Name: David Greaves
Bates Class Year: 1980
Major: Economics
Current Occupation: Software Sales
Current Company: InterSystems Corporation
Graduate Degrees (if any) None
Where did you first move after you graduated?
Portland Maine
Why did you choose to live there?
After hitchhiking cross country it seemed like a good location- still love Maine
What was your first job after graduation?
Selling computers for Honeywell Information Systems
Why did you choose to do it?
I viewed the industry as healthy and growing and resistant to downturns/layoffs
What was your natural job progression from there?
Direct Sales 3 years; Product Marketing 3 years.
Relocated to Boston – to marry a Batesie and my wife of now 25 years.
Software sales 3 years – software sales management 15 years.
What inspired you to make your next transition?
I transitioned to software industry because hardware prices and margins were falling dramatically. Looked harder to make money in an environment where Moore’s law was in effect – computing capacity increased 30% per year and cost decreased 30% per year. (Gordon Moore founded Intel)
What words of advice would you have for younger Bates alumni going through a lot of similar choices today?
Give some thought about the industry you are going into, not just the company. Is it young or old? Will it be radically different 5 years from now? Will it allow you to branch out in five years time to another industry? Will it allow you to change companies without changing your home address?
What is your favorite part about your job today?
I work on partner sales issues can be described as creative problem solving involving people. My work is long term sales work. The sales effort can be measured in years, and the ongoing relationship can (and has) spanned decades.
What words of advice would you have for people struggling in the recent economic downturn (career advice, job search advice, financial advice, general life advice)?
I have chosen to change jobs multiple times in my career. Since I work in an industry (software) that is concentrated around a few major centers- Boston being one of them; I have been able to change jobs and take career risks without needing to change where I live. This has provided immense stability to my family, regardless of the health of the company that I have worked for.
What is something interesting that you have read recently that you would like to share?
Ben Zander wrote a book some years ago called the Art of Possibility – a business book written by a musical conductor – interesting and inspiring read.
Everyone should read and understand The World is Flat by Tom Friedman.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
8 Hot Jobs for College Grads (from Yahoo)
8 Hot Jobs for College Grads
Romy Loran, FindTheRightSchool.com, Yahoo! HotJobs
If you are like many college graduates entering the workforce, you may be wondering how you are going to ever pay those student loans. In a fluctuating job market, wanting some financial stability makes sense.
Here are the eight top jobs for graduates with an associate's or bachelor's degree, based on recent job predictions for the next eight years.
Network Systems Analyst All companies with email, Internet, or intranet use networking systems and need individuals who can design and run them. An online bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems can give you the career training you need for this fast growing, high-paying career, which, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics or BLS, paid an annual wage of $70,760 on average in 2007.
Financial Analyst or Advisor In large businesses, financial analysts research companies and make buy/sell decisions, while financial advisors help individuals make their financial investment decisions. Online coursework and a bachelor's degree in finance or business administration can prepare you for this quickly growing, well-paid position. Financial specialists made an annual salary of $61,760 on average in 2007.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians If animals are some of your best friends, consider becoming a veterinary technologist or technician. With an associate's degree in veterinary science, you can work with animals, perform medical and laboratory tests, and give vaccines. Veterinary technologists and technician jobs paid an average yearly salary of $28,920 in 2007. The expected growth rate for this career is 41 percent over the next eight years, according to the BLS.
Counselors A growing need for counselors in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, and marriage and family make this well-paying career enticing. Good interpersonal and listening skills are a must. Depending on your state's licensing requirements, a bachelor's or master's degree and career training in counseling is needed. In 2007, counselors, clinicians, and school psychologists made an average salary of $68,150 annually.
Physical Therapist Assistants Physical therapist assistants work closely with physical therapists and their patients, helping patients improve mobility and strength. To become a physical therapist assistant, you need an associate's degree in an accredited physical therapist assistant program. This rapidly growing profession paid an average annual wage of $24,080 in 2007.
