Where To Intern In 2015: Vault's Top 50

Consultants rank high in annual survey

Jill Jacinto

If you are in college (or have a child who is), it's time to start the search for a summer 2015 internship. While some people might think seven months is a bit too far in advance to start searching, they would be wrong. Competition to get an internship in your desired industry, much less company, is aggressive.

Internships act as a solid bridge between the academic and business worlds. Good internships connect you with great contacts, experience and a good working understanding of the industry. The best internships provide you with tangible training, relationship-building events, hands-on experience and career development seminars. Vault.com recently released their list of the Top 50 Internships for 2015.
Vault surveyed 5,800 interns at 100 different internship programs for their Internship Experience survey. The survey was based on the following criteria: "quality of life, compensation and benefits, interview process, career development, and full-time employment prospects."

"Today, 40 percent of all entry-level full-time hires in the U.S. are sourced through internship programs," according to Derek Loosvelt, a senior editor at Vault.com. "This means that, for those looking to work for the most desired and admired employers in the country, internships are no longer a luxury but a necessity."

10 Best Overall Internships for 2015:
1. Bates White Summer Consultant Program
2. Elliot Davis ENVISION
3. Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP's Summer Internship
4. Bain & Company Associate Consultant Intern and Summer Associate programs
5. Northwestern Mutual Internship
6. Plante Moran's Internship Experiences
7. KPCB Fellows Program
8. Evercore Advisory Summer Analyst and Summer Associate Program
9. CapTech Summer Internship Program
10. Anadarko Corporation Summer Internship Program

Vault, in addition to ranking the Best Overall Internships, also ranked internship programs in seven industries: Accounting, Consulting, Energy, Financial Services, Investment Banking, Media & Telecom, and Retail & Consumer Products.

Best Accounting Internship: Elliot Davis ENVISION
Best Consulting Internship: Bates White Summer Consultant Program
Best Energy Internship: Anadarko Petroleum Summer Internship Program
Best Financial Services Internship: Northwestern Mutual Internship
Best Investment Banking Internship: Evercore Advisory Summer Analyst and Associate Program
Best Media & Telecommunications Internship: AT&T Finance Leadership Program
Best Retail & Consumer Products Internship: Kohl's Information Technology Internship

According to Loosvelt, the company has been studying, surveying and ranking employers for quite some time. Mainly focusing on consulting, law, banking and now expanding into consumer products, tech, energy, media and entertainment. Why study the internship programs of these industries?

"Internships have been growing in importance, as nearly half of all entry-level full-time jobs at the top employers in the country are now sourced through their internship programs. So we found it important to give readers a better sense of the best internship programs out there, and to give them information about what it's like to intern at top employers as well as how to get these internships," says Loosvelt.

Loosvelt says Millennials are looking for jobs and careers that have meaning.

"Of course, prestige and salary are still important to Millennials, but I don't think they're the most important factors by far (like I think they were to, say, Generation X). I think Millennials want to make an impact. They want to feel their work is meaningful (the definition of what's meaningful varies, of course, from person to person)," says Loosvelt. Some people might want to advance the tech field in Silicon Valley, others might find their meaning in charity, while others are spreading awareness via social media or through education.

"Millennials are very focused on career advancement and training," Loosvelt says. "They're attracted to positions in which they'll be able to make difference right away-that is, being able to contribute to their firm's success without much waiting/training period. And they want to know that they'll be able to advance quickly if they succeed. They shy away from strict advancement time periods. And I believe that Millennials are also less fearful when it comes to changing careers and entrepreneurship -- starting their own ventures. This might just be because it's easier to start businesses these days; for example, brick-and-mortar stores aren't necessary to begin because, in most cases, all you need is a web domain and an idea; it doesn't take that much money to get going."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Millennials will be the majority of the workforce in 2015. Loosvelt agrees that more companies (like the ones ranked in the study) are putting more time and resources into their programs in order to attract top talent and retain them.

There has been a major switch as companies have been putting a greater emphasis on training and development in internship programs. "This is partly, I assume, because they realize it pays to do this. If you treat your internship program like one long training period (and now sometimes students will intern two and three summers with the same firm), once your interns start full time with you, they're ready to perform real work, not to mention they're apt to stay at your firm for a lot longer period of time-that is, they'll be less apt to jump ship to another firm just for the money since they have a stronger connection (more loyalty) to you," says Loosvelt.

"Companies are increasingly offering better benefits and perks," he adds, "as they understand that Millennials are interested in flexible schedules (to raise families and/or engage in outside-of-work activities) and in having a community feeling at work, which wasn't so much the case with respect to past generations."

4 career resolutions for 2015

2015's going to be a big year.

The economy has greatly improved and workers are finding in-demand skill sets that offer job security and lucrative opportunities, all in time for the arrival of 2015. Whether you�re actively looking for a new opportunity this year or are simply looking for some big career wins in the New Year, here are four career resolutions to keep.

