Monday, September 30, 2013

Want a Job at Graduation? Bring a DIY Attitude to Career Planning

As you head into college this Fall, your focus should be on creating your future career.
“But wait!” you say. “College is not just about getting a job to make money; it’s about discovering passions, learning to think critically and becoming an independent adult!”
True. However, attending college today requires a different mindset than when your parents went to school. While your mom and dad could graduate without direction or serious planning and still be confident they could live the American dream, in today’s economy, students don’t have it so easy.
You need to take matters into your own hands. You need to bring a DIY (do it yourself) mentality to career planning—even as early as your senior year in high school.
Follow these four steps, and when you graduate, you’ll find yourself with more than a cap and gown; you’ll be on your way to landing a great job in your ideal career path:
1. Learn Which Careers Fit You
Career planning fits perfectly as part of the college selection and application process. Just as you evaluate your interests and passions to select the right school, you should also take this opportunity to consider different career paths and use those paths in your college selection process.
Thankfully, finding information and resources to identify which careers might make the most sense is easier than ever. The key is to find an engaging way to bring those resources and tools together to make a real impact on your college years. As with any endeavor, complementing online research with individualized guidance can be vital, so turn to the wisdom of parents, family and friends to fill in gaps in your career understanding.
Just keep in mind that not all resources for career assistance are created equal—whether they be a website or an industry pro; finding the right resource is half the battle.

2. Create a College Roadmap
With this more focused career lens based on your interests and skills (or desired skills), you’ll be able to identify suitable careers for which you can easily build a tailored college roadmap beyond just choosing a generic major.
And if you can create that college roadmap as early as possible, even before setting foot on campus, it will be that much easier to select appropriate majors and courses, find the right extracurricular activities (clubs, speaker series, athletics, etc.) and internships and refine your career focus.

3. Set Milestones
Roadmap in hand, identify annual milestones to hit as you advance toward graduation. For example, while conventional wisdom might say that your freshman and sophomore years should be filled with basic college requirements like “rocks for jocks” (a.k.a. Geology 101), you may instead want to load your schedule with more skill-centered courses to have a leg up on landing great internships earlier in your academic career.
These early internships will not only help build attractive and practical skill sets, but also help you further refine your career trajectory. That experience will lead to a higher likelihood of landing great job offers at graduation.
4. Be Open to Change
The last step to avoid unemployment (or underemployment) at graduation is both the easiest and the scariest: be open to change. Growth and self-discovery are fundamental parts of the college experience, and there’s little doubt your priorities and interests will change. If this happens, adapt your roadmap so that past decisions don’t push you toward a less-than-perfect career path.
Just remember to always give serious thought before you make a change. The less disciplined you are, the longer it will take to figure out your career trajectory, the larger the deficit you will face and the harder it will be to get the right job.
While you have just four steps ahead of you, it certainly won’t be easy. But little is easy for today’s college student facing long odds due to high unemployment and skyrocketing tuition.
That said, if you buckle down and bring a DIY mentality to career planning, you can identify the right career path and collect the passions, skills and knowledge required to be an insanely attractive candidate when recruiters hit campus.
youtern.com

Sunday, September 22, 2013

How To Ask for a Recommendation Letter

Asking for a letter of recommendation can be tricky. You may need one for graduate school, for a scholarship, or even for a job. But you're not sure whom to ask or how best to approach someone about writing a letter of recommendation.
By following the steps below, however, you should be able to set yourself up for getting a strong letter of recommendation from someone who can really speak to your strengths. (Because no one wants a weak letter of recommendation that was obviously put together at the last minute, right?)


Here's How:
Try to build a relationship early with a professor or other mentor. If you know you want to go to medical school, start getting to know a professor or two as soon as you can when you're in college. You may also want to consider working in an academic department, lab, or library where you can start building connections. The more you get to know someone, the better they can speak about your strengths.

