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Archive for: October, 2009
MSI unveils new seminars for Vocational Program
Posted by: Frank Ableson in Education, Career Resources, General Business, Company News, Social Media, Social Networking, Sussex County, Community on October 30, 2009
MSI is pleased to announce the addition of four new seminars available for enrolled students in our Vocational Programs.
The first seminar is entitled "Supercharge your Search". This program not only hits the "basics" of resumes, cover letters and interviewing, it also walks participants through some of the larger-picture questions.
Who are you and what kind of job do you really want?
Are you an effective communicator?
Can you explain to someone in 30 seconds or less a convincing statement of who you are and what you are looking for?
Are you networking with friends and professional peers to make sure that everyone in your sphere of influence knows what a good opportunity looks like for you?
What is the title of the person you want to work for?
How far are you willing to drive to your new job?
Do you know how to effectively use Linked In and other social networking tools and communities to aid you in finding your next opportunity?
These and many other key questions are raised and discussed in the seminar. Students spend time working together to practice their "30 second commercial". It makes a difference.
We also cover the essential steps you need to do before, during and after the Interview.
Each student receives a complete Career Notebook, including class notes, worksheets and key reference materials.
Our second seminar is entitled "Your Communication Style".
In this seminar each student takes an in-class, certified communication-style assessment. Once we have taken this assessment, we go through the different styles of communication and relate that to students' personal and professional experiences. There are a lot of "Ah-Ha" moments as students gain a keener insight into how they communicate with their peers - both personal and professional.
Equipped with this new self-knowledge, students are better prepared to navigate a challenging interview, including all of those "hard interview questions". We even review job postings and work together to determine what communication style would be a good fit for each. Having a good job usually starts with picking the right job -- and how you communicate has a large impact on this decision. Know yourself and be equipped!
Each student receives a complete Career Notebook, including class notes, worksheets and key reference materials.
Our third seminar is entilted "Bookkeeping in the real world". This seminar is targeted towards our QuickBooks students, however all enrolled students are welcome to attend and participate.
In this seminar, our facilitiator walks students through the ins and outs of bookkeeping based on decades of experience in the financial industry. In particular, the use of QuickBooks in a modern office setting is discussed including "key skills to have". And yes, students can even ask their "debit vs credit" questions. Our QuickBooks instructors are experienced, professional book keepers.
Our fourth seminar is entitled "Using LinkedIn to supercharge your Job Search". In this seminar our facilitator walks particpants through the process of creating and/or enhancing their LinkedIn profiles. Going well beyond the basics of setting up a LinkedIn profile, this seminar teaches students how to research LinkedIn for possible job opportunities in their target market, networking with former co-workers, and getting engaged in the numerous and active LinkedIn groups. To navigate LinkedIn successfully, you must engage -- we show you how!
Our aim in providing these seminars to our students it to help them in any and every way we can. We want to help our students become gainfully employed, however it goes well beyond that ambitious objective.
At MSI, we want to be an organization that provides value today, and for the future, to everyone we come into contact with -- a company of value. If you have an interest in learning more about our seminars, or education program or about our company in general, please do not hesitate to contact us at 973.448.0070, email us at info@msiservices.com, or visit our website.
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Android 2.0 has landed
Posted by: Frank Ableson in General Business, Technology, Android on October 30, 2009
Google released the SDK for Android version 2.0 this week. I was attending the Sprint Open Developers Conference when I learned of the announcement -- and then got the first-hand skinny when Google presented the next day at the event. This release comes on the heels of Verizon announcing their new "Droid" device, which is due to hit the market in early November.
I'm presently on another network but perhaps by the time Droid matures I'll have access to one. I recently tried out a Sprint Hero (Android 1.5) and now that the device has Exchange Active Sync it is a compelling platform. All that said, I am afraid I will forever be an advocate of a physical keyboard. I just dislike the on-screen keyboards.
I have been following Android for the past couple of years and am curious to see how much market penetration it can achieve this fall as new devices hit the market. A mixture of version 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 devices will be on the market. For most users, the 1.5 and 1.6 devices will be more than sufficient, though the 2.0 features round things out nicely. This platform is really going to give iPhone a run for its app store.
As an added bonus, Google has recently announced free turn by turn navigation service availability. It will be interesting to see how the likes of Garmin react to this. Turn by turn navigation is a neat thing -- but only if your phone can also do other things -- and of course, the nav has to be correct!
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The best Windows yet?
Posted by: Phil Beach in Technology, Windows on October 30, 2009
On October 22nd, 2009 Microsoft unleashed upon the world Windows 7, the latest in a long line of operating systems for our beloved personal computers.
Even before its release, Microsoft has gone through great pains to make sure the release of Windows 7 didn't turn into a re-run of Vista's release. For several months, pre-release versions of the system have been given to thousands of system developers to ensure a smooth transition. What does all this mean to you, the everyday Windows user?
I could tell you about all the great things 7 has done with the Windows idea, but so much has already been said it would be redundant. Windows 7 simply means a better operating system.
It means "snappier and more responsive" (Dwight Silverman, Houston Chronicle). It means "improved emphasis on workflow and organization" (eWEEK). It means "Vista done right, with a smaller disk and memory footprint, faster startup, and fewer annoyances" (Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine). It means you'll "have fun using it" (Joe Wilcox, Microsoft Watch). It means an operating system designed with user feedback in mind. It means "Windows 7 could indeed be the best version of Windows yet" (Mary Branscomb, Financial Times).
