5 Lessons from the DARPA Robotics Challenge

5 Lessons from the DARPA Robotics Challenge 5 Lessons from the DARPA Robotics Challenge 5 Lessons from the DARPA Robotics ChallengeThe Fukushima disaster in Japan in 2011, which created a toxic environment too dangerous for human responders to enter, inspired the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to create the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC), with the goal of developing semi-autonomous ground robots for complex tasks in dangerous conditions. According to DARPA, useable technologies that result from the DRC will hopefully lead to the development of robots featuring task-level autonomy that can operate in the hazardous, degraded conditions common in disaster zones.The 2015 DRC finals, held in Pomona, CA, involved 24 kollektivs from around the globe. The objective was to maneuver their own highly specialized robots through eight autonomous and semi-autonomous mobility and manipulation tasks to demonstrate their ability to operate in uncontrolled and unpredictable situations. A jo int team from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Carnegie Mellon University (WPI-CMU) made up of faculty, engineers, and students, placed seventh. Its six-foot-tall menschenhnlich Atlas robot named WARNER was made by Boston Dynamics.Mike Gennert, director of WPIs Robotics program, and WARNER (WPIs Atlas Robot for Nonconventional Emergency Response). ruf WPIWARNER successfully completed seven of eight tasks on each day of the competition, which included driving a vehicle, opening a door, using power tools, and turning a valve. The team scored 14 out of 16 possible points over the two-day event. It suffered a program design error and an arm hardware failure that caused two attempts at the drill/cutting task to fail. However, WPI-CMU was the only team that attempted all tasks, did not require physical human intervention (a reset), and did not fall during any of the missions.What They LearnedThe Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers published a paper written by WPI-CMU team members called No Falls, No Resets Reliable Humanoid Behavior in the DARPA Robotics Challenge. They describe their approach to the DRC and their strategy for avoiding failures that required physical human intervention, and lessons learned. Five major takeaways includeWalk with your entire body. All teams in the challenge failed to use aspects of the physical space to help their robots move, such as stair railings, or putting a hand on the wall to help cross rough terrain. Even drunk people are smart enough to use nearby supports, they write. Why didnt our robots do this? We avoided contacts and the resultant structural changes. More contacts make tasks mechanically easier, but algorithmically mora complicated.Design robots to survive failure and recover. The authors advise that robustness to falls (avoiding damage) and fall recovery (getting back up) need to be designed in from the start, not retro-fitted to a completed humanoid design. The Atlas robot was too top heavy and its arm s too weak to reliably get up from a fall. The team has since been exploring inflatable robot designs as one approach to fall-tolerant robots.The most cost-effective research area to improve robot performance is human-robot interaction.Developing ways to avoid and survive operator errors is crucial for real-world robotics. Interfaces must be designed to help eliminate errors, reduce the effect of errors, and speed the recovery or implement undo operations when errors happen. Interfaces need to be idiot-proof and require no typing, have no check boxes, and minimize the number of options for the operator, writes the team.Be ready for the worst case. In the second day of competition, the team lost the DARPA-provided communications between the operators and the robot in a full communication zone for at least six minutes, which counted against the teams time. Our lesson here, they state, is that for real robustness, we should have planned for conditions worse than expected. We could have easily programmed behaviors to be initiated autonomously if communications unexpectedly failed.The field of humanoid robots is flawed.In situations where the researchers did not control the test, most humanoid robots, even older and well-tested designs, performed poorly and often fell. It is clear that our field needs to put much more emphasis on building reliable systems, relative to simulations and theoretical results, writes the team. We need to understand why our current hardware and software approaches are so unreliable.High-Value ExperienceAccording to Mike Gennert, director of WPIs Robotics Program, the greatest experience for the team was learning how hard it is to design and operate humanoid robots. WPI team members had no previous experience with humanoid robots and, although most of the techniques were not quite cutting edge, they were advanced. That meant extensive testing to ensure that the overall system would perform, says Gennert. We also learned a lot about the cha llenging problems that remain, such as balance and stability, robust and adaptive control, integrating perception and manipulation, and the need for better sensors, especially haptics.The team is still working with its Atlas robot.About 30 students are involved in 12 different projects, including learning for walking, footstep placement, two-handed coordination, and getting up from falls.This project gave us experience with very advanced robotic hardware and software, adds Gennert. We continue to use them in our teaching and research.Our students who have graduated have gone on to great jobs and graduate schools, in no small part due to what they learned in the competition. I could not be more proud of this team and what it has accomplished.Mark Crawford is an independent writer.Our students who have graduated have gone on to great jobs and graduate schools, in no small part due to what they learned in the competition.Mike Gennert, WPIs Robotics Program