1. Update your resume�whether you�re job-searching or not.�Often employees don't update their resumes, which can make it difficult to describe achievements that took place months, or even years ago,� says Arthur Kaptein, career consultant and author of �Ultimate Brainstorming: A Toolbox for Brainstormers and Facilitators.� �Employees should always update their resumes after they have achieved something, including the results that came from the achievements. This way employees will always be prepared for internal and external job opportunities � What accomplishments can help you to move ahead the coming year? How can you create new opportunities?�

2. Focus on work that gets results, and track your success.
�As a flexible working job site, we believe that productivity is better than 'presenteeism,�� says Olivia Carr, marketing and administration executive for Flexiworkforce.com, a UK-based job site. �One New Year�s resolution that we give to employees is to adopt a results-driven attitude. That means working to achieve aims rather than just sitting at a desk from nine to five. One way of doing this might be creating a list of tasks that need to be done and ticking off when they are achieved. Also, writing a daily report of tasks accomplished could help to improve organization and impress management.�

3. Create specific career goals that make a difference in your day.
�Reaching any career goal requires you to first know what it is that you really want to achieve,� says Cheryl Rich Heisler, president of Lawternatives, career consulting for lawyers exploring alternatives. �So before you set those New Year�s resolutions, ask yourself: What does �getting ahead� mean for me? More money? More autonomy? A shorter commute? A longer title? Good goals are personal, quantifiable and achievable. Results also need to be measurable; if you make your goals and your company doesn't recognize you for those achievements, next year's goal should be to find a new organization who will!�

4. Map out specific tasks for your goals.
�First you have to figure out what it is you really want to accomplish. Then it's a matter of mapping out the path (and timeline) for you to get there,� says Shalyeen Stuto, talent coordinator for Technology Advice, a technology consultant firm. �Things like reading one professional development book a month, establishing relationships with five industry professionals or writing one blog article per week might be great sub-goals to lead in the direction of a larger goal. It's crucial to set a timeline and to hold yourself accountable. Take time once a month to evaluate where you're at in reaching your goal!�

For more insight and information on career advancement, check out these top articles from CareerBuilder�s Advice & Resources page:

• 18 hot jobs for 2015
• Cool STEM jobs that will put you in demand
• Does your personal style match your job?
• 6 soft skills every professional needs
• Extracurricular activities employers like to see

5 Companies With Part-Time Jobs and Benefits Too

Where you needn't work full-time to get a 401(k) or insurance

Next Avenue

By Clair Jones

More and more people want to work part-time in retirement to bring in income and to remain engaged. Problem is, many part-time jobs don't come with benefits. But that's not true at all companies.

Below are five national employers that offer part-time workers competitive starting pay, health insurance, employer-matched retirement benefits, product discounts and industry perks. The health insurance coverage could be an especially desirable benefit until Medicare kicks in at age 65.

Starbucks
The ubiquitous coffee chain offers an impressive package of health benefits and incentives that makes part-time employees who meet certain qualifications feel like stakeholders in the business, just as full-timers do.

After you put in 240 hours over three consecutive months (the equivalent of four hours a day, five days a week, for example), when you work at least 20 hours a week, you're eligible for full benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability and a 401(k) match.

And you don't need to be a twentysomething to get a part-time job here. We "recruit and hire partners without regard to age," says Laurel Harper, a Starucks corporate representative.

Part-timers who meet the preceding qualifications can contribute 1 to 75 percent of their pay to the Starbucks 401(k), with an annual limit of $23,000 for people 50 or older. Starbucks matches 100 percent on the first 4 percent of pay and all contributions have immediate vesting.

Starbucks funds about 70 percent of health-premium costs for employees and covers 100 percent of preventive care services. Policies cover a wide range of non-traditional treatments, including acupuncture, chiropractic care and homeopathic care options. There's also mental health support and an emergency assistance fund that helps cover expenses after a natural disaster or a family crisis.

Starbucks also lets employees buy company stock at a 5 percent discount through payroll deductions and provides a 30 percent in-store discount as well as a weekly pound of free coffee or tea.

You can find more details about Starbucks benefits here.

> Find a job at Starbucks

UPS
Susan Rosenberg, UPS Public Relations Director, says her company employs "many retirees who are looking for the next chapter and seek reduced hours that have benefits." The primary part-time positions, she notes, are for package handlers who load, unload or sort within the operations.

"Age isn't really an issue; its ability and desire to do the job," says Rosenberg.

Part-time UPS employees must work only 15 hours a week to be eligible for health benefits. Coverage begins on the first day of the first full pay period following 30 days of employment and includes health, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as a discounted prescription drug program.

And if you'd like to take college classes when you're not working at UPS part-time, the company offers $5,250 in annual tuition assistance, up to $25,000 during employment there.

The company also has eldercare spending accounts to help reduce your caregiving costs and lets qualifying part-timers buy UPS stock at a discount.

Look here for a detailed description of UPS benefits and eligibility requirements.