Forensic Science Technicians If you are drawn to solving crimes along with the CSI team and want to outsmart the bad guys in real life, consider becoming a forensic science technician where you can specialize in DNA analysis or firearms. A bachelor's degree in science can prepare you for this profession, although some programs offer more specialized career training. The need for forensic scientists is expected to grow 30.7 percent within the next eight years. Forensic science technicians made an average annual wage of $50,310 in 2007.
Teachers If you enjoy working with children and want to help them reach their potential, teaching may be for you. Elementary teachers receive career training in core subjects. Secondary teachers may specialize in one or two subjects. A bachelor's degree in education or a degree in the subjects to be taught with an education emphasis is usually necessary for these careers, which paid $50,040 annually for elementary teachers and $52,510 on average for secondary teachers in 2007.
Accountants Accountants help companies, businesses, and individuals keep their financial records in order, pay taxes, and offer budget analysis. This faster-than-average growing profession requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, where you will focus on math skills, tax law, and business. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can also advance your career. In 2007 accountants made an average wage of $63,180.
Copyright © 2007 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Romy Loran, FindTheRightSchool.com, Yahoo! HotJobs
If you are like many college graduates entering the workforce, you may be wondering how you are going to ever pay those student loans. In a fluctuating job market, wanting some financial stability makes sense.
Here are the eight top jobs for graduates with an associate's or bachelor's degree, based on recent job predictions for the next eight years.
Network Systems Analyst All companies with email, Internet, or intranet use networking systems and need individuals who can design and run them. An online bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems can give you the career training you need for this fast growing, high-paying career, which, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics or BLS, paid an annual wage of $70,760 on average in 2007.
Financial Analyst or Advisor In large businesses, financial analysts research companies and make buy/sell decisions, while financial advisors help individuals make their financial investment decisions. Online coursework and a bachelor's degree in finance or business administration can prepare you for this quickly growing, well-paid position. Financial specialists made an annual salary of $61,760 on average in 2007.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians If animals are some of your best friends, consider becoming a veterinary technologist or technician. With an associate's degree in veterinary science, you can work with animals, perform medical and laboratory tests, and give vaccines. Veterinary technologists and technician jobs paid an average yearly salary of $28,920 in 2007. The expected growth rate for this career is 41 percent over the next eight years, according to the BLS.
Counselors A growing need for counselors in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, and marriage and family make this well-paying career enticing. Good interpersonal and listening skills are a must. Depending on your state's licensing requirements, a bachelor's or master's degree and career training in counseling is needed. In 2007, counselors, clinicians, and school psychologists made an average salary of $68,150 annually.
Physical Therapist Assistants Physical therapist assistants work closely with physical therapists and their patients, helping patients improve mobility and strength. To become a physical therapist assistant, you need an associate's degree in an accredited physical therapist assistant program. This rapidly growing profession paid an average annual wage of $24,080 in 2007.
Forensic Science Technicians If you are drawn to solving crimes along with the CSI team and want to outsmart the bad guys in real life, consider becoming a forensic science technician where you can specialize in DNA analysis or firearms. A bachelor's degree in science can prepare you for this profession, although some programs offer more specialized career training. The need for forensic scientists is expected to grow 30.7 percent within the next eight years. Forensic science technicians made an average annual wage of $50,310 in 2007.
Teachers If you enjoy working with children and want to help them reach their potential, teaching may be for you. Elementary teachers receive career training in core subjects. Secondary teachers may specialize in one or two subjects. A bachelor's degree in education or a degree in the subjects to be taught with an education emphasis is usually necessary for these careers, which paid $50,040 annually for elementary teachers and $52,510 on average for secondary teachers in 2007.
Accountants Accountants help companies, businesses, and individuals keep their financial records in order, pay taxes, and offer budget analysis. This faster-than-average growing profession requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, where you will focus on math skills, tax law, and business. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can also advance your career. In 2007 accountants made an average wage of $63,180.
