[JinxFairy]

Not sure if this has been discussed yet but I want to work as a Cordi (not sure if I spelled that right >D) to an artist doing their makeup. How do I get into that. And if I cant do that I want to somehow get into the Korean Music Industry as a manager or even working for a Record Label in Korea such as JYP, SM TOWN, or Pfull or something. Im already a music business student and self studying Korean and Japanese. Also Im not asian, im Spanish will that make it harder for me to go ahead and get a job in this field in Korea? Im thinking of starting my connections and work here in the US and then go into the kmusic scene. Anyone here can offer any help? Thanks in advance. ^^

[D_K]

i know most asians probably dont have jobs in the environmental (green) sector, but might give it a try if you guys are or know anybody thats an environmental biologist, or if you know the outlooks for this type of career? thanks

To put it lightly, green technology is HUGE. Huge as in, alternative energy tech (along with biotech) will be in the forefront of technological advances for the next decade. I think it's a pretty safe bet to assume that climate change and global warming will become a greater concern in the foreseeable future, and that new methods and developments in reducing carbon emissions will require an immediacy in execution. Lots of venture capital is flowing into green-tech startups so it's a dynamic industry to watch.

s anyone working in the financial world?
I'm trying to transition into it right now.
I graduated college a year ago with an Econ degree from a pretty decent university. But thats about it.
I basically screwed up in college, didnt bother to really have a goal, and have a crap gpa.
I'm currently doing marketing right now but I think I'm pretty set on going back towards finance/accounting.
By the end of this year, I hope to have 4 finance classes under my belt (I've only taken financial and managerial accounting).

So my question is, has anyone successfully transitioned into business world?
I really, really want to land an internship for a big firm doing start off new...I was looking into Deutsch Bank because i know they offer internships and entry-level positions. However, those are geared towards students and not professionals like myself.

My best bet would probably be going into b-school but like I said...my gpa is crap, and i have no business (other than my meager "marketing" but even then it really isn't "marketing", more like coordinating).

Do people even give out internships to post-grads? Sigh...i dont know what to do sleep.gif I'm trying to take some berkeley-extension courses because supposedly , i would imagine them to be more "worthwhile" and they offer a finance certificate (does it even mean anything?!)...but that will take a year to complete. Not to mention, these xtension classes are 10x more expensive than JC courses (compare 70 to 700!)

MBA is arguably the easiest route to take for career change. But crappy GPA with crappy work exp will hurt your chances to get into the top ones (Wharton and Chicago)...If you want to do accounting, business school is a waste. You can just take nightschool/correspondence courses to get your credits and do your CPA. Get into a small firm, get your work exp..from there it's pretty easy to jump ship to a bigger firm.

You can also do your CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst Designation). CFA is pretty much mandatory now days if you want to be in finance. And a CPA/CFA is a pretty sick combo.

[snubcap]

how do you react to people who always say "nurses make so much money". Or I always get this "you can afford that comeon thats like a day's salary" Seriously i don't know how to respond to these comments or remarks. People don't seem to realize that I too have bills to pay and can barely save alittle per month. I am a recent new grad and very young. I mean I am single so automatically i get 30% taken out. I take home on average 3,200 net a month. I pay a thousand towards rent (to live at home to help out my parents), one thousand in student loans (have 70K total). That only leaves me with a thousand two hundred. That has to include bills, insurance, and savings towards a downpayment towards a car because our family car is breaking down. Really I can honestly say I don't save at all per month unless you count the savings towards the car, which isn't even very much you can do the math i'm sure. People don't understand that i've had to work my way to where i am now and even now i earn every freakin cent i get, very little of which is actually spent on myself for leisure. How do you guys deal with this, I always feel like an a$$ho*l^% for saying things like "oh I'll have to say up for that" because i feel like people look at me and are like "what does she know about a tight budget". when i say I have college loans, they say "yeah but everyone has college loans". WELL NOT 70K WORTH YOU DONT! Or ppl say "well you can give your parents less". Well, I don't think they could manage on less. So yes there is nothing I can say because its all a choice I make, but just because its a choice doesn't mean its any less necessary. Advice on how to graciously offset these comments or situations?