> Find a job at UPS

REI
If you enjoy the great outdoors, REI - the outdoor recreation gear, sporting good and clothing giant - might be a good place for your part-time work in retirement.

The company subsidizes up to 96 percent of insurance premiums for employees who work 20 hours or more a week, pays the full cost of basic life and disability insurance and offers vision and dental insurance.

REI also lets part-timers contribute up to 75 percent of pay to the company's 401(k), with a match that starts at 3 percent and increases 1 percent per year of employment; maximum employer match: 10 percent. (You need to be in the plan for at least five years to keep the employer match money.) The annual employee contribution amount for people 50 and older tops out at $22,500.

If you're a nature-lover, REI's 50 percent discount on gear may be motivation enough to work part-time for the company.

Another perk: REI offers a 50 percent, pre-tax subsidy for commuting on public transportation.

Look here for a detailed description of REI benefits and eligibility requirements.

Whole Foods Market
The popular grocery chain Whole Foods "welcomes people seeking part-time employment," says Michael Silverman of the company's public relations department.

If you work there 20 hours a week or more, after 800 hours (that's 10 months of 20 hours a week) you can get health insurance for $0 to $15 a month - the actual cost of your premiums depends on how long you've worked at Whole Foods. Part-timers are also eligible for dental, vision, life insurance and paid time off.

And you can get up to $1,800 a year to help cover the cost of deductibles and other qualified out-of-pocket health care expenses not covered by insurance through a Whole Foods Personal Wellness Account or Health Savings Account.

As a recent Bloomberg BusinessWeek article noted, the Whole Foods 401(k) isn't especially generous, though. The maximum company match is just $152 a year and you need to work there a year to receive any match.

Part-timers also get a 20 percent discount on most in-store purchases and the company shares its wealth through stock options (for part-timers who've worked the equivalent of three years full-time) and a "gainsharing" program that rewards teams based on performance.

Look here for a detailed description of Whole Foods benefits and eligibility requirements.

> Find a job at Whole Foods

The Container Store
Next Avenue recently republished an article by Caf�.com's Deborah Copaken about getting rejected for a job at The Container Store at 48. But the chain's spokeswoman Casey Shilling says her company is "always looking for great employees of any age, career background and life experience that can make connections with our time-starved customers and who are eager to be part of a team that delivers exceptional customer service."

The Container Store provides part-time employees with medical, dental, life and vision insurance, as well as short-and long-term disability insurance. (Life insurance coverage is extended to domestic partners and common-law spouses). The company offers discounted pet insurance, too.

Employees are eligible to participate in The Container Store's 401(k) plan after working there 11 months and can contribute between 1 and 80 percent of gross pay. There's a 4 percent employer match.

You can also get a 40 percent discount on merchandise and 30 percent off installation fees.

Look here for a detailed description of Container Store benefits and eligibility requirements.

> Find a job at the Container Store

Best jobs in health care for 2015

CareerBuilder and MiracleWorkers.com put together a list of top jobs in health care for 2015.

In the wake of the recession, health care has led the march toward economic recovery, and we will likely see this industry�s rapid pace of growth continue in 2015. With the number of baby boomers in need of medical care on the rise, the coming year looks very promising for workers going into the health care field.

To put it in perspective, 28 health care jobs are projected to grow by at least 3 percent in 2015 � that�s more than twice the projected growth of the overall U.S. workforce (1.2 percent). What�s more, this growth will take place largely among high-earning jobs. Seventeen of those 28 jobs have median hourly earnings greater than $20 per hour.

CareerBuilder and MiracleWorkers.com put together a list of some of the best health care jobs for 2015. The list reflects how recent technological advancements will create high demand for specialized jobs, and how the needs of the aging baby boomer generation will continue to impact hiring in jobs related to their treatment and care.

The list was compiled based on projected percentage changes between 2014 and 2015, number of current jobs, and median hourly earnings.

Occupational therapy assistants: Help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Directly involved in providing therapy to patients.

• 2014 jobs: 31,690
• 2014-2015 % change: 5.0%
• Median hourly earnings: $26.75

Physical therapist assistants: Work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. Help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain.

• 2014 jobs: 74,844
• 2014-2015 % change: 4.8%
• Median hourly earnings: $25.79

Diagnostic medical sonographers: Specialize in creating images, known as sonograms or ultrasounds, of the body�s organs and tissues. Sonograms are often the first imaging test performed when disease is suspected. Diagnostic medical sonographers may work closely with physicians or surgeons before, during and after procedures.

• 2014 jobs: 60,626
• 2014-2015 % change: 4.8%
• Median hourly earnings: $32.44

Genetic counselors: Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information and advice to other health care providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.

• 2014 jobs: 2,482
• 2014-2015 % change: 4.5%
• Median hourly earnings: $29.75

Nurse practitioners: Serve as primary and specialty care providers, providing advanced nursing services to patients and their families. Assess patients, determine the best method to improve or manage a patient�s health, and discuss ways to integrate health promotion strategies into a patient�s life. They typically care for a certain population of people (e.g., adult and geriatric health, pediatric health, or psychiatric and mental health).