When you do ask, ask in person using very specific language. Try asking: "Would you feel comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation for (insert position/school/etc.)?" You want to make sure you get a good letter, not just any letter. And, while you may be a little nervous asking this in person, consider which is worse: having a moment or two of awkwardness if the person says "no," or having a bad letter of recommendation accompany all your job or graduate school materials.

Follow up soon after (within a day or two) with details and the same language. Send an email or leave a voice mail, thanking your recommender for agreeing to write a strong letter of recommendation to ABC place by XYZ date. Additionally, send your recommender (via email or hard copy) materials they may need:
  • A copy of your resume
  • Pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for them to mail the letter(s) in
  • Information on the program or job you are applying for
  • Contact information for whom the letter needs to be sent/addressed to
  • Deadline by which the materials need to be sent
Follow up before the deadline to make sure things are on track. Just like you, your recommender may sometimes wait until the last minute or forget about an upcoming deadline. Send a friendly email, leave a voice mail, or stop by in person and see if they need anything additional from you in order to get your letter sent on time. Doing so can be a great way to prevent any last-minute problems while also serving as a gentle reminder about the upcoming deadline.

Send a thank-you note. It may sound old-fashioned, but sending a thank-you note is a must. Writing letters of recommendation take a lot of time, and you should let your recommender know how grateful you are for their efforts.

Call the graduate school, job, scholarship fund, etc., to make sure your materials were received. Sometimes, the unexpected happens: things get lost in the mail, lost in an office, or mislabeled. Make sure your letter has arrived at its intended destination so that your materials can be processed as soon as possible.
One last note: don't expect to see your letter of recommendation. No matter how much you may want to see what your recommender wrote, just let it go. Any letter you include in an application packet should have a signature across the envelope seal; anything your recommender sent in on their own probably won't cross your desk either. Trust that your work has paid off and that your recommender wrote a great letter (which is what you asked for, right?) - even if you never get to see it. 
http://collegelife.about.com/

Friday, September 20, 2013

How to Relax over College Holiday Breaks

Shifting from the Chaos of the Semester Often Takes a Little Bit of Work

With every college semester comes stress for college students: Homework. Papers. Midterms. Managing a social life. Managing your finances. And last but not least: Finals.
Once the semester ends, however, how can you relax and unwind?


  1. Finish any homework early. If you have papers, research, or other academic work to finish over the break, finish it relatively early. Once you get everything done, your mind will really be able to relax and let go.
  2. Take time to reflect on last semester. It may seem silly, but even a few hours of critical thinking about what went well -- and what didn't -- last semester will help clear your mind and get you ready for next semester.
  3. Take time to reflect on next semester. Thinking about what you want to do next semester -- managing your time better, exercising, meeting more people -- can help you be mentally ready when the next semester starts. And planning on ways things will be better can help eliminate stress around what the future will bring.
  4. Do things that aren't goal-oriented. During the semester, you probably have fifteen things going on at the same time, all of which are goal-oriented: doing homework so you can write that paper or lab report. Reading that article so you can contribute to class discussion or a group project. As a break for you mind, read something just to read it. Attend an event without taking notes. Let your brain relax and enjoy.
  5. Mentally let yourself relax. You've been going at such a fast pace during the semester that your brain may need to be reminded that it's actually okay not to be running a million miles an hour. Give your brain the permission to veg.
  6. Volunteer. Volunteering is always good for getting some perspective, always good for your spirit, always good for people in need. Conclusion: it's always good. Try it.
  7. Connect with your support networks. If you're at home over a break, connect with the systems that support you the best. Friends, family, a familiar hangout, your church/temple/mosque: they all help connect you to what's important and, consequently, let the stress slip away.
http://collegelife.about.com

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

ORT is saving lives, one pint at a time!

Zarem/Golde ORT Technical Institute, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is sponsoring its first Annual Blood Drive. The Blood Drive will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2013, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at 5440 Fargo Ave, Skokie, IL 60077.  Presenting donors will receive a ticket good for FREE admission for two to Chicago’s Laugh Factory (restrictions apply).