10 signs that youre a toxic boss

10 signs that youre a toxic anfhrer10 signs that youre a toxic bossYou might be committed to your company and you might think youre an ethical employer, but just because you genuinely care about your work and your staff doesnt mean that you always lead that staff in the best possible way.According to asurveycommissioned by Lynn Taylor Consulting, employees waste 19.2 hours a weekworrying about what their bosses say or do- 13 of which occur during workweek and 6.2 of which consume theirweekends.If you want your employees focusing on their work instead of worrying about you, its important to recognize when youre being atoxic boss. Here are 10 signs.You dont engage with your employeesA toxic boss doesnt spend time establishing rapport with those they manage. Gaining trust is crucial for your employees to feel comfortable voicing bothcareer goalsand concerns with you.You dont giveconstructive criticismStudies show that women are less likely to receivevaluable feedbackon annual performan ce reviews than men. Be sure that youre giving all of your employees clear, constructive feedback likewise, set expectations and measurable goals.You micro manageIf youre too overbearing, your staff wont be able to accomplish anything efficiently. Remember that its not always necessary to know the play-by-play of every meeting, email exchange and phone call, so long as your employees are getting their work done on time and theyre doing well.You dont respect privacyIf theres an issue you need to discuss with an employee, its best to secure a private conference room or closed office space to have the conversation. Its demoralizing, humiliating and unfair to have these talks in front of colleagues or via email chains with multiple staff members CCed. Moreover, its unprofessional on your behalf.You rank your staffOffering performance incentives is a smart way to keep employees motivated and boost workplace morale. But ranking team members based on their performances in comparison to one anotherturns colleagues into competitors, and itll turn your office into a breading ground for systemic gender biases.You dont give credit where credit is dueAcknowledging work well done is oftentimes just as important as acknowledging room for improvement. By touting an employees efforts, youre encouraging them to continue theirhard workin that way.You dont welcomefeedbackShakespeare once said something along the lines of, A good boss thinks her or himself to be wise, but a wise boss knows her or himself to be a fool.Well, notquitelike that. Your employees are working at the forefront of your company - theyre on the ground, handling your clients, engaging with one another they may have insight into areas from which youre a little more detached. It could be wise to hear them out.You dont lead by exampleA leader is someone who influences the behaviors, attitudes and thoughts of others - a leaderleads. And the best way to cultivate a company culture thats trusting, progressive and productive is by leading by example.You dont value employees time offVacation time is a benefit and one that is it critical to the health, morale and productivity of your staff. Despite any inclinations toemail or phone employees while theyre off the clock, their time off is to be respected. Moreover, it should be encouraged.You dont offer support or warranted sponsorshipsWomen, in particular,struggle to gain the support of authority figures- especially if they work under male bosses, who are evermore weary of engaging one-on-one with them assexual harassmentclaims sweep the nation. Theyve fewer sponsors in their careers for that reason. That said, at some point,allemployees will need support. A good boss will manage their teams a great boss will not only manage, but theyll also challenge, support and sponsor (when warranted).This article originally appeared on Fairygodboss.