• 2014 jobs: 118,477
• 2014-2015 % change: 3.8%
• Median hourly earnings: $45.20

As recent technological advancements become more widespread and allow more and more medical facilities to offer new services and treatments to their patients, the demand for skilled health care workers will continue to grow. And as a larger portion of the population ages and begins to require care, health care will continue to be at the forefront of economic recovery.

26 High-Paying Jobs That You Can Get With An Associate's Degree

No college experience required

Business Insider

Avionics technicians: high median salary, no bachelor's degree required.

By Jacquelyn Smith

Don't have the time or money to get a bachelor's degree? It turns out that plenty of two-year associate's degrees have a high return on investment.

According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the 26 highest-paying jobs that require only an associate's degree. Each has a median annual salary of at least $50,000.

This is an update of a story originally written by Vivian Giang.

26. Mechanical Drafters

Median annual wage (2012): $50,360

Projected job openings (through 2022): 8,900
Work experience: None
Description: Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
> Find a job as a mechanical drafter

25. Industrial Engineering Technicians

Median annual wage (2012): $50,980

Projected job openings (through 2022): 14,100
Work experience: None
Description: Help industrial engineers implement designs to use personnel, materials, and machines in factories, stores, healthcare organizations, repair shops, and offices.
On-the-job training: None





Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

24. Electromechanical Technicians

Median annual wage (2012): $51,820

Projected job openings (through 2022): 4,300
Work experience: None
Description: Install, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems, like robotic assembly machines.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
> Find a job as an electromechanical technician


Read more 26 High-Paying Jobs That You Can Get With An Associate's Degree

The 50 Best Places to Work in 2015

Including the fast food chain that beat out Apple

AOL Jobs Staff

Looking for a new job in 2015? Start here, with Glassdoor's breakdown of the best companies hiring right now. Typically, these kinds of lists are heavy on the tech giants, and while you'll find one of the big boys occupying the top spot, there's more variety to this list than you might expect. In fact, one of the highest slots went to a certain cult-favorite fast food chain, beating out the likes of Apple and Adobe. That's because the only parameter was the feedback of current and former employees in Glassdoor's massive database, making these companies the de facto winners of their annual Employee's Choice Awards.

So whether you're looking for a job in programming or pet food, there's something here for you. See below for the top ten, or head over to Glassdoor to check out the full list. Onward!

10. Mayo Clinic

�Mayo Clinic has an extremely professional work environment with state-of-the art facilities. Collaboration within and between departments is encouraged. Mayo also has an excellent work culture and business integrity.� � Mayo Clinic Research Associate (Rochester, MN)

�The overall environment is good. Everyone has a sense of pride to be employed by Mayo Clinic. There is access to great care resources and events.� � Mayo Clinic Program Manager (Rochester, MN)
> Find a job at Mayo Clinic

9. McKinsey & Company

�No other organization places as much emphasis on professional development. Really amazing set of people - caring, challenging and whip smart.� � McKinsey & Company Engagement Manager (San Francisco, CA)

�Leadership inspires its employees to work hard and drive impact for the clients. Great network and potential to work on interesting projects across the world.� � McKinsey & Company Senior Associate (New York, NY)
> Find a consulting job

8. In-N-Out Burger

�Great pay rates, fantastic hours, calm and comfortable atmosphere, plenty of benefits, full of opportunity friendly coworkers, overall very happy with the experience I gained here.� � In-N-Out Burger Associate Level III (Avondale, AZ)

�The values of the company, the way they treat their associates, paid holidays off, atmosphere.� � In-N-Out Burger Level 7 (Tustin, CA)
> Find a fast food job


Read more...    The 50 Best Places to Work in 2015

These Are the 10 Most Dangerous Jobs in America

Caution: do not remove helmet at any time

Mack Gelber

Mining machine operators: which way do you point this thing?

To some extent, every job is dangerous. You could develop back problems from years of poor desk posture, or a case of carpal tunnel if you spend your days frenziedly typing away. But there are some jobs where the risks are markedly greater than that of your average desk jockey--risks that could cost you your very life (or at least a couple of fingers).

We scoped out the Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest report on occupational injuries to find the ten most dangerous jobs in America--the ones that give new meaning to the phrase "this job is killing me." Click through below...if you dare.

