But new research confirms what parents and counselors have been saying for years: Part-time campus jobs not only raise cash but can help raise students’ grade-point averages.

After interviewing and examining data on hundreds of undergraduates from 1996 through 2004, researchers found that the average GPA of freshmen at four-year universities who worked between one and 20 hours a week was 3.13. Those who didn’t work at all had GPAs averaging just 3.04.

A warning: Charlene Marie Kalenkoski of Ohio University and Sabrina Wulff Pabilonia of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics did find that while a little work is good, too much is bad for students. Freshmen who worked more than 20 hours a week had GPAs of just 2.95.

A similar pattern, though with slightly different numbers, was seen among community college students.

Counselors say there are seven reasons students should take part-time and, if possible, on-campus work-study jobs to earn at least their pocket money:

1. Earn bucks: Working just 10 hours a week typically generates at least $75 a week, which should be plenty to fund weekend entertainment and incidental costs. Frugal students working 15 hours a week or so can cover books and supplies as well. Those typically run about $500 a semester.

[Read more about what you can earn by working.]

2. Learn to budget: Students who have to earn their own pocket and entertainment money learn budgeting and are less likely to overspend than those who can charge a Cancún spring break or pizza party to a parental credit card, counselors say.

3. Time-manage: Part-time jobs force students to learn time-management skills they’ll need the rest of their lives.

4. Improve learning: Part-time jobs seem to improve academic performance. Research shows students who work no more than 20 hours a week have higher grades and are more likely to graduate college than both those who don’t work at all and those who put in too many hours.

5. Career experiment: Part-time jobs give students chances to learn what kind of work they like and, perhaps more important, don’t like. That can help them avoid costly mistakes such as majoring in something they later learn they hate.

6. Build résumé: Working during school helps students build their résumés , which gives advantages to graduates looking for career-oriented jobs.

7. Connect with professors and students: Some work-study jobs give students opportunities to do research or work with professors. But even those who don’t get plum work-study assignments say on-campus jobs help them make friends with other students and network with university staff. Some studies show that those with on-campus jobs are more successful students, perhaps because of the connections they forge on the job.

Source: US News

By Charles Stratford

Every year thousands of women arrive in the Gulf to take up jobs as domestic workers.

The majority of them leave behind their families on a huge financial gamble to try to earn enough in remittances.

But behind closed doors, in the homes of their employers, some find themselves trapped in a cycle of horrific abuse.

Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford spoke to one housemaid, Mary, who suffered two years of abuse in the United Arab Emirates.

Two and a half years ago, Mary left her family in East Africa to work as a maid in a private house in the Middle East.

“The beatings started on the second day,” she said. “No day passed without beatings. If she didn’t beat me in the day she would beat me at night.”

One day she was ordered to have sex with another maid. When she refused, her employer threatened her with more beatings.

“She said the law was in her favour. Not in mine,” Mary said.

Inherent vulnerability

Simel Esim, a specialist in domestic worker abuse at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), said the workers are simply not protected by labour laws.

“Domestic workers … are excluded from unionising and organising around the globe,” she  said.

“[This] kind of economic infrastructure [in the Gulf] has created a huge inflow of labour migration that requires immediate and urgent attention.

“The sponsorship system … The way it is set up, it is bound to fail.

“You are attaching a person’s legal status, visa status and employment to one person as the employer and also the provider of housing, food and health care.

“It creates total dependency and total dependency means total vulnerability and opens the door wide for abuse and exploitation.”

Mary left her country determined to earn money for her family. But two years later, she is horrified at the prospect of her family knowing about her suffering.

“How can I go back home with this body? My mother is sick,” she said. “If she sees me like this she will die of shock. I am so ashamed to see my friends. Even now I feel shame.”

Aljazeera and Agencies

Many people who are looking for a job or want to start their career stay within the city or at least the state that they grew up in. But why not branch out? We have the top ten cities that are making a name for themselves in this busy bustling world and the top careers within those cities that are most popular. So if you’re interested in a particular field, one of these hot-spots may be calling your name.