How to Say Not to Someone Who Wants to Reconnect - The Muse

How to Say Not to Someone Who Wants to Reconnect - The MuseHow to Say Not to Someone Who Wants to Reconnect People from your past pop up all the time. Whetherbei theyre former colleagues, people you met at networking events, or even acquaintances from your college years, old contacts may surprise you by reaching out to reconnect. This kind of gesture can often be exciting and flattering- though, sometimes, thats not the case. Every now and then, you might receive an invitation to coffee from someone whose presence you havent exactly missed. Think that one-sided relationship that left you feeling used and underappreciated. And if youre worried that old flame will come back to burn you, there are smart ways to remove yourself from the situation before it becomes a problem. Relationships shouldnt be a one-way street. If youve had one thats historically felt that way, then its understandable that you might not jump at the opportunity to be BFFs when that partie reaches out again randomly . Before you really shut it down, as well as prevent future relationships like this from popping up again, it can be helpful to take a step back first. Try to stand in that persons shoes and understand where he or she is coming from. Sometimes, whats happening can be the result of simple miscommunication. Each time you do this person a favor, dont say, Let me know if you ever need anything else unless you actually mean it. Saving face with courtesy comments like these might actually be giving this person the green light to do exactly what youre hoping to avoid. And if youre not careful, youll turn yourself into a walking doormat just by trying to seem polite.I reached out to confidence coach and Muse writer Steve Errey to get his take on this sensitive issue. When you know a relationship is one-sided, and that saying yes will drain, frustrate, or perhaps even damage you, you have every right to make a choice that serves you well, he says. Dont fall into the trap of thinking that tur ning him down makes you a bad person or a selfish one it doesnt.And theres absolutely no harm in being more deliberate with how you use your time in ways that are meaningful for you. Theres a huge difference between being generous with your time and attention where its appropriate and being a bottomless pit or a people-pleaser, Errey explains. If youre worried about going down that slippery slope again with an old contact, youre completely justified in shutting down the situation before it even starts. And to do so, you have two options Be honest or deflect.Be HonestBe straightforward about your position if you cant help at the moment, if you feel this person always asks too much of you, or if you think he doesnt return the favor. Of course, its also important to recognize that at the end of the day, a relationship isnt a transaction either. Know the difference between expecting reimbursement and feeling used. And if youre sure that this person has always been self-serving from the start, then it could be helpful to just let him know where you stand. This sort of conversation might be best face-to-face, and your overall message can be simple To be honest, our last few interactions didnt sit quite right with me. I love to help out whenever I can, and I appreciate you keeping me updated every now and then- but Im worried thats all our relationship is turning into.It may be hard for him to hear, but it could clear things up in your relationship or, if anything, how he treats people in general. Knowing where youre at will help this person realize that you may not be the best avenue for achieving his goals. And as an added plus, if he values your relationship on top of that (but just has a bad way of showing it), youre also providing insight as to how the situation could be improved.Or DeflectYou dont have to go into all the dirty details if you dont want to. Sometimes, the best way to save face might be to leave whats buried be- and exit gracefully while you still can. According to Errey, Other people have the right to ask for something they need, just as you have the right to say no. This doesnt have to be a big dramatic moment of two clashing sides.If youre simply not confrontational, or you believe your life is just fine with the people currently in it, its OK if you dont want to rock the boat. Stopping this person in her tracks doesnt have to be a huge deal. Errey recommends using simple bite-sized phrases to get your message across without doing too much explaining. It can be as simple as letting her know that nows not the best time for you to get back in touch. Im so sorry, that wont work for me right now or Thanks so much asking, but Im going to have to decline will do the trick just fine. Saying no to someone can be hard, even if its the best thing you could be doing for yourself. Just the idea of looking cold or uncooperative might push you to say yes, but do your best to stand your ground.Trying to make everyone think wonderful th oughts about you will drive you crazy, and its all about the pursuit of external validation in order to feel good or worthy, Errey says. So make a decision thats based on the fact that youre already worthy and already good enough.If a self-serving contact from your past is trying to reconnect, ask yourself what about your behaviors might have encouraged her to want to rekindle that one-sided relationship. How you handle the situation ultimately is how you communicate to that person- as well as yourself- about whether or not you will tolerate that behavior. Photo of person on phone courtesy of lzf/Getty Images.

This is why you have such crazy dreams when you take Nyquil

This is why you have such crazy dreams when you take NyquilThis is why you have such crazy dreams when you take NyquilWhenever you come down with a pesky cold or a case of the flu, you probably reach for a familiar bottle in your medicine cabinet when it comes time to try and sleep off your sickness. Yep, were talking about Vicks NyQuil - and honestly a lot of the brands sibling products.Notoriously known asa knockoutpotion, NyQuil doses your body with acetaminophen (a pain reliever and fever reducer), dextromethorphan hydrobromide (a cough suppressant) and doxylamine succinate (a powerful antihistamine) all in one. It can help relieve your most uncomfortable symptoms quickly and allow your body to get the rest it needs to restore its healthy status, but it can also give you some pretty wild dreams. Like, dancing with talking unicorns and falling to your doom in the center of a volcano, dreams.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Produ ctivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreWhy is that exactly?Well, most experts blame it on the doxylamine succinate. Antihistamines are known for their drowsy side effects, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep, but they can also create some interesting interactions once youve drifted off to dreamland.Antihistamines block the production of histamine, a certain kind of neurotransmitter, in your brain. (Makes sense, right?) Its responsible for regulating your appetite, your body temperature, inflammation and - you guessed it - your sleep-wake cycle. Anddoxylamine specifically blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which triggersrapid eye movement (REM) sleepand, therefore, is in charge of your dream state.So what happens is your NyQuil dose puts off REM sleep longer than your normal sleep cycle typically does and then, as the medicine wears off, your brain experiences a rush of acetylcholine, creating a quick rebound of REM sleep in an attempt to make up for lost time . And its that quick shift that leads to all of your bizarre (and often terrifying) dreams.Its also worth noting that NyQuil isnt the only company that uses doxylamine succinate in cold and flu medicines, so if youre not ready to experience the wild adventures that your imagination has in store for you while on the mend, maybe read those ingredient labels and skip this bad boy.This article originally appeared on Swirled.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Tell me about yourself How to answer Tell me about yourself interview questions