10. Construction worker

*Fatal work injury rate: 17.7

Total fatal work injuries in 2013: 215
*per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
> Find a job in construction

9. Electrical and power-line installers and repairers

Fatal work injury rate: 21.5

Total fatal work injuries in 2013: 27
> Find a job as a power-line installer/repairer

8. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

Fatal work injury rate: 21.8

Total fatal work injuries in 2013: 220
> Find an agricultural job

7. Driver/sales workers and truck drivers

Fatal work injury rate: 22.0

Total fatal work injuries in 2013: 748
> Find a trucking job


Read more  These Are the 10 Most Dangerous Jobs in America

Companies Hiring in December

Give yourself the present of a new job this month

CareerBuilder

By Debra Auerbach, CareerBuilder writer

There are surely plenty of items on your December to-do list: shopping for presents, decorating the house, making plans for New Year's Eve, prepping for the onslaught of colder weather. While you may have a lot on your plate (both figuratively and literally, right?) the last month of the year, if you're in need of a job or desire a new opportunity, don't forget about adding "find job" to your list.

Not only are some businesses hiring last minute for the holidays, other companies may be starting to fulfill their staffing needs for the new year. Check out the following 20 companies hiring in December for some great opportunities to help end your year on a high note:

1. Acclivity Healthcare
Industry: Health care, staffing and recruiting
Sample job titles: Bilingual medical appointment scheduler, certified coder, hospital admitting representative, hospital collector, insurance verification specialist, licensed vocational nurse, medical appointment scheduler, medical assistant, medical billing customer service representative, medical charge entry biller, pediatric medical assistant, pharmacy customer contact specialist, private pay medical collector
Location: Arizona, Texas

2. Almost Family
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Home health aide, RN/LPN, case manager, physical therapist, occupational therapist
Location: Ohio, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Tennessee

3. Applied Research Associates
Industry: Defense and space, government contractor
Sample job titles: Systems engineer, software developer, junior software developer, computational research engineer, technical intern, mechanics engineer, security specialist
Location: Reston and Fort Belvoir, Va.; Raleigh, N.C.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; Panama City, Fla.

4. CDK Global
Industry: Information technology, digital marketing
Sample job titles: Software engineer, digital sales executive, network solutions engineer, client support team manager
Location: Chicago; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; Detroit

5. Corus360
Industry: IT consulting and professional services
Sample job titles: Network engineer, systems engineer, application developer, project manager, information security analyst, security engineer, front-end developer, data center architect, Web developer, mainframe engineer, cloud engineer
Location: Chicago; Atlanta, Macon and Alpharetta, Ga.; Hagerstown, Md.; Wilmington, Del.; Minneapolis

6. Equity Staffing Group
Industry: IT, engineering, finance and accounting, health care
Sample job titles: Front end developer, senior network engineer, pharmacy tech
Location: Nationwide

7. Eskenazi Health
Industry: Health care/hospital system
Sample job titles: Clinical nurse specialist, respiratory care practitioner, clinician, patient service assistant � ambulatory care, nurse coordinator, admitting coordinator
Location: Indianapolis

8. Extended Stay America
Industry: Hospitality
Sample job titles: Housekeeper, guest services, general manager
Location: Nationwide

9. Fiesta Restaurant Group (owners of Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana)
Industry: Restaurant/food service
Sample job titles: Restaurant manager, restaurant shift supervisor, team member
Location: New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia

10. Granite Construction
Industry: Construction
Sample job titles: Project engineer, environmental manager, superintendent
Location: Orlando, Fla.; Sacramento, Calif.

11. Haverty Furniture Companies
Industry: Furniture retail
Sample job titles: Sales consultant, customer service, in-home designer, warehouse material handler
Location: Texas; Florida; Georgia; Washington, D.C.; Tennessee

12. Jabil
Industry: Manufacturing
Sample job titles: Systems architect, engineer
Location: Nationwide

13. Linden Bulk Transportation
Industry: Trucking
Sample job titles: Owner operator CDL driver, Class A CDL driver
Location: Linden, N.J.; Bensalem, Pa.; Pasadena and Houston, Texas; St. Gabriel, La.

14. MedStar Health
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Registered nurse, medical assistant, application analyst and developer, SiTEL staff, PeopleSoft analyst, marketing director, financial services director
Location: Baltimore, Md.; Washington, D.C.

15. SafeAuto Insurance
Industry: Insurance
Sample job titles: Financial accountant, full stack Web developer, accounting analyst, payroll, network engineer, QA analyst
Location: Columbus, Ohio

16. Santander Bank N.A.
Industry: Banking
Sample job titles: Branch manager, teller, accounting and finance analyst
Location: Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island

17. Think Direct Marketing Group
Industry: Sales and marketing
Sample job titles: Customer retention associate, subscription sales associate, home agent sales associate
Location: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina

18. TMX Finance
Industry: Financial services
Sample job titles: Call center representative, store manager, district manager, general manager, customer service representative, bilingual customer service representative
Location: Nationwide

19. UPS
Industry: Packaging/transportation
Sample job titles: Package handler, driver
Location: Nationwide

20. Valeo Resources
Industry: Staffing and recruiting
Sample job titles: Director of nursing, nurse practitioner, behavioral health tech, clinical director, staff counselor
Location: Florida, New Jersey, Georgia

The 10 Best Retail Companies To Work For Right Now

Work-life balance, compensation and more evaluated

Business Insider

By Jacquelyn Smith

'Tis the season for holiday hiring.