To make an appointment to donate, please contact La Norra Dennis at 847-324-5588 Ext. 30, or Lndennis@zg-ort.edu. Walk-ins are welcomed, but note that a photo ID will be required for all donations.  Please remember to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water prior to donating.
The need for blood donation is critical and we encourage all who can to donate. The need is constant, the gratification is instant!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

8 Steps to Strong Time Management for College Students

Within the first few days of starting college, many students quickly learn that managing their time is one of the most challenging -- and difficult -- aspects of being in school. With so much to do and keep track of, strong time management skills can make all the difference.
1. Get and use a calendar. It can be a paper calendar. It can be your cell phone. It can be a PDA. No matter what kind it is, though, make sure you have one.

2. Write down everything. Write down everything in one place. (Having multiple calendars just gives you more to do amidst an already tight schedule.) Schedule when you plan to sleep, when you are going to do your laundry, when you're going to call your parents. The crazier your schedule gets, the more important this becomes.

3. Schedule time to relax. Don't forget to schedule in time to relax and breathe. Just because your calendar goes from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. doesn't mean you can.

4. Keep trying new systems. If your cell phone calendar isn't big enough, buy a paper one. If your paper one keeps getting torn, try a PDA. If you have too many things written down each day, try color-coding to help simplify. Very few college students make it through their programs without some kind of calendaring system; keep trying until you find one that works for you.

5. Allow for flexibility. Things inevitably come up that you weren't expecting. You may not have known that your roommate's birthday is this week, and you certainly don't want to miss the celebrations! Leave room in your calendar so that you can move things around a little when needed.

6. Plan ahead. Do you have a large research paper due the last week of the semester? Work backward in your calendar and figure out how much time you need to write it, how much time you'll need to research it, and how much time you'll need to pick your topic. If you think you'll need six weeks for the entire project, work backward from the due date and schedule the time into your calendar before it's too late.

7. Plan for the unexpected. Sure, you just might be able to pull off two papers and a presentation during midterms week. But what happens if you catch the flu the night you're supposed to be pulling the all-nighter? Expect the unexpected so you don't have to spend more unplanned time trying to fix your mistakes.

8. Schedule rewards in. Your midterms week is a nightmare, but it will all be over Friday by 2:30. Schedule a fun afternoon and a nice dinner out with some friends; your brain will need it, and you can relax knowing that you're not supposed to be doing anything else.
 
http://collegelife.about.com

Friday, September 13, 2013

10 Simple Steps To Get Hired At Your First Pharmacy Technician Job! A MUST-READ!

This is what many people would consider an EPIC post.
One of the most difficult things many fellow pharmacy assistants often encounter is the lack of jobs openings, and the fact that every  job often has many competitors. So what does a fresh graduate do or say to make sure he gets the position? Read on…
1. Enter With Confidence, And Exit With Confidence.
If there is any tip I can give you on how to get ANY job, this above all else matters. Be confident, despite how nervous you are. Take a Tums if your stomach is growling. Look your potential boss in the eye. Shake his/her hand in a firm, strong way–before and after the interview. Smile, and keep your eyes on them at all times. Let your eyes be a reflection of your confidence and joy. Never get distracted by your surroundings either. Keep your focus on him/her alone. Always listen to what he/she says, and in the end, make sure that you leave his/her office with the same confidence you had coming in–even if you get rejected for the position. A weak exit (a sigh, slumping back, and weak handshake) will only re-affirm your interviewer’s decision not to hire you–while a strong, confident exit will make them second guess themselves as to why.

2. Don’t Be Afraid To Walk Away. 
This is the #1 reason why many pharmacy assistants make so little money–they feel that if they don’t take that initial offer, they’re doomed and that they’ll never find a job offer again. False. You ALWAYS have a choice–use that choice wisely. If the pharmacists’ offer is downright insulting, feel free to politely walk away–but do it in a professional manner. For example:
Boss: “Okay, Mr.Derp, I can see that you’re qualified, how does $13 an hour sound like?
You: “I’m sorry Mr.Herpaderp, but I feel that your offer does not justify the benefits I know I can provide to your company, so I’m afraid I’ll have to pass up this otherwise great opportunity.”
Either the pharmacists lets you leave, or he will ask you to stay and negotiate.