[HERMIT]

Well, I just basically say the same kind of thing as you do. What else is there to say other than the truth and just leaving it at that? We all have our own financial circumstances and obligations to attend to, so if somebody else is going to be that presumptuous as to how you should handle your money, that's their problem. They don't know what it's like to be in your shoes.

[GO!zilla]

just smile it off or be like "yaaaaaaaa paying off my college loans is a pain in the arse."
or be like "i don't really make much... ___insert excuse here___" (your real reasons are good enough)

plus, i don't think it's really any of their business where your money is going so
don't be too polite. telling them once should be enough, the second time around
you can over react so they can get the point

[Pogichinoy]

how do you react to people who always say "nurses make so much money".

Don't react bitterly, you will always come across ignorant people like that, just shake it off.

These people are not worth your time.

[watcher]

i currently work as a software engineer, a few years off from senior level and probably a few more on top of that before having enough experience to act as CTO in a small to medium sized tech company. lately, i've been becoming more interested in setting up business strategy for the software that i build than actually building the software. however, with my current standing, i'm an engineer before i'm a businessman, and most business decisions are made by our CEO and product management. it would be a very similar situation if i jumped onto other opportunities within my field. as a result, i was wondering if i could bounce a few ideas off of you guys to see what a good course of action might be.

in most cases, the type of work i'm most interested in is usually a role played by senior management, which requires either starting my own business or climbing up the corporate ladder high enough to be granted such responsibilities. at my current pace, i don't think this will be a reality until i'm well into my 30's and assuming i don't get pinned into the role of managing technology only. I'm considering other alternatives, such as starting over in a hybrid role at another company [though very few exist, if any] or going back to grad school for a degree in business.

my fall back plan is to just keep going as i was within my field, and become a senior level engineer. however, it's slowly become my goal to get into corporate strategy. if there's anyone out there that can provide a few ideas, i'd appreciate it.

[nymph]

Don't react bitterly, you will always come across ignorant people like that, just shake it off.

These people are not worth your time.

Well that's kinda harsh to label them as "ignorant". I'm one of those people that say "nurses make so much money" whenever the topic comes up in a conversation. That's because RN's make like $45+++ an hour (in the bay area) and you don't have to have a Bachelor's degree. What is so ignorant about thinking nurses making a lot of money?? =/ It's a lot compared to some other careers


Anyways, I was wondering if anyone is working in nutrition related fields and what are your experiences with it

[D_K]

i currently work as a software engineer, a few years off from senior level and probably a few more on top of that before having enough experience to act as CTO in a small to medium sized tech company. lately, i've been becoming more interested in setting up business strategy for the software that i build than actually building the software. however, with my current standing, i'm an engineer before i'm a businessman, and most business decisions are made by our CEO and product management. it would be a very similar situation if i jumped onto other opportunities within my field. as a result, i was wondering if i could bounce a few ideas off of you guys to see what a good course of action might be.

in most cases, the type of work i'm most interested in is usually a role played by senior management, which requires either starting my own business or climbing up the corporate ladder high enough to be granted such responsibilities. at my current pace, i don't think this will be a reality until i'm well into my 30's and assuming i don't get pinned into the role of managing technology only. I'm considering other alternatives, such as starting over in a hybrid role at another company [though very few exist, if any] or going back to grad school for a degree in business.

my fall back plan is to just keep going as i was within my field, and become a senior level engineer. however, it's slowly become my goal to get into corporate strategy. if there's anyone out there that can provide a few ideas, i'd appreciate it.

Front office makes the news, mid office writes the news, back office delivers the papers: the tried and true method to entering business development/corporate strategy is to gain experience in a front office role. Maybe you can try switching from product development (cost center) to sales (revenue), assuming your employer is a software company, do your MBA, do a few years of consulting and finally make the jump into the corner office of a tech firm. I think MBA is pretty important if you really want to climb the corporate ladder and in terms of requisite work experience to get into management, nothing beats strategy consulting at a blue chip firm. Mckinsey is a breeding ground for future executives.