According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, a whopping 43% of US retailers plan to hire seasonal workers this year. But not all of them are a joy to work for.

CareerBliss.com, an online careers community, recently identified those that are in its new list of the retail companies with the happiest employees.

Ross Dress For Less ranked No. 1, followed by Costco and Ikea.

A Ross employee wrote on the CareerBliss site: "I feel challenged every day; love the new opportunities. The culture allows us to figure things out on our own and that gives me a great deal of independence at work."

To measure employee happiness, CareerBliss analyzed thousands of reviews from retail employees who evaluated nine factors that affect work happiness on a five-point scale: work-life balance, senior management, compensation, benefits, job security, whether the employee would recommend their employer, the work the employee does, the company culture, and the employee's work environment.

CareerBliss combined those numbers to find an average rating of overall happiness, which they call a "Bliss Score," for each respondent and sorted the results by employer to determine which retail companies have the happiest workers.

"Knowing you are shopping at a company that truly embodies the holiday spirit by treating their employees with respect and letting them feel some holiday cheer about their career makes shopping an even happier experience," says Heidi Golledge, CEO of CareerBliss.

Here's the full list (click companies to apply):

Rank	Employer	Bliss Score
1	Ross	3.64
2	Costo	3.27
3	Ikea	3.26
4	Nieman Marcus	3.23
5	Apple	3.23
6	Barnes & Noble	3.13
7	T.J. Maxx	3.12
8	Verizon Wireless	3.11
9	Lowe's	3.05
10	Nordstrom	3.05

7 Great Second Careers If You're Over 40

Opportunities abound in tech, finance, and more

Susan Ricker

You're too young for retirement, too experienced for entry-level positions and too fed up with your job to stay any longer. Have you considered starting a second career? Beginning a new profession can be an exciting way to change how you feel about your work life, and the shifting economy offers more opportunities for change than you might think. Whether you've never before thought of switching careers, or if it's been a recurring dream of yours, here are some ideas for getting started.

Create An 'Open Ideas' List

If you're ready to leave your first career behind and move on to what's next in life, it's time to ask what's next. Keep a running list of ideas for your future -- hobbies you enjoy, your areas of expertise, business ideas you've previously passed on, childhood dreams. This list can include every pipedream you've had. Then, narrow it down to what interests you most, what you can make happen and what you want to learn more about. Try out different fields by volunteering, taking classes and talking to those who have the position you want. Transitioning successfully to a second career depends on how much research and preparation you can do to ensure it'll be the right fit.

Use Economic Advantages

Making a career switch can be intimidating at any point in life, but a tepid economy and family responsibilities can hinder even the biggest risk-takers. Rather than starting off on your own, take advantage of newly created roles that are growing in demand. CareerBuilder's midyear job forecast shared hopeful news for job seekers and career changers. More employers are reporting that, within their organizations, new jobs are emerging that didn't exist five years ago, including positions tied to:

• Social media
• Storing and managing data
• Cybersecurity
• Financial regulation
• Promoting diversity inside and outside the organization
• "Green" energy and the environment
• Global relations

Employers are hiring in large numbers in some key areas, including those impacting revenue and innovation. To gain experience before launching an independent career, here are some areas where employers are hiring first:

• Customer service
• Information technology
• Sales
• Administrative
• Business development
• Accounting/finance
• Marketing

Consider Secure Jobs

Still not convinced there's a second career in your future? "150 Best Jobs for a Secure Future" author Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., shares a variety of secure-job lists based on different demographics. Switching careers during economic uncertainty is actually more common and practical than it may seem. "People tend to lose recession-sensitive jobs when economic downturns strike and the jobs they find during those hard times tend to be available because they're secure," Shatkin says.

Among Shatkin's many lists of secure jobs, here are seven examples of the best secure jobs with a high percentage of mature workers:

1. Athletic trainers*
Growth between 2010-20: 30 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual salary: $41,600

2. Clinical, counseling and other school psychologists
Growth between 2010-20: 22 percent (faster than average)
Median annual salary: $68,640

3. Instructional coordinators
Growth between 2010-20: 20 percent (faster than average)
Median annual salary: $58,830

4. Interpreters and translators
Growth between 2010-20: 42 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual salary: $43,300

5. Management analysts
Growth between 2010-20: 22 percent (faster than average)
Median annual salary: $78,160

6. Occupational therapy assistants
Growth between 2010-20: 33 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual salary: $72,320

7. Technical writers
Growth between 2010-20: 17 percent (about as fast as average)
Median annual salary: $68,280

7 Part-Time Jobs That Pay Up To $40 An Hour

School bus driver, makeup artist, and more

David Schepp

For some 8 million Americans, part-time jobs are a way of life. Many are cobbling together several part-time gigs while they search for that elusive full-time job. Some, though, prefer part-time work because it offers flexibility and time off for other pursuits, including raising kids.
But whether you are looking for part-time work out of choice or necessity, you probably want to find one that offers some personal satisfaction and good wages. With the help of PayScale, AOL Jobs has a compiled a list of the seven best part-time jobs. Some require little training, and many pay more than $25 an hour.

