Our mission at FTZ is to provide students with introduction level requirements and awareness to professional careers outside of a traditional educational environment.
Contact usBy: Chris The Graduate What is networking? How does it work? Why is it so beneficial? Networking is like dating, it’s all about finding a good match and making it last. And if it doesn’t work out, there’s always Match.com! But being a college student, I am starting to realize how important it is to talk to people and expand your mental contacts. It can be challenging to do it successfully. It is crucial to develop networking skills as a young person seeking a career among many professionals in the field. Networking allows you to build meaningful relationships and learn from other people’s experiences. It also provides the opportunity to create meaningful connections that can lead to future job opportunities. But how can we be realistic? So networking in my eyes is getting common ground with and communicating with professionals and all other types of people to receive information. Networking is a two-way street, so providing value when communicating with others is important. By sharing information, advice, or resources, you can create a mutually beneficial connection that will benefit both parties in the long run. Additionally, networking is a great way to gain insights into the industry or field you are interested in and find mentors and other people who can help guide you in your career. But let’s be real, this isn’t as easy as it seems. Some people just decide not to add to the conversation or even just are not interested. But don’t worry, you can always just walk away and start talking to the person next to you! Now of course, in order to network, you need a gathering of multiple personnel. This is why attending events or conferences is a great way to meet people. You can also join online communities or professional organizations. Additionally, you can always reach out to people you admire or know through your existing network. For instance, you could contact someone you’ve met through a mutual friend, or you could connect with someone you’ve met at a conference or industry event. You can also join a professional network like LinkedIn or attend online networking events. Finally, you can always try cold contacting people by sending them an email or a direct message on social media. My personal experience with networking is a perfect example. Before actually starting college, I attended orientation. At this event, I got to tour the college and get comfortable with the environment. But a major thing that I got to do was talk to upperclassmen and talk about what I could expect coming into college as a freshman. They all communicated what I needed to do in order to be successful. Also with this, they told me what not to do and how to stay focused and enjoy my time in college. And for only having a 15-minute conversation I learned so much and gained contact information just to help me in the long run Overall, networking is beneficial in so many ways as long as you put yourself in the right position. Networking can also open up new opportunities, such as job offers or potential collaborations. It’s important to remember that networking is a long-term strategy, and you won’t get results overnight. But by staying consistent and being proactive, you’ll be sure to see results. Furthermore, networking can provide you with valuable feedback and support from others in your field, helping you remain engaged and connected. And don’t forget to have fun along the way! Networking should be an enjoyable experience, and it’s worth taking the time to build meaningful relationships with like-minded people.
By: Chris The Graduate There are a number of industries in the United States that tend to take shortcuts in order to increase the amount of sales and money they make. As a result, their own employees suffer from a lack of attention when there is a problem in the workplace, which negatively affects their own morale and productivity. Employees who are not paid attention to while working may experience burnout, depression, and anxiety. Employers who take shortcuts can also cause a lack of safety for employees, inadequate wages, and long hours, which ultimately leads to employee dissatisfaction and turnover. However, if employees come together to talk about these workplace problems at their company, then a union may be able to come together and improve the workplace conditions at the company. There are many ways in which a labor union can benefit its members, and this is one of them. There are several benefits to being a member of a labor union, but what are the true benefits? Labor union history started in 1866 in Baltimore, Maryland where workers fought to mandate an 8-hour work day. Since then, labor unions have secured a wide variety of rights and benefits for their members, such as better wages, health and retirement benefits, and improved working conditions. They also provide a unified voice in collective bargaining and negotiations with employers. Unions have also been instrumental in ensuring workers’ rights are respected and companies adhere to labor laws. Additionally, they have been key to fighting for social and economic justice. They advocate for safe and humane working conditions and ensure workers are treated fairly. For instance, in 2019, the United Steelworkers Union negotiated a $3.9 billion settlement with the U.S. government. This was on behalf of thousands of miners exposed to toxic coal dust for decades. This was the largest settlement awarded to miners in the nation’s history. It was a major victory for the union and showed the power of collective action to bring social and economic justice. Anyone who works can join a labor union. The only exceptions are managers and company decision-makers. It was like a dam bursting after years of pressure being held back. It cascaded into a torrent that sweeps away years of injustice. Joining a labor union is like being part of a team – everyone plays their part to succeed. Russel Honore, a retired lieutenant general, once wrote: “Leadership means forming a team and working toward common objectives that are tied to time, metrics, and resources.”