Although Windows 7 is a large improvement over other versions of Windows, there is a slight learning curve. The famous (infamous?) "Start" button is gone! Now, before you jump up and start running around in circles, flailing your arms in protest, realize this: The button has not be removed, but replaced. In fact, the entire taskbar has been redesigned with usability in mind. A feature called "Aero Peek" allows a user to preview or close the window by simply dragging the mouse over the program's icon in the taskbar, it's a great time-saver. Several other features of the interface have been reworked, and it will take some getting used to.
The interface improvements, coupled with countless security and feature improvements make Windows 7 the best Windows yet. Don't believe me? Check it out at Microsoft.com.
PS. Be sure to check out Ian's post - Windows 7: The New NT?
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HTML5 Databases - storing data in the browser
Posted by: Frank Ableson in Linux Magazine, Software Development, Technology, Android, Blackberry, iPhone, Palm on October 26, 2009
One of the big challenges with web applications over the years has been the inability to store data locally -- until now. The HTML5 Database object is an SQL based database that can be used from within the Javascript environment. I have written an article for Linux Magazine entitled: HTML5 Databases; better than sliced bread? which covers this topic using webOS as a vehicle to deliver this content.
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Remote Control Car—I love this idea
Posted by: Frank Ableson in General Business, Technology on October 21, 2009
We've all heard lots of talk about driving while talking on your cell phone -- well this takes things on a little differently where your cell phone can actually enable/disable your car remotely.
I just came across this article about using your cell phone to disable your car in the event it gets stolen. Very cool application of mobile technology.
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Widgets widgets everywhere
Posted by: Frank Ableson in Linux Magazine, Software Development, Technology, Palm on October 21, 2009
Learning how to use the built-in widgets in Palm WebOS is an essential step for working with the platform. This article on Linux Magazine adds to a previous project by demonstrating the TextField, IntegerPicker and ListSelector. I hope you enjoy it and actually learn something about WebOS.
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Android is coming to a theater near you!
Posted by: Frank Ableson in General Business, Technology, Android on October 21, 2009
It was about two years ago that I started to put together a book proposal for Android. And then over the course of about 15 months we wrote the book as we tried to predict when and where the new SDK would show up. The book was released in the spring of 2009. Now, there are numerous devices about to hit the ground. Here is an article from TechCrunch talking about a bunch of the places Android is showing up. And this is just cell phones. It is also showing up in ebook readers and other innovative places to be named later...
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MSI Services sponsors Time Management Seminar
Posted by: Barry Mcguire in General Business, Company News on October 20, 2009
MOUNT OLIVE, NJ. - MSI Services is the Platinum Sponsor for The Alternative Board's upcoming seminar: Time As Commitment. The seminar is being held on October 28th at the WYndham Garden Hotel in Mount Olive, NJ from 8:30am to Noon. Speaker Nicholas Economou, President of Chronos Trainings Inc, presents a unique, contemporary, practical approach for taking charge of your life and getting things done. For more about the event or to learn more about The Alternative Board follow the link below.
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On Data and Direct Meteor Hits
Posted by: Barry Mcguire in General Business on October 19, 2009
Sometimes a visual can help to drive a point home. When discussing data backup and disaster recovery with clients, I'll often use my "Direct Meteor Hit" visual as a worst case scenario. Assuming your business or organization were to take a direct hit from a meteor, what obstacles would you face in getting back on your feet? If money were no object, and the decision to continue was a given, you would need to rebuild the parts of your business that were physically damaged. You could find new space, buy new furniture, new phones, new computers and even hire a new staff if your prior staff was vaproized by the meteor. However, there is no phone number you could call, no company you could hire, no person you could contact that could get back your data unless you make provision to do so BEFORE disaster strikes. Got the visual? Now, answer these questions. Are you certain that your data is being backed up? Do you have a clear procedure for restoring your data in such a scenario? Has that procedure ever been tested? If your answer is no to any of those questions, you should make it a priority to turn that no into a yes.
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Sussex County One Stop Annual Fall Career and Job Fair - this Thursday, 10/15 11am-3pm
Posted by: Jason Matyas in Education, Career Resources, Sussex County, Community on October 13, 2009
Be sure to visit the Fall Job Fair at the Sussex County One Stop in Franklin this Thursday. Bring your friends and be sure to visit the MSI Education Services table to say hi to us and let others know about the training opportunities available at MSI (and grants available for those that qualify).
Event details:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
11:00 A.M. Through 3:00 P.M.
Location: Sussex County One Stop Career Center
Senator Littell Center
12 Munsonhurst Road
Franklin, NJ 07416
Phone-973-209-1217
What to Bring: Employers should rsvp for a table and bring applications for job seekers or their related web sites. Job Seekers should bring 40 to 50 resumes as the Fair typically draws 50 to 90 companies.
Event Details: Sussex County One Stop Career Center Annual Job and Career Fair is always a big draw for employers, and those seeking work. Interested employers should reserve tables by calling Bill Weightman at 973-209-1217 or via his email at William.Weightman@dol.state.nj.us. The Fair runs from 11AM to 3PM with employers arriving at 10:00. A light lunch and beverages will be provided to employers participating in one of the premier job fairs.
Directions to Event: From the East take Rt. 80 to Rt. 15 North and get off at Rt. 517 North and make Right onto Munsonhurst Road (Mexican Restaurant- and go to end of street. From Rt. 3 or Rt 287 take Rt. 23 North and make right turn onto Munsonhurst Road and the Littell Center. Similar directions would occur, if coming from Rt. 80 West by following Rt. 15 pass the arsenal.
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