Tell me about yourself How to answer Tell me about yourself interview questionsTell me about yourself How to answer Tell me about yourself interview questionsWhen I was a human resources executive doing hiring interviews, I alfruchtwein always began my interviews with candidates by requesting, Tell me about yourself. I did that for a number of reasons, the most important of which was to see how the candidates handled themselves in an unstructured situation.I wanted to see how articulate they were, how confident they were and generally what type of impression they would make on the people with whom they came into contact on the job.I also wanted to get a sense of what they thought was important.Most candidates find this question to be a particularly difficult one to answer. That is a misplaced view. This question offers an opportunity to describe yourself positively and focus the interview on your strengths. Be prepared to deal with it. These days, its unavoidable. Like me, most inter viewers start off with this or similar job interview questions. A lot of interviewers open with it as an icebreaker or because theyre still getting organized, but they all use it to get a sense of whom you are.The wrong response to Tell me about yourselfThere are many ways to respond to this question correctly and just one wrong way by asking, What do you want to know? That tells me you have elend prepared properly for the interview and are likely to be equally unprepared on the job. You need to develop a good answer to this question, practice it and be able to deliver it with poise and confidence.The right response to Tell me about yourselfTo help you prepare, I spoke to a number of career coaches on how best to respond when faced with this question. Heed the career advice that follows to ace this openerThe consensus of the coaches with whom I spokeFocus on what most interests the interviewerHighlight your most important accomplishmentsFocus on what interests the interviewerAccordi ng to Jane Cranston, a career coach from New York The biggest mistake people being interviewed make is thinking the interviewer really wants to know about them as a person. They start saying things like, Well, I was born in Hoboken, and when I was three we moved Wrong. The interviewer wants to know that you can do the job, that you fit into the team, what you have accomplished in your prior positions and how can you help the organization.Nancy Fox, of Fox Coaching Associates, agrees. She notes that many candidates, unprepared for the question, skewer themselves by rambling, recapping their life story, delving into ancient work history or personal matters. She recommends starting with your most recent employment and explaining why you are well qualified for the position. According to Fox, the key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for. In other words, you want to be selling what the buyer is buying.Think of your respons e as a movie preview, says Melanie Szlucha, a coach with Red Inc. The movie preview always relates to the movie youre about to see. You never see a movie preview for an animated flick when youre there to see a slasher movie. So the tell me about yourself answer needs to directly fit the concerns of your prospective employer.Previews are also short but show clips of the movie that people would want to see mora of later. They provide enough information about the movie so that you could ask intelligent questions about what the movie is about. Hiring managers dont want to look unprepared by reading your resume in front of you, so Szlucha advises that you provide them some topics to ask you more questions about.Highlight your most important accomplishmentsGreg Maka, managing director at 24/7 Marketing, advises job seekers to tell a memorable story about your attributes. For example, if you tell an interviewer that people describe you as tenacious, provide a brief story that shows how you have been tenacious in achieving your goals. Stories are powerful and are what people remember most, he said.One great example is that of Fran Capo, a comedienne who bills herself as the worlds fastest-talking female. She offers the following advice Whenever I go on auditions or interviews, I have a set opening I use. I tell the interviewer what I do in one sentence and then say, And I also happen to be the Guinness Book of World Records fastest-talking female. Then I elaborate. According to Capo, the main thing in anything you do is to be memorable, in a good way. Your goal when you answer the tell me about yourself question is to find a way stand out from everyone else.And, be briefMaureen Anderson, host of The Career Clinic radio show, stresses the importance of keeping your answer short The employer wants to know a little bit about you to begin with - not your life story. Just offer up two or three things that are interesting - and useful. You should take about a minute to an swer this question.To make sure it is succinct and covers what you want it to cover, she suggests that you write your answer out before the interview, practice it, time it and rehearse it until it sounds natural. Then practice it some more. The goal is to tell the employer enough to pique their interest, not so much that they wonder if theyd ever be able to shut you up during a coffee break at the office.Rather than dread this question, a well-prepared candidate should welcome this inquiry. Properly answered, this question puts the candidate in the drivers seat. It gives her an opportunity to sell herself. It allows her to set the tone and direction for the rest of the interview, setting her up to answer the questions she most wants to answer.