1. Houston, Texas

Houston is the home of the Texas Medical Center which has the largest concentration of healthcare and research in the world. But if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, don’t worry. The city’s economy has a broad industrial base in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics and transportation and besides NYC, the only other city with more Fortune 500 headquarters. According to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, in 2007, the city generated more than 100,000 jobs and leads the nation in job growth. In fact, the Texas Workforce Commission reports that Houston is growing faster in new jobs than the rest of the state of Texas and has decreasing unemployment rates.

2. Raleigh, N.C.

This past year was a turning point for Raleigh. This one time ”ghost town” is now a popular place for companies to relocate to because of its reasonably priced housing market. And if you didn’t already know, home to American Idol contestant, now pop singer Clay Aiken. But singing isn’t the only gig here. Computers and pharmaceuticals make up most of the area’s employment along with North Carolina’s Research Triangle. It’s one of the country’s largest and most successful research parks in the United States.

3. Omaha, Nebraska

Calling all young professionals! Businesses here like to hire and recruit recent college grads. So if you’ve just received that diploma and you’re interested in finance, healthcare, information technology or insurance, then you might want to take a closer look at Omaha. It’s also a great place for entrepreneurs to make their mark. Warren Buffet, nick-named the ”Oracle of Omaha,” is regularly ranked one of the richest people in the world. So if he can make it in the ”paradise on the plains”…so can you!

4. Boise, Idaho

Those in search of a local high-tech business like Hewlett-Packard or Micron Technology should make their way to Boise. They’re actually Boise Valley’s two largest employers and make up the state’s biggest exports. But that doesn’t mean the city forgets about the ”little guys.” Smaller technology and e-commerce firms do well here too. Plus, the call center industry provides a major source of employment to more than 7,000 people who live there. There are over 20 call centers in the city for companies such as DIRECTV and T-Mobile.

5. Colorado Springs, Colorado

With 300 days of sunshine annually and laid back energy, you would think the jobs most popular here would reflect the mellow scene. But it’s actually a strong military presence that fuels the city. The U.S. Army and Air Force operations are what grow the economy along with many high-tech businesses such as Verizon and Intel.

6. Austin, Texas

Don’t be mistaken, this metro isn’t just about the rockers, even though it has a major music scene. In the last five years, Austin has expanded its economy and now includes careers in digital media, green energy and biotechnical fields and has created 114,000 possible new jobs in the area. Some companies who have made Austin their home are Apple, 3M Company, and Samsung. A strong network of locally owned businesses keeps the unique spirit of the city alive, preserving their slogan, ”Keep Austin Weird.” It’s not that the city thrives on being a black sheep, but it does support the more unique businesses that give this city its flair.

7. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Why did more than 1,300 companies in the past decade decide Fayetteville was a great place for their business to grow? There’s one simple answer…Wal-Mart, P&G, PepsiCo and many other companies have built operations in this city to better serve the big guy Wally. But if you’re not looking for a position with the mega-retailer you might be interested in some of the other industries that have kept this city going such as electronics, water purification, construction, and lighting.

8. Sacramento, California

Is “going green” the new slogan of your life? Why not make it your job too. Clean energy companies are bringing many new jobs to the city of Sacramento. The city also owes much of its growth to the new downtown redevelopment which has brought jobs in entertainment, retail and outdoor recreation. Plus housing prices have dropped dramatically in the last year which may not be the best of news to people selling their homes. But if you’re thinking about making the move here, then it’s the perfect opportunity to buy.

9. Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is a major center for the insurance industry. About 60 companies have built their businesses here which makes the city the third largest insurance center in the world. Des Moines is also important in the political scene because it’s home to the Iowa caucuses which is the first major electoral event in nominating the President of the United States. So if insurance is your thing and you like to see presidential candidates up-close and personal, then why not make the move!

10. Provo, Utah

Home to Brigham Young University, one of the top ranked business schools in the nation, Provo is the country’s second largest software center. After graduates walk the stage in their cap and gown, they set up shop and get right to work. Why would you want to leave your great college town if you can succeed in your career there too? But it’s not all business. In the past few years, the downtown area has flourished too with small shops, music venues and boutiques which have also added jobs to the economy.

