2000 Summary

Table of Contents

Labor and Salary Projections | Resume Writing | Interviewing | Financial Planning

The Future Looks Bright for Careers in Science and Technology

Leigh Ann Pennington, a statistician and economist for the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, encouraged participants to be forward thinking as they look toward their careers. Not only should they consider the statistics that she shared regarding labor trends and salary projections, but they should also look at the kinds of employers who hire the graduates from the colleges they're applying to. She also suggested that an MBA coupled with an undergraduate technical degree--which is even better when combined with a couple of years' experience--opens a lot of career doors.

Statistically speaking, the future looks bright for careers in science and technology. Projections for the year 2008 include:

• Engineering: 290,000 additional jobs
• Life sciences: 46,000 additional jobs
• Computer science: 1,500,000 additional jobs
• Physical science: 30,000 additional jobs
• Social sciences: 44,000 additional jobs

These numbers don't include filling replacements for when people retire or leave a field. Sometimes replacements numbers equal the growth numbers, Pennington said.

Salaries are also encouraging for these fields. The following numbers represent the average salaries offered in September 1999.

Kyle Johnson, head of the R&D Employment office at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, offered tips on writing a winning resume:

• Don't title the document (e.g., The Resume of Kyle Johnson).
• Be brief.
• Focus on strengths and weaknesses.
• Tailor it to the position for which you're applying.
• Always send a formal cover letter; make it one page and tell what position you're applying for and why.
• Don't use fancy fonts and paper.
• Proofread the resume for typos and other errors.
• Organize the information so that a person can quickly tell who's resume it is; use headings to break down the information into categories.

Vernell Gray, a human resources professional at  Bechtel Jacobs Company, outlined some steps to take toward feeling confident in job interviews. "It's OK to be nervous," Gray said. "You have to be a little nervous to be motivated."

With the interview being the link between your resume and the actual job, Gray offered these suggestions:

• Know your rights and demand respect. Certain questions regarding your personal life (e.g., marital status, children, physical disabilities) are inappropriate and shouldn't be asked. And if asked, you don't have to respond.
• Be prepared to discuss the critical skills needed for the job, such as problem solving or decision making.
• Practice for the interview. Listen to yourself and look in the mirror.
• Be early.
• Watch your appearance. Don't smoke, eat, or chew gum. Dress appropriately based on the kind of job.
• Pay attention.
• Listen for empathy and understanding; this is a good way to learn.

Gray consulted with 10 managers to see what advice they would offer as well. They suggested:

• Bring extra copies of your resume and references.
• Be specific about what you can do; give examples.
• Mention awards and recognition you have received.
• Always include both home and work phone numbers on resumes.
• Give thorough responses.
• Don't waste their time if you're not interested in the job.

Dr. Celvia Dixon, president of C.D. Enterprises-FamFocu$, explores and resolves issues that can have devastating impacts on personal finances. In a discussion that sparked several questions from the audience, she outlined 10 roadblocks to financial success and how to get around them:

• Myths: 90% of all women should expect to be alone at some point in their life. Women should not count on the myth that men will support them.
• No financial education: Women are less likely to seek a financial education and typically do not understand financial information related to a job. Spend some time learning about finances, insurances, and retirement plans.
• No risk protection: You need to have insurance (e.g., renter's insurance, disability insurance).
• No knowledge of net worth: It's easy to do and is like a road map to where you want to go.
• No savings: Americans save less than all other developed countries. Instead of spending all of your paycheck, save some. The recommended amount is 10% of your gross income, but 10% of your net income is also acceptable.
• No investments: Move away from traditional savings. Look to options that take advantage of compound interest over time. Learn about retirement plans.
• Overuse of credit: Excessive debt is the biggest roadblock to financial success. Credit and poor money management skills lead to bankruptcy. Save to buy what you need.
• No spending plan/budget: You should have a monthly written plan that includes all incomes and all expenses.
• No financial goals: Goals need to be understandable. Make them specific, measurable, action-oriented, reachable, and time-focused.