Copyright © 2007 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
You May Not Like It, but Learn to Network
From New York Times, December 21, 2008
Career Couch
You May Not Like It, but Learn to Network
By PHYLLIS KORKKI
Q. Everyone is saying that you need to network to find a new job. But you hate networking. Do you have to do it?
A. Unfortunately, you probably do. Few people can get a job simply by e-mailing a résumé to a hiring manager — especially in these tough times.
It’s an old saw, but it’s true: you are more likely to find your next job through someone you know. The larger that circle of people, and the more you cultivate it, the better off you will be.
Q. But doesn’t this mean you’ll have to use people to achieve selfish goals, or pathetically ask people for help?
A: Not at all: Networking can be done honestly and thoughtfully, and it can help other people as much as they help you. Done correctly, networking is “a matter of teaching and learning rather than trying to put something over on someone,” said Anne Baber, co-founder of Contacts Count, a networking training company based in Silver Spring, Md.
Ms. Baber calls networking “the deliberate process of making connections for mutual benefit.” Instead of thinking “What can I get out of this?” think, “What can I give to this?” she said. Reciprocity is intrinsic to the process.
When you ask someone for help, request specific advice or information rather than leads for jobs, and both of you will feel more comfortable. It is risky for people to give someone they’ve just met a job lead or an introduction because it can put their reputations on the line, Ms. Baber said.
If you avoid putting people on the spot and are patient and generous, job opportunities will come about organically, from people who have learned that they can trust you.
Q. You accept that networking is something you should have done all along. But you didn’t do it, and now you’re out of job. How do you start building a network? Is it too late?
A. Actually, you already have a network, “raggedy and uncultivated” though it may be, said Liz Ryan, leader of the Ask Liz Ryan online discussion forum, which is devoted to workplace issues. “There’s no statute of limitations on networking,” she said.
So make a list of all the people you know, even if you haven’t been in touch with some of them for years. Former co-workers are an excellent place to start. Other contacts can range from college friends to parents of your children’s soccer teammates to the teacher who directed you in your high school musical, Ms. Ryan said.
Then get back in touch and, if you are in the same town, suggest having coffee. If it seems appropriate, she said, ask for advice and moral support.
Don’t forget to include your family, friends and neighbors in your network, Ms. Baber said. And make sure that these people — as well as others — understand exactly what you have done in your career, and what you are looking for now.
You’d be surprised: your own mother-in-law may not know exactly what you do, Ms. Baber said. You need to be able to tell a crisp, clear and interesting story about yourself so that people will think of you if they hear of a job that matches your skills, she said.
Q. How do you expand your network?
A. Start by joining a professional association in the field where you want to be hired, Ms. Baber said. Also consider joining a job-hunting club in your area; you can share strategies and connect with more people who are not in your usual circle, she said. Other places to network include alumni associations, health clubs and classes.
Q. You’ve decided to attend a professional networking event. How can you make the most of it?
A. “You go to a networking event to broaden the circle of people that you know,” Ms. Ryan said. Just about the worst thing you can do is stick out your hand and say, “Hello, I’m looking for a job,” because people don’t know how to respond to it. You need to build up goodwill with that person first.
At first, simply engage in conversation as a way to establish mutual interests, she said, and realize that “you’re not trying to solve a problem that day at that moment.” If asked about your job, casually mention that you are looking, but don’t make a big deal out it, she said.
Q. How has technology changed the networking process?
A. A technology component is no longer optional in a job search, Ms. Ryan said. Social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter offer effective ways to do research on people and companies, to discover if you know anyone inside a company, to reconnect with potential contacts and to establish an online presence.
Having a profile on a career networking site like LinkedIn is very useful in establishing a professional persona, said Liz Lynch, founder of the Center for Networking Excellence in New York. It may also be worthwhile to have a Facebook profile to convey a personal persona, she said. Still, “you can’t just put your profile up there and expect magic to happen,” she said.
Both Ms. Lynch and Ms. Ryan cautioned against spending too much time online. Instead, use your online research and connections to pave the way for offline meetings — because it is still the face-to-face networking that tends to seal the deal.
