Payroll & Benefits Specialist) Mason MTB# 3134798

JOB BLASTS!

BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY:
( Lansing ): Sales Associate, MTB # 3122254
( Lansing ): Receiving Associate, MTB # 3124251
( Lansing ): Merchandising Team Associate, MTB # 3122786
( Lansing ): Cashier, MTB # 3122786
( Lansing ): Markdown Team Associate, MTB # 3122882
GREAT CLIPS (East Lansing ) Assistant Manager, MTB # 3124251
GREAT CLIPS (East Lansing ) Manager/Stylist, MTB # 3124251
PROVIDENCE CONSULTING (East Lansing ) IT Consultant, MTB # 3122301
INDUSTRIAL METAL CORP. ( Lansing ) Controls Designer, MTB # 3124251
MAGNESIUM OF AMERICA ( Lansing ) Controls Designer, MTB # 3122942

JOB BLASTS!

The following Michigan Talent Bank Job Blasts postings can be viewed by clicking their MTB number. Or, to access the Michigan Talent Bank a direct link to the website is available in the right-hand column.

BURCHAM HILLS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (E. Lansing )
Painter, MTB # 3105653.

BURCHAM HILLS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (E. Lansing )
Dining Room Attendant, MTB # 3105646

ST. MARTHA PARISH/SCHOOL (Okemos)
Housekeeping Part-Time, MTB # 3104448

LANSING SCHOOL DISTRICT (Lansing )
SECRETARY IV, LEVEL V #226/1935, MTB # 3104472

GIVE INC. (Fowlerville)
Home Health Aide/CNA, MTB # 3084862

MCMATHIS COUNSELING SERVICES (Lansing)
Office Clerk, MTB # 3104269

**Note: Renhill Staffing/HR on Demand will be onsite at Capital Area Michigan Works! in Lansing on Wed. Aug. 3 from 9:30am-12noon recruiting for full time Quality Control Inspectors ($9/hour) and weekend Industrial Cleaners ($8.50/hour).

Job Blast Updates!

JOB BLASTS!

The following Michigan Talent Bank Job Blasts postings can be viewed by clicking their MTB number. Or, to access the Michigan Talent Bank a direct link to the website is available in the right-hand column.

HR ON DEMAND/RENHILL ( Lansing ) Industrial Cleaner, MTB # 3094424

ZZ SCUBA INC. ( Lansing ) Assistant Retail Manager # 3095579

KTM INDUSTRIES ( Lansing ) Maintenance Specialist # 3096284

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES ( Lansing ) HR Manager # 3096151

PINEBROOK MANOR ( Lansing ) Associate Property Manager # 3096406

LOVEJOY SPECIAL NEEDS CENTER ( Lansing ) Direct Care Worker # 3096379

Job Blasts Updates!

JOB BLASTS!
The following Michigan Talent Bank Job Blasts postings can be viewed by clicking their MTB number.  Or, to access the Michigan Talent Bank a direct link to the website is available in the right-hand column.

Mantissa Industries, Inc. (Holt):  CNC Machinist,  MTB # 3081709

PDS Services (Lansing):  Welders,  MTB # 3081726

Michigan Farm Bureau (Lansing):  Inside Casualty Claim Rep. #  237,  MTB # 3081687

MacDonald Broadcasting (Lansing):  Program Director,  MTB # 3081847

Educational Tours (Holt):  Inside Salesperson,  MTB # 3081981

Symmetry Medical, Inc. (Lansing):  Tooling Designer,  MTB # 3072368

Barber's Floors and More (St. Johns):  Interior Designer,  MTB # 3070737

Lansing Community College (Lansing):  To apply to this, or any Lansing Community College position, visit the College's Jobs website at:  http://www.jobs.lcc.edu/

• College Budget Director
• Business Development Manager
• Program Director - Maintenance Technologies
• Adjunct Faculty

Moving Day

I was too young to remember my first few "moving days".  Three of them happened before my first birthday.  After that, we moved when I was 10 years old...same town, just a different part of the city (population: 5,000).   Years later, when I was 16 we moved to a different state.  When I was 18 I moved over 700 miles to attend college.  Then, every year for the next seven years I moved twice a year...once into my new school-year digs and then again for my summer jobs.  When I was first married we moved three times in the first two years.  Each move was a little nicer than the previous move (which isn't saying a whole lot!).  Then, over the next two years we moved 900 miles to a new home, back 900 miles, then 500 miles, back 500 miles.  So, when it comes to moving, I'm pretty used to it.