3. When The Negotiation Table Opens, Take Advantage.
And when I say take advantage, don’t just demand things to be given to you simply because you believe you deserve it. That is a sure-fire way to NOT get the job. Instead, when the boss opens the negotiation table, think of it as a win-win situation. Why? Because when a potential employer opens up the negotiation table, odds are he/she really wants you to join his/her team. That upon itself means that 99% of the time, the job is yours. Use that to your advantage.
Going back to our previous scenario:
Boss: I see…I’m sorry you found my offer wasn’t enough. Maybe we can work something out.
You: I am very much interested–what did you have in mind?

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For More–But Don’t Overdo It.
When asking for more money, don’t just think about what would benefit you. Sure, everyone would love to start at $25 an hour–but is it realistic? Fact of the matter is, even a hospital-employed pharmacy assistant doesn’t start at $25–and hospitals are one of the most generous employers.  Just remember that an employee-employer relationship goes both ways; both parties have to benefit, and both parties have to be able to sustain that professional relationship. For example, unionized work environments such as Safeway have strict, union-enforced pay ceilings, based on your level of experience. Other more mainstream retail pharmacies such as Shopper’s Drug Mart do have pay ceilings, but the space in between the minimum wage and the ceiling is where it’s fair game. Likewise, your small, neighborhood independent pharmacy may not be able to offer you a higher wage. As Walter White of Breaking Bad said: Tread Lightly.
Back to our scenario:
Boss: Well, Mr. Derp, as you may know, Shopper’s Drug Mart is a well-established company, and our pharmacy assistants make $4 more than standard provincial minimum wage. Don’t you think that is more than fair?
You: I am totally aware and I fully understand, Mr. Herpaderp. But I believe that the role of a pharmacy assistant, and the level of responsibility that it entails to keep our clients healthy and satisfied, is simply above and beyond your offer of $13 an hour–given the skills and abilities I can bring to your organization, I believe a $15 per hour rate is justified.

5. Offer A Guarantee–And Back It Up.
One of the greatest things consumers have at our disposal is the “money back guarantee” that so many businesses offer nowadays. Why? Because it assures us that in case the product is not up to par, that we can return it and get our money back. While a money-back guarantee is not common in the workplace and employment scenario, offering a guarantee of some sorts will oftentimes put many employers at ease. Not only that, but a guarantee is a sign of dedication and quality: There is a reason 99% of all guarantees start with “If you are not fully satisfied, simply return…”–because those companies stand by the quality of their product. And you should be able to say the same thing about yourself. Make him/her believe why you’re worth what you’re asking for.
Boss: “Whoa, now hold on, $15 an hour seems a bit too much from someone just starting out. In fact, many of my senior technicians didn’t even start at $15 an hour. Why should I even give you that much money?”
You: “I understand that what I am asking for may be a bit different from what you may have been used to, Mr. Herpaderp, but there is a reason that I believe I am worth $15 an hour. While I do understand that it may be a bit higher than what most of your senior techs started out with back in the day, it is because the training that I have is current, modern, and aligns with what the CPA expects from it’s pharmacy technicians/assistants. Aside from that, I am an open slate, a fresh mind–You can mold me and make sure that the work I do will be the work you want to see, almost as if you made it yourself. And, let’s not forget too that the rate of inflation and increased standards of living will definitely create a rift between your senior tech’s starting salary back then, to what it is now. In fact, I guarantee that you’ll love having me as a part of your team that if I have not performed my duties in accordance to your expectations, you won’t have to pay me for a full day of work, and I personally will leave myself.
Boss: Wow, you’re really confident with your skills and the benefit you’ll bring my company that you’re willing to put this job on the line?
You: Yes–Because I know I Can Deliver.