By: Chris The Graduate Since the late 1800s, jobs, and careers have spread to all parts of life in the United States. Starting back when you could make money digging for gold, now a career such as Computer Technician and Pharmaceutical Technician exists worldwide. In 2023, anything you can imagine is a career. Even though some are not put into the light, many are still significant to society. Today, we are going to list and analyze these underappreciated jobs and also discover how they came to be in the society we live in now. Crime Scene Cleaner A career with an average salary of 35,860 a year, and is made for people that have an interest in Forensics and enjoy cleaning up. The career tackles cleaning up crime scenes and making sure the area looks cleaner than what happened before. Working with various hazardous fluids, this job requires PPE equipment and respiratory protection to keep you safe from harming yourself or anyone else. Being a Crime Scene Cleaner, hours tend to not be in your favor and are completely randomized depending on when cleaning is needed. From aftermath.com, professionals have said that “More than anything, a crime scene cleaner should have a strong commitment to the job and the families they serve. This includes exhibiting compassion and integrity while adhering to all health and safety regulations to protect everyone involved in the process. While challenging, crime scene cleaning can be incredibly rewarding work for the right person.” Requirements: Scatology Scatology is the study of an element that every human and almost every animal produces in their lifetime, wastes from the body specifically feces. Scatology, or coprology, is a career based on experimenting and finding differences in types of feces from different animals. This is a benefit to society to improve medicines and cures for diseases that could hurt mankind. Major problems such as tapeworms and dysentery are all because of the career pathway. To many, having a career where you look at feces for hours might but unamusing. But for a career that has a salary from 65,000 up to 100,000s, studying excrement might not be too bad. Requirements: Becoming a Scatologist is equivalent to becoming any other science major. A degree in biology and or medicine is recommended for coming into this career pathway. The people at collegecliffs.com confirm saying, “What scientists see in animal feces can reveal their diet and can tell where these animals have been. To become a cytologist, a degree in biology, medicine, or paleontology is your stepping stone towards becoming one.” Doula Maternity Caregiver This profession deals with caring for relationships between parents and newborn babies. As many know, being a parent is not an easy job. But making around 35,000 a year, Maternity Caregivers help make parenting easier for both moms and dads so that they do not pull their hair out over the new addition to the family. The website pacisandpeachesdoulas.com is designed to explain the overview of a Maternity Caregiver consultation. “Your Doula or NCS’s main priority is caring for your new addition(s) and ensuring that both mother and baby are healthy and their needs are met. All of our doulas are trained, have a clean background check, hold current Infant CPR & 1st Aid through the (American Heart Association) and are also insured.” Requirements: In the Doula Maternity Caregiver world, many schooling hours and certifications are needed to pursue this career. They must attend classes such as Childbirth Education for 12 and Breastfeeding classes. On top of this, People seeking this career must assist 2 or more women in postpartum support which is depression after having a child. Careers can spawn from anything that can be thought of and needs to be focused on. From Scientists studying animal waste to professionals who help decrease the stresses of having a newborn. In all, The world has an open sea of careers waiting to be filled. As mankind continues to expand, so will the demand for careers handling ideas that we possibly can not wrap our brains around. Sources:https://www.aftermath.com/content/becoming-a-crime-scene-cleaner-what-are-the-qualifications/ https://www.pacisandpeachesdoulas.com/newborns https://www.naturalhealers.com/blog/doula/#:~:text=Typically%2C%20a%20birth%20doula%20needs,more%20women%20with%20postpartum%20support.
By: Chris The Graduate As a student seeking a career, I need experience and practice in the field. Gaining experience in a chosen field through internships is a great way to improve your skills. Taking part in events and networking can also help you develop knowledge and build contacts. Learning new skills and gaining experience can also be gained through volunteering. These experiences can help me gain a better understanding of the industry and help me succeed in my career choice. Furthermore, internships, networking, attending events, and volunteering will all help me stand out from the competition. It is extremely valuable to intern at a company. Taking part in an internship provides an invaluable opportunity to put your skills and knowledge to use. As well as helping you gain valuable contacts for your job search, they can also give you a deeper understanding of the industry. Internships can also offer you the chance to demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers. For example, if you are an intern at a marketing agency, you could design and launch a campaign for one of their clients. This could then be used as a portfolio piece for future job applications. Additionally, internships provide invaluable experience that many entry-level jobs need to gain. You can build your skills and gain a better understanding of your field and the industry as a whole. This can be a significant advantage when entering the job market. For example, an internship with a marketing agency could allow you to gain a better understanding of marketing analytics, which could help you stand out in job interviews by demonstrating your knowledge. Volunteering is another effective way to find sources and connect with jobs. Networking with industry professionals is also important. Connecting with people who already work in the field you want to enter can be a great way to get insider knowledge and advice. Having a mentor in the industry can be invaluable, as they can help guide you through the steps of the job search process. Building relationships with those in the field can be key to a successful job search; mentors can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the entire journey. This is like having a navigator on a long voyage. They can provide essential information and insight while steering you in the right direction to get to your desired destination. With the right navigator by your side, the journey can be smoother and more successful.
