The "Dog" and I

Over the years I have learned to never say "never!"  My friends and family have been corrected by me when they use the phrase, "I will never...."  I'm quick to remind them of the error of their ways when the "never" actually occurs!  So, having said that, I can honestly say that I never thought I would ever write this blog...but, I guess I was wrong.

The other day while I was at church, a sweet, kind, elderly woman was sitting behind us as she does most Sundays.  And, as is also the case, we visit for a while before the mass begins.  Well, this week, she caught me off-guard...waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy off-guard. 

My friend asked me if I ever watched the show, Dog, the Bounty Hunter.  I responded "no," but, acknowledged that I had heard of it and had seen short bits of it when channel-hopping.  What came next silenced me as she loudly proclaimed that she thought I looked like "Dog." 

Well, we were seated in an area with several people, so her 'kind' words were overheard by about a dozen people.  My mouth was hanging open and my eyes were wide as I tried to process just where this conversation was headed.  That and the laughter around us brought me back to the realization that 1.) she said I looked like a man, 2.) a man with facial hair, no less; and, 3.) again, she said I looked like a man!  However, to her benefit, she quickly realized that she had only shared part of what she wanted me to know.  It was not so much that I looked like a man, but rather, she thought my long, blond hair looked nice...like the "Dog's"!  Okay, maybe, but, I was still being compared to a man...with facial hair!

So, I went to the Internet and checked up on the Bounty Hunter just to see what, exactly, I was being compared to.  Sorry, Dog, but I was not feeling better when I clicked on the link.  First, I discovered that Dog has a name, Duane Chapman.  Second, I'll give credit where credit is due...the blond mane looks nice and is very well styled.  But, I'm still having trouble getting past the facial hair.  Anyway, I decided to research the career of Bounty Hunter as I thought it might be fun.  Besides, I'm often checking out career options as part of my work.  So, my first stop was to visit one of my favorite career websites, O*Net.  With approximately 900 occupations listed in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics' database, I proceeded to see what I could find under the heading of 'Bounty Hunter'. 

What came up first was Hunters and Trappers.  Right behind Hunters and Trappers was Tour Guides and Escorts followed closely by Umpires, Referees and Other Sports Officials.  Additionally, Agricultural Workers, All Others, Fishers and Related Fishing Workers, Logging Workers, All Others also appeared.  The list continued on with Commercial Pilots, Production Workers, All Other, Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers, and Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other.  And finally, Travel Guides, Fish and Game Wardens, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, and Municipal Clerks rounded out the list of occupations displayed based upon the Relevance Score.

Somehow, none of these occupations, standing on their own, matched what I believed to be Dog's line of work, based upon my own personal research of his website.  So, I proceeded to go through the lists of skills, knowledge, and abilities of some of the occupations to see if there was a way to match tasks required in the execution of Dog's line of work.

For example, O*Net describes : "Patrol trap lines or nets to inspect settings, remove catch, and reset or relocate traps" as a function of a hunter.  I could see where it would be most helpful for Dog to have a very good understanding of the skills necessary to effectively patrol, inspect, remove, and/or relocate.  Additionally, to be able to "Travel on foot, or by using vehicles or equipment such as boats, snowmobiles, helicopters, snowshoes, or skis to reach hunting areas" would be extremely valuable.  However, as described under Umpires, Referees and Other Sports Officials, the ability to "Resolve claims of rule infractions or complaints by participants and assess any necessary penalties, according to regulations" might be a bit out there...particularly "according to regulations."   (http://www.online.onetcenter.org/, retrieved 3/16/2011). 

While the occupation of Bounty Hunter has not been demonstrated as a "High Demand" occupation in our tri-county area, I have to admit that the Dog does have nice hair.  So, having looked through the lists of skills, knowledge, and abilities in the above occupations, and being unable to find any information from O*Net on the Dog's line of work that I could effectively share with job seekers, I decided that I'd rather look into the hair thing and checked up on Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists.  After all, my friend did clarify that she meant my hair looked nice like Dog's; but, I'm still struggling with the facial hair thing.