The True Meaning of Resume Skills and Abilities

The True Meaning of Resume Skills and Abilities If youre asking for a position that demands an extremely particular set of skills like a technical or engineering job, then the employer will probably wish to realize that youve got the appropriate hard skills first. Based on whichever job youre applying for, you might note down your abilities to keep up a fantastic relationship with your employees or customers at each degree of the business. Speak to professionals in the area If youre having a tough time determining what skills an employer might need to see, look at contacting a professional already working in the business or position very similar to the one that youre applying for. Before opting for any kind of business, it is going to augur well, if you comprehend the difference between every one of the options. The key is to supply VIP treatment and exceptional customer tafelgeschirr to your paying customers. Hard skills have a tendency to be more technical, and each business or kind of job will often have its personal necessary set. Where to Find Resume Skills and Abilities The placement of your skills section is also a rather important issue to take into account. There are a couple of different forms of skill sections and formatting options which you should think about when crafting your resume. If youre interested in submitting an application for a particular job, review the post carefully and observe the list of skill requirements. Review their About Us page and see whether your soft abilities or attributes are aligned with the organizations core values. Relevant skills ought to be backed by further info in the resume. As a secretary you will need to handle plenty of confidential details. Again, despite the fact that the information might appear repetitive, go right ahead and attach the resume. Your contact information should always go at the very top of your resume, so that employers can readily find it. Always bear in mind that hiring m anagers do not devote a good deal of time perusing a resume. No matter where you include your skills section on your resume, you can be confident that the hiring manager will find it and definitely likely to ask about doing it. When you want to land up a job in a reputable business house you will want to get a detailed resume. Jobs are constantly changing and evolving, and you need to demonstrate an openness to raise and learn with that shift. The Resume Skills and Abilities titelblatt Up Key skills are work-related skills that you will need to do a job. The skills ought to be modified slightly to ensure it is applicable for the particular job description. Your skills are an overview of what you could do for the prospective employer if you were offered the work at the moment. Fantastic communication skills are indispensable in virtually every job. Therefore, in case you have a job which demands specific, specialized tasks, you would like to get an Evanston electrical contrac ting company with all of the aforementioned traits. Write down what skills you used, and the way they may relate to the job that you desire. Obviously every job has a certain requirement criteria of the abilities and abilities for a resume, and therefore you need to make certain that you proceed through the job descriptions thoroughly. Whether youre searching for your very first job or your next one, you require a resume that shows employers that youre a skilled professional. Resume Skills and Abilities and Resume Skills and Abilities - The Perfect Combination As you proceed through the list of skills above, make a distinct list with the skills which you already possess. Professional skills are extremely important additionally to include on your resume. In the start, there was PowerPoint. The skills section of your resume shows employers youve got the abilities necessary to be successful in the function. Whenever you do, speak to the individual or persons who asked it once p ossible. Skills If there are several varieties of skills which are important to the job that youre applying for, you can include multiple skills list in your resume. If you would like to display your organization skills, acquiring a tightly structured resume certainly helps.

Legal eagles find ways of riding out the recession

Legal eagles find ways of riding out the recession Legal eagles find ways of riding out the recessionPosted October 13, 2011, by Josie Chun Like other industries, the legal profession has been significantly affected by the global financial crisis. For both individuals and companies, flexibility seems to be the key to survival. In February 2009, Mahlab Recruitment, a leading legal recruitment firm, released a Market Update outlining how the recent economic downturn has been affecting the legal market. These were their major findings. Private practice Overall, geschftliches miteinander activity in law firms has slowed, although specific practice areas, such as insolvency and commercial litigation, are thriving. It is expected that pay rises and bonuses will be severely limited in the coming months. While some firms have resorted to retrenching staff, others have come up with creative solutions to retain staff while containing costs. For example, some are offering a lump sum and leave o f absence based on the employees commitment to return at the end of an agreed-upon period. More lawyers are also working part-time during the recession. Mallesons Stephen Jaques, a multiple award-winning law firm, understands the importance of workplace flexibility well. In 2004, it launched its Making work work, together initiative a program which formalised flexible working options. Staff are able to work part time, work flexible hours, job share, swap pay for leave, telework from home or combine these options. This is an excellent example of how law firms can adapt to changing times and thrive as a result and it certainly seems to have paid off for Mallesons. Government There is likely to be increased demand for projects, infrastructure and construction lawyers as a result of the Federal Governments economic stimulus package focusing on infrastructure (particularly in the areas of transport, water, public housing and schools). High profile and senior public sector opportunitie s are now highly sought after because they are seen as offering greater job security. Contracting With recruitment freezes, restructuring and redundancies occurring across the market, one of the most significant trends has been for corporations to make increasing use of contract roles, part-time opportunities and flexible working arrangements as a way of cutting costs and dealing with headcount freezes. These options provide a viable way for lawyers to survive these difficult times so the more adaptable you are, the better. Smaller firms may be the way to go Many smaller firms with lower overheads and charge-out rates are picking up business as clients opt for cheaper options. This means that the demand for good candidates in these smaller firms is increasing. Instability at the top end also opens the way for smaller players to pick up experienced partners with transferable contacts and expertise. Where the business is In general, recruitment activity in the major cities has follow ed similar trends a general slowing, especially in areas such as corporate, commercial, finance and property law, but with business picking up in the areas of commercial litigation, insolvency and employment law. Both Sydney and Melbourne have seen increased demand in the IT sector, as well as opportunities within the health, energy and FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) industries. Lawyers with corporate governance skills are highly sought after, and opportunities still exist for high-calibre lawyers in the financial services sector. The bottom line This is a time for conservatism and caution, though plenty of opportunities still exist. A flexible approach to employment, including the implementation of innovative workplace practices, is allowing many law firms, and lawyers themselves, to ride out the current recessionary wave.Law ResourcesLawyer sample resumeLawyer sample titelseite letterCareer Insider StoriesPandelis Tiliakos - BarristerSusan Sumars - Associate Lawyer & Pro Bono CoordinatorInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerBusiness ManagerAccountantManagement ConsultantFinancial BrokerPopular Career Searchescertificate iv in legal services victoriahow to become a paralegal in australialist of universities with jd degree in australiabest juris doctor degree in australiagraduate certificate in australian migration law and practice tafeLaw CoursesBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJuris DoctorEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMaster of LawsEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJosie ChunRelated ArticlesBrowse moreCAREER ADVICECAREER INSPIRATION6 Reasons Why You Should Study LawStudying law offers you the chance to develop a wide range of skills and explore different aspects of menschenfreundlich life, businesses, and society. Here are a few more reasons why studying law in Australia is an excellent choice.LawLaw career fact sheetConsidering a career in law? Check out this fun fact sheet for everything you need to know about the industry, at a glance.Sports ManagementUnusual jobsKerrilyn Cramer - Tennis Official, Chair UmpireEvery now and again when players are misbehaving, or the match is particularly close or tense for some reason, I feel some pressure, but I dont think its any different to any other job, I just have to deal with it.