By: Chris The Graduate The first thing to learn months before college is that it takes a lot of preparation. As a student taking these steps, I have learned that there are several things to do and understand before the first day of classes. But no matter how much you prepare, there’s nothing you can do to stop college from being expensive. It’s already a hassle to narrow down the top schools. However, preparing for college doesn’t begin until you know which schools you want to attend. Although you might find these times stressful and frustrating, they are intended to enhance your college experience both during and after graduation. The first and most critical step I recommend for college is researching the colleges you want to attend. This is a place and environment you will see for the next two to four years especially if you live on campus. Look at the college’s academic and financial aid programs. Additionally, consider the college’s culture and atmosphere to ensure it is an appropriate fit for you. When I looked for the college I was interested in, I was excited about what they had to offer both academically and in extracurriculars. But unfortunately, they did not provide the major I wanted and the campus is overcrowded and overwhelming. So ultimately, I decided to go to another college that was more suited for me. I found a college that had the major I wanted, smaller class sizes, and a campus atmosphere that I felt more comfortable with. Another significant step is making sure all the documents you need are prepared to be accepted and correct for your college to accept you. Getting ready for college takes a lot of attention from you and your guardians. This includes gathering letters of recommendation, transcripts, standardized test scores, and other necessary documents. Make sure to plan and give yourself some time to review all your paperwork and revise corrections if needed. Submit your application as soon as you can to ensure acceptance. For example, it is recommended to submit your college application two months before the deadline date to give yourself enough time to review your documents and make any necessary revisions. A helpful thing to remember throughout the process is how your education will be paid for. College can be and will be expensive. Therefore, it is important to research the various scholarships and grants available to you to help make paying for college more affordable. It is also worthwhile to consider student loans and other forms of financial aid. Also consider the long-term costs of college, such as interest on loans and the potential for a lower salary due to tuition costs. Finally, it’s time to move in and you need to gather supplies and things for your dorm and classes in general. Make sure to budget accordingly and be aware of any additional fees that may be incurred. Don’t forget to research any scholarships or grants that may be available to help offset the cost of college. Finally, prepare for the college experience by talking to current students or alumni about their experiences. For example, you could research what supplies are necessary for the classes you are enrolled in, or ask current students what the best study methods are for a particular professor. College is meant to be a very life-changing experience. From meeting new people to finding a pathway that can take you down various paths and missions. But in the beginning, it takes a lot of planning and willpower to get the best of it. Try not to feel stressed and overwhelmed in these times and look at the end goal of this journey and all the experiences you will get to do while in college.
By: Chris The Graduate After completing high school, life as an adult has officially started. It’s time to make decisions about college, career, and the future. It’s also a time to start taking responsibility for one’s own life and decisions. It can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Now as a graduate who just finished high school and is following the college path to receive a career, I still wonder what other pathways I could’ve taken other than college. There are many paths that don’t require college, such as starting a business, joining a trade school, or taking online classes. It is important to consider all of one’s options when making decisions about the future. But what if we took a deeper dive into these pathways and understood the fundamentals of these options as high school graduates? The most common pathway to take is going to college. This pathway, in my opinion, is very critical for thriving in a career. The college route provides the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that are necessary for success in the modern workplace. For instance, college courses provide a foundation for communication, leadership, and problem-solving, all essential professional skills. Furthermore, the college also offers the chance to network with like-minded people and build relationships for future success. Finally, college can provide a solid foundation for a successful career. On the other hand, there are a few downsides to consider when it comes to the college route. First and foremost, college is expensive, and many students are unable to afford the rising costs of tuition. Also, the college experience is not for everyone, and some students may find themselves struggling to keep up with the pace of their courses. Finally, the job market is increasingly competitive, and many college graduates find themselves struggling to find employment after graduation. But with all this being said, college is still a great pathway and definitely worth the experience for whatever degree you aim to receive. Another common pathway after high school is the military. The military is a great way to go from