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Two “brown bag” seminars about using technology to stay in touch and sharing information on the internet were delivered to attendees at the US Embassy Lima on July 16 and July 18.
“Staying in Touch Through Technology” (July 16) introduced attendees to a variety of tools to help expatriate households stay connected with friends and family members. Some of the suggestions included using Voice Over IP (VoIP) technology, SMS text messaging through web-based services, and video sharing sites such as YouTube and Vimeo.
“Build Your Own Website” (July 18) explored the variety of online and downloadable tools people can use to create original content and share it with family and friends or for professional and business development. The seminar reviewed actionable tips for registering domain names, selecting hosting services and uploading content on your own website. The session also looked at services to enable new website owners to create their online content free of charge and which also offer an upgrade path if their site becomes popular and needs to expand.
Both sessions were sponsored by SNAP Lima and were provided for the US Embassy community. You can read more about the seminars and who delivered them at seanpmckee.net.
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I joined Linkedin.com, a professional networking site, a while ago with the means of maintaining my professional contacts. Based on the encouragement from a fellow SNAP advisor, I joined the newly formed Linkedin Trailing Spouse Network group where I’ve met other expat professionals. One of the people I’ve met is Jeff Porter, a trailing spouse, whose wife is posted at the American Embassy in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Jeff has taken the initiative to put together career and employment information that pertains to all of us trailing family members.
He also has created a Podcast which was just launched on ITUNES on July 1st! To check out his podcast and more, visit one of the following sites.
www.TrailingSpouse.net
www.Ausmerica.com – The Ausmerican Blog (Jeff’s personal blog site)
www.talkshoe.com/tc/28439 - The Trailing Spouse Network on Talkshoe.com with links to the Podcast.
www.linkedin.com/e/gis/104868/236B280248B1 - Invitation link to the LinkedIn Trailing Spouse Network
I’ve already shared these links with a couple of clients in Lima and they said the information was relevant to employment and career issues they face. Again, Jeff is a trailing family member just like the rest of us, so if you find his sites helpful, let him know!
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Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, fine-tuning your skills or breaking into an entirely new field, certificate programs offer a measurable way to build your résumé and expand your marketability. Make an appointment with Kate Epperson, Global Employment Advisor in the SNAP office to further pursue your career objectives and goals. Below are 12 careers where diplomas and certificates are opening doors.
Take a look 1 – 5 are portable careers, 6 – 8 are quasi-portable, while the last three are locality specific. Give SNAP a call (ext 1470) and together we can start on your ACTION PLAN!
- Nonprofit Management
Besides covering the basics of budgeting, planning, evaluation, and marketing, a certificate specialization in nonprofit management equips the applicant with an acute knowledge of grant writing, social issues and the framework of international nongovernmental organizations.
- Information Technology
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the IT field is expected to grow by more than 50 percent between now and 2014 with positions opening up across both public and private sectors.
- Technical Writer
As technological fields grow, so will the need to understand and teach them. Technical writers who are trained to translate technology-heavy language into layman’s terms will have their choice of private firms, publishing houses, government offices, nonprofit organizations and freelance opportunities from which to choose.
- Graphic Designer
This is where art and technology meet. Specializing in creating dynamic, functional print and electronic copy with an aesthetic appeal, certified graphic designers are well compensated for their time. The BLS reports that 30 percent of all graphic designers are self-employed and the rest find jobs in publishing houses, private companies, advertising agencies, computer firms, film studios, marketing agencies, public relations companies and consulting firms.
- Business/Life Coach
According to the International Coach Federation, business and life coaching is currently a $1.5-billion-per-year industry with coaches located in more than 70 countries worldwide.
- Continuity Planner
In the wake of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 Asian Tsunami, and the 2007 California wildfires, creating a business backup plan has become more crucial than ever. Continuity planners — individuals trained to help prevent and manage emergency disaster situations — are increasingly in demand across both government offices and private companies.
- Event Planner
Ranked as one of the top 20 jobs in the U.S. certified event planners can expect to stay in the money for at least the next decade. The certification program typically requires 70 to 100 hours of classroom instruction and covers topics such as food management, event budgeting and meeting promotion.
- Human Resources Specialist
The silver lining to the estimated 3.4 million-worker labor shortage coming up in the next decade is that companies in all industries will place more emphasis on attracting talent, as well as training and retaining a reliable workforce. That means a boom in human resource positions — approximately 180,400 new jobs by 2014, according to the BLS.
- Paralegal
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the paralegal job market is projected to increase up to 35 percent by 2014, creating 70,000 more jobs in the areas of criminal law, health care, intellectual property and environmental law.
- Gerontology Care Specialist
With 78 million-plus baby boomers entering the Social Security benefits age bracket, industries and careers centered on care of the elderly are emerging rapidly. A certificate in gerontology care will provide you with the tools to assess and assist health and human service issues associated with the elderly community.
- Forensic Science Technicians
Upon certificate completion, where you’ll land a job is anything but a mystery. The BLS ranks the job as the 14th fastest-growing profession in the country with a projected 40 percent job growth expected in the next 10 years.
