Justin Dennis


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Justin J Dennis.com

Get Your Real Estate License!

Getting a Real Estate license online! There are numerous online real estate schools that offer short programs that prepare its participants for a real estate license test. This license will qualify its recipient to professionally sell real estate.

Having a real estate license does not mean you have to become a real estate sales person, but it will train you for the day you can actually afford to buy a house. You will be knowledgable of all Florida laws associate with real estate. Having an understanding of property values, taxes, and zoning will help you make a good decision when you are purchasing your first or second home.

Real Estate is a great investment, everyone knows that. But being able to determine the most potentially profitabl properties is a true skill. If you can afford to pay a mortgage on a second house why wouldn't you invest? Finding property that may turn a profit is as easy as taking an online real estate course. Look in to it.

Some online courses:

FL Real Estate

Allied Real Estate

USA Real Estate



Justin Dennis

Monster.com: What's Your Work Style Quiz

Monster.com recently posted a quiz by Barbara Reinhold that examines personal work styles. The goal of this quiz is to find out "Have you been trying to function in a way that conflicts with how you're really wired? And have you been approaching others in ways that don't match their types?"(Reinhold)

This is a simple eight question quiz that takes two seconds of your time, but its results could be very beneficial. The results will relateyour work style to four categories, "social worker", "lone ranger", "professor" and "watchdog". The quiz will also provide horoscope type follow up on four different situations, "If you are taking the quiz for an employee, co-worker or boss", "If you're the boss", "If you're not the boss" and "If you're interviewing for a job".

This quiz relies heavily on the study of Carl Jung and MBTI types. If you are at all interested in either I suggest you take this short quiz at Monster.com

More information about quizzes of this type can be found at Keirsey.com


Justin Dennis

Internship For Credit

The easiest way to get credit for a class you will never have to go to is finding an Internship. I recently spoke with Dr. Fred Augustine, a business professor at Stetson and he told me that getting credit for your summer internship is a Four step process.

First, Find an internship. Use an internet resource, your mom's friends, Stetson University, or any other feasible outlet to find an internship.

Second, create a proposal for internship credit. Create a word document that outlines the specifics of your internship experiences and pose it towards some kind of Stetson class. Example: if you sit in front of a computer all summer using excel call it an EBT internship.

Third, have your employer fill out two progress reports on official letterhead. One report should be filled out at about half way through and the other when you have completed the internship.

Finally, write a short essay on what you have learned from your experiences and whether or not you thought the internship was a beneficial to your future.

Then staple your proposal and progress reports to the essay and send it to Dr. Augustine. He will take a look at what the internship covered and decide if it is equal to a Stetson class. Your proposal will then be processed by the Registrar's Office and boom three hours of credit will be added to your transcript.

No need to thank me, just contact Dr Augustine at: faugusti@stetson.edu


Justin Dennis

Burton Snowboards

"We stand sideways. We sleep on floors in cramped resort hotel rooms. We get up early and go to sleep late. We've been mocked. We've been turned away from resorts that won't have us. We are relentless. We dream it, we make it, we break it, we fix it. We create. We destroy. We wreck ourselves day in and day out and yet we stomp that one trick or find that one line that keeps us coming back. We progress. "(Burton.com)

Now that's a mission statement.

Burton Snowboards was founded in 1977 when its founder left his cramped city life to become an innovator. In 1977 Jake Burton began what would become a Multi-Million dollar globally located Snowboard Corporation. He opened the world's very first snowboard factory in his family's barn. It is Jake's dedication that has propelled snowboarding from a silly backyard game into a now Olympic Sport.

Over the last 29 years Burton has led a growing industry through innovation and business savy. Today, there are approximately 5000 retail outlets carrying Burton quality goods. 1600 of these outlets are located in Europe.

A key to Burton's innovation is the Rider inspired and developed product line. Burton has recruited the best professional snowboarders in the world to comment on and develope new product ideas. This is awsome. Snowboarding specialists, who would have dreamed.

Through Burton's success new branches of the entity have sprung up. Anon Optics, Gravis Footware and Analog Streetwear are Jake's new inspiration. Reaching the youth through all outlets of fashion and snowboarding design will keep this corporation a solid leader in the snowboarding field for years to come.

