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Bank On Your Dream Job

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:51:00 +0000

// If you're good with numbers and enjoy maths, you might consider a career in accountancy or finance. These jobs are some of the most relevant and in-demand professions out there, and no matter where you are or what kind of currency is in your pocket, there are banks and accountants working all over the world. If you're thinking of starting a career in finance, the options are endless. You can do anything from becoming a bank teller to becoming an analyst or broker. Spending some time thinking about where your strengths lie and what you'd like to do best is criticall before you plan how to enter this field. It can also help to speak to others who are in a similar field for tips and anecdotes about life on the job. Over the years, banks and finance positions have evolved to a point where people now expect much more from their banks than they did twenty years ago. Banks are increasingly branching out to offer new services to their customers, anything from mortgage advice to online tools to help people manage their finances. As a result, more job opportunities are opening up to individuals who have the skills to understand complicated equations and the patience and persistence to deal with customers on a regular basis. Many finance jobs require highly specialised training before you can secure your dream job, so it is important to start doing some research into different kinds of jobs and what qualifications you need to be a successful applicant. You can do anything from tax, to bookkeeping, payroll, or credit control, but each field requires a slightly different skill set, so find out what is required for the job. . The UK has some of the best accountancy and consultancy firms in the world in its biggest cities, so there is ample opportunity for you to find a job that is right for you. If you're just starting out your career, it is a good idea to network with people who are already established in the field and speak to them about their experiences an... Read more

Training & Certifications: Lifeblood Of A Networking Career

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:44:00 +0000

// If you work in the technical area of networking and the public Internet, you’re probably a trained, certified networking engineer already. Chances are though that you’ve only pursued one or two specific training courses that seemed like safe bets at the start of your career – and at best you will have topped these certifications up from time to time. But the network has moved on in the past 10-15 years, arguably more than anyone could have predicted – today it touches every aspect of most people’s working and personal lives, and it has become fully mobile. It’s hard to name a business sector that doesn’t rely on the network to meet its core objectives – from bottom-line profit through execution of mission-critical services to providing a digital shop-window. This means that the demand for networking skills is much higher than it has ever been before, with little risk of it diminishing in the near future. However, it also means that the skills and mindsets called for have changed radically. A fresh think about the scope and depth of your certifications (and the underlying news skills you can acquire if you consider new ones and new directions) can lead to a boost in your productivity and effectiveness with your current employer, but can also increase your chances of getting a new job with more exciting prospects, greater responsibilities, and much improved benefits. A useful analogy might be the early origins of the car industry; the first mechanics would have trained and worked on the Model T Ford (“any colour so long as it’s black”); doubtless they would have been in great demand to begin with, and as the industry developed some of their basic skills and understanding would have been transferable. But after 20 or so years, a new look at their core understanding of the combustion engine, and their ability to ‘fix’ brands other than Ford, would have become necessary for mechanics operating within the industry to survive. Technology thrives on inno... Read more

Teacher Knows Best

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:10:00 +0000

// For many, thinking about what you want to be when you grow up is a process that starts at a young age. Teacher, fireman and policeman are all common aspirations, and though many people grow out of their initial career ideas, some know their calling early on. When you're thinking bout starting a new career, start by considering what your strengths are and what kinds of activities you enjoy. If you like working with children, becoming a teacher is a great career move. Teachers have the opportunity to positively contribute to childrens’ development, and inspiring young people can be an incredibly rewarding profession. It is also one one that offers flexible working hours and ample holiday time. Even if you have decided to start a career in teaching, you should try to decide early on exactly what you want to do within the profession. Within the realm of teaching there are several different directions you can go in; teaching preschool age and primary school children is much different than teaching teenagers in a high school setting, and it's a good idea to seek out opportunities in several different schools so you can get an idea of what's best for you. It's also a good idea to do some research about any degree requirements or other qualifications you'll need to become a teacher. This will help you plan ahead if you do need any additional training. Depending on the school board, you may need to be a graduate from a specialised teaching program or be certified in first aid training. Your first step to becoming a teacher with your own classroom is becoming a teaching assistant. Teaching assistants work closely with students in a classroom environment and also have the opportunity to shadow established teachers and glean some tips and tricks as you get started. Get a foot in the door by spending the time to make your CV really shine. Try to highlight instances where you've taken a leadership role or done any teaching or training. The best teachers a... Read more

Mobile Security And The Rise Of Malware

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:55:00 +0000

// As phone capabilities continue to advance, so do security threats, and individuals handling sensitive documents and emails on their phone put themselves at risk of having their private information breached, altered or stolen. Naturally, this has a knock-on effect to businesses when employees access their networks remotely, meaning that many individuals might unknowingly be putting both themselves and their companies at risk every day. If you need access to your sensitive documents and company network on the go however, there are things you can do to improve your phone's security. In much the same way that it's possible for businesses and individuals to protect their computer from viruses and spam, it's also possible to protect smartphones. While fairly basic, installing anti-virus software is one step that can be undertaken to protect a smartphone. As you might already know, anti-virus programs work by scanning your received files and checking to make sure they are clean and safe for your computer, and if you ever suspect you have downloaded a dangerous file to your phone, you'll be able to check by doing an immediate scan. Anti-spam and firewall features are also important for smartphones and can help prevent your mobile from getting bogged down with annoying popups or other potentially damaging malware. As you would expect, anti-spam programs work by filtering out email, SMS and voice mail messages, so that you don't have to waste time sifting through fake messages. Having a personal firewall on your phone will also help you keep your network secure when you're browsing the Internet, and can protect you from any hacking threats while you're using your mobile, in exactly the same way a firewall works with a standard computer. Because mobile phones are small and compact by nature, occasionally they do get lost or misplaced, and can often be an easy target for theft. Most security software also offers tracking services that can locate your cell ph... Read more