Is white the colour of the global recession? It seems that the traditional white-collar shirt is making a comeback in Britain at least.

Sales of white shirts are up by 50% for one shirt retailer this year, the shop’s owner thinks that office workers are shunning bold colours, stripes and patterns in favour of a more sombre, safer look to fit in with the mood of the moment.

In this month’s Taking the Pulse of the Global Economy we look at how people around the world are changing their behaviour as a result of the recession.

TAKING THE PULSE OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY The BBC is Taking the Pulse of the Global Economy, looking at a range of subjects this summer Consumer Behaviour: How lifestyles have changed over the year Food prices remain a concern particularly in many developing economies Energy costs: Highly volatile prices have been a major issue in the past year Migrant workers their plight as the global recession takes hold in many economies Housing markets have turned from boom to bust in many countries BBC World Food Price Index Taking the Pulse explained

Much of this is out of economic necessity, but there could also be a psychological shift – white shirts are no cheaper than other colours.
From Miami to Mumbai, and from Lille to Lagos the BBC looks at the effects of changing consumer behaviour.

We report from a funeral parlour where families are choosing cut-price coffins and the number of cremations is on the rise, and a second-hand jewellery shop in the US where New Yorkers are selling their family heirlooms.

In Europe, our reporters put on their sun hats and flip-flops to see at how holiday plans have changed as a result of the recession.

Lifestyle changes in Africa are tested with a businessman in Nigeria, a family in Johannesburg, and a group in friends in Singapore who meet each week to play football.

What crisis?

But not everybody is changing their behaviour. There’s an upmarket resort in Uruguay, Punta del Este, where young rich Europeans and Americans like to party.

They organise their parties on Facebook and fly in by private jet. Crisis, what crisis?

Other big issues we have examined so far in Taking the Pulse of the Global Economy include the cost of food and energy, migration, housing and unemployment.

In June, we looked at the rising numbers of those without work around the world and asked how this was affecting the life of migrant workers and the amount of money they are sending home.

In July, we focused on the price of food and fuel around the world.

In September, there will be a series of special programmes and reports to mark the first anniversary of the dramatic collapse of the Wall Street bank Lehman Brothers which intensified the financial crisis and deepened the global recession.

We will be looking at what has changed in the financial sector and asking who are the winners and losers of the global recession.

Since Lehman Brothers collapsed, the world economy has been sick, suffering its deepest recession in decades.

In Taking the Pulse of the Global Economy we monitor the patient and report back on its condition. You can follow the series online, on BBC World Service radio, and on BBC World TV.

Source: BBC

Building a Career

Today, and more than ever, most people are responsible for building their own careers.

Whether you are just starting, or you have several years of experience, these paragraphs might help you advance your career.

The 9 most important career planning tips is listed below:

1. Never Stop Learning

Life-long learning is your keyword.

The world is constantly changing, and everybody is looking for new ways of doing business.

If you have decided that your current skills are good enough, you have also decided that your current job is good enough.

But if you want a career in the future, you should add regular updates to your skills and knowledge.

2. Ask, Listen And Learn

A good listener can learn a lot.

Listen to your co-workers, your boss, and your superiors. You can learn a lot from their experience.

Ask about issues that interest you, and listen to what they say. Let them tell you about how things work, and what you could have done better.

Most people will love to be your free tutor.

3. Fulfill Your Current Job

Your current job might be best place to start your career.

It is often very little that separates successful people from the average. But nothing comes free.

If you do your job well and fulfill your responsibilities, this is often the best way to start a new career.

Talk to your supervisor about things you can do. Suggest improvements. Offer your help when help is needed. In return ask for help to build a better career. It is often possible – right inside your own organization – especially if you have proved to be a valued employee.

4. Build Your Network

Your next career step might arise from your contact network.

Did you know that more than 50% of all jobs are obtained from contact networks?

If you have a good contact network, it  is also a good place to discover future careers, to explore new trends, and to learn about new  opportunities.

Spend some time building new contacts, and don’t forget to maintain the ones you already have.

One of the best ways to get serious information from your network is to regularly ask your contacts how they are, what they do, and what is new about their careers.