- Pharmacy Technician
The field is expected to grow about 12 percent in the next few years, partly due to the graying population,” states Melissa Murer-Corrigan, executive director and CEO of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. “Since pharmacies are one of the most accessible forms of health care available, pharmacy technician positions are everywhere.”
For further information on this subject go to the article “12 Career-Boosting Certificates” written by Christina Couch at:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Departments/CareerTraining/?article=12CareerBoost
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When we speak with our clients about what it is they want in this Foreign Service lifestyle, so often family members identify the following: being your own boss, flexible or part-time hours and/or project and consulting work. So with that said, how many of you have thought of being a Virtual Assistant? Currently, there are 4,000 Virtual Assistants in the U.S. and the number is growing. With internet connectivity, VOIP services such as Skype and Vonage, the option of becoming a Virtual Assistant or VA may be for you. It’s cost effective for businesses to outsource help, there’s no commute time for you and you can work from home and can earn up to $45.00 per hour. Best of all you can take the job with you when you move to your next post
During my recent trip to Quito and Guayaquil, I saw the following piece on the NBC Today Show:
http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=fda5aec6-5250-43c2-936f-dfac1ec2033d&f=00&fg=“>”>
I think this is a great option for family members who expect to be overseas for many years. What are your thoughts?
Websites of VA’s or companies that offer VA services:
http://karenreddick.wordpress.com/
www.mybusinessassistant.com/index.html
www.vanetworking.com/
Chris Baumgarten- Lima, Peru
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To all of our new clients in Ecuador, WELCOME! First of all, I know the name of our website is titled SNAPLIMA.net but as the SNAP program continues to grow who would have know that we should have picked an all encompassing name like SNAP South America, SNAP Andean Region or something truly impossible like SNAP south western regional hemisphere…OK a bit much. Until such time that we rename our BLOG, my colleague Kate Epperson and I will do our best to share topics with you that are pertinent to your professional development and identify news specific to your location. Please give us your feedback, and again, WELCOME! I also want to share with you that we have a very determined client who proposed we iniate this BLOG site. So from my colleage Kate Epperson and me, Thank you Sean McKee! So please visit www.seanpmckee.net if you have any need in starting a website or BLOG site. So once again, a warm welcome to all our readers in Quito and Guayaquil! Chris Baumgarten- Lima, Peru.
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Will you be leaving post soon? Now’s the time to start thinking about your next career move. SNAP will present a Brown Bag workshop on Planning Your Next Career Move.
WHEN: April 10, 2007
TIME: 12 pm - 1 pm
WHERE: Annex Building, Room 131
Come and join us? Do something for yourself, before you are overwhelmed by the pack-out and departing process.
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Management Affairs Notice about Dependent Employment Outside the Mission
The Management Office recently sent out a very informative Mission Announcement on the employment regulations and procedures for dependent employment outside the Embassy. The document highlights procedures for working on the local economy, an independent business in the local economyor starting an independent business within the Embassy community. Note that all forms of work require the Ambassador’s approval. Contact SNAP or HR if you need further assistance.
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The face of the Foreign Service has changed a great deal in the past few years, as has the face of the Foreign Service Spouse (EFM/MOH). The increased number of women hires into the FS has brought a larger pool of husbands who follow their wives to post. This change in demographics creates new challenges and new opportunities for the trailing spouse or partner.
Join fellow male spouses at our 2nd coffee to discuss the challenges and opportunities as it relates to your employment and career. This is an excellent opportunity for the men to share their insight as a family member who need to reinvent their career every time they arrive at post.
To be held at the Starbucks Polo on Thursday, February 2, 2007 @ 8:30AM till ??. Any questions, contact Chris Baumgarten, Local Employment Advisor, 618-1470 or email: BaumgartenCA@state.gov
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As most of us realize being able to deliver a presentation in a competent manner is an absolute necessity for a successful career.
This brown bag seminar is directed toward anyone wanting to improve their public speaking ability. Whether you are a current business professional or have your career on hold, you may be expected to give presentations to individuals or groups throughout your lifetime. How you deliver your message determines the outcome of what you say or request.
Fred Weldon is a professionally trained speaker, teacher and Toastmaster member. He has extensive experience providing presentations to international organizations. Join us as he shares his insight in developing this skill.
EVERYONE is invited to attend (USG / FSN employees, and adult family members). The seminar will touch on Public Speaking techniques that may be helpful for improving your skills and abilities as a competent public speaker.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
12:00PM- 12:45PM
Chancellery Multipurpose Room.
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SNAP-Lima with the kind assistance and support of SNAP client Sean McKee has established this website/blog to keep you up to date on SNAP events, resources and opportunities available from the SNAP office and Family Liaison Office during your assignment in Peru.
Feel free to leave a comment or contact us directly to suggest resources and topics we should include on this site.
Let’s work together to turn your time in Peru into a valuable opportunity for your professional and career development!