Job Blasts:
To view any of the following Job Postings, or to research others, be sure to visit the Michigan Talent Bank.

Sundance Chevrolet (Grand Ledge):  Financial Sales,  MTB  # 3043987

Lansing School District (Lansing): 

• Food Service Class 3 General Help,  MTB # 3043788
• Lunch Assistant,  MTB # 3043787
• Special Education Assistant,  MTB # 3043785, # 3038701, # 3035082

Accident Fund (Lansing):  Be sure to visit the Michigan Talent Bank for these postings:

• Actuarial Analyst,  MTB # 3034522
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO),  MTB # 3044092
• Data & Diagnostic Specialist, MTB # 3008492
• Data Analytics & Medical Trends Specialist, MTB # 3034526
• Human Resources Associate, MTB # 3044074
• Security Officer (On Call), MTB # 3044090
• Strategic Planning Advisor, MTB # 3034527

An Opportunity to Practice Your Job Search Skills!

Are you looking for a job in the greater Lansing area?  If so, you'll want to be sure to register for the Greater Lansing Journey to Jobs event to be held on Friday, April 8, 2011.  This is a FREE, one-day conference where you can practice the skills needed to land a job through a variety of workshops.  You will also have the opportunity to network with dozens of hiring employers.  As well, information will be available about various educational programs in the region.

The event will be held at the Lansing Center located at 333 E. Michigan Avenue in Lansing.  Seating is limited so register now at j2j.eventbrite.com.

Agenda:

• 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.:       Registration
• 8:15 - 9:00 a.m.        Welcome
• 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.:    Workshop Break Out Sessions
• 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.:  Workshop Break out Sessions
• 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.:    Open Campus Lunch
• 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.:      Job Zone and Keep Learning Zone

Be sure to attend the Greater Lansing Journey to Jobs event dressed professionally with extra copies of your resume and an electronic copy of your resume.  There will be opportunities for resume assistance if needed.  You must attend the entire conference in professional dress to gain access to the Job Zone in the afternoon.  It will be during the Job Zone portion of the event that participants will have the opportunity to interview with hiring employers.

JOB BLAST:

Telamon Corporation (Lansing):  Deputy State Director,  MTB # 3020636

The Field of Change

Years ago, before sports for girls were commonplace in our schools, I played in a city softball league.  While the boys had a really neat ballpark, the girls had Wells Park.  My brothers were in Little League and played at a city park that boasted great facilities:  concession stands, bathrooms, multiple groomed fields, LIGHTS!  They had it all, even an announcer's box complete with loud speakers!  Our league had a field with one set of bleachers and some grassy practice fields. While I was envious of my brothers' advantages, I was still happy to be playing.  Never mind that our games had to be completed before the sun fell too low and completely disappeared beyond the horizon, or, that if I wanted a snack I had to bring my own, I was playing ball.  Since our field was a ways from our house or any public buildings, I was grateful for the small bathroom facility that was built one summer.  Yep, all things being (supposedly) equal, in actuality, were not.  But, that is not why I am writing this blog.

Because we all worked hard during the warm summer months in the family business, having a parent at one of my ball games was not a common occurrence.  However, there were times when my mother did come to watch me play.  My father, on the other hand, showed up less than three times over my four years of league play.  The first time he came to see me play was also the first time I ever struck out during a game.  It didn't help that he stood behind the backstop making comments that, still to this day, I do not believe were words of encouragement.  One of us was having fun and it wasn't me.

I showed up to my very first practice having never thrown a softball before (but had thrown plenty of other things in my youth, so I picked up the sport pretty quick!).  I ended up over the course of those four years of league sports (before I aged out at 15) playing outfield, third base, and my personal favorite, catcher.  As well, I made the All Star Team my last two years which gave me the opportunity to travel to other cities and play against their best players.  It was only when our All Star team made the finals and we were the home team that we were able to use the city's Little League park.  For our big game we were able to use the field that had two large sets of bleachers, the sacred announcer's box and PA system, plus, the best part...use of the dugout! 