Ten years ago I moved into my current work space...well, not exactly.  Actually, in 2005 the building's roof crashed and my work space was under 10 feet of rubble.  Our offices were moved next door for a year as the building was rebuilt (yes, different structure...steel reinforced).  So, technically, I moved into my current location, twice.

Today, I have several boxes stacked in my cubicle waiting to be filled.  Once again, it is moving day.  While I will still be working for the College, I will have new responsibilities in a new location.  I'll only be moving a few miles down the road so it won't be too difficult.  As well, I will return to this office on a weekly basis to continue working with some of the people and projects that are in place, or being planned.  So, it is kind of a move...sort of. 

Yet, the boxes have been here for two weeks.  I haven't packed a single one.  I'm not sure what I am most afraid of...cleaning out the drawers and sorting the 'to be moved' from the 'to be tossed' piles (which is a scary thought in and of itself); or, starting over in a new position and a new location.  Either way, it reflects another change in my life...not that change is bad.  Change is simply a transition from one thing/place/thought to another thing/place/thought.  But, sometimes, it is not necessarily so simple.

When I started here in 2001 it was me, just me.  Then, I hired my first student aide.  Since that time I have had many staff members come and go.  Some stayed for a short time.  Some longer.  As they were students, it was always a given that one day they would be 'moving' out; or, actually, moving on. 

I've become comfortable in my job and that is not necessarily a good thing.  I have always enjoyed a challenge, so, this transition will definitely be providing me with one.  That's where growth comes in.  Like it or not, we cannot grow without change.  Change offers us the opportunity to explore new challenges, meet new people, and make new decisions (which, by the way, may not always work out the way we want them to!).  Therefore, it is critical to acknowledge that change is part of our growth.  And, to be honest, we should all continue to grow...not just physically (which after a while is not a good thing), but mentally and spiritually, just to name a few. 

For adults returning to school, the change can be significant and possibly, a bit scary.  It is important to know that there are many adults going through this 'change' as they transition from one career/occupation to another.  The staff at Lansing Community College's Center for Workforce Transition (located in the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center) provide comprehensive services to those adults interested in attending the college.  We'll help walk individuals through the processes that need to be completed in order to successfully enroll in classes.  As well, we offer many resources to assist with the job search as new skills are gained.  Moving through a situation is probably a lot more stressful than moving from one location to another.  Support from knowledgeable staff can make the transition much smoother.  You won't need a lot of boxes, but, you will need the right tools to help map your move. 

For more information on how LCC's Center for Workforce Transition can assist you with retraining, please contact the staff at (517) 492-5580 or lccadvisor@camw.net.

JOB BLASTS!
To view the posting for each of the following Job Blasts, simple click on the Michigan Talent Bank (MTB) Job Posting number. 

Marsh Trucking (Lansing):  Experienced Dump Truck Driver,  MTB # 3079409

Outshiner Car Wash (Charlotte):  Car Wash Attendant,  MTB # 3079908

Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer (St. Johns):

• Accounts Receivable Manager (F/T):  MTB # 3079622
• Open Entry Assistant (F/T):  MTB # 3079633

CATA (Lansing):  Motorcoach Operator,  MTB # 3079361

ZZ Scuba (Lansing):  Assistant Retail Manager,  MTB # 3078737

CS Management (Lansing):

• Lawn Care Crew Member,  MTB # 3078030   FILLED
• Labor Crew Member,  MTB # 3076041
• Experienced Maintenance Worker,  MTB # 3076035  FILLED
• Contracted Maid Service Worker,  MTB # 3076038

CBSG, Inc. (Lansing): 

• District Manager,  MTB # 3076589
• Area Manager,  MTB # 3076592

Sparrow Hospital (Lansing): 
    Applications Systems Analysts (IT Professional),  MTB # 3078450

    Special Note:  SPARROW HOSPITAL I.T. CAREER FAIR!!