Justin Dennis

Reference:

Burton.com

Business Literature

Have you had enough of the traditional business education? Yes, there are more sources of business information beyond monotone lectures and educational Text books. Sometimes the best way to learn about business is through other's experiences. Here are a few books published recently that may intrigue your learning beyond the classroom.

"Direct from Dell: Strategies that Revolutionized an Industry"

This is Michael Dell's, founder of Dell Computer, novel on how he developed one of America's leading corporations. In his book Dell described how he began building personalized PCs and turned it into an industry.

"Pour Your Heart into it: How Starbucks built a Company one cup at a time"

Did you know that Starbucks started as a small chain in Seattle. Learn how you can mold a small business venture into a Global Corporation. This is the story of Starbucks and the people that brewed unlimited possiblities.

"Ben and Jerry's Double Dip: Lead with your values and make money, too"

Everyone is familiar with the delicious creamy taste of Ben and Jerry's, everytime I walk past their store it is hard to ignore the smell of Fresh waffle cones being pumped out of the front doors. But learn How Ben and Jerry do business their way. Delever a quality product all while being environmentally and morally conscious. Ben and Jerry are a breathe of fresh air in the smog that looms over today's cut throat business ethics.

"Richard Branson Losing my Virginity: How I survived, Had fun and made a fortune Doing Business My Way"

Sir Richard Branson's biography describes his life and how he became one of the world's most intriguing business owners. He is one of the most interesting people in today's business world and his biography is nothing short of that. Learn how he built and Empire.

To purchase these books please visit: Amazon.com


Justin Dennis

SmallBizResource.com

The Corporate world is not the only solution to your employment problem. Forget interviews and organization politics, become your own boss. Smallbizresource.com can help you set up your own corporation. Hey, Apple started in a garage in California, all because Steve Jobs opposed the suits and corporate life. Now you can too.

SmallbizResource.com is divided into a few categories. The most handy seem to be the Business Center which contains sections on Business Resources, Business Basics, Business News, and updated articles from Business writers. Also Smallbiz has a Blog section which contains numerous personal and business blogs.

Smallbiz then divides its pages into industry fields like Human Resources and Marketing. In each of these subgroups you can find articles written by professionals within the field. I just read an atricle from a Smallbiz Advisor Warren G. Purdy.

"The Cocktail Napkin Test" is what Purdy uses when "I first evaluate a potential business venture or an idea for a new product/service, the tools I need for my initial phase of analysis are simply a #2 pencil and a cocktail napkin. With these simple tools I try to determine the level of sales needed to generate enough income to cover my costs."(Purdy)

This simple test is also known as the Break Even Point Analysis, which something you may have picked up on in between naps in Accounting class. This is a good example of the simple business practices that most of the articles on Smallbiz focus on. In small business the smallest calculations sometimes have the biggest effect. This is why SmallBizResource.com is so great for first time business owners or managers.

You may have learned everything there is to know about business from your text books, but do you know anything about how a business really survives month to month. This is the experience you can gain from opening and running a small venture. Think about it Art Majors, everyone needs T-shirts. People need their lawn mowed and pool cleaned. These may seem like meanial potential endeavors but the experience is priceless.


Justin Dennis

References:

SmallbizResource.com

Purdy, Warren G. "The Cocktail Napkin Test"
(c) 2006 SmallbizResource.com

Interview Tips by Mark Hayward

Mark Hayward is the Human Resource director for the City of DeLand. He recently held a seminar on campus discussesing some important things to think about during the job search. One of the most important issues to consider during the paper chase is Marketability.

Marketing yourself is how you can find potential jobs. There are many ways to do this, some of the examples Mr. Hayward presented are:

-Volunteer Services
-Social groups
-Church Organizations
-Career Fairs
-Websites
-Chamber of Commerce

Stetson's Career Services is also a great resource. In the front office of Career Services there is a binder full of employment/internship opportunities with employers who are waiting for you to contact them.

Once you have arranged an interview with a potential employer Mr. Hayward suggests to do a bit of Homework. Find the "buzz" on the entity; what are their values and goals? What are the personal points of interest you have in thiis particular organization. All these questions can be answered on the company's website or in its annual reports.

OK its the big day of the interview and you are so nervous Mack trucks are in your stomach. Here is some of Mark's advice to a no sweat interview.