As I mentioned, my father was, for the most part, unable to attend my games, but, there was one time that he stopped by to watch as I practiced.  That was when I learned something about change.  It appears that the softball park had some family history, sort of.  The grassy field with a lone groomed (to some extent)  field was property that had apparently once belonged to my great-grandfather! 

While growing up, there were times when family members would share stories about our ancestors.  Like most young people, I had secretly hoped that there was a connection to England's Royal Family (there's a wedding I'd like to attend in April).  But, alas, while there were connections to the British Isles all right, the linkage to the royals did not appear (which I'm sure the Royals would consider a good thing).  As a youth, I wasn't much interested in hearing most of the stories because they weren't really that glamorous, but, this was one stuck with me. 

It seems that my great-grandfather was fairly well-to-do.  He owned a tack and buggy type shop at the turn of the century...that would be the year 1900.  He had a very successful business and had managed to invest in a significant amount of land owning nearly half of the town at one point.  So, this story had my attention.  Problem was, I wasn't sure where my father was going with it, but I was curious as to why was the field was still not in the family.

Apparently, my great-grandfather, while riding through town in his horse and buggy combo one day, came across a 'new' thing...a motorized vehicle.  He was adamant that this new found contraption was just a 'passing phase'.  Well, as we all know, he was wrong.  He had failed to look at the new technology and see the change that was coming amid his rapidly becoming outdated business.  Soon, his failure to adapt to the changing landscape resulted in a devastating conclusion.  So, now you know why I played ball at the Wells family namesake park and not our family's namesake.

Change has always been a part of our daily lives.  In recent years, we have become all too familiar with how the changes in technology can significantly impact our workplace and lives.  We can sit back and, like my great-grandfather, continue with outdated skills, methods, and technology while holding on to the concept that everything will get back to 'normal' soon.  Or, we can accept that change is coming and hopefully, choose to embrace the opportunities that come with those changes. 

No one said that change was easy.  Often times it can be a stressful challenge.  Today we are witnesses to the many ways that technology has brought about rapid changes within our lifetime.  In his bestseller, Undaunted Courage:  Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West by Stephen Ambrose, I am reminded that the fastest way Jefferson had available to send and receive communication with his team of cross country trekkers was the same one that had been around for over a thousand years...a rider on horseback.  For example, I think about the changes in transportation alone in just the last one hundred years.  I am awed by how quickly we were able to take the knowledge of flight learned from the Wright brothers' test flights at Kitty Hawk in 1903 and six decades later put a man on the moon! 

When I first started my professional work life, email was not in the office place.  Today, we would be hard pressed to complete daily tasks without it in my line of work.  Change.  It impacts us and,  hopefully, moves us to change, as well.


To remain competitive (unlike my great-grandfather) businesses must change.  To demonstrate a competitive advantage in today's workplace, people must change and adapt to changing technologies and new knowledge.  Does this mean that every single job is impacted by technology?  I would venture to say, yes.  From the young person looking to do lawn work for neighbors and family friends to the company that is building the newest means on the planet to transport people, technology is everywhere.  

Lansing Community College has many opportunities available to assist in updating skill sets that help our workforce keep current with many of the new technologies, skills, and knowledge needed in today's workplace.  We offer day-long seminars, weekend classes, continuing education courses, as well as our Certificate and Degree programs.  Formats include the classroom, online, or a combination of both.  In about a month enrollment for Summer 2011 semester will begin. Yes, change is coming, again.  The question we must each ask ourselves is, "Are we ready?"

To find out more about our programs at at Lansing Community College, visit our website.  For more information on our "Learning for Life" opportunities, visit our website or contact the staff at the Extension, Community, and Continuing Education Center  at (517) 483-1860, located at the LCC East Campus.  

Change is happening.  Let LCC be a partner to help you gain the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding of some of the new technologies to be ready.


Job Blasts!   Be sure to visit the Michigan Talent Bank to learn more about the Job Postings seen below.