Sparrow, mid-Michigan's premier healthcare organization and the largest private employer in vibrant Greater Lansing, has recently invested $100 million in an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system that utilizes award-winning Epic software. 

Well-qualified IT professionals are invited to explore a career with Sparrow:
Tuesday, June 14th....4 to 7 p.m. at the Michigan State University Career Services facility located at 290 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI  48824 (at the west end of the football stadium).  Park in the South Stadium Lot (Lot 79) on Shaw Lane and walk in the west side of the stadium.  Interviews will be conducted on-site so be sure to bring your resume!

Creative Concepts (East Lansing):  Sales/Trainer,  MTB # 3078374

Fenner Nature Center (Lansing):  Bookkeeper,  MTB # 3077715

To view additional posted job positions in a variety of occupations, visit the Michigan Talent Bank or Indeed.com.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities & Job Blasts!

Every week I offer to review resumes for some of the Lansing Community College students and Capital Area Michigan Works! clients that I meet.  Almost, without fail, the resumes do not clearly articulate some key information to a prospective employer:  skills, knowledge, and abilities.  For assistance with identifying what skills, knowledge, and abilities are needed for an occupation, visit the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics' O*Net website for a listing (by occupation). 

Further, nearly three out of four resumes have misspellings and noticeable grammar errors.  While this may not seem to be such a "big deal" (as I've been told by job seekers who also mention to me that they are NOT receiving interviews), most employers will not follow up with a candidate whose resume exhibits errors.  Take the time to review your resume as well as ask someone else to review it for errors and content.  It only takes a few minutes...but, it could mean the difference between getting or not getting an interview!



JOBS CONNECTION UPDATE:

Two to three times each month, I present a "Jobs Connection" workshop at the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center.  Starting now, each month one of the workshops will focus on the 50+ Job Seeker.  Information specific to this market will be presented to assist the experience worker with some helpful job search information. 

June workshops are scheduled for Tuesday, June 14th and Tuesday, June 21st (50+ Job Seeker workshop).  The workshop runs from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Pre-registration is not necessary.  For more information, contact the LCC staff at (517) 492-5580.



JOB BLASTS!

To view the following Job Postings, click on the Michigan Talent Bank number.  Remember, it is very important to follow the instructions on the posting when submitting a resume and/or application.  Many employers use this as a 'tool' to see how well Job Seekers follow instructions! 

As well, visit the site to view other job postings, or, to post your resume for employer review. 

Mid-Michigan Physicians (Lansing):  Medical Assistant (F/T),  MTB  # 3075027

MJV Building Services (Lansing):  General Cleaners (F/T & P/T),  MTB # 3076120

Turning Leaf (Lansing):   Direct Care Workers (F/T),  MTB # 3076136

Days Inn (Lansing): 

• Sales Manager,  MTB # 3075991
• Front Desk,  MTB # 3075994
• Maintenance,  MTB # 3075993

Framer's Edge & Gallery (Okemos):  Sales Associate (P/T),  MTB # 3075978

Office Max (South Lansing): 

• Sales Consultant,  MTB # 3074833
• Store Associate,  MTB # 3074835
• Store Sales Specialist,  MTB # 3074834

Clearview Apartments (Lansing):  Maintenance (F/T),  MTB # 3075223

Accident Fund (Lansing): 

• Data & Diagnostic Specialist,  MTB # 3075203
• Predictive Modeling Analyst,  MTB # 3075200
• Developer,  MTB # 3075170

Biggby Coffee (East Lansing):  Accounting Assistant (P/T),  MTB # 3074663

Remembering Those Who Sacrificed So Much...

Today is one of those days, actually, there are two of them, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, when I quietly reflect on the many blessings I have received...especially, the ability to live in a country with the many freedoms I have available to me.  While I myself did not serve in the military, my thoughts go out to all of the brave men and women who, over the many generations, have served our country.  I remember their courage and sacrifices, and for far too many, the ultimate sacrifice.  Today, my prayers go out to those who gave their lives for this country and for their families who also made the sacrifice.