6. Money Is Not The Measure Of Everything–Try To Win Not Just The Money
While ultimately, your goal will be to make as much money possible within this industry, also remember that not every perk or benefit should be measured in dollars. In fact, oftentimes negotiating can easily be swayed to your benefit by dropping a dollar and picking up a perk instead. So if a potential employer begins to offer you non-financial compensation, don’t be afraid to consider it. Likewise, if there is a non-financial perk or option you would like to have, don’t be afraid to bring it to the table in a casual, non-threatening way.
Back to you and your potential boss, Mr.Herpaderp:
Boss: “I see on your resume that you are an avid surfer, Mr.Derp, and that you also love spending time with your kids.”
You: “Yes indeed I do.”
Boss: “I see. What if, instead of $15 an hour, I’ll start you at $13.50, give you full family benefits, and a 2 week vacation during the summer months. How does that sound?”
You: “That does sound amazing, but how about this: You can start me off at $13.75, with full family benefits, and instead of 2 weeks during the summer, a guaranteed 1 week vacation during Christmas week? That way, I can fill in for the rest of my other colleagues who would want to travel around or outside of the country in the summer months, and they can fill in for me during the holidays? That way everyone is happy.”

7. Make Your Offers Reasonable–Not Good, Great, But Reasonable. 
This is a trick I learned from the CEO of one of the companies I used to work for. When you add the phrase “Doesn’t that sound reasonable to you?” to any offer, it will not elicit a straight up “no” answer–rather, and more often than not, it will elicit a positive response–especially when the person you are talking to is as educated and academically intelligent (most doctors and healthcare professionals are left-brain thinkers–they use logic and reason more than fantasy and imagination). And for a logical thinker that uses reason, saying something is “reasonable’ allows them to process any doubt into a positive–after all, it is reasonable, it is justifiable.
You: “See Mr. Herpaderp–my offer benefits my colleagues, benefits me, and most importantly, benefits you–it’s a win-win situation. Doesn’t that sound reasonable?”
Boss: “Yes, well, indeed, you are correct. I suppose that is a good offer.”

8. Humanize Yourself
This is one of the worst things I have both done and see others do–that is, become robots who literally just spew out a resume from their mouth when asked questions. 99% of pharmacists barely care what’s on your resume. Rather, many pharmacists (and  many employers) nowadays look at a person’s human qualities and personality. Fact-based exams get replaced with behavioral questions that are often repetitive. It’s about you as a person, and how you will fit in with your employer, your colleagues, and most importantly, your customers. So don’t be afraid to laugh at a joke. Talk about your kids, your life, and what matters to you–but only in moderation. You’re there to get a job, not just to make friends. If asked for a story, don’t be afraid to draw a personal story.
 
9. Don't Ask For The Job--Own It.
An interview is like a sales pitch–instead of selling a product, you’re selling yourself. And just like in any sales demo, the point will come where the presenter–in this case, you–will be asking the members of the audience if they liked the product, and then you’d ask them to buy the product. In this situation, you should NEVER ask if your potential employer would hire you; again, this shows your lack of confidence in yourself and your abilities, and you’ll most likely receive the dreaded “Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You”–which often means “No, we’re not interested”.
What you need to do is OWN the job. OWN in the sense that you show your potential employer that the paperwork and further questions are just a formality, that the job is already yours, like so:
Boss: “Well that offer does sound reasonable…”
You: “Fantastic! Would you like me to start on Monday?”
Many employers would be taken aback by such a response, but from my personal experience, it will either elicit a laugh, reinforce how zealous and dedicated you are, or even better, a counteroffer–in this scenario, possibly a start date in a week or so.

10. Emphasize NOT What You Can Do For Your Potential Boss, But Rather, What You Can Do For His Customers.
The reason why this isn’t #1 is because I know many would be looking at this post (first and last position.) This, besides #1, is the most important advice I can give you. Let’s face it: while your potential employer may be the one paying your bills, it’s the customers and the government that will be paying the pharmacy. In the interview, emphasize what you can do for his/her customers–how you’ll make his/her customers happy. The pharmacist could care less if you can compound faster, can search for bottles quicker, or create a website–All those duties he can accomplish himself. But when you tell a potential employer of the ways you can make his customers happy, how you can cut down wait times, or how you can do the deliveries by yourself to help ease up any scared customers who may be afraid to open their windows–that will surely grab his attention. After all, a pharmacist’ bloodline is the community he serves.