Capital Area Michigan Works! (Lansing):  Assistant Communications Officer,  MTB # 3037347

Accident Fund (Lansing):  

• Actuarial Analyst,  MTB # 3034522
• Chief Financial Officer,  MTB # 3000543
• Data & Diagnostic Specialist,  MTB # 3008492
• Data Analytics & Medical Trends Specialist,  MTB # 3034526
• Strategic Planning Advisor,  MTB # 3034527    

Ryder Logistics (Lansing):  Customer Logistics Manager,  MTB # 2930654

Sears (East Lansing, Frandor):  

• Footwear Merchandise Customer Assistant,  MTB # 3011451
• Merchandise Customer Assistant,  MTB # 3036444
• Sales: Home Appliances,  MTB  # 3036449
• Sales: Home Electronics,  MTB # 3036447  
• Sales:  Home Improvement,  MTB # 3034787
• Backroom Associates,  MTB # 3008867
• Cashier,  MTB # 3008865
• Fine Jewelry Position,  MTB # 3034783   

 Employment Group (Charlotte area), Call Center -- Customer Service Asso., 

• Qualified candidates must be able to meet these reequirements:
• Strong background in customer service, collection, sales and/or billing calls
• Able to remain professional and focused to provide top-notch customer service in this pressure-filled job; requires patience and ability to deal with high stress
• Computer skills:  Word, Excel, Outlook, and data entry
• No felony convictions; pass a drug screen and background check
• Able to work a flexible schedule and weekends

• About the position: 
•  Successful candidates will take inbound calls from people nation-wide concerning billing questions and service concerns for cable service. There will be three to five weeks of training before being placed on the floor to take live calls

• Getting started:
• Visit the website:  www.employmentgroup.com
• After completing the registration, call the Lansing Office at 517.664.2990 for additional information regarding interviewing and screening.  Interview hours will be posted on the website.
• When coming into Employment Group's office, be sure to bring:
• Two forms of identification (i.e. drivers license or state I.D.)
• Social security card OR a birth certificate

REMEMBER:  When applying for any of the above postings (or any posting available on the Michigan Talent Bank or through a company website), be sure to follow the employer's instructions for making application.

Capital Area Michigan Works! Orientations:  For more information on how Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center can assist Job Seekers with services, be sure to attend an orientation.  They are offered each Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.  The St. Johns Service Center provides an orientation on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

For more information on services available at the Lansing, St. Johns, and Charlotte Service Centers, visit the CAMW! Calendar of Events. 

It's All About the Resume!

Lately, I have been meeting with some Lansing Community College students and recent graduates who are searching for jobs.  One of the things that seems to continually show up during our discussions on why they struggle with the job search is in the resume itself. 

While there are many good templates available to use in building a good resume, the problem lies in what information is IN the resume.  For example, some recent graduates from a skilled-trades program had indicated on their resume that they had received a certificate at the College in their program.  However, they had failed to indicate what new skills they had acquired through the training.  The resume highlighted what they had done in previous positions (and for some that had been more than a year prior to the training), yet, it lacked substance in their new skills that was critical in their job search for a position that required those skills!

After reviewing the curriculum and identifying the new skill sets acquired, we went to work to update their resumes to reflect the new skills.  As well, we looked at reducing the two and three page resumes to just one page that was more focused on the specific position that they were seeking to obtain rather than highlighting old and outdated skill sets. 

Once that was completed, the new resumes were updated on the Michigan Talent Bank and professional copies were made for additional use.  The job search was restarted with better tools that more clearly communicated the job seekers qualifications.  Results to this effort soon became apparent as several of the participants in this endeavor were beginning to obtain interviews and jobs!

There are many, many useful websites available to assist the Job Seeker in making sure they have the right tools for the job search.  One recent article from the Lansing State Journal highlighted some of the biggest mistakes people make when compiling the ever-important resume.  Ten Ways to Botch Your Resume by Kate Lorenz of CareerBuilder.com provides some common mistakes that people make and ways to avoid them.  I encourage you to take a few minutes to look over your resume to see if you have managed to avoid some of these common mistakes. 

So, now that you have reviewed your resume and have checked to make sure that your skills are updated for the position being applied to, check out some of this week's Job Blasts:

JOB BLASTS!