Mobile Security And The Rise Of Malware

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:42:00 +0000

As phone capabilities continue to advance, so do security threats, and individuals handling sensitive documents and emails on their phone put themselves at risk of having their private information breached, altered or stolen. Naturally, this has a knock-on effect to businesses when employees access their networks remotely, meaning that many individuals might unknowingly be putting both themselves and their companies at risk every day.

If you need access to your sensitive documents and company network on the go however, there are things you can do to improve your phone's security. In much the same way that it's possible for businesses and individuals to protect their computer from viruses and spam, it's also possible to protect smartphones.

While fairly basic, installing anti-virus software is one step that can be undertaken to protect a smartphone. As you might already know, anti-virus programs work by scanning your received files and checking to make sure they are clean and safe for your computer, and if you ever suspect you have downloaded a dangerous file to your phone, you'll be able to check by doing an immediate scan.

Anti-spam and firewall features are also important for smartphones and can help prevent your mobile from getting bogged down with annoying popups or other potentially damaging malware. As you would expect, anti-spam programs work by filtering out email, SMS and voice mail messages, so that you don't have to waste time sifting through fake messages. Having a personal firewall on your phone will also help you keep your network secure when you're browsing the Internet, and can protect you from any hacking threats while you're using your mobile, in exactly the same way a firewall works with a standard computer.

Because mobile phones are small and compact by nature, occasionally they do get lost or misplaced, and can often be an easy target for theft. ... Read more

Car Leasing A Cabriolet Is Becoming More And More Popular

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:37:00 +0000

// New figures reveal that there are currently more than 900,000 soft tops on British roads; double the figures of a decade ago and six times the total recorded in 1993. In fact the UK’s passion for convertibles vastly outstrips that of the Spanish or Italians, whose climate might seem rather more desirable for open top motoring. Apparently only Germany shares Britain's desire for soft top automobiles. If you're after a convertible, but you don't have fists full of cash, choosing a car leasing deal for your next convertible may not be a bad decision. After all, you can enjoy fixed price motoring, especially if you choose a maintenance contract with your car lease. And if you lease instead of buy, you won’t have to worry about residual values and depreciation. If you desire an executive cabriolet car lease there is the sporty and solid BMW 3 series convertible available with powerful petrol or diesel engines, a stylish ergonomic interior and BMW’s well-renowned excellent driving experience. The main downside to any BMW however, is hazardous winter driving in snowy weather due to a rear-wheel drive configuration. Similar in price to the BMW 3 series convertible is the Audi A5 which is a very attractive and stylish motor. Like most Audi’s, the build quality and sumptuous interior is excellent. The car comes with a wide choice of engines and the optional Quattro all-wheel drive package. Some do say, however, that the A5 lacks the handling finesse of the BMW and is generally less comfortable with the roof down. Another stylish executive cabriolet which could be high on any car leasing list is the Mercedes E class cabriolet. There is excellent leg room in the back for passengers in the E-class, the ride is supremely comfortable and the body style very desirable. The only downside in comparison to the BMW is the less sporty and dynamic ride. If you’re thinking of downsizing executive cabriolet there is still an excellent array of cabriolets to consider. M... Read more

Business Car Leasing – Exploring The Family Car Leasing Market

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:23:00 +0000

// Medium sized family cars are particularly popular choices for businesses choosing to lease cars. When you stop to think about it, it's fairly easy to see why, after all, these types of cars are particularly reliable, and offer optimum comfort when being used for business purposes. The market is extensive but there are three key family car contenders that stand out from the rest when being considered for business leasing. The facelift on the 2011 Ford Mondeo makes it a worthy consideration for business car leasing. The cabin is spacious and robust with an easy to use dashboard interface and generous standard equipment, including cruise control. The Ford Mondeo has the best handling in the family car category and is equally at home cruising on the motorway. However, the main downside to the Ford Mondeo is its sheer size, which may create difficulties parking in tight car parks. It’s worth noting that in spite of this, the Ford Mondeo won Family Car of the Year at a recent prestigious awards ceremony, thanks in large part to its practicality and superb driving dynamics. Skoda is increasingly becoming recognised as an excellent brand and offer great cars that are frequently featured in customer satisfaction survey results. However, while many business car leases provide excellent value for money as the vehicles don’t take the financial hit that comes with rapid depreciation, Skoda does suffer from greater depreciation when compared to some of the more "prestigious" brands such as BMW, VW and Audi. Despite this, if you are looking for a great business car leasing deal then the Skoda Superb family car is definitely worth considering. The Skoda Superb, like the Mondeo, is a large car and therefore very spacious. Various engines are available within the range and the comfort and driving performance of the vehicle is generally good. The Skoda Superb hatch also comes with a massive boot space which includes a well-designed door that opens like a hatchback for... Read more

