Top 25 Career Advice Blogs

These top career advice blogs help you at every step of your career life. Whether you're a first-time job seeker or looking for career training tips, these career advice blogs help simplify the process.

Career Training by Blog: 25 Top Career Advice Blogs

• The Monster Blog. One of the top sites for resume posting offers its career advice blog. Posts about which jobs will be in the highest demand in 2010 keep readers interested.
• Ian Christie's Bold Career Blog. A recent post on etiquette for connecting through the networking service LinkedIn ensures you're never out of line.
• Penelope Trunk's Brazen Careerist. With posts about making yourself more likeable and happier at work, Penelope mixes personal stories with career solutions.
• Career Hub. A group of career experts offer advice on everything from degree program motivation to the rise of green jobs.
• Career-Resumes. This former resume expert on Monster.com has expanded his repertoire to include a blog offering advice, including why you should apply for unemployment immediately.
• Counsel to Counsel. Associates and partners at law firms are the focus here, with plenty of specialized tips on social media and legal process outsourcing.
• George's Employment Blawg. This blog has a silly name but offers serious advice, particularly if you're a new career training graduate looking for job search advice.
• Hiring Technical People. Johanna Rothman's blog offers a sharp focus on the job search and interview process in the IT world.
• Simply Lisa. Lisa Rosendahl mixes career advice and humor in this blog chronicling humorous exchanges with human resources reps and more.
• Life@Work. Working moms, take note! Heather Mundell offers advice on work-life balance and other business quandaries on this business blog from a woman's perspective.
• Modlite. Rebecca Thorman's career and life advice blog includes helpful articles on how to improve the college and degree program system.
• Movin' On Up. Get your career advice from a pair of employment professionals. Topics include a closer look at the world's best jobs.
• My Global Career. Are you happy with your work/life balance? Can you bulletproof your job? This blog tackles daily employee issues.
• Pink Slip. As the name suggests, this blog is devoted to layoffs and other work issues. A recent post talks about gaffes you can avoid in job interviews.
• ResumePower. Is your resume a lion or a lamb? Beef up your resume, update your look, and even overcome a lack of degree program training with this blog's tips.
• 43 Folders. San Francisco writer Merlin Mann's website is all about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.
• Seth's Blog. Business motivational writer Seth Godin takes wisdom from lemonade stands and bullhorns to offer some free inspiration for readers.
• Spherion Career Blog. This blog groups together professionals and authors to offer a range of career advice. Posts on office gossip and avoiding online job scams are particularly helpful.
• The Bing Blog. Fortune columnist Stanley Bing offers an irreverent take on business, politics, and why sharks run the world.
• The Occupational Adventure. Over 1,000 career-related posts await readers hoping to add passion to their careers.
• Employee Evolution. A recent post proclaims that readers should forget work-life balance. This blog turns the typical career advice cliché on its head.
• Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom. Learn how to manage your entire career from an iPhone with Alexandra's tech-savvy blog.
• The Juggle. This Wall Street Journal blog focuses on how working parents juggle career and family.
• Karen Burns, Working Girl. This quirky blog is full of career advice and personality. Look for advice on career training while job hunting.
• Rehaul. Lance Haun offers intelligent musings on how people and businesses interact.

In addition to being a great way to spend a dull afternoon, these blogs offer helpful advice for anyone looking for connections or career advice. Add a few to your own blogroll and keep up with the latest tips and trends in the workplace. Check out www.bctips.co.cc with expert advice from a seasoned recruiter.

Top 10 Careers for Ultimate Job Security

Who doesn't want job security? These last few years of recession, layoffs, and unemployment have proved just how fickle the job market can be. As a result, more and more people are opting for career training or degree programs that lead to positions with greater job security. Though of course there are no guarantees in a shaky job market, some professions are much more stable than others. These ten jobs are as recession-proof as you can get.

1. Teacher: The demand for secondary school teachers is always strong, especially in the public school system. Teachers with a strong background in mathematics, bilingual education, and science will be in highest demand. Public school teachers must complete a bachelor's degree program, as well as an approved teaching program, before becoming licensed (median salary: $52,200).

2. Accountant: Working for a government agency offers job security for people with a degree in accounting. Government accountants start out with a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related discipline, and might hold a master's degree or higher (median salary: $60,340).

3. Registered nurse: Over the past decade, a nursing shortage has placed a great deal of strain on the health care industry. As a result, registered nurses are always in demand. There are three paths to becoming a registered nurse--earning an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing program (median salary: $63,750).

4. College professor: Becoming a professor can lead to a long-term position with a college or university, and that can lead to tenure, which is one of the ultimate sorts of job security you can have. To ride the tenure track, most colleges require a doctorate in your chosen field of study (median salary: $58,830, though the salary can vary widely by field).