How to Build a Career in the Payroll Department

How to Build a Career in the Payroll DepartmentHow to Build a Career in the Payroll DepartmentWith low unemployment and mora than 200,000 new jobs created each month, its easy to see why payroll professionals are in huge demand. Interested in a career in payroll? Read on for answers to common questions about working in this field.Q How do I get started in the payroll department?A While payroll experience is preferable for an entry-level clerical position, its not mandatory. The minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or GED, and employers are willing to offer on-the-job training to new payroll hires. A background in bookkeeping, menschengerecht resources or administrative assistance can easily transfer to payroll.Q What does a payroll clerk do?A This entry-level position is part payroll and part clerical. Working under a supervisor, you would assist with data entry, filing, answering employee questions and maintaining accurate records. The payroll department and huma n resources work closely together, so as a payroll clerk, you might deal with employment verification, processing new hires paperwork and helping with orientation. In some departments, a payroll clerk also carries out basic bookkeeping duties.Read about whats new in the ever-expanding world of payroll professionals.Q What are employers looking for in an entry-level payroll clerk?A Besides a high school diploma, basic computer and math skills are common requirements. Relevant experience is a plus, but often not required for the right candidate. Job skills are essential, though. Employers appreciate applicants who demonstrate professionalism, can solve problems independently, have good written and verbal communication, pay attention to detail, and provide excellent customer service.Q What hard and soft skills are in demand?A Read about the trends and required skills for payroll professionals in the slideshow, below.Striking a Balance Hard and Soft Skills for Payroll ProfessionalsThis slideshare was presented at the American Payroll Associations 2018 Congress, where Michael Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps, was a keynote speaker.Q What types of software does a payroll department use?A You should be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word and Outlook. Most payroll departments use one of the following pay-processing systems Sage, ADP, PeopleSoft, UltiPro, Workday, Kronos, Dayforce, Paychex and Paycom. The mora you advance in the department, the more youll be expected to be proficient in SAP, FreshBooks, NetSuite, Oracle and other financial software.Q What is the typical career progression in payroll?A After a few years as a payroll clerk, youre ready for the next rung on the ladder. As a payroll specialist, you would be working more independently in processing payroll, employment verification forms, garnishment orders and so forth. Youd also serve as backup for the payroll coordinator/administrator. At the top of the payroll org chart is t he payroll manager, who supervises a team, handles higher-level accounting functions, stays up to date on legislative compliance and trains staff on software, year-end closing and payroll best practices.Looking for a job in payroll? See the job descriptions and duties for different positions in the payroll department.The higher you go in the payroll department, the more degrees youll need. After a GED, the next step is an associate or bachelors degree in accounting, finance, management, business administration or human resources. A masters degree is a preferred qualification for those planning on advancing to a leadership role in HR or finance.Q Does payroll have a certification program?A Yes. The American Payroll Association (APA) offers two industry-recognized payroll certifications. Created for entry-level employees, the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) covers the core concepts required to get started in the industry. The good thing about this credential is that no prior p ayroll experience is necessary. To pass the exam, the APA recommends six to 12 weeks of study and review. The organization offers study guides, prep courses, web-based training, books and a boot camp.For those with more experience and wishing to lead a department, the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) offers an advanced overview of payroll topics, ranging from a mastery of core concepts to in-depth accounting and finance practices.Both certifications verify a specific level of knowledge and can help you stand out from other applicants during a job search.Q What are salaries in payroll like?A Payroll offers excellent job and salary prospects. The salary midpoint for a payroll clerk is $39,000, according to the 2019 Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance Professionals. For a payroll coordinator or administrator, its $46,000, and for a payroll manager or supervisor, $72,750.Salaries range widely from city to city and should be adjusted for each market using the Salary Calculator. A t the midpoint, candidates have average experience with the necessary skills to meet the job requirements, and the role may be in an industry where competition for talent is moderate.The payroll department is a rewarding place to work, bringing you into contact with people throughout the organization. If youre looking for a career with plentiful job opportunities and interesting work, now is a great time to get your foot in the door.