Advanced Energy Options (Lansing):  Salesperson,  MTB # 3013177

Educational Child Care Center (Lansing):  Substitute Teacher,  MTB # 3011715

HRU Inc., Technical Resources (Lansing): 

• Machinist,  MTB # 3027064
• Welder,  MTB # 3027065
• Fabricators,  MTB # 3027066

Biomed Pharmacy, (Lansing):  P/T Pharmacy Technician,  MTB # 3011503

Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer (St. Johns): 

• Equipment Assembler,  MTB # 3014196
• Receptionist/Office Assistant,  MTB # 3023190

KTM Industries (St. Johns):  Operations Supervisor,MTB # 3011128

Franchino Mold & Engineering (St. Johns):  Supervisor (2nd shift),  MTB # 3010360

Ingham County, Michigan:  Multiple Job Listings!  Go to the MTB and enter the Job Posting to view each position.

• Dentist,  MTB # 3013696 and MTB # 2977128
• Physician Assistant -CHC,  MTB # 3013697
• Disease Control Nurse,  MTB # 3013699
• Family Nurse Practitioner/Provider (F/T), MTB # 2959163
• Health Center Nurse,  MTB #3013700
• Jail Nurse,  MTB # 2971155
• Medical Director/Physician,  MTB # 2959167
• Public Health Nurse,  MTB # 3013701
• Universal Deputy Roster ICSO Corrections,  MTB # 3013676
• Account Clerk Sheriff's Office,  MTB # 2996103
• Community Health Rep. II,  MTB # 2996102
• Disease Control Nurse (F/T),  MTB # 2996101
• Disease Control Nurse (P/T),  MTB # 2959165
• Health Center Nurse (P/T),  MTB # 2959165
• Office Coordinator, Sheriff's Office,  MTB # 2996104
• Physician Assistant - CHC,  MTB # 2953976

Don't forget that Capital Area Michigan Works! has their weekly orientations each Wednesday at 2:00 at the Lansing Service Center located at 2110 S. Cedar Street in Lansing.  Be sure to check out the website's Calendar of Events for more activities including the Lansing Community College "Jobs Connection" workshop held most Tuesday's beginning at 1:30 p.m.

What's Happening at the CWT...

I thought I'd pass along a few updates as well as the ever-popular Job Blasts.

First, did you know that there is an opportunity for eligible individuals to receive training as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) with no cost to the participant!  That's right.  Through the M-Path Grant opportunity, eligible Dislocated Workers can receive CNA training at Lansing Community College and earn college credit!

The training will be provided at Lansing Community College beginning April 18th through May 31, 2011.  To learn more about the program and to begin the eligibility phase, interested individuals must attend the informational session to be held at the LCC West Campus on March 3, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  For more information regarding the program and to find out if you qualify (remember, must be a Dislocated Worker), please contact:

• Tammy at (517) 483-1180 or gilroyt@lcc.edu

Capital Area Michigan Works! Orientations:  Wednesdays @ 2:00 p.m. (Be sure to arrive 5 minutes early -- late arrivals will not be admitted!)

CAMW! Orientations provide information about the programs and services that may benefit individuals in the job search and career development. 

• Employment Services:
• Michigan Talent Bank
• Career Resource Library
• Employability Workshops
• FREE Computer Classes
• Online Assessments
• Professional Networking Opportunity:
• Training & Education: (including information on Lansing Community College!)

As well, the (mostly) weekly Jobs Connection Workshops help those looking to enhance their Job Search or assist their Career Development with information and free online tools!

Job Blasts!  To access these and other job postings, be sure to visit the Michigan Talent Bank!

Research Tool Corporation (Ovid):  Set-Up Operator (CNC Mill Machinist),  MTB # 3008709

• CNC Positions are in demand in the Lansing area!  Today, I visited the Michigan Talent Bank and found 49 postings...some with multiple positions...(within a 35 mile radius of Lansing) for CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) positions.  Check it out by clicking on this link!

