The U.S. Department of Labor reports that in the month of January, around 243,000 jobs were created, as well as a drop of 0.2 percent in the unemployment rate. The economy is on the mend and more companies are looking to hire qualified individuals. My Colleges and Careers, as an online resource for those seeking to qualify for employment, can help individuals find accredited online colleges through which they can earn a degree and qualify for higher pay and better benefits.

Provo, UT (PRWEB) February 07, 2012

The U.S. Department of Labor reported on February 3rd that in January, around 243,000 jobs were created. Additionally, there was a drop of 0.2 percent in the unemployment rate since December. The economy is on the mend and more companies are looking to hire qualified individuals. My Colleges and Careers, as an online resource for those seeking to qualify for employment, can help individuals find accredited online colleges through which they can earn a degree and qualify for higher pay and better benefits.

The private sector reported to have an increase in employment across the board, in areas such as professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing. Government jobs saw little change over the past month. As data begins to show which industries will lead to the most successful careers, individuals seeking to qualify for work will be able to find a focus are in which they can earn a college degree. Tools on the My Colleges and Careers website were developed specifically to steer individuals towards online degrees that are both of interest to them and will eventually turn into a successful career. For example, if an individual wanted to find a successful career in business services, they may consider advancing their education and completing an an online MBA program. If they are looking for a career where they can interact with others, online nursing programs might be a better fit.

Whatever industry or type of career that individuals are looking for, the My Colleges and Careers website provides tools to help them accomplish their goal. Some of these tools include a list of online schools and their degree offerings, infographics, any relevant news updates, an education blog, and the pièce de résistance: the degree-search tool that will connect students with the best online school for their chosen field. Those seeking to better their career will be able to make informed decisions and prepare to earn a college degree after using the My Colleges and Careers website. Earning a college degree through one of the best online schools is a great way for anyone at any economic level to improve their quality of life. With the economy on the mend and more jobs being created each month, an education will become vitally important in finding a fulfilling career.

About My Colleges and Careers

My Colleges and Careers is dedicated to helping students and prospective students earn their college degrees through online degree programs. Considering that most students have other responsibilities and commitments, My Colleges and Careers can become a great resource for those seeking a way to fit school into an already busy schedule. Through online programs, students can complete their schooling at their own pace. The tools and services offered on the My Colleges and Careers website have already assisted many students in completing their education and starting a successful career.

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Brandon Buttars
My Colleges and Careers
801-705-4917
Email Information

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Salaries for tech professionals are on the rise in Sacramento, says technology careers site Dice.com, pointing to a more competitive market early in 2012.

Dice crunched the numbers from its recent salary survey released in late January.

The result: at $87,114 a year on average, yearly pay for local tech pros grew by 5.9 percent, a jump of $4,900 from 2010-11.

More than 18,000 people responded to the online poll between Sept. 19 and Nov. 21, 2011, Dice officials said.

Sacramento didn’t have the largest percentage jump year-to-year among metro areas ? several were higher, including Miami, which was tops at 14.6 percent ? but it outpaced Silicon Valley (5.2 percent) and Los Angeles (3.1 percent) and drew Dice’s attention.

“Sacramento is growing better. Demand is there. New job creation is there. It’s a really competitive market,” said Jennifer Bewley, a Dice vice president.

In fact, all but five of 30 metropolitan areas surveyed showed salary growth from the previous fiscal year.

Competition appears to be driving the bigger paychecks.

“People are changing jobs in a good market, and employers need to pay to keep the talent,” she said.

That said, tech workers aren’t rushing for the exits. Instead, they’re waiting for the right time to seize the right opportunity.

“People are ready to change jobs, but they want to make sure it’s a perfect fit,” Bewley said.

So, salaries are rising and people are starting to move. What does that mean for the tech job seeker?

? Keep your skills up to date. “That’s always the No. 1 concern among tech pros,” Bewley said.

? Seek out contract work. “There’s a lot you can do if you’re looking for a permanent position,” she said.

? Think like a business partner who can add value to the employer and grow their business. “The longer-term trend is that companies want tech pros to think like business people and understand how their role will help the business move forward,” she said.

“The lowest unemployment rate in tech is not on the help desk, but in software engineers ? people who add value on a larger scale,” Bewley added.

Job Journal event Feb. 15

The California Job Journal spring HirEvent is coming to Sacramento Feb. 15.

Job seekers can check out the free event from noon to 4 p.m. at Crowne Plaza of Sacramento ? the former Holiday Inn Northeast ? at 5321 Date Ave., near Madison Avenue and Interstate 80.

Representatives from private and public sector employers will be on hand. An employment expert will also be available to review résumés.

For more information, call the Job Journal’s job search information line at (888) 843-5627 or visit jobjournal.com.

Job-hunting questions?

Ask Terri Carpenter, one of our “Ask the Experts” writers, who can answer your career questions online.

A jobs expert at the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency, Carpenter has expertise in résumé writing, job-skills training and career counseling.

To post your question or to view her advice to other job seekers, go to www.sacbee.com/ask.

© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

Call The Bee’s Darrell Smith, (916) 321-1040.

? Read more articles by Darrell Smith

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You are a successful mid-level executive or high-level corporate officer and have suddenly fallen victim to corporate down-sizing due to the economic crisis. Or you are moderately successful in your present employment or small business, but your daily routine is no longer exciting. What are your options if you choose to change jobs or even careers in order to pursue The American Dream?

Franchising can be a viable and potentially lucrative career or entrepreneurial option. But what is a franchise and is it beneficial for you?

Simply stated, in a franchise, you enter into a business relationship with a company that owns a brand, usually trademarked, that sells, markets and promotes, products or services. In turn, you as the franchisee, become an independent business owner who utilizes the franchisor’s brand and trademarks in a given market or territory. The franchisor has invented a proven and successful “mouse-trap.” And as the franchisee, you will be provided with an operations manual that sets forth the “how to” of operating the franchised business so that in essence it’s as manageable as coloring by number.

After paying an initial franchise fee, the franchisor commonly charges royalty fees ranging from 3-8 percent of all gross sales plus 2-5 percent of gross sales for advertising fees. There may be additional fees for licensing of computer software, employee training or other elements of the business. There are numerous startup costs for securing real-estate, investing in lease-hold improvements, including furniture, fixture, equipment and working capital.

All of the material information which is pertinent and relevant to the franchise, including the respective rights and duties of the franchisor and franchisee are set-out and expressly provided in a Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”). It contains a detailed description of the franchised business and should be reviewed by a franchise attorney.

While franchising is a wonderful way of getting into a new business and perhaps launching a new career, there are many pitfalls for the unprepared and unwary. Read all of the complex documents — before you sign Make sure all verbal representations are expressly incorporated into your agreement.

Conduct due diligence. Interview existing franchisees from your surrounding markets. Ask pointed questions about the products or services being sold, gross sales revenues, cost of products, cost of labor, quality of the franchisor’s marketing and advertising programs, ability and history of the franchisor rolling out new products and services to keep up with the competition.

Inquire whether the franchisor provides appropriate levels of service, support and assistance to newly minted franchisees — highly essential element of success. Does the franchisor establish maximum or minimum pricing that can severely impact your top-line sales. Review vendor relationships to determine whether, and in what amount, the franchisor is receiving rebates.

If you wish to pursue franchising, find a successful business where you will enjoy working on a daily basis. Buying a franchise may be your best answer to protecting yourself and tackling something new at a time of economic hardship.

Robert Zarco is a founding partner of the law firm Zarco, Einhorn, Salkowski Brito P.A. and focuses his practice on franchise, dealership and distribution law.

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