5 Steps to Build Self-Confidence

5 Steps to Build Self-Confidence 5 Steps to Build Self-Confidence He told me that in the first 60-90 seconds he could tell I was nervous, yet, after that, I loosened up and got into the feel of it. Although he told me he believed public speaking was certainly in my future, there was one very important area I needed to master to bring it all together.Heres a what-my-memory-will-allow recap of ur conversationHim Besides the higher-ups, who are the best paid people in a company?Me Developers?Him Sales. And why is this?Me Because fruchtwein people arent comfortable asking for money.Him So, what is it about sales people that enable them to feel comfortable doing so?Me Aggression?Him ConfidenceThis intrigued me and led me to the article Key Qualities of a Great Sales Person. The author lists eight of the most common traits of great sales people, and guess what came in at number two? Confidence.The author writes that a confident person believes in his/her own abilities and can handle reje ction. Sales people either dont take no for an answer or dont take no personally. They are driven and go for what they want, oftentimes stopping at elendhing until theyve accomplished their goals.I wonder what would happen if wed all adopt a sales mentality for every area of our lives? How much could you accomplish if you didnt take no for an answer? If you were driven and relentlessly pursued your desires? I believe this mentality is possible for everyone, but it all begins with self-confidence.You know the saying, confidence is key? Well, its true. If you dont believe in your abilities and skills, how will you stay motivated? What will drive you? What force would push you to accept nothing but what you set out to accomplish?Below are five tips for building your self-confidence, advice I also plan to take to ensure I have a sales mindset for all my endeavors1. Review past accomplishmentsWhen facing a big challenge, project or task, sometimes all we need is a reminder that weve been there and done that. Look at your past accomplishments to see if any are similar to what youre currently facing. This should help build your confidence, knowing that youve already successfully accomplished a similar task. You can do this too. Even if you dont have past accomplishments similar to your current task, you have past accomplishments. Dont forget what you have done, which can show you that you do have the skills and abilities to achieve things.2. Dont underestimate your roleUnsure if youre good enough or qualified to fulfill a task? Think about your current role. You applied for the job and were selected out of X amount of other applicants. Obviously, youre qualified to fulfill the role youre in dont underestimate that. Look for ways your current role relates to the task at hand. Were you asked to manage a project because of your role? Were you chosen to speak at an event because of the topics you regularly write about? Just like your current role, there is a reason you w ere presented with the opportunity at hand. Dont downplay that.3. Think about your strengthsA great way to increase your self-confidence is to think about your strengths. Make a list of every area youre strong in (you may be surprised at how long it is). Dont forget areas others, such as managers, mentors, colleagues, etc., have noted as your strengths. This helps build confidence because it reaffirms your skills and abilities. You can also make a list of your weakness and challenge yourself to improve upon them. Personal and professional development, i.e. making the effort to improve weak areas, is certainly a sign of strength.4. Assess your goalsA lot of times it helps to assess your goals. What are your short-term and long-term goals? What is your motivation for both? Sometimes looking at the reason behind why were pursuing something helps our confidence. Its much easier to maintain your confidence when working toward a degree in a field that you love and are passionate about ver sus a degree that family and friends think youd be better suited for.Also remember when thinking about your goals, only you can get you there. If you dont believe in yourself and your capabilities, who else will? Think about a job interview. If youre not fully confident that youre the best person to fill the position, why would a hiring manager be convinced? You must be your number one fan.5. Fake it till you make itThis is a common saying, but I think its true when it comes to confidence. The gentleman offering me constructive criticism agreed If your confidence isnt there, you still need to act like it is. He told me to think about actors and actresses, they play a part and become a character on screen, but that doesnt mean thats who they are in real life. Of course, you eventually want to truly possess self-confidence, but this doesnt always happen overnight. Sometimes you need to act like youre confident. Oftentimes when you do this, confidence will inevitably build within you.