Danford Cleaners (Lansing): Presser, MTB # 3001256

Ayers Basement Solutions (Lansing):  P/T Telemarketer,  MTB # 3001231

Lansing School District (Lansing):

• Special Education Assistant, MTB # 3001106 and MTB # 3001108
• Girls Varsity Soccer Coach,  MTB # 3000970

KI Technology Group (East Lansing):  Service Desk Engineer, MTB # 3000966



Important Note:  Capital Area Michigan Works! Service Centers will be closed on Monday, February 21st for President's Day.  The Service Centers will reopen on Tuesday, February 22nd for their regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).

The $20K Decision...Continued!

In November of 2010, I shared with you The $20K Decision That Didn't Work.  As well, I promised that there would be more to the 'Decision' forthcoming.  Well, here we go.  First, if you missed the 'Decision', take a few minutes to read it (just click on the link above).  This will give you the background for Part II.

After discovering that becoming a veterinarian was not in the cards, I looked into what I could do with my biology and chemistry coursework and interests.  Again, without doing any career exploration, I jumped into becoming a science teacher.  I mean, seriously, I had four science teachers in high school and several in college already.  To me, it appeared that science teachers were in demand because I demanded them!  And, besides that, how hard could it be!  So, I went to the Registrar's office and completed the paperwork to change my program.  It would be a couple of years later before I would realize that I had just made another BIG mistake.

So, off I go, head first, into my next (yes, I said 'next'...not 'final') career goal.  I trudged through three more years of biology, chemistry, math, and education classes.  Problem was, this career epiphany was occurring at the same time that a glut of teachers was entering the job market.  Hello, was I not paying attention...again!  During my second senior year (yep...you read it right as it took me a wee bit longer to complete the science classes...they were harder than I thought!) I scheduled my appointment with the Dean of the College of Education for my required interview.  This was part of the entrance process for candidate selection to move forward into student teaching and certification.  What happened next was just horrible.

I arrived to my meeting with the dean at a responsible time...10 minutes before my appointment dressed in a suit, make that my only suit, to look my best, professionally.  I thought I was prepared.  Apparently, I wasn't.  I kid you not, but when I walked into the dean's office I was totally caught off-guard.  When the dean came for me, I stood up, shook his hand while pleasantly greeting him, followed him to his office and, when offered, sat down anxiously ready to  proceed and complete my 'interview'.  He, on the other hand, had no intention of interviewing me that day...or any other day, it appears. 

Throughout my college life I had been involved in many student activities including residential hall government, intramural sports, fund-raising events, homecoming activities, just to name a few.  I tutored other students in their classes and worked hard to create an award-winning environment within our residence hall complex.  I was outgoing, charismatic, and liked helping others.  So, as I sat there waiting to share my story with the dean imagine my utter horror when he simply looked at me and said, "I don't believe you will make a good teacher.  This interview is over."  He then stood up, walked over to his door, and opened it for me to leave.  That was it.  The entire episode lasted less than 60 seconds.

I learned two things that day; however, one of them did not come to be for many years.  First thing I learned is that the College of Education was not taking 'out of state' students as there were so many applicants to the program and not enough teaching positions available due to a large influx of teachers in recent years (checking that point out would have been helpful!).  The second, and most important thing I learned, was that I allowed this individual to tell me that I would not be good at something.  Unbelievable.  

Years later while I was presenting my Jobs Connection Workshop to a large group of recently laid-off workers, I joked that someday I would like to teach adults at the community college level, but probably would do it as an online instructor.  One person then commented that it would be a waste if I only considered online as I was a really good instructor and made the workshops fun.  In retrospect, I realized that I should have told the dean that he was wrong...very wrong.  I let someone else decide for me what I would be good, or in his case, not good at doing for a career.  In looking back at the work I have done, I see that in many of the things I have accomplished, the most rewarding have been in helping and teaching others. 

That was the last time I ever allowed someone to tell me at what I would not be good at doing. 