serving your country in order to getting benefits and even getting your schooling paid for. Additionally, the military provides valuable job skills and experience that can be used in the civilian world. Many veterans use their military training and experience to find a job after their service, and the military offers many resources to help with this transition. For example, the GI Bill provides veterans with the opportunity to go to college and the Transition Assistance Program helps veterans adjust to civilian life by connecting them to job opportunities and helping them build their resumes. According to dol.gov, In 2022, there were 18.37 million veterans in the civilian non-institutional population 18 years and over. Of those veterans, 8.81 million were in the civilian labor force and 8.56 million were employed. On the other hand, the military can be stressful and demanding. There are a number of reasons why veterans may choose to leave the military, even though they may be employed. The military can be stressful and demanding, and veterans may want to return to a civilian lifestyle. Veterans may also want to pursue other opportunities that are not available in the military. While the military can provide many resources to help with the transition, there are also a number of reasons why veterans may decide to leave the military. Our last and final example is a trade school. A trade school is a type of vocational school that specializes in training for a specific trade, such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work. Trade schools provide students with hands-on training that prepares them for a career in their chosen field. Students learn the necessary skills to perform a job safely and efficiently, as well as the relevant laws and regulations for the industry. For instance, electricians learn about the National Electrical Code, which is a set of regulations specifying the standards for electrical wiring in the United States. From ngpf.org, In a survey, it was found that just under 16% of high school graduates enrolled in a vocational or trade school. Although vocational and trade schools offer many benefits to students, there are a few drawbacks. One potential drawback is the cost of tuition. Vocational and trade schools can be expensive, and not all students can afford to pay for tuition. Another potential drawback is that not all students are interested in the skills that are taught in vocational and trade schools. Some students may prefer to learn different skills, or they may not be interested in the subjects that are taught in vocational and trade schools. Overall, there are many pathways to take after high school in order to have a successful career. There are many options for more than just college. Students should research the different options that are available to them and find the one that best fits their interests and career goals. Vocational and trade schools are one of many options to consider. Ultimately, each student should make the best decision for themselves.
For many years, FAFSA has helped students afford college. Recently, it has made a massive difference in my ability to pay for college. I find the application very wordy and feel like so much information must be entered only to wait for a few numbers and information. Let’s be honest, there are many factors to consider when estimating the cost of schooling. Is anyone really interested in sitting down and filling out this nonsense? It can be tedious to answer these questions, even if you know the answers. However, the FAFSA application has recently taken a different approach. Will this affect the application process and will it improve it? The FAFSA is a way for students and parents to receive aid and grants for college. The new approach makes it easier to fill out the application by using IRS data to autofill sections. This makes the process quicker and more accurate. It is expected that more students will now be able to take advantage of the aid available. From experience, using FAFSA in the recent year, I feel this can be a great change. This can make it easier for parents to input information, especially for parents new to the process. And for those parents who are more experienced, they’ll be able to fill out their forms in record time! How does this new wave of FAFSA affect students? With this new system, students will have access to more financial aid opportunities, making college more accessible and affordable. Additionally, the time saved by the streamlined process can be used to focus on other aspects of college preparation. I also find the change in EFC to be an interesting concept. Originally, EFC stood for Expected Family Contribution. This lets users know how much money a family would have to go to college. Now after the change, this will be called the SAI. A student’s Student Aid Index indicates what types of federal aid they are likely to receive. For instance, if a student’s SAI is high, they are likely to be eligible for grants and subsidized loans, whereas a student with a low SAI would only be eligible for unsubsidized loans. Overall I believe the FAFSA change could help students and parents become more successful with financial aid for college. The change should also help reduce the stress and confusion of completing the FAFSA as the new system streamlines the process. This could lead to an increase in the number of students who access federal aid to help pay for college. By making the FAFSA system easier to use, it could prove to be an invaluable tool in helping students achieve their educational and financial goals. Of course, the real challenge will be getting students to actually fill out the FAFSA – but if they can figure out how to order pizza online, this should be a piece of cake!