And there you have it! These 10 simple tips will guarantee that you find a job as a pharmacy assistant wherever you go. Just always do your best each and every time, from job hunting, to the interview, and when you finally become a Pharmacy Assistant. Good luck and all the best!
http://pharmacytechtraining101.com

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Fall 2013 Job Fair


Zarem/Golde ORT Technical Institute will host its Fall 2013 Job Fair on Friday, October 11 from 11am – 2pm on campus in Skokie, IL. We will match experienced candidates – our own graduates, high school students, college graduates, unemployed, and career transitioning job seekers from the community – with employers who are actively hiring.  Bring plenty of resumes and dress for success. Admission is FREE. 



Employers from the following fields will be represented:

•  Accounting

•  Healthcare

•  Hospitality

•  Manufacturing & Industrial

•  Retail

•  Warehouse

and IT…


The Fall 2013 Job Fair is FREE and OPEN to the public.



***ATTENTION EMPLOYERS***

Registration for companies is FREE, deadline for submission is October 8, 2013. 

Please RSVP to careerservices@zg-ort.edu or by calling 847-324-5588.

Help us employ Illinois! 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

7 Secrets to Becoming a Graphic Design Superstar

Every new designer aspires to be the best. However, this doesn’t come easy. You not only have to work hard, but you also have to develop good artistic, marketing and communicative skills. You need to know where to market your skills and how to capture the client’s interest. There are hundreds of tips and tricks but I would like to share with you just seven great secrets to becoming a graphic design superstar. The best designers understand these secrets and this is why they are the BEST.

1. Communicate, Relate, Share
Become a member of a graphic design community and interact with other like-minded designers. Such communities, forums and social gatherings help you to meet new people, share ideas, knowledge and grow as a professional. This is the best way to get maximum exposure, creating professional relations and gaining abundant knowledge regarding the design field.
graphic designer, logo designer
2. Expand, Improvise, Adapt
Being a good graphic designer means being flexible and adaptable. Do not limit yourself to just one field. Expand your skills and learn about various spheres of digital designing. This will help you in acquiring a strong client base, while honing your expertise. Improvise on your design style by learning to work on multiple graphic programs, including 2D and 3D modes. Make yourself an “in-demand” designer, catering to any sector.

3. Evolve, Learn, Update
You can never say, “I know it all.”  The best designers are constantly learning.  Every day you can learn new tricks and tips, explore new strategies and get brand new ideas.  Stay updated with the latest tutorials, design ideas and software.  But don’t forget to manage your time. The more updated you are and the more versatile you become, you will automatically be wanted by business owners.
graphic design experience
4. Read, Read, Read
Read and get in depth knowledge about color psychology, design concepts, typography, trends and the latest software. Graphic designing is not wild imagination; it is a tamed art that can mold itself according to the needs of an industry.  This is what graphic design books, tutorial websites and professional blogs teach you about.

5. Experiment, Experience, Understand
Experiment with various design styles and color combinations.  Be innovative when creating designs. Think outside the box, avoid clichés and common trends. Playing with graphic software is a good exercise and a great way to learn various techniques. Doing so gives you practical knowledge which is worth more than the hundreds of books you may read. Also, don’t hesitate in asking your friends and colleagues for their opinion of on your work.  This will help you to understand your flaws and improve on them.
graphic designing
6. Seek, Inspire, Create
Graphic designing is a field that has somewhat of recycled inspiration. In broader terms, it means that you will have to avoid seeking inspiration in other people’s work in order to be original. The first idea you might get for a project will not always be unique. With thousands of designers out there it is possible that your idea has already been worked on. Seek inspiration from your surroundings, from nature, from people you know instead of just focusing on online designs. Remember though, that seeking inspiration does not mean copying designs. Copying designs will take away your credibility as a professional designer.