How To Avoid Employment Law Cases And Improve Overall Staff Retention

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:19:00 +0000

// Are employment law cases and staff retention concerns affecting your company? Are you struggling to focus on business due to high employee turnover or repeated claims against your organisation? If so, you’re not alone. If you compare the Ministry of Justice 2008-2009 report to the 2010-2011 report, you’ll find a 44 per cent increase in employment law claims in the UK. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, trouble retaining employees can affect as many as 83 per cent of companies (private sector). So how can you protect your business from employment law claims? And how can you increase employee retention rates? The first step is to understand what drives workers out and what compels them to make claims. Much of this issue comes down to staff happiness, and that’s not always easy to measure. However, such feedback has just recently been collated through a study conducted by a major workplace solutions provider. The purpose of the study was to identify key problems that may be causing organisations across the UK their employees. The study found that what staff value most in the workplace is respect, which has more of an impact on staff happiness than any other contributing factor. According to over two thirds of the workers surveyed, creating and maintaining a respectful working culture matters more than anything. If that’s the case, respect could be what improves staff satisfaction and, ultimately, retention. Respect is a unique cultural element of any company, and quite difficult to judge in comparison to your usual KPIs. So, how do you create and maintain respect at all levels within your organisation? There are a few best practices you can adhere to in your daily business that may help your staff feel more respected. You can encourage conversation and appreciate other points of view. You can also acknowledge good work and communicate how it has helped business. In addition, you can take on board the judgements of s... Read more

Most Popular Convertibles In The UK

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:10:00 +0000

// Some car enthusiasts would suggest that when it comes to types of cars, convertibles are King. They have connotations of being cool, suave and sophisticated. This is partly down to movies such as the James Bond series provoking images of driving with the roof down and a beautiful Bond girl sitting in the passenger seat. Best enjoyed in warmer climates, there’s nothing quite like having the roof down and the gentle breeze blowing through your hair while behind the wheel. Convertibles are by no means cheap, however. With a plethora of car manufacturers producing high quality convertibles, how do you pick the right one for you? Each car has its own unique qualities and offers something different from the rest. For inspiration, why not look at the most popular convertibles in the UK? For example the multi award winning Mazda MX-5. Since the first car in the series was launched back in 1989, Mazda have focused on saving weight where possible using their ‘gram strategy’. This has a dramatic effect on agility and responsiveness. The retractable headlamps from the first generation may have gone, but the compact size still remains today. Don’t be fooled by its small frame, the boot is not as small as you might think; making it perfect for weekend getaways. Another small convertible is the Fiat 500C. It may not be the most powerful of convertibles, but its fun and quirky style is perfect for those looking to make a fashion statement with their choice of vehicle. This makes it ideal for the city dweller to cruise around in the streets in. Easily customisable, there are lots of options and accessories to choose from to match your own personality. Convertibles aren’t all about small chassis though. While many convertibles suffer from a small boot, the Renault Wind offers plenty of space. That’s because the roof folds in two places which means it uses less space to store when not in use. The roof is made from metal, meaning ir provides all weather protection. C... Read more

How To Find The Top Museums In Brussels

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:46:00 +0000

// The city of Brussels has a rich history and a varied culture. Home to the European Union headquarters, the city has a vibrant mix of international flavour yet manages to retain its own distinctive personality. One of the best ways to get to know the city is to explore its museums, of which there are many. When planning your trip to Brussels, it's a good idea to research the museums you want to visit ensure you don't miss out. One of the most prominent museums in Brussels is the Magritte Museum, which is one of Belgium's Royal Museums of Fine Arts. Located in the centre of the city, on Place Royale, the museum hosts the work of Belgian surrealist artists, Rene Magritte, including a range of sculptures, canvas oil paintings, drawings and photography. The museum also includes films directed by Magritte. Another museum in Brussels is one of the city's most recognisable and famous buildings - the Atomium. The futurist metallic building is an impressive architectural landmark in the city and includes exhibits about its own history as well as a range of temporary exhibits. Though not a typical museum, the Atomium is a must-see for many visitors to Brussels. For a bit of fun, you can visit the city's Comic Strip Museum, which showcases the history of the comic strip in Belgium and includes a comic strip library and reading room. The work of Herge, the Belgian comic writer responsible for the popular 'Adventures of TinTin' series, is a focal point of the museum. With its colourful exhibits, this museum is perfect for adults and kids alike. Musicians and music enthusiasts would be disappointed to leave Brussels without a visit to the Musical Instruments Museum, also known as MIM. The building is home to one of the largest collections of musical instruments in the world. The museum features range from antique to modern-day instruments and interactive exhibits as well. All of the top museums in Brussels are fairly easy to get to, and you can find informati... Read more