One caveat: The wages shown for each position represent a range of amounts paid to the 25th and 75th percentiles of workers who've been operating in their fields for five to eight years. In other words, a quarter of workers within a given job description earn less than the reported low wage, while the rest earn less than the reported high wage.


Also, PayScale notes that the range of wages shown are national numbers. If you live in a metropolitan area, you'll probably earn far more -- sometimes twice as much -- than what's listed here.

1. School Bus Driver



Hourly Wage Range: $12.40 to $16.70, nationally. (As noted, pay is often higher in urban markets, such as New York City, where the hourly median wage is $29.50.)
Median Weekly Hours Worked: 26

What you'd do: No surprises here -- school bus drivers transport children to and from school and related special events. Depending on several factors, including the distance to be traveled on a given route and when school starts, part-time school bus drivers may start work early in the morning -- 6 a.m. or earlier isn't unusual. Others work the afternoon "shift," picking up children from school and bringing them back home. Weather, heavy traffic and unruly children can make the job challenging at times, though one perk that many school bus drivers enjoy is summer break, giving them two to three months to pursue other jobs or interests.

What you need to get started: A commercial driver's license is usually required, and certain hearing and vision requirements must be met.

2. Makeup Artist

AFP/Getty ImagesA makeup artist prepares a model backstage before an event.

Hourly Wage Range: $14.70 to $23.50

Median Weekly Hours Worked: 20

About the Job: Makeup artists enhance performers' and consumers' appearance through the application of cosmetics, which may include knowledge of period styles to reflect actors' roles. They work in a wide variety of settings, including theaters, broadcast studios, amusement parks, as well as boutiques and department stores. States with a significant show business industry -- New York, California and Nevada -- have the highest numbers of workers employed in this profession. Ohio and Texas, with numerous large media markets and amusement parks, also rank high.

What you need to get started: Most makeup artists complete formal training that requires a high school diploma and may include obtaining an associate degree in cosmetology or bachelor's degree in theater. Some states also require cosmetologists and makeup artists to be licensed.

3. Tutor

APTutor working with a student on a set of math problems.

Hourly Wage Range: $12.70 to $27

Median Weekly Hours Worked: 8

What you'd do: Think of a tutor as a personalized teacher, who typically works one-on-one with students who are are having difficulty comprehending a specific field of study, such as language or math. The job requires patience and a willingness to listen. It also requires organization, an attention to detail and the ability to show up on time.

What you need to get started: There are few industry standards that apply to tutors, who generally gain expertise in a field of study through their own achievements, such as a high school diploma, an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. Certification is available through numerous organizations, such as the College Reading & Learning Association and the American Tutoring Association.

4. Dance Teacher

APDance teacher watches students at a rumba rehearsal.

Hourly Wage Range: $15.30 to $24.50

Median Weekly Hours Worked: 8

What you'd do: Teaching dance often involves working one-on-one with students to help them master the techniques in different styles of dance -- jazz, ballroom, Western swing, tap, children's -- though instructors frequently work with large groups. Settings vary and include dance halls or studios, classrooms, restaurants, retirement communities, resorts and even cruise ships. It requires a willingness to work with people and patience in dealing with students struggling to learn.

What you need to get started: Education and training requirements vary, however, part-time dance instructors typically require two years of teaching experience.

5. English Teacher for Non-Native Speakers

Denver Post via Getty ImagesTeacher works with students at an English Language Acquisition class in Denver.

Hourly Wage Range: $18.10 to $30.50

Median Weekly Hours Worked: 17

What you'd do: Teaching English as a foreign language can be rewarding but also challenging. Students may be reluctant to learn or find English to difficult to master. For instructors, that means being well prepared with lesson plans, a knowledge of how to inspire and motivate struggling students and a degree of patience. Public and private grade and high schools, college campuses and community organizations are typical settings. Demand for English as a second language, or ESL, instruction is such that qualified teachers can land a job in virtually any country in the world.

What you need to get started: Generally, a bachelor's degree is required; a certification specializing in teaching ESL is also available from numerous institutions, including many colleges and universities.

6. Flight Attendant

Denver Post via Getty ImagesFlight attendent points to the other near by exits on a United Airlines flight.

Hourly Wage Range: $26 to $34.80

Median Weekly Hours Worked: 20

What you'd do: Though viewed by some travelers as little more than airborne waiters and waitresses, the primary responsibility offlight attendants is the safety of passengers aboard aircraft, which often includes reminding them about what is and isn't allowed during flight. There are perks, of course, which may include travel to many destinations and pay that's near the top for part-time work. Downsides include dealing with stubborn or unruly passengers, frequent downtime, and working in an industry that has gone through major layoffs in recent years.