-Dress for Success: break out the dusty suit and make sure it has all of its buttons. Guys polish your shoes and girls put your hair up. Present yourself like a professional, an interview is not class.
-Cover up your Tattoos Brother and drop the slang, the interviewer is not your "dawg" and does not know how to "drop it like it's hot".
-Body Language, eye contact, and a firm hand shake can make or break the interview. NO one wants a fish-like handshake, the key word is firm.
-SPEAK UP, some interviewers grew up with Moses.

The Most Important Part of ANY Interview: Manners

This person has taken time out of their day to interview you. Be gracious and make sure to be EARLY. Write down all the names of the people who have helped you throughout the interview process and send them a Thank You Letter. Being considerate to the people that have helped you will make them want to help you again.

Mr. Hayward offered resume amd cover letter help with anyone who woucld ask. HIs e-mail is Haywardm@deland.org

Justin Dennis


Reference:

Mark Hayward
City of DeLand
Human Resources
386-740-5707
Haywardm@deland.org

Weirdest Interview Behavior

CareerBuilder.com recently published an article on the acts of bad or unintelligent job seekers. Here are a few things that Hiring managers across the nation have witnessed and noted as things to make sure you won't get the job.

Not Putting in Face Time

-Potential canidates have blown off the scheduled interview. Can't get a job with the interview. Weird
-During an interview, don't check your watch or ask the interviewer if they have the time.
-"But the weirdest story came from a hiring manager who said, 'One applicant said the company had a black aura and left'." (Morsch)

Looking Unprofessional

First impressions are generally the most important part of the interview. "One job hopeful arrived at his interview displaying a hairy chest, medallion, strong cologne and a wad of gum in his mouth. And which is worse: the applicant who wore a housecoat and slippers or the one who wore his slippers with a bathing suit and T-shirt?."(Morsch)

Being Excessively Nervous

If you sweat you sweat, but when you start raining it can be a problem. Remember to dress appropriately and stay fresh. Nothing could be worse than to be "UnSURE" in a interview. If you smell like the hiring manager's dog after a day on the river, it will most likely affect your interview process. It is not the end of the world if you don't get this job. But being too relaxed is not good either. Go into the office with a clear head and a little enthusiasm.

Being too forthcoming -- or not honest enough

"Sure, you only want that retail job for the 30 percent employee discount. But you wouldn’t actually say that in an interview... would you? Some people did just that -- or worse. One applicant raised eyebrows when he asked whether spousal abuse would prevent him from getting the job. Another said she had serious health problems and needed the company’s insurance. And one job-hopping hopeful disclosed that he planned to retire in two months. Likewise, some hiring managers say interviewees are less than truthful in their applications. One candidate said he was in the military... and George Bush was listed as his last supervisor. Another admitted he didn’t do all of the duties listed in his résumé -- but he assured the hiring manager that didn’t matter. "(Morsch)

Being Greedy

Ask about pay and severance can be good thing with time. Arguing for an increase before you have even been offered the position is a bad thing. Don't go Gollam on the firm, your paycheck is not your "precious".

Acting Desperate

The interview process is a game of cat and mouse. Present yourself as though the company would be improving itself by hiring you. Begging and pleading is not acceptable. Sexual advances and car washes are also out of question.


Justin Dennis


Reference:

Morsch, Laura. "Weirdest Interview Behavior"
CareerBuilder.com

What's Your Degree Worth?

Your graduating this May and there is nothing you can do about it. Seven years on campus, it's about time to leave anyway. And since you've paid all that money might as well start paying off some of those loans. Take a look at some of the survey averages collected by National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and CNNMoney.com:

Mechanical, Chemical and Electric Engineers and Computer Science dgrees take the hog's share with average salary startin above $50,000.

Accountants and Finance/Economics degees earn $45,000 in 2006 and that doesn't count your private investments, Math + All Your Living Time= Money Money Money.

Business Administration majors worked for $39,850 this year which is up 3.9% from last year. While Marketing degrees earned 3.4% less than last year at $36,260, sorry guys people really do hate commercials.

Just sqeaking into $30,000 per year Liberal Arts degrees are becoming more worthy with a 6.1% increase. Hey, your a Communications major, ASK for a better salary.

The survey also took into account the increase in number of graduates and an overall increase in total salaries for college graduates.