Hi everyone, Chris the Graduate here. In recent times, I’ve been spending my days in the big leagues of college. Studying, attending classes, and even participating in social events. So far it’s been about a month since the beginning of this journey and I have come to realize many things so far. A lot of what I thought I was going to struggle with happens to be not complicated at all. But I’ve also seen things that I need to improve on in order to be a successful student. So come along and let’s review my first month as a freshman in college. Before classes started, I had a grace period where I got to settle into my new home for the next 4 years. At this moment it finally hit me. I was going to be on my own and from now on I will have to rely on myself for the most part. I had to figure things out and grow on my own in these times. Coming back down to earth I realized that I needed way more stuff than I needed and ended up getting more essentials that I needed for my dorm and school supplies. I then had to figure out how to organize my room so it would be livable. I sorted through my stuff and got rid of everything that was no longer useful. I organized the remaining items in a way that would make it easy for me to find what I needed. My goal for my dorm was to make it comfortable and be able to do work without distractions. After going through prepping my dorm it was time to get ready for classes. The first day of classes was on a Monday the 21st of August. But I thought it would be best to tour and see my class buildings, which were spread out across the entire campus. I also got to meet new people while touring. I got connected with some upperclassmen and asked them for advice and what to expect leading up to where they are. The first week of classes came and it was huge. Students walk to classes seeing everyone getting around. This is what I’ve been waiting for. This is what me and my parents’ goal was and now I’m here. Moving around campus took some getting used to. My first class was across from my dorm and took about 20 minutes and going to my class after took 10 minutes. Fortunately, my schedule wasn’t too busy with classes. The most classes I have in a day are 3 and they happen to be simple to the point classes. As a whole, everything continues to go up. College life is still a new experience for me. In my experience, it is hard to enter a part of your life and enter something new with little knowledge. Finding a group of people you can relate to and connecting with them can be extremely helpful. Don’t be afraid to experience life. It goes without saying that college is an important part of your life.
Less experienced workers who want to get a job will receive minimum wages.While this will not be the only pay you’ll earn while working; it’s just something to start off with. When you join a company and as an initial hire, your salary increases the more skills and knowledge you learn from working there. Companies also reward employees who show commitment and dedication to their work. As you improve and acquire new abilities, your wage increases. This can be due to promotions, bonuses, or a general wage increase. In some cases, there may even be career advancement opportunities. The minimum wage in the United States began in 1938 to level out the economy and give work to citizens after the severe depression. Since then, the minimum wage has been adjusted throughout the years to keep up with the inflation rate and the cost of living. Currently, the federal minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 per hour. The federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 per hour in 2009. This was the final step of a three-step increase passed in 2007 when the minimum wage was only $5.15. In this last step, about 4.5 million workers received a raise, providing an additional $1.6 billion annually in increased wages. For instance, the minimum wage increase in 2009 meant that a full-time worker working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year would see their annual salary increase from $10,712 to $14,500. However, inflation has taken a toll on Americans living in 2023. The price of groceries, rent, and gas has increased tremendously. This has put a strain on many households, especially those living paycheck-to-paycheck. As such, many Americans are struggling to make ends meet. This has forced employers to look for creative solutions to keep their employees afloat. And as for people working part-time and working minimum wage, it can be scary and frustrating trying to make ends meet. As a student who recently graduated high school, it is off-putting to see what type of job there will be and the wages they would provide once I graduate from college. Therefore, it is important for employers to consider the needs of their employees and provide adequate wages and benefits. Additionally, for those entering the job market, it is important to consider the job market and conduct research to ensure that one is adequately compensated for their labor. But what would be the overall efficient solution to a minimum wage increase? Ever since the minimum wage was introduced, it has increased over time. Can we expect an end to this increase?
By: Chris The Graduate Undoubtedly, AI has already taken a significant leap into our world. It is changing how we interact with technology, how businesses operate, and how we solve complex problems. AI is already used in many applications, from facial recognition to autonomous vehicles. AI will continue to revolutionize our lives in the future. There have been several careers in which AI has participated and has assisted with jobs in many areas of life. But in what specific ways has AI affected the world of employment in recent years, andhow might it impact them in the future? For the most part, artificial intelligence is currently used to automate long-term processes that are repetitive. This has freed up employees to focus on more creative and higher-level tasks. AI is also being used to augment decision-making processes, making it easier to identify trends and better assess risks. In the future, AI will continue to play an increasing role in the workplace. For instance, AI-based chatbots are already being used to automate customer service processes, allowing companies to respond to customer inquiries more quickly and efficiently. By automating mundane tasks, AI is paving the way for more meaningful and complex work, leading to improved productivity and efficiency. This will ensure that AI remains an essential part of the modern workplace in the future. But what does that mean for the future of jobs for humans? Currently, AI is responsible for the loss of 5% of jobs. As AI technology develops, this number is likely to increase. Adapting to a future in which humans and machines work together will require businesses to prepare for a transition. Their existing workforce must be retrained and upskilled to work with AI. Could this be a viable and plausible concept? Perhaps depending on your point of view. Artificial intelligence is inevitable in today’s world, whatever it may be.