5. Identify Your Current Job

Your current job should be identified, not assumed.

Make sure you don’t work with tasks you assume are important. This is waste of time and talent.

When you start in a new job, talk to your superior about your priorities. If you’re not sure about what is most important, then ask him. And ask him again. Often you will be surprised about the differences between what you assume, and what is really important.

6. Identify Your Next Job

Your dream job must be identified.

Before you start planning your future career, be sure you have identified your dream job.

In your dream job, you will be doing all the things you enjoy, and none of the things you don’t enjoy. What kind of job would that be?

Do you like or dislike having responsibility for other employees. Do you like to work with technology or with people? Do you want to run your own business? Do you want to be an artist, a designer or a skilled engineer? A manager?

Before building your future career your goal must be identified.

7. Prepare Yourself

Your dream might show up tomorrow. Be prepared.

Don’t wait a second. Update your CV now, and continue to update it regularly.

Tomorrow your dream job may show up right before your nose. Prepare for it with a professional CV and be ready to describe yourself as a valuable object to anyone that will try to recruit you.

If you don’t know how to write a CV, or how to describe yourself, start learning it now.

8. Pick The Right Tools

Pick the tools you can handle.

You can build your future career using a lot of different tools. Studying at W3Schools is easy. Taking a full master degree is more complicated.

You can add a lot to your career by studying books and tutorials (like the one you find at W3Schools). Doing short time courses with certification tests might add valuable weight to your CV. And don’t forget: Your current job is often the most valuable source of building new skills.

Don’t pick a tool that is too heavy for you to handle!

9. Realize Your Dreams

Put your dreams into action.

Don’t let a busy job kill your dreams. If you have higher goals, put them into action now.

If you have plans about taking more education, getting a better job, starting your own company or something else, you should not use your daily job as a “waiting station”. Your daily job will get more and more busy, you will be caught up in the rat race, and you will burn up your energy.

If you have this energy, you should use it now, to realize your dreams.

Source: w3schools

Picture Source: CU.EDU

Nowadays, it’s up to you to take control of your professional future and make sure that you are progressing wisely down the right career path. Here are 10 proven strategies to help you get started:

1. Talk to your boss. Sit down and have a very direct and pointed conversation with your boss about your future in the company. Stress that you want your job performance to meet the company’s goals. Share your own career goals with him or her. Your boss will respect this display of confidence and maturity.
2. Ask for more. Volunteering to help out other departments or teams — or simply asking for more responsibilities — increases your value within the organization. Asking for additional work shows an interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed. It also puts a spotlight on your value to the business.
3. Volunteer for boards. If you have your career set on something beyond what you are doing in your present position, seek out opportunities to volunteer or serve on advisory boards, where you can build a reputation as someone who is passionate and dedicated to your particular industry.
4. Sharpen your people skills. Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and coworkers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you. Be friendly, outgoing, and personable. Listen carefully to people, and practice being a clear and effective communicator.
5. Be innovative. Never be afraid to think outside of the box and put your business acumen to work. Stay on the lookout for creative solutions to problems that will make you — and your boss — look good.
6. Find a mentor. Develop mentoring relationships, either inside or outside the company. Recent studies have shown that four out of five promotions are influenced by a mentor higher up in the company. Mentors are also great sources of information and career guidance.
7. Sell yourself. Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programs, make sure people know about it — especially those in influential positions who could help you advance professionally. Let it be known that you are seeking a promotion or the next step up in your career.
8. Keep learning. A proven way to advance in your career is to be continually acquiring new knowledge. Stay on top of trends or developments in your field and make sure that your current résumé reflects those needed skills.
9. Network. Strengthen your personal network and join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, or even volunteer. The more people who are aware of your strengths and abilities, the better your chances of hearing about any new opportunities that might arise.
10. Build your reputation. In business, your reputation is the most valuable thing you own. Be known for being dependable, professional, and cooperative. Act and look the part by dressing professionally. Make a name for yourself by attending conferences, delivering speeches, or writing articles.