A few years ago I visited the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.  A few of us were being given a private tour of some of the buildings and grounds.  One particular place that has stayed with me since that day was our visit to the chapel.  While we were there, our guide explained that a previous graduating class had donated a large painting that was hanging within the chapel.  There were three images that were projected on the black canvas background.  The images were of a cross at the top of the canvas, then the American flag followed by the image of a midshipman.  Our guide explained that the portrait emphasized  the commitment to God before country before self.  That portrait and its meaning continues to resonate with me to this day.  It is a stark reminder of the unselfish generosity of those who have served in our military.  

Yesterday, in our small community, a memorial was held honoring those from our town who had been killed while serving our country.  The list included World War I, World War II, Korean, Vietnam, and Afghanistan losses.  Regretfully, the list contained 33 names.   


Last year, the high school football team used the season opener to honor our fallen heroes.  They wore the names of those who had sacrificed so much on their jerseys.  Those young men were inspiring as they showed an entire community how much they respected the sacrifices made by those who paid the highest price for our freedom.

As we continue on with our holiday weekend and on into the July 4th weekend, let us continue to espouse the courage and dedication so many fought to preserve for us.  To all of who have served and to their families, I say thank you.

Job Blasts Updates!

In today's Lansing State Journal, George Fulton of the University of Michigan stated that "job growth will be steady but not spectacular...."  As well, Fulton credits the rebound of the state's auto industry for helping to get Michigan back on its feet, especially with news that Detroit's Big Three have seen their first  increase in market share since 1995.  (Lansing State Journal, May 17, 2011)

While the numbers may seem large and the news good, this equates to an average annual job increase of just over 60,000 jobs in the next three years (remember, there were over 800,000 jobs lost during the Great Recession).  The manufacturing industry in our state has been a significant contributor to the increase in private sector jobs.  Again, not trying to beat a dead horse, but job seekers are continuously learning that available positions are generally going to those with the right skills.  If you're in the market for new employment, be sure to take the time to assess your knowledge and skills and learn how to effectively communicate them to a prospective employer.  As well, Lansing Community College's "Jobs Connection" Workshop (held most Tuesdays at Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center) will provide information on local labor market data, tools (free!) for exploring individual career options, as well as helpful tips for the Job Seeker to aid with a competitive advantage in the job search.  The next workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 31, from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm.


Each week, the Capital Area Michigan Works! Service Centers provide Job Seekers with an orientation that introduces them to the services available.  For a complete calendar listing of events in the CAMW! Service Centers for the month, visit their website to view the updated Calendar of Events.  (NOTE:  The Lansing Service Center hosts its Orientations on Wednesday's at 2:00 pm.  St. Johns hosts theirs on Tuesdays, and Charlotte hosts theirs on Thursdays)


In addition, each of the Service Centers provide free workshops on building resumes, interviewing tips, to name a few.  The Lansing Service Center will be providing a  Resume Writing Workshop on Tuesday, May 24th from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.  To register for the event, sign up at the Greeter Desk or email Barb Poma at bpoma@camw.net.



  Barks Hoffman, Kathy, "Economist:  State to gain 182,800 jobs over 3 years",  Lansing State Journal, May 17, 2011.

JOB BLASTS!
The postings for the following Job Blasts can be found by clicking on the posting number, or going to the Michigan Talent Bank website and conducting an Advanced Search.

Biophotonic Solutions (East Lansing): Operations Assistant,  MTB # 3070253

Magnuson Hotel (Fowlerville):  

• Housekeeper (F/T):  MTB # 3069155

• Guest Service Agent (F/T):  MTB # 3069150

CATA (Lansing):  Facilities & Grounds Maintenance Person,  MTB # 3069559

Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  Cell Leader/Manufacturing Supervisor,  MTB # 3069148

Doty Mechanical (Lansing):  Service Dispatcher,  MTB # 3068530

Budget Tire Center (Lansing):  Auto Technician/Assistant Manager,  MTB # 3067597   


Tina S. Gray, P.C. (Williamston):  Administrative Assistant/Legal Secretary,  MTB # 3067633


Remember to check the previous week's Blog as some of the postings may still be available.