5. Federal judge: Most federal judges were attorneys before they made it to the bench. A bachelor's degree comes first, then three years of law school. Becoming a federal judge requires a firm grasp of the law, extensive legal experience, and a bit of political maneuvering thrown in for good measure (median salary: $112,830).

6. Environmental engineer: The push for green technology and a kinder approach to the natural world will put environmental engineers on the fast-track to success. Get your foot in the door with a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field (median salary: $77,040).

7. Pharmacist: As the world of health care continues to change rapidly, pharmacists will be needed to keep up with patient demand. Pharmacists must complete at least two years of undergraduate study before applying to a Pharm.D. program. Licensing is a must (median salary: $109,180).

8. Truck driver: With over 3.2 million truckers on the road, it's safe to say that becoming a truck driver is a popular career path. It is also a stable career, as there is no shortage of work for people who carry goods up and down the interstate. Career training for truck drivers begins with earning a commercial driver's license through a trade or vocational school (median salary: $37,730).

9. Telecommunications expert: As the virtual world grows larger and more complex, telecommunications experts will be needed to handle its intricate connections. Most jobs require a high school diploma, some offer on-the-job career training, and others require at least an associate's degree (median salary: $53,976).

10. Customer service representative: Good customer service is required in virtually every industry. A customer service representative might work from home, make connections through a call bank, or work for a small business that requires face-to-face assistance for customers. A high school diploma is required, and career training often takes place on the job. Earning a degree can lead to managerial and supervisory positions (median salary: $30,290).

Career training for job security
For the best job security, start with the best preparation. An accredited degree program can give you the edge you need in the competitive job market. Ongoing career training is the best way to stay on top of your game and move forward in your promising new career.

How to Handle the Stress of Finding a New Job

This article is written as a dialogue between Carnegie Coach and Mr. Samuel.

Dear Carnegie Coach:

I've made some horrible mistakes in my career. Most recently I was a salesperson for a large computer company and I was fired because I dropped the ball on an important sale. This is the only time I've been fired but I've left other jobs under bad circumstances, mostly because I wasn't meeting my bosses' expectations. I want to be a good employee but I just seem to get in over my head. When I can't handle a situation, everything starts to go wrong. Now I'm scared to even look for a new job. -- Samuel


Dear Samuel:

You've taken the first step toward overcoming your concern -- you've realized that there is a turning point in your work situations that creates overwhelming stress. Perhaps it occurs when you've had some success so your manager raises expectations for you. Or perhaps you are very good at landing jobs that are just a bit beyond your skill level – once you've been there a few months, your grace period has ended and your manager expects you to perform at a higher level than you can. Some people fear success because it means they have to work at a higher level; instead they find a way to get out of the situation.

I can't tell you what this turning point is for you, but I can tell you that it's manageable. It's very clear that you care about your work. That sincerity is what will carry you through this difficult time. Try these tactics as you're interviewing for your new job:

1. Don't worry about the past. You can't change the past. You can't change what others will think -- or say -- about you because of past mistakes. Forgive yourself and look to the future.

2.Analyze your own mistakes and criticize yourself. As I've hinted, there are reasons you've made these mistakes. Try to figure out what they are then develop a plan for solving the problem. If you lack skills, take training. If you don't want a high-pressure sales job, look into less stressful positions. If you feel your manager tends to move you ahead too fast, plan to discuss the fact that you seem like a quick learner because you pick up on industry idiosyncrasies quickly, but you can't keep up that pace forever.

3. Do not imitate others. Often when we feel insecure we start to mimic the behavior of others. All too often, that is the beginning of a series of events that eventually turn destructive. You can't be someone else. You can't relate to your manager the same way your coworker does. You can't land a sale the same way your manager landed one last year. Instead, as you're looking at how to handle a new situation, turn to your instincts. Certainly listen to
the advice you're being given, but manipulate it into a format that works for you.

4. Count your blessings -- not your troubles. In a world fraught with war, famine, disease and natural disaster, losing a job is far from the worst thing that can happen. Try keeping a list of all your blessings in your wallet --family, friends, health, talents, etc. Then, when you're feeling like a failure, take it out and remember all the people who don't have these advantages.

Entry-Level Jobs With Big Earning Potential

Competition for entry-level work is starched-shirt stiff right now.

But grabbing the first minimum-wage, dead-end gig that comes along won't serve you well in the long run. After all, you don't want to live in Mom and Dad's basement forever. A better strategy is to pursue a career that allows your responsibilities -- and your income -- to grow year after year.

Here are eight of our top picks for those who are just starting out, and their median annual salaries, according to PayScale.com.

Environmental engineer
Have a bachelor's degree in engineering? You're in luck! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, environmental engineers make among the highest starting salaries of all college graduates. Entry-level positions in the field are similar to "an apprentice situation," says workplace expert Alexandra Levit, whose latest book is "New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career." "As you get more senior, you receive more independence to work on your own, eventually supervising your own staff."
Median annual salary: $68,628.