7. Aim, Score, Win
Do not aim to be the best, aim to develop your skills and abilities. Keep learning and don’t hesitate to ask questions when you don’t understand anything. Become an active part of the design community. Share your knowledge as a designer with others and they in turn will not disappoint you when you have a question to ask.  Cater to customer needs and understand their business. This will help you win clients and in turn you will able to build an excellent portfolio and be known as a professional graphic designer.
What else do you think makes a graphic design superstar? What is it that best designers do differently? Share your thoughts with us.
logodesignguru.com

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Medical Assistants: Top Traits Needed In A Medical Assisting Career

Most of us have had the benefit of a medical assistant's work when visiting a clinic, or doctor's office. But have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to pursue medical assistant training as a career? There are key traits every medical assistant should have such as strong communication skills, empathy, dependability, stress tolerance, self-control, courtesy, integrity, attention to detail, and agility.
It might help to understand what exactly a medical assistant does before you can appreciate the traits required to become one. While clinical duties vary according to state law, medical assistants generally perform a mix of administrative and clinical duties, including scheduling appointments, billing and coding for insurance purposes, maintaining medical records, taking and recording vital signs, documenting medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood and administering medications as directed by a physician.

Medical Assistant Traits

Do you possess any of the below traits? The following common traits may make you think about a medical assistant careers choice in a new light:

Strong Communication Skills: Listening to others without interruption while still asking relevant questions is key to obtaining valuable information that may be helpful to the doctor. Good communication is also about sharing important physician instructions clearly with patients and answering any questions he or she may have.

Empathetic: It's not only being a good listener that is important to a medical assistant, but also understanding any concerns, joys, and other situations and experiences patients are sharing with you. This may help them feel more at ease during the appointment.

Dependability: The doctor, your health care team members and the patients all depend on you to be on time, know your job, and respect the accepted protocols.

Stress Tolerance: A busy doctor's office or clinic can get quite hectic. Patients come to your facility in need of care, and there will always be plenty of paperwork to maintain, all of which contributes to the chaos. The everyday stresses that all of these situations can cause requires a strong, tolerant person to effectively handle each and every one.

Self-Control and Courtesy: It's easy to react to a busy physician, or a frustrated patient who is in pain or full of questions, but having self-control of your own emotions and actions in a health care setting while remaining courteous is the mark of a true professional.

Integrity: In a health care environment, the information a medical assistant collects and has access to is privileged information. The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires discretion of patient health information, but it's also a courtesy to be respectful of any information you obtain from a patient, even in casual conversation. As a result, medical assistants are faced with moral and ethical situations every day. Integrity is paramount to being a good medical assistant.

Attention to Detail: By being alert and attentive to details, you will be better able to help your patients, assist the doctors caring for them, and aid your colleagues so they can do their jobs more effectively.

Agility: Possessing manual dexterity and visual acuity will be invaluable in the medical assisting field when performing medical procedures.
Typically, those interested in becoming a medical assistant enjoy helping people, teaching and talking with others. If any of these traits appeal to you, it is important to find the right medical assistant training program that will teach you hands-on techniques from experienced instructors.
By Len Simpson

Monday, September 9, 2013

Career Closet

Zarem/Golde ORT Technical Institute has started an exciting new project called the Career Closet. We are requesting donations of gently-used professional clothing for those students who are ready to begin interviewing for jobs, but may not have the appropriate clothes in their wardrobe for a successful interview. 

Please consider donating business attire for women and men, including but not limited to dress shirts, slacks, ties, jackets, dresses, skirts, blouses, and shoes.  We ask that all clothes be clean, hung, and ready to wear. Your donation is tax deductible and helps our students to improve their lives and the lives of their families. 

A special thank you to the Niles Township Schools Credit Union and the Highland Park ORT Value Center for their donation of several clothes racks!

To make arrangement please contact La Norra Dennis at LNDENNIS@ZG-ORT.EDU