Benjamin Henry Latrobe

Benjamin Henry Latrobe Benjamin Henry Latrobe Benjamin Henry LatrobeDesigner. Engineer. Canal builder. Painter. Benjamin Latrobe the father of American architecture was all that and more. Emigrating to the United States from his native Britain in 1795, the versatile Latrobe discovered a young nation still searching for its national aesthetic the perfect blank canvas for his unique vision.Steamship pioneer Robert Fulton, with whom he would later do geschftsleben, said his genius is for works of a higher order, but he has the happy faculty of accommodating it to anything useful.Latrobe was one of the nations first formally trained architects and one of its earliest steam engineers. Through his designs for the U.S. Capitol and the White House, he defined the style of federal buildings for generations to come. Through his innovative public works, he brought clean water and better transportation ordnungsprinzips to cities from Philadelphia to New Orleans.Latrobe was born in 1764 near L eeds, England,to a schoolmaster father and Pennsylvania-born mother. Educated in England and Germany, he was fluent in multiple languages and fully steeped in the arts and classical scholarship.Latrobe began a new life in America after his first wife died in childbirth, drawn by his mothers stories of growing up in Pennsylvania. Over the remaining 25 years of his life, he would make an indelible mark through a series of innovative design and construction projects for government buildings, banks, theaters, cathedrals, prisons and other high-profile institutional structures. He originated the Greek Revival style in American buildings with his widely imitated Bank of Pennsylvania, designed a landmark academic building for Dickinson College at no cost, and parlayed an acquaintanceship with George Washingtons son into a productive network of powerful clients in the new Federal City taking shape on the banks of the Potomac River.Latrobe pivoted seamlessly between architecture and engineer ing, dabbling in contracting, surveying and other pursuits along the way. Between difficulty keeping projects on budget and some misguided business ventures, Latrobe spent much of his career on the brink of financial disaster.As an early proponent of steam power, he built Philadelphias first waterworks. His design incorporated two behemoth steam engines to pump water from the Schuylkill River. Piping fresh water to homes for the first time in the citys history, his water system greatly reduced the incidence of water-borne infectious diseases such as yellow fever.In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson tapped him as the U.S. Surveyor of Public Buildings. Soon he was assigned to supervise completion of the Capitol Building. He made important changes to William Thorntons original design and contributed to other iconic Washington, DC, structures including the White House and the Washington Navy Yard. Some of the best surviving examples of his interior work in the Capitol include the Nationa l Statuary Hall (formerly the Hall of the House), the Old Supreme Court Chamber and the Old Senate Chamber, with their ornate murals depicting uniquely American motifs such as corn and tobacco among the classical imagery. During James Madisons administration, he worked extensively with first lady Dolley Madison to refurbish the White House to her elegant standards.As a surveyor and canal builder, Latrobe improved inland waterways in and around the capital to promote lokal navigation. He supervised or consulted on a series of canals linking lakes and rivers with otherwise landlocked cities, creating opportunities for the emerging steamship industry and using cutting-edge technology such as hydraulic cement that could harden in water.Latrobe knew and shared similar business ambitions as Robert Fulton. By 1813, he had grown tired of Washington life and was inspired by the prospect of earning a shipbuilding fortune. He took a short-lived job in Pittsburgh as an agent in Fultons steamboa t company, remaining in the area for the next few years building boats, taking on architectural commissions and struggling to stay out of bankruptcy.He wrote of his struggles to get ahead With us the labor of the hand has precedence over that of the mind that an engineer is considered only as an overseer of men that dig, and an architect as one that watches others that hew stone and wood.After the War of 1812, the government called him back to Washington to refurbish the fire-damaged Capitol. He was ready.Later in the decade, Latrobe relocated to New Orleans to complete a protracted waterworks project that had been launched by his son, who had died of yellow fever. The city had long captured his interest for its potential as a steamship port, and he immersed himself in several important architectural projects including the Customs House and the St. Louis Cathedral.Ironically, the engineer who had done so much to rid urban cities of yellow fever contracted the disease before the wate r system was completed. He died in 1820 at age 56.Michael McRae is an independent writer.His genius is for works of a higher order, but he has the happy faculty of accommodating it to anything useful.Robert Fulton on Benjamin Latrobe