Network systems/data communications analyst
Not a computer science major? Not to worry. In information technology, getting field certification is often more valuable than a formal education, Levit says. Once you cultivate an area of expertise, such as network security or enterprise software, "You can very quickly become the go-to person in the organization and eventually the head of IT," she says. "And you can make a very, very good living."
Median annual salary: $61,949.

Marketing research analyst
From high-tech and biotech to retail and hospitality, consumer-driven industries rely on market data to make smart business decisions. If you have a business marketing or statistical background, you may be able to analyze data from the get-go in this field rather than starting as "a [low-paid] telemarketer," says Laurence Shatkin, author of more than 20 books for job hunters, including "200 Best Jobs for College Graduates," which he co-wrote with Michael Farr.
Median annual salary: $58,423.

Copywriter
Fancy yourself the next Don Draper or Peggy Olson from "Mad Men"? Why not try your hand at writing ad copy? "Here's something for the English major to be doing, now that journalism doesn't seem to be such a prospect," Shatkin says. Although you might start by contributing text to lower-profile agency projects, in time "you can be involved to the point where you're developing entire ad campaigns," Shatkin says.
Median annual salary: $53,288.

Sales associate
The beauty of sales is that you can enter the field even if you majored in art history, Shatkin says. "With a lot of products, you can learn what you need to know from a short training program," he explains. "And sometimes you'll work with a more experienced salesperson your first few days out." To boost your income, he says, you can transition into selling bigger-ticket items, or you can move into management.
Median annual salary: $45,656.

Lobbyist
"There are all sorts of places where lobbyists exist: lobbying firms, public interest groups, trade organizations," Levit says. "You can start with an unpaid internship and move within a couple years to making six figures." To get your feet wet, Levit suggests volunteering for a political campaign or interning on Capitol Hill for a few months to see what causes interest you.
Median annual salary: $66,929.

Public relations assistant
"PR and digital marketing are hot hot hot," Levit says. "Everyone is switching their traditional marketing to online, and they can't fill positions fast enough." Expect to work your hide off at a PR agency, a field with a high burnout rate, Levit warns. On the plus side, she says, annual promotions are the norm, with the path from peon to supervisor fairly short.
Median annual salary: $42,810.

Financial analyst
Yes, the financial sector took a beating during the past year, but finance jobs are starting to bounce back, Shatkin says. So if you're looking to put that business, finance, or statistics education to use, consider analyzing financial data for a living. "Analysts contribute to the decisions that financial managers make," Shatkin explains. Specifically, financial analysts make investment recommendations to the banks, insurance companies, securities firms, and other businesses employing them. From this starting point, Shatkin says, the sky's the limit -- all the way up to company controller, CFO, or CEO.
Median annual salary: $60,952.

A Job For Every Dad

What kind of dad are you? Find career options that fit your dad skills!

Dads have a unique set of skills. From carpool driver to coach to cook...the modern dad does it all. But how do these skills translate to the work force?Use our handy guide to match your dad-skill with a great career!

For the dad who can get the kids to eat vegetables...

Marketing specialists help determine a company's strategy to bring in business. Duties include: advertising, promoting, and targeting products to the right consumers.
Dad-friendly factors: Many large corporations that employ entire marketing departments offer flex time, on-site child care, and telecommuting options.
Gear up: A bachelor's degree in business or marketing will show clients you've got the knowledge and skills to help their business grow. Once you've gained some experience, you could work as a consultant or marketing manager.
Get paid: According to Jobs-Salary.com, marketing consultants earn an average of $57,851 annually. Dads who advance to the level of marketing manager have even more reason to celebrate: the average annual salary is $108,580, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

For the dad who bandages scraped knees...

Registered nurses (RNs) provide patient care, which includes everything from administering medication to checking vital signs. Job opportunities for RNs should be excellent, but will vary by location and employment setting, according to the Department of Labor.
Dad-friendly factors: Nurses are needed at all hours of the day and night, which means more scheduling options for you. Telephone triage nurses work from home via telephone or computer providing advice or managing cases.
Gear up: Complete a nursing degree or certificate program, then get licensed in your state.
Get paid: The average annual salary for registered nurses is $62,450.

For the dad who still has a spot for his laptop among the toys...

Medical coders assign codes to specific medical services and procedures, which helps insurance companies and health care providers bill for services.
Dad-friendly factors: According to the American Academy of Professional Coders, 39 percent of coders work from home at least part of the time, usually telecommuting for an employer such as a hospital or clinic.
Gear up: An associate's degree in medical billing and coding is the most common way to get started, but there are also one-year certificate and diploma programs.
Get paid: Coders who work for medical and surgical hospitals have an average annual salary of $32,600.