And if you wanna work for the man, "the federal government is expected to be one of the most ambitious employers, hiring 22.8 percent more college grads this year, followed by the service industry which is projecting a 21.6 percent increase."(Ellis) All and all graduates are going to get paid, remember that. So, it may be more beneficial to your health to do something fun and not become a cubical slave. In the words of Bob Marley, who neither had a college degree or a real job, "Don't Worry, Cause Everything Gonna Be Alright".


Justin Dennis


References:

Ellis, David."Job prospects heat up for the Class of '06"
CNNMoney.com . Febuary 24, 2006

Quintessential Careers

Support your Stetson Faculty and use Quintessential Careers. QuintCareers offers the industry's leading career advice. QC mission statement: "Quintessential Careers is the ultimate career, job, and college site, offering comprehensive free expert career and job-hunting advice (through articles, tools, tips, samples, and tutorials), as well as links to all the best job sites. Special sections for teens, college students, and all other job-seekers (by industry, geography, and job-seeker type) makes this site a comprehensive resource for all. "(quintcareers.com) The website offers many job-seeker tools as well as professional opinion on resume and cover-letter writing skills.

The coolest feature of QC is QuintZine, "Each issue of QuintZine -- delivered free to your mailbox -- offers readers a number of exciting and informative career development and job (and job-hunting) related features, including: a new exclusive feature career article; the QuintZine Quintessential Careers Site Award (for outstanding career and job sites); Q-Tips, quick and quintessential career and job tips; a collection of the new career and job sites added to Quintessential Careers; links to current CareerDoctor questions (and answers); as well as other semi-regular career and job resources (such as career expert Q&A's and career and job-hunting book reviews)."(quintcareers.com)

QC has an extensive list of Career Resources that range from career related article to helpful websites that may improve your career portfolio. You can visit these resources at
Resources

The most unique aspect of QC is the professional bookstore. Here one can find premium literature related to the job search and the professional world.
Bookstore

Check out Quintessential Careers and post your resume. Or you can use the extensive list of Employer Resources to find your dream job.
Employer Guide


Justin Dennis

References:

QuintCareers.com

FORTUNE 500: BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

Fortune Magazine recently rated the top 100 fortune 500 companies to work for. Fortune ranked the companies using a number of attributes including: benefits, pay, turnover, minorities, women employees, job growth and size.

Top Three

Coming in at number one on the list was Genentech a biotech group based in San Francisco. With an annual revenue of over 4 billion dollars, the firm plays host to 8,121 employees nationwide. With a rising stock value 95% of stockholding employees are kept happy while researching a cure for cancer. Helping the world and rolling in dough, Genentech has a minority employee ratio at 42% and 50% of the employees are women.

Check out a stock quote:
DNA
Visit their website:
Genentech


Wegemans Food Market makes the list at number two. The food market employs 31,890 people across 102 stores throughout America and cashed out with 3.4 billion dollars in revenue for 2004. "What makes it so great:Work really is a family affair at this privately held grocery chain. Before it opened two new stores last year, Wegmans chartered jets to fly all new full-timers to Rochester to be welcomed by CEO Danny Wegman."(cnnmoney.com)

Visit their website:
Wegmans

Number Three on Fortune's list is Valero Energy based in San Antonio, TX this petroleum refining firm earned a cool 54,691 billion dollars in 2004. The company has 16,582 employees domestically and 4,393 internationally. Valero is concerned with its community and showed its compassion during Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, donating one million dollars to Red Cross.

Stock Quote:

VLO

Website:
Valero

Check out what other companies made the list at:

Best Companies

Justin Dennis

References:

• CNNMoney.com

CAREERBUILDER.COM

"On October 2, 2002 Gannett Co., Inc. joined forces with Knight Ridder and Tribune Company as equal partners of CareerBuilder.com. More than 90 Gannett newspapers are now CareerBuilder.com affiliates and CareerBuilder.com will power the career channel on USATODAY.com. With presence in over 200 local markets, CareerBuilder.com has the recruitment industry covered nationwide."(Careerbuilder.com)

Vision and Mission:
"We are changing the way companies around the world recruit their most important asset: their people. Our mission is to be the global leader in online recruitment advertising by being an employee-driven, customer-focused organization that provides the best rate of return to our shareholders."(CareerBuilder.com)


I discovered CareerBuilder.com when I clicked on JOBS at MSNBC.com, it is a great recruitment site with job listings from across the country, CareerBuilder is present in 200 local markets. But the greatest feature of CareerBuilder is the Advice & Resources page. Here you can find information on Continuing Education, Coaching/Training, Career Assessment, Resume Services, Starting Your Own Business, Working at Home, Resume Distribution, Financial Assitance, Before the Interview, and Relocation Services.