When working with transitioning adults, it is important to listen to what they like and don't like.  Sometimes, they select career choices based upon what they know.  Further investigation generally demonstrates that there is so much more out there than what we are aware of in our career search.  Careers that we think we would like to do turn out to be something different than what we thought (e.g. veterinarian!).  Other times we discover a career option that we would probably never have considered based upon our perceptions of what we believed that career offered.  Whatever the case may be, it is pretty safe to say that most, if not all, of us will not land in the perfect job without some preparation.  Our choices are many and with the right tools to help us identify areas to investigate, we stand a better chance of making a good career choice...or, at least one that puts us on the path to move towards our 'dream job'.

The Jobs Connection Workshop is offered most Tuesdays at Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center.  To see if one is scheduled this month, check out the link to the CAMW! Calendar of Events.  There are a lot of opportunities out there, but, we have to have the skills, knowledge, and desire to do it well.  If you are looking for help to begin identifying various career options, stop by and attend the Workshop.  It's free and you'll leave with some great information to help you in your search.

Job Blasts!
Please visit the Michigan Talent Bank website to check out these and other postings.

4th and Inches Landscaping & Snow Removal (Lansing): 

• P/T Landscaping/Snow Removal/Lawn Cutting:  MTB # 2995858
• F/T Secretary:  MTB # 2995859

Biggby Coffee (East Lansing):  F/T Public Relations Assistant  MTB # 2995823

First Presbyterian Church (Mason):  P/T Sexton  MTB # 2993263

Clinton Area Care Center (Saint Johns):  P/T, per Diem positions

• Registered Nurse:   MTB # 2993099
• Resident Care Aide:  MTB # 2993119
• Staff Nurse - LPN:   MTB # 2993034

Ingham County: For these positions, please go to the Michigan Talent Bank and enter the Job Posting number to access the information on the positions.

• Account Clerk Sheriff's Office:  MTB:  #2996103
• Community Health Rep II:  MTB # 2996102
• Dentist:  MTB # 2977128
• Disease Control Nurse (F/T):  MTB #2996101
• Disease Control Nurse (P/T):  MTB # 2965134
• Family Nurse Practitioner/Provider (F/T):  MTB # 2959163
• Health Center Nurse (P/T):  MTB # 2959165
• Jail Nurse:  MTB # 2971155
• Medical Director/Physician:  MTB # 2959167
• Office Coordinator Sheriff's Office:  MTB # 2996104
• Physician Assistant - CHC (F/T):  MTB #2953976
• Public Health Nurse:  MTB # 2987559
• Universal Deputy Roster ICSO Corrections:  MTB # 2987553

REMINDER:  Capital Area Michigan Works! Orientations are offered every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.  To learn more about the services available to Job Seekers at Capital Area Michigan Works!, be sure to attend.

WARNING: Blizzard Approaching!

For the past two days many of us have been focused on the expected Blizzard of 2011.  We've been watching it march across the southwest and plains states as it heads towards the midwest and southern states.

This morning I watched the news as they broadcast the effects of the storm in Oklahoma City.  They continued on with the expectation of a blizzard to mirror that of 1967 when a monster storm hit Chicago.  In fact, when I went to the website to look up pictures and information for this blog about the Chicago Blizzard of 1967, I found a story and pictures posted on the Chicago Tribune's website.  It seems that there are quite a few of us remembering that event.

I recall waking up that morning to snow so deep that drifts were all the way up to our windows.  I also remember the excitment I felt when we were told that there was no school that day!  The excitement continued to grow when we were bundled up and allowed to go outside to play in the snow, or rather, the BIG SNOW!  It was great!  We dug out tunnels for our 'forts' and climbed through them like worms in the garden...big worms...cold garden!  I also remember finding a snowdrift by the hedges that looked too cool to ignore.  I recall running towards the snowdrift only to be swallowed up by it.  Screaming at the top of my lungs for help, I remember seeing my brother's face look down at me from the hole in the snow above me head.  He helped pull me out of that bank before our mother saw anything.  While it was extremely frightening to be buried in the snow, it would have been far worse to be sent inside to miss all of the fun playing in it.