Career Couch
You May Not Like It, but Learn to Network
By PHYLLIS KORKKI
Q. Everyone is saying that you need to network to find a new job. But you hate networking. Do you have to do it?
A. Unfortunately, you probably do. Few people can get a job simply by e-mailing a résumé to a hiring manager — especially in these tough times.
It’s an old saw, but it’s true: you are more likely to find your next job through someone you know. The larger that circle of people, and the more you cultivate it, the better off you will be.
Q. But doesn’t this mean you’ll have to use people to achieve selfish goals, or pathetically ask people for help?
A: Not at all: Networking can be done honestly and thoughtfully, and it can help other people as much as they help you. Done correctly, networking is “a matter of teaching and learning rather than trying to put something over on someone,” said Anne Baber, co-founder of Contacts Count, a networking training company based in Silver Spring, Md.
Ms. Baber calls networking “the deliberate process of making connections for mutual benefit.” Instead of thinking “What can I get out of this?” think, “What can I give to this?” she said. Reciprocity is intrinsic to the process.
When you ask someone for help, request specific advice or information rather than leads for jobs, and both of you will feel more comfortable. It is risky for people to give someone they’ve just met a job lead or an introduction because it can put their reputations on the line, Ms. Baber said.
If you avoid putting people on the spot and are patient and generous, job opportunities will come about organically, from people who have learned that they can trust you.
Q. You accept that networking is something you should have done all along. But you didn’t do it, and now you’re out of job. How do you start building a network? Is it too late?
A. Actually, you already have a network, “raggedy and uncultivated” though it may be, said Liz Ryan, leader of the Ask Liz Ryan online discussion forum, which is devoted to workplace issues. “There’s no statute of limitations on networking,” she said.
So make a list of all the people you know, even if you haven’t been in touch with some of them for years. Former co-workers are an excellent place to start. Other contacts can range from college friends to parents of your children’s soccer teammates to the teacher who directed you in your high school musical, Ms. Ryan said.
Then get back in touch and, if you are in the same town, suggest having coffee. If it seems appropriate, she said, ask for advice and moral support.
Don’t forget to include your family, friends and neighbors in your network, Ms. Baber said. And make sure that these people — as well as others — understand exactly what you have done in your career, and what you are looking for now.
You’d be surprised: your own mother-in-law may not know exactly what you do, Ms. Baber said. You need to be able to tell a crisp, clear and interesting story about yourself so that people will think of you if they hear of a job that matches your skills, she said.
Q. How do you expand your network?
A. Start by joining a professional association in the field where you want to be hired, Ms. Baber said. Also consider joining a job-hunting club in your area; you can share strategies and connect with more people who are not in your usual circle, she said. Other places to network include alumni associations, health clubs and classes.
Q. You’ve decided to attend a professional networking event. How can you make the most of it?
A. “You go to a networking event to broaden the circle of people that you know,” Ms. Ryan said. Just about the worst thing you can do is stick out your hand and say, “Hello, I’m looking for a job,” because people don’t know how to respond to it. You need to build up goodwill with that person first.
At first, simply engage in conversation as a way to establish mutual interests, she said, and realize that “you’re not trying to solve a problem that day at that moment.” If asked about your job, casually mention that you are looking, but don’t make a big deal out it, she said.
Q. How has technology changed the networking process?
A. A technology component is no longer optional in a job search, Ms. Ryan said. Social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter offer effective ways to do research on people and companies, to discover if you know anyone inside a company, to reconnect with potential contacts and to establish an online presence.
Having a profile on a career networking site like LinkedIn is very useful in establishing a professional persona, said Liz Lynch, founder of the Center for Networking Excellence in New York. It may also be worthwhile to have a Facebook profile to convey a personal persona, she said. Still, “you can’t just put your profile up there and expect magic to happen,” she said.
Both Ms. Lynch and Ms. Ryan cautioned against spending too much time online. Instead, use your online research and connections to pave the way for offline meetings — because it is still the face-to-face networking that tends to seal the deal.
Friday, December 19, 2008
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