 

Job Blasts Updates!

I came into work this morning and there were some new Job Blasts available (since my post on Friday!).  Be sure to check out these and other postings on the Michigan Talent Bank or Indeed.com.  As well, following my Blog last week on Job Search Tips for the Experienced (50+) Worker, one of my co-workers sent me a link to another Blog on Interns Over 40. This particular blog focuses on some of the concerns that experienced job seekers feel they encounter.  Again, check out some of the resources available to help in the resume and interviewing aspects of the job search in the Job Search Tips... Blog.

JOB BLASTS!
As always, for those positions with a Michigan Talent Bank posting number (MTB), be sure to click on the posting number to be taken directly to the job posting.  As well, check out Job Blasts in earlier Blogs as some of them are still open.

Lansing Community College (Lansing):  Multiple positions available, including many adjunct faculty positions.  To apply for a position with Lansing Community College, please visit their website at:   http://www.jobs.lcc.edu/

Some of the positions currently available, include:

• Director of The Early College (Temporary)
• Lead Support - The Early College (Temporary)
• Admissions, Registration & Records Processing (P/T) Support
• Financial Aid Generalist (P/T)
• Institutional Research Assistant

Capital Area Community Services: (Lansing):  Weatherization Application Specialist,  MTB # 3065446      NOTE:  Deadline to apply is May 10, 2011

Sears (Lansing):  Multiple Positions

• Backroom Associate/Shoes:  MTB # 3065197
• Office Assistant:  MTB # 3065198
• Sales/Mattress Dept.:  MTB # 3065194
• Sales/Home Appliances:  MTB # 3065193
• Merchandise Customer Assistant:  MTB # 3065195
• CSA/Automotive:  MTB  3065199

LAP Respite Center (Lansing):  Executive Director,  MTB # 3066475

Tony Grant's Paint Co. (Lansing):  Painter,  MTB # 3067633

CATA (Lansing):  Paratransit Scheduler 2,  MTB  # 3066291  FILLED

Arctic Glacier, Inc. (Lansing):  Production Associate,  MTB # 3066249

Katren Industries (St. Johns):  Welder/Fabricator,  MTB # 3065081

Maco Tool & Engineering (St. Johns):  Certified Electric Designer/Programmer,  MTB # 3065039

Inspired Green (Grand Ledge):  Energy Efficiency Installer & Canvasser,  MTB # 3059851

What Do "Jaws" and College Grads Have in Common?

I remember sitting in a dark theatre in 1975 with my feet tucked underneath me in the seat while I watched a really, super-scary movie about a menacing shark...Jaws!  I remember, also, that it was the same day that my brother was taking his scuba certification test...in Lake Michigan.  It didn't matter that, one, there were no sharks in Lake Michigan that day, and, two, there were no sharks in the theatre, either.  I was still scared.

Worse yet, was the book.  When available, I have always preferred to read the book before seeing the movie.  Generally speaking, the books are better (according to my professional opinion).  Anyway, one day about a year before the movie came out I was strolling through a bookstore looking for a good 'read'.  It was summer and I worked at a job that, periodically, had long moments of total boredom; so, a nice, relaxing book was on my list of things to help me pass the time.

As I walked through the bookstore, I was drawn to the cover of a book that showed a woman swimming with (what I really, honestly thought was...) her pet shark.  I kid you not.  Talk about a really blond moment!  As it turns out, I was (and still am) fascinated with animal behavior.  I thought the book was about a woman who managed to behaviorally change a shark!  Heck, in high school I did a biology experiment on my pet white mice, Ben and Willard, in which I switched their biological time clock around (they were nocturnal creatures and I was going to have none of that when I was trying to sleep!).  So, in all reality, it could have been true.  Right?

Anyway, imagine my surprise as I read the first chapter!  Ouch!  The book had me mesmerized.  And, since the weather was terrible that day, I was able to read the book from 'cover to cover' by the end of my shift!  Wow!  I was, literally, hooked on that shark.