For the dad who can hook up a video game system...

Computer programmers develop, test, and design software and computer programs for everything from cell phones to mainframe computer systems to video game consoles.
Dad-friendly factors: Because computer programmers often work alone, it's the perfect job for telecommuting or even starting your own freelance business.
Gear up: A bachelor's degree in a field such as computer science or information systems will qualify you for most positions.
Get paid: $69,620 is the average annual salary for computer programmers.

For the dad who finger paints like a master...

Graphic designers conceive and create almost everything you see around you - from posters and web sites to the packaged goods you see on the supermarket shelf.
Dad-friendly factors: Many graphic designers work on a freelance basis from their home. Because you're not on a strict 9-to-5 schedule, you can coordinate your work with your family's routine.
Gear up: Get an associate's or bachelor's degree in graphic design.
Get paid: The average annual salary for graphic designers is $42,400.

For the dad who makes sure everyone plays fair...

Paralegals play a pivotal role in the criminal justice system, researching legal matters, putting together reports and other materials for attorneys, and assisting in the preparation of cases.
Dad-friendly factors: A lot of paralegal work involves research that can be done on any computer with an internet connection, which can make telecommuting a viable option. Web conferencing software allows you "attend" meetings while at home with the kids.
Gear up: Get started on your paralegal career with a certificate or associate's degree in paralegal studies.
Get paid: The average paralegal salary is $46,120.

Five Ways to $70k Careers You Can Fetch with a Bachelor's Degree

News reports recently highlighted a government communications job that pays $70,000 per year for a professional to post to Facebook and Twitter. Unfortunately, that's a very rare and unusual position, and it requires moving to Oregon. For the rest of us, earning over $70,000 per year requires crafting a rare skill set, usually combining knowledge from more than one discipline. Moving past the $34 per hour mark also requires leveraging experience from a previous job. Accredited online degree programs can help you prepare for one of the following exciting careers:

Environmental Engineer

With government agencies requiring builders and businesses to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, more companies are looking for assistance from environmental engineers. Department of Labor statistics show the median annual salary in 2008 for environmental engineers was over $70,000. In addition, labor analysts expect job openings for environmental engineers with advanced degrees to increase faster than for other specialized engineering professionals. Online degree programs can help engineering graduates develop careers in this crucial niche.

College Professor

During economic downturns, career counselors often suggest searching for recession-proof careers. Looking to the ivory tower for a job might seem strange, especially for professionals with little advanced academic training. However, soaring college and university enrollments have forced schools to replace retiring faculty while hunting for talented instructors. In many states, a bachelor's degree can qualify many subject matter experts for jobs as adjunct professors. Completing an advanced degree can boost your earning potential even more. Although professors' salaries can vary wildly by region and specialty, a leading industry 2006-07 survey estimates that most post-secondary instructors earn annual salaries above $73,000.

Physician Assistant

America's need for high quality health care has created numerous job opportunities over the past few years. To bridge the gap between emergency room visits and regular examinations, insurance companies, drugstores, and private businesses have expanded the number of health clinics across the country. Physician assistants handle most of the routine diagnoses in these clinics, as well as in a growing number of private medical practices where doctors have become overwhelmed with their caseloads. Online undergraduate degree programs can help nurses and other health care workers prepare for certifications necessary to earn jobs that often pay more than $74,000 per year.

Interior Designer

It's easy to absorb the wisdom of home makeover shows and call yourself an interior decorator. However, to become a licensed interior designer, you must combine formal design and engineering training with the real world experience gained from apprenticeships and entry-level jobs in established design studios. Online degree programs allow aspiring interior designers to condense the time it takes to prepare for industry certification and state licensure. Government statistics indicate that one in four interior designers are self-employed, with the top 10 percent of professionals earning over $78,000.

Software Developer

Hackers and hobbyists often point out that in the past, little formal training is necessary to become a software developer. Earning an IT bachelor's degree online helps prospective software developers learn the discipline and the industry conventions required for lucrative corporate assignments as the market becomes more competitive. Likewise, an experienced software developer who earns a business degree can better understand how to market his or her creations. According to government data, many developers working as independent publishers earn over $79,000 per year. Privately employed developers may earn slightly less, but can also benefit from company perks and stock options not tracked by salary surveys.

While you can earn some bachelor's degrees entirely online, some programs require occasional project work in a lab or seminar setting. Making time to build some real-time networking into an online degree program can help develop the kinds of connections that lead to real world job leads. The very best bachelor's degree programs provide internships, job placement assistance, and other career counseling that leverages the quality of their alumni networks. By combining your personal passion, your life experience, and the structured learning of a degree program, you can put yourself on the path to an interesting career and a strong salary within the next four years.