As our house was across the street from the country fairgrounds, I remember seeing a couple of horse-drawn sleighs taking off down the road towards town.  They were probably headed there for the same reason that sent my mother all bundled up when she pulled our Flexible Flyer down the unplowed road toward the grocery store located more than two miles away.  She, like many, were looking to pick up bread and milk along with other food staples.

Today, we have spent the last day or two getting the supplies we need to hunker down and wait out the storm.  This is a good thing.  Technology has advanced our ability to track storms down to the street level.  We have the capacity to guess more acurately the impact that weather will have on our lives.  That day back in January of 1967 the two feet of snow that fell had not been anticipated.  In fact, a four to five inch snowfall was all that was projected.  Obviously, we were all caught off guard.  But, with all of our Dopplar radars, weather channels, and on-demand weather reports it looks like there will be no more surprises.

Like predicting the snowfall and impact of blizzards, technology has the ability to help us learn about so many other events...everything from weather to history, scientific to political, and environmental to societal, just to name a few.  Yet, there are still individuals who are challenged to understand even the basics in accessing technology for their daily use.  

For individuals looking to acquire basic understanding of some of the software commonly used for business and personal use, Lansing Community College offers many classes.  The classes run from one day to full semester options.  For those looking to gain a better understanding of some of the software programs available in a short-term learning environment, consider our CABS (Computer Applications Using Business Software) Seminars.  These seminars vary in time from one day up to a week.  They are offered in a variety of settings, including an Open Entry format available through LCC's Center for Workforce Transition located at Capital Area Michigan Works!  We offer Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint seminars in an easy to learn open entry format.  Each seminar provides 0.25 LCC college credit and costs just $74.00.  The sessions are more personal and can be completed anywhere from one to 10 days, depending upon the student's personal skill sets and needs.

For more information on the CABS Seminars, or any other Lansing Community College course or program offering, please feel free to contact our staff at LCCAdvisor@camw.net or (517) 492-5580.

Job Blasts:  To access any of these postings be sure to click on the Michigan Talent Bank (MTB) posting number.  Or, you can access it by going to the Michigan Talent Bank and following the Job Search links.

Outsider (Okemos):  F/T Quick Lube Attendant.  MTB # 2993551

Lansing School District (Lansing):  P/T Specialized Instructional Assistant.  MTB #2993516

Lovejoy Rehabilitation Centers (Lansing): F/T Admissions Director.  MTB #2993333

Ingham County: 

• Dentist:  MTB #2977128
• Disease Control Nurse (p/t):  MTB #2959163
• Family Nurse Practitioner/Provider (f/t):  MTB #2959163
• Health Center Nurse (p/t):  MTB #2959165
• Jail Nurse:  MTB #2971155
• Medical Director/Physician:  MTB #2959167
• Physician Assistant:  MTB #2953976
• Public Health Nurse:  MTB #2987559
• Redemption Clerk/Dispatcher:  MTB #2992963
• Universal Deputy Roster ICSO Corrections:  MTB #2987553

Dart Container of Michigan:  Please visit the Michigan Talent Bank website and insert the Job Posting numbers into the Advanced Search Criteria window.

• Credit Manager:  MTB #29249165
• Engineering Training Manager:  MTB #2933592
• Prototype Machining & Fabrication Manager:  MTB #2898938
• Treasury Analyst:  MTB #2987510
• Product Development Manager:  MTB #2978827
• Process Engineering Manager:  MTB #2977336
• Process Engineer:  MTB #2979205
• Product Handling Engineering Manager:  MTB #2982359
• Tool Design Engineer:  MTB #2982349
• Senior Materials Engineer:  MTB #2981013
• Engineering HR Clerk:  MTB #2984823
• Financial Analyst Intern:  MTB #2981643
• Engineering Manager:  MTB #2968028
• Project Leader:  MTB #2976436
• Polymer Engineer:  MTB #2983610
• Engineering HR Generalist:  MTB #2982489
• Sales Administration Manager - Bilingual (English and Portugese):  MTB #2983716
• Quality Information Specialist:  MTB #2989322
• Packaging Equipment Technician:  MTB #2993929