So, now you're probably wondering so what does Jaws have to do with college grads.  I'm glad you asked.  The Beloit College Mindset List.  Since August of 1988, Beloit College has published it's Beloit College Mindset List which provides a look into the "cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students entering college."  (Beloit College Mindset, 2009)   A few years ago, I was at a meeting where the speaker shared some of the ' Class of 2002 List' with us.  One of the items (number 32 on the List) was a reflection of the mindset of that year's List.  It hit home with me because I could totally relate!  The statement reflected that the class of 2002 "never took a swim and thought about Jaws."  WHAT!  That was like the scariest movie I knew of...for the time, which, after using some mental math skills, was 27 years earlier.  I realized that a generation had passed since Spielberg's metal 'fish' kept some of us out of the water.  As well, "Bruce" did not look near as scary when I 'visited' him at the Universal Studios last summer. 

Anyway, each year Beloit College publishes a list for the students entering as Freshmen (so the Fall of 2010 Freshmen class would be the Beloit College Mindset List of 2014).  For this Blog, I thought I would look at the Freshmen class of 2007 (which would be the Mindset List of 2011).  Student's entering College in 2007 were generally born in 1989.   Here's some of what I found (the list contains 70 items!): 

• What Berlin wall?
• Humvees, minus the artillery, have always been available to the public.
• They never "rolled down" a car window.
• They have grown up with bottled water
• General Motors has always been working on an electric car.
• Nelson Mandela has always been free and a force in South America
• Pete Rose has never played baseball.
• Al Gore has always been running for president or thinking about it.
• They never found a prize in a Coca-Cola "MagiCan."
• U2 has always been more than a spy plane.
• They learned about JFK from Oliver Stone and Malcolm X from Spike Lee.
• High definition television has always been available.
• Tienanmen Square is a 2008 Olympics venue, not the scene of a massacre.
• MTV has never featured music videos.
• They never saw Johnny Carson live on television.
• The World Wide Web has been an online tool since they were born.

And, to further remind us of how quickly things change, the class that entered college this past fall (the Mindset List class of 2014) has an even more interesting list.  For example, "The class of 2014 has never found Korean-made cars unusual on the Interstate and 500 hundred cable channels, of which they will watch a handful, have always been the norm.  Since "digital" has always been in the cultural DNA, they've never written in cursive and with cell phones to tell them the time, there is no need for a wrist watch.  Dirty Harry (who's that?) is to them a great Hollywood director.  The America they have inherited is one of soaring American trade and budget deficits; Russia has presumably never aimed nukes at the united States and China has always posed an economic threat."  (Beloit College Mindset List, 2010)  Here are some additional points to ponder:

• John McEnroe has never played professional tennis.
• Doctor Kevorkian has never been licensed to practice medicine.
• Fergie is a pop singer, not a princess.
• They never twisted the coiled handset wire aimlessly around their wrists while chatting on the phone.
• DNA fingerprinting and maps of the human genome have always existed.
• Unless they found one in their grandparents' closet, they have never seen a carousel of Kodachrome slides.
• They've never recognized that pointing to their wrists was a request for the time of day.
• Czechoslovakia has never existed.
• Bud Selig has always been the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.
• Nirvana is on the classic oldies station.

So there you have it.  Thus, in thinking about what the mindset of the next generation of workers in our workplace will be bringing with them, it reminds me of how working in a multi-generational environment can be filled with many opportunities for all of us to learn.  As well, for those of us who have had more 'experience', just think of the trivia we could add to the conversation...or, maybe not.

Beloit College Mindset List, http://www.beloit.edu/mindset/, Retrieved 05/05/2011

JOB BLASTS!  The Michigan Talent Bank is being updated, daily!  Be sure to check it out (as well as other job search sites, such as http://www.indeed.com/ ) as well as earlier Job Blasts.

Mint City Carpet Cleaner (Lansing):  General Office Cleaner,  MTB # 3064435   
        
Shabazz Public School Academy (Lansing):  Substitute Teacher,  MTB # 3064190

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Lansing):  Server,  MTB # 3064229

NUWAVE Technology Partners (Lansing):  Systems Engineer,  MTB # 3052890

Capital Area Community Services - Head Start (Lansing): Weatherization Application Specialist,  MTB # 3065446