Source: Allbusiness

Picture Source: http://www.hraffiliates.net/Staffing/images/career-tips.jpg

Wasiiru Dowlaha Difaaca ee dowladda KMG ah ee Soomaaliya,Yuusuf Maxamed Siyaad Indha Cadde ayaa sheegay in kooxaha la dagaallamaya dowladda aanay dooneyn in diinta islaamka la isku xukumo.

Indha Cadde, ayaa wareysi uu siiyay BBC ku sheegay in uu ka mid ahaa dadkii aasaasay al-Shabaab, balse uu yiri ay ka leexdeen ujeedadii ay u socdeen, isagoo ku tilmaamay inay yihiin Mooryaan diimeed.

Yusuf Indha Cadde, waxa uu sheegay in dagaalladii ugu danbeeyay ay saraakiil badan kaga dileen kooxaha mucaaradka, oo uu sheegay in ay ku jiraan qaar ajnabi ah.

Waxa uu sheegay inay hayaan meydadka qaar ka mid ah mucaaradka oo ay ku dilleen dagaalka, kuwaasi oo uu sheegay inay doonayaan in ay saxaafadda tusaan.

Waraysi dheer oo dhinacyo badan taabanaya oo uu la yeeshay Yuusuf Garaad, ayuu marka hore wuxuu Shiikh Cali weydiiyay sababta ay u bedeleen magacoodii.

Afhayeenka ayaa waxa uu wareysiga uga hadlayaa hadafka ay u dagaallamayaan iyo weerarkii dhawaan lagu qarxiyay wasiirkii ammaanka ee dowladda KMG ah ee Soomaaliya, oo uu sheegay inay iyaga ka danbeeyeen.

Shiikh Cali Maxamuud Raage waxa uu sheegay in aanay diyaar u ahayn in la wada xaajoodaan dowladda KMG ah, oo uu sheegay in aysan tallo ka go’in.

Madaxweynaha dowladda KMG ah ee Soomaaliya Shariif Shiikh Axmed ayaa maanta ku dhawaaqay in dowladdiisu ay xukun deg deg ah ku soo rogtay waddanka.

Hadalka Madaxweynaha soo baxay maalin uun ka dib markii dowladda Soomaaliya ay ka codsatay waddamada deriska ah in ay ciidamo militeri la soo gaaraan muddo 24 saac gudahood ah, si ay gacan uga siiyaan dagaalka ay kula jiraan mucaaradka.

Go’aankani wuxuu ku soo beegmay iyada oo in ka badan 200 oo mudane oo baarlamaanka ka tirsan iyo dhowr iyo toban Wasiir ay dalka dibadda uga maqan yihiin.

Garyaqaan Caydiid Ilkaxanaf oo ka mid ah mudanayaasha dibadda ku maqan oo isagu jooga London, ayaa Yusuf Garaad telefonka kula hadlay waxaana u weydiiyay waxa loola jeedo xukun deg deg ah?

Source: BBC Somalia

Injineer Maxamed Xuseen Caddoow oo xubin ka ahaa baarlamaanka Soomaaliya ayaa wararku ay sheegayaan in lagu dilay dagaal maanta ka dhacay magaalada Muqdisho.

Dagaalka oo galabta ka bilowday degmada Kaaraan ee magaalada Muqdisho, ayaa waxa uu ku sii fiday xaafadda Mariino, halkaasi wararku ay sheegayaan in Injineer Caddoow lagu dilay.

Ilaa iyo haatan waxa la ogyahay inay ku dhinteen lix qof, 14 kalena ay ku dhaawacmeen dagaalkan cusub ee Muqdisho ka dhacay.

Shalay ayaa magaalada Beledweyne weerar is qarxin ah oo ka dhacay waxaa lagu dilay Wasiirkii amniga ee dowladda KMG ah Cumar Xaashi Aadan iyo Safiirkii hore ee Soomaaliya ee Addis Ababa Cabdikariim Xuseen faarax.

Dorraad ayaa isna waxaa magaalada Muqdisho dagaal ka dhacay lagu dilay Taliyihii ciidamada booliiska ee dowladda KMG ah u qaabilsanaa magaalada Muqdisho Colonel Cali Saciid.

Source: BBC Somali