[watcher]

Front office makes the news, mid office writes the news, back office delivers the papers: the tried and true method to entering business development/corporate strategy is to gain experience in a front office role. Maybe you can try switching from product development (cost center) to sales (revenue), assuming your employer is a software company, do your MBA, do a few years of consulting and finally make the jump into the corner office of a tech firm. I think MBA is pretty important if you really want to climb the corporate ladder and in terms of requisite work experience to get into management, nothing beats strategy consulting at a blue chip firm. Mckinsey is a breeding ground for future executives.

i work at a startup, so expanding into sales is a bit of a stretch. i get expanded roles within engineering, but the business side has its own team, and they do pretty well. most tech companies will give you the cold shoulder once you mention MBA. i lost a position at symantec that way. haha

from my own experience, it just seems that making a statement for getting an MBA is on par with crippling yourself, unless the company needs someone who has backgrounds in both business and engineering. i find these type of opportunities harder to find than expected. i missed my perfect chance at toyota financial a few years back, but i totally failed their engineering test.

in any case, i totally agree with you on consulting at a blue chip. there's so much to learn from it! and mckinsey... wow.. i'd love to get into a firm like that. the boast a wide array of talented and intelligent people from various industries. meeting their staff would be a most humbling encounter.

you know what though? now that i think about it... i could never be a strategy consultant if i can't even figure out my way to get there from where i am right now in my career. hehe... i guess i'll use this as an opportunity to see what i'm made of. of course, this is not meant to say i don't need advice. i still find any advice as helpful. i gotta make the most of everything i have, even help from others.

[D_K]

i work at a startup, so expanding into sales is a bit of a stretch. i get expanded roles within engineering, but the business side has its own team, and they do pretty well. most tech companies will give you the cold shoulder once you mention MBA. i lost a position at symantec that way. haha

from my own experience, it just seems that making a statement for getting an MBA is on par with crippling yourself, unless the company needs someone who has backgrounds in both business and engineering. i find these type of opportunities harder to find than expected. i missed my perfect chance at toyota financial a few years back, but i totally failed their engineering test.

in any case, i totally agree with you on consulting at a blue chip. there's so much to learn from it! and mckinsey... wow.. i'd love to get into a firm like that. the boast a wide array of talented and intelligent people from various industries. meeting their staff would be a most humbling encounter.

you know what though? now that i think about it... i could never be a strategy consultant if i can't even figure out my way to get there from where i am right now in my career. hehe... i guess i'll use this as an opportunity to see what i'm made of. of course, this is not meant to say i don't need advice. i still find any advice as helpful. i gotta make the most of everything i have, even help from others.

The reason I mentioned a sales role is because 1) you become client focused, which is required in any strategy role, and 2) your evaluation is based on profit/loss statement, which is pretty much the most objective measure if there is one. There is no such thing as "A" for effort in this role, as your performance is based purely on results. This is even more important for minorities and females. And don't underestimate the value of an MBA. I would say it's a waste of time/money to go to mediocre school, but if you get into a top 10, it'll be worth every penny. What you learn there is questionable, but the opportunties you receive in terms of alumni network and networks in your classes is second to none. The job opportunities offered by career services is also something you can't discount. Working at Bain/Mckinsey/BCG doesn't necessarily have to be a pipe dream. I think one factor that is truly required to get to the executive suite is that support group of influential mentors (in your firm and in the industry) who genuinely have a vested interest in your professional success. Managing these relationships is no easy task, especially for an asian. Just make sure you're not in a role where you're flying under the radar and nobody notices you.

In any case, career growth is something that must be managed proactively. I'm not sure how long you worked at your current employer, but a job change may not be a bad idea either. Once you stop learning, you're wasting your time.

[watcher]

The reason I mentioned a sales role is because 1) you become client focused, which is required in any strategy role, and 2) your evaluation is based on profit/loss statement, which is pretty much the most objective measure if there is one. There is no such thing as "A" for effort in this role, as your performance is based purely on results. This is even more important for minorities and females. And don't underestimate the value of an MBA. I would say it's a waste of time/money to go to mediocre school, but if you get into a top 10, it'll be worth every penny. What you learn there is questionable, but the opportunties you receive in terms of alumni network and networks in your classes is second to none. The job opportunities offered by career services is also something you can't discount. Working at Bain/Mckinsey/BCG doesn't necessarily have to be a pipe dream. I think one factor that is truly required to get to the executive suite is that support group of influential mentors (in your firm and in the industry) who genuinely have a vested interest in your professional success. Managing these relationships is no easy task, especially for an asian. Just make sure you're not in a role where you're flying under the radar and nobody notices you.