Check out this website and submit your resume and cover letter today. The home page allows for a geographical search of Job listings usings a few keywords or job categories. I typed keyword: sales and location Florida, 160 possible jobs registered. CareerBuilder then divides these jobs by 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 miles from your original location. If you wanted to work on the Moon CareerBuilder.com could help put you in the rocket. Once you have registered with the site, you will have your own Home page or Career Builder where jobs in your area are updated regularly. You can list areas of specialization or interest and post a resume that recruiters will respond to. Since being with the network I have arranged three interviews for possible employers. All you have to do is respond to their ads and the jobs is as good as yours.

Remember your a Hatter, recruiters respect the education gained while attending Stetson. All you need to do is assert yourself towards a goal and reciprocation will be bountiful.

Check it out today:

• CareerBuilder.com

Justin Dennis

FIFTY BEST JOBS: Money Magazine and Salary.com

Money Magazine and Salary.com have combined their respective forces to create this years Top Ten Best Jobs. The list was defined by using the attributes of salary, ten year growth, average annual job openings, stress, flexibility, ease of entry and creativity. And the top three jobs are, drum roll please:

1. Software Engineer :

Question- How did Microsoft take over the world?
Answer- One happy programer geek at a time.

With an average salary of $80,500 what gamer wouldn't be happy, now they can afford Playstation and Xbox too. But watch out for the risks of the job which include soreness of the hands and wrists, eye strain and outsourcing; India and China are the axis of evil for these geeks.

2. College Professor:

Hire education a must, but hey whats a couple more years of college, your parents can afford it. No seriously if creativity and flexibility are a must in your life you should consider tenure. This means no dress code and no chance of being outsourced by some computer tweaker in India. With an average salary of $81,500 you'll have plenty of cash to burn during your constant time off and varying sabaticals taking you to the far ends of the earth. Only downer is your still in school dealing with the kids that made you hate it in the first place. But entry into this field is tough because most professors teach for the rest of their lives, wouldn't you?

3. Financial Advisor:

Forget UBS and Meryll Lynch Finance specialists, go into business for yourself! Financial advisors are banking six figures annually. Look Bob Wallstreet, financial planning is as easy as playing with someone else's money. With the growing population of retiring baby boomers and increasing wealth of their children, financial planning is one of the fast growing industries.

"Advise clients on financial plans utilizing knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives to establish investment strategies."(CNNMoney.com)

STRESSED OUT, long hours comparing numbers and dealing with senior citizens can leave you maxed out. But hey your credit cards won't be, so sit back on your yatch and sip mimosas. And remember how you got there, somebody else's money.

Check out the rest of the List and find a career that suits your needs:

• TOP JOBS

Justin Dennis

Stetson Career Network

Stetson's Career Network is career network database for students, alumni, parents and friends of the Stetson community. To become apart of the network one must simply register. For students this can be the greatest tool provided by Career Services. It enables students to search for internship and job-opportunities, job shadowing and career mentoring. Once you are registered in the network you can search for alumni based on Location, Education, Industry and Mentoring. The Stetson family extends across the world and students learn that a Stetson education allows you to succeed in any region. Hey, Florida is great but the UVs are killing me, I need a job in Colorado pronto. Through the Network you can locate alumni who want to help you find a job in Colorado, alumni have registered with the network for a reason. Or if the snow is not your thing because you want to manage a golf course you can use the Industry feature to find whatever job you are interested in. The Industry section has job listings from Accounting to Writing. Maybe your like every other college student who has no idea what they want to do, just a direction that leads as far from Deland as the road will take them. This is where the Mentoring grouping can be vital. The Mentoring section has eight subgroups of alumni who want to help you with informational interviews, employment and internship opportunities, job shadowing, panel workshops, career mentoring, relocation, work and disabilities, and work and diversity. I clicked on Mentoring, employment/internship opportunity and there are ninety, once again 90 alumni who are want you to send them an email regarding their particular field's possiblity.

Look it is as easy as an email, asking questions will only increase your intelligence. So be wise and take the first step into your future. Let todays leaders help you find your path in the direction of tomorrow.

• Career Network

Justin Dennis