CAREERS NOW 10-05-05

College Degrees in Newer Careers Fields

DEAR JOYCE: My youngest son starts college next year, I hope, but he can't think of anything he wants to major in. As a parent, what can I do to spur his interest? -- A.M.

Today's most popular college majors are business, social sciences/history and education but many of these fields are awash in graduates, causing some to take lower-paying jobs that are unrelated to their field of study.

But a very helpful new book priced at less than $15 plus shipping can help you open eyes with its presentation of more than 100 interesting college majors.

Among them: bioinformatics, broadcast meteorology, computer game development, entertainment engineering, forensic science, resort management, sports management and toy design.

Caveat: Remember there's always a one-trick-pony risk in overspecializing at the undergraduate level; consider a dual major approach.

The book is "They Teach That in College!?" and is available from College & Career Press (collegeandcareerpress.com).

DEAR JOYCE: I've decided to make a move to better my career. Two questions: Is this a good time to change jobs and where can I get a list of the best places to work? -- I.L.

Concerning your first question, my default position is that any time is a good time to better your prospects. But economic forecasters are beginning to worry about gray skies next year. Additionally, a new survey claims that a quarter of respondents think finding jobs right now is difficult. Analysis: Search for an upgrade but look both ways before crossing from here to there.

About your second question, annual lists of the best companies for which to work are compiled by the Great Place to Work Institute in San Francisco. Their picks are based on random samples of employees for opinions about their workplaces. Find the lists at greatplacetowork.com.

DEAR JOYCE: I left my full-time job six months ago when my supervisor found out I was looking for a more flexible job and eased me out. My husband's chronic illness (cancer, brain surgeries, multiple migraines daily, short term memory loss) was taking a huge toll on my family.

I have advanced college degrees and after we make a final decision about his care, I'll be able to go back to work full time. I must work for at least the next 15 years to support myself, my family and catch up with saving for retirement.

A part-time job that I can get into quickly at a bookstore or local retailer will help us financially for the next few months. I attach my resume. How do I explain the flexibility I need right now to immediate and future employers? -- T.M.

For your immediate resume, Donald Asher (donaldasher.com), a celebrated career expert, speaker and author of nine books, including "How To Get a Job With Any Major" (tenspeed.com), suggests it clearly state that you seek part-time work.

Asher further suggests that you focus your resume (it's now unfocused) and tone it down.

Training might be your best slot, says Asher, because it is episodic work and can perhaps be scheduled around your husbands' needs.

For example, instead of saying something like "Designed and directed a training program," you might just list "Delivered training to customer service staff."

As Asher says, "One is senior level and one is staff level. You should be careful not to scare people who might like to hire you but are afraid that your skillset exceeds their own."

As for your husband and all your personal issues, "It would be the kiss of death to bring those up before the final negotiating stage. People have to already like you before they'll consider any special circumstances," says Asher.

As for your future full-time resume, I suggest you frame this necessary professional detour as a problem now solved, a past event that won't hamper your ability to do the job. For a heading in your timeline use, "Personal Leave/Temporary Employment." Write "March, 2005 - present. Was required to deal with a time-limited family situation now completely resolved." Then list your short-term job.

Please let me know if you have problems when you start a full-time search.

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