In any case, career growth is something that must be managed proactively. I'm not sure how long you worked at your current employer, but a job change may not be a bad idea either. Once you stop learning, you're wasting your time.

only been a year. i'm planning to stick around as i'm still learning [on the tech side] and it will help me grow within my field. plus, it takes a little bit of time to get all my options fully vested. also, i would love to take a sales role, but i comprise 1/3 of the entire engineering team. any time put into sales would slow down product development greatly, and therefore the CEO would disagree with the idea of it. not only that, but the sales team are guys who already have connections to a whole array of potential clients. in other words, the current situation is unfavorable for me to switch roles.

i totally agree with acquiring an MBA at a top institution. the networking will pay off tenfold if not a hundredfold. i just mentioned an MBA crippling in context of mentioning your intent for one in front of your employer, especially if its a tech company.

anyways... know of any good places to establish a solid network outside of work?

[D_K]

anyways... know of any good places to establish a solid network outside of work?

Hmm...Soompi?

[watcher]

Hmm...Soompi?

so... wut u got goin in your work-life? any new ventures worth mentioning?

[k1D3Ck]

Good information guys.

Watcher, I am an engineer as well, but a fresh grad. I am planning to go to business school 3 years from now, and from what I have heard I feel what you said about mentioning an MBA in the tech industry is somewhat true. However, I know I need an MBA, and maybe you should look into it some more. I think an MBA can really help launch (re-launch) your career in a different manner. Reading what you have posted, schools like NW, Sloan, and Ross seem like a good fit. However, if an MBA is something that would hurt your career (for example it would not be worth the ROI due to your current position status or due to age), maybe find someone who is in the position you want to be at, and ask how they got there.

I am interested on how things turn out for you, keep us posted.

[watcher]

Good information guys.

Watcher, I am an engineer as well, but a fresh grad. I am planning to go to business school 3 years from now, and from what I have heard I feel what you said about mentioning an MBA in the tech industry is somewhat true. However, I know I need an MBA, and maybe you should look into it some more. I think an MBA can really help launch (re-launch) your career in a different manner. Reading what you have posted, schools like NW, Sloan, and Ross seem like a good fit. However, if an MBA is something that would hurt your career (for example it would not be worth the ROI due to your current position status or due to age), maybe find someone who is in the position you want to be at, and ask how they got there.

I am interested on how things turn out for you, keep us posted.

i don't think an MBA will hurt anyone's career, but where you go [and how you perform] will determine whether your ROI will be poor or excellent. it's just another means to a goal IMO, and there's plenty of other ways [though perhaps not as straightforward]. an MBA is a consideration of mine, but i might just decide to start off my own venture in web, or keep learning tech until my friend finishes his business plan and decides to go through with implementation.

i think in the end, we just move forward and see what works and what doesn't.. haha.. hopefully you find your way to a top institution as you plan. everyone's got big dreams, but few reach that level that everyone reaches for. perhaps when i reach that level myself, i'll write a book on it.. lol

oh yea... and i totally agree tech companies don't look kindly upon engineers who talk about getting their MBA's. they want engineers who will build their apps so they could provide a solid product. not someone who's going to get paid a hefty salary for a couple years only to leave and switch fields all-together. unless you're an ace, they're not gonna keep you around, let alone hire you.

[chunsa]

i just graduated college, found a job that pays 45k for my first year.
yeah it's little, but better than nothing

how much did u guys get your first year after graduating college.

if you dont mind me asking...

[Buggy]

What is your major? It's not that low...the going rate for college grads with bachelor is like from high 40s to ??. It really depends on your degree & past work experience (ie, internships, etc)

Unfortunately, a bachelor is not worth much nowadays.

[Korowa]

what the.. i've been out of college for almost two years now and i'm not even making anywhere around 30k / year.

guess i'm just unlucky.

[~ BunnyliciouS ~]

Yeah, $40-45K is about right

it depends on where you live

if you live in a big state, 45K is not a lot
if you live in a small state, 45K is pretty good