What you need to get started: Many major airlines require flight attendants to have a college degree. A professional appearance and an outgoing personality are also key to landing the job.

7. Pilates or Yoga Instructor

AFP/Getty ImagesA teacher gives advice during a session of Bikram yoga.

Hourly Wage Range: $20.20 to $39.90

Median Weekly Hours Worked: 6

What you'd do: Yoga and Pilates instructors typically work with groups of students in the movements and techniques unique to each exercise. One-on-one training is common, too. As with other teaching professions, it requires a degree of patience with those students struggling to learn. One benefit is relatively high pay for a part-time profession -- and all that teaching helps keep you fit, too.

What you need to get started: Both exercise techniques require months or even years of practice before practitioners can begin teaching. Numerous certification programs are available for both disciplines.

17 High-Paying Careers You've Never Heard Of

Air traffic controller, packaging engineer, and more

AOL Jobs Staff

Sometimes, great jobs come in unusual packages. Sometimes, they're things you've never considered at all. Below, you'll find what Reddit users consider some of the best careers around--none of which, you'll find, are especially glamorous. Because come on: glamour is overrated! What matters is finding a career you love and can depend upon, and for the right job seeker, these underrated, high-paying jobs could satisfy both. Take a look, and happy applying!

1. Air-Traffic Controller

Median salary: $78,160

"My father is an ATC at Pearson. 200k a year with brilliant benefits. He provided a great quality of life for my family." � 1stOnRT1
> Find a job as an air-traffic controller

2. Tower Technician

Median salary: $17.00/hour

"The cool thing is you don't need a college degree, or any kind of education (personally, I have my Bachelors in an unrelated field)." � IClimbStuff
> Find a job as a tower technician

3. Geomatic Engineer/Land Surveyor

Median salary: $42,053

"Most surveyors are old, for instance, the average age of a surveyor in the state of CA is in the mid to late fifties, which means you will definitely get a job out of college and you can quickly work your way up to a decent 6 figure income once you get your professional license." � TheGeomatician
> Find a job as a land surveyor


Read more:  17 High-Paying Careers You've Never Heard Of

18 hot jobs for 2015

If you�re in the market for a new job in 2015, check out these 18 top jobs based on supply and demand.

Things that are hot right now: sweatpants-as-real-pants, [insert any name] of the Jenner/Kardashian clan (sorry haters), anything produced by Shonda Rhimes, �Shake it Off� inspired videos � and this list of hot jobs for 2015.
CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. compiled a list of the top jobs for the New Year by looking at supply versus demand � the occupations that have a large number of openings each month compared to the number of people actually hired for these jobs.
The list is broken down into two sections � those jobs that require a college degree and those that don�t � and both sections include jobs that span industries, so there are opportunities for every type of job seeker looking to make a change.
If you�re in the market for a new job in 2015, check out the 18 jobs featured below (that is, if you�re not too busy catching up on �Scandal� or copying outfit ideas from North West).

Among occupations that require a college education and have the largest gap between job openings and hires are:

Occupation	Average monthly unique job postings	Average monthly hires	Gap between postings and hires	Job growth 2010 - 2014	Total 2014 employment	Median hourly earnings
Marketing executive1	34,613	11,617	22,996	10%	191,872	$57.42
Software developer, applications	52,700	31,616	21,084	15%	684,614	$44.66
Registered nurse	122,922	103,804	19,118	5%	2,729,647	$32.51
Industrial engineer	26,031	7,880	18,151	9%	235,817	$38.96
Network and computer system administrator	35,788	18,734	17,054	7%	378,638	$35.84
Web developer	30,108	14,616	15,492	17%	151,081	$28.02
Medical and health services manager	27,696	12,626	15,070	6%	317,314	$43.61
Physical therapist	24,425	10,880	13,545	10%	211,296	$38.63
Speech-language pathologist	15,113	7,112	8,001	5%	133,383	$34.00
Sales manager	28,589	22,280	6,309	8%	376,238	$51.98

Among occupations that don�t require a college degree, but have gaps between job openings and hires are²:

Occupation	Average monthly unique job postings	Average monthly hires	Gap between postings and hires	Job growth 2010 - 2014	Total 2014 employment	Median hourly earnings
Truck driver, heavy and tractor-trailer	242,400	131,902	110,498	9%	1,838,993	$18.37
Merchandise displayer and window trimmer	20,808	6,126	14,682	5%	79,145	$13.11
Orderly	7,287	2,079	5,208	4%	56,944	$11.66
Sales representative, wholesale and manufacturing	18,547	14,802	3,745	7%	385,789	$35.59
Purchasing manager	5,286	2,534	2,752	7%	72,351	$49.86
Medical records and health information technician	9,224	7,332	1,892	6%	187,947	$16.81
Telemarketer	23,733	22,224	1,509	8%	250,429	$11.03
Demonstrator and product promoter	12,742	11,308	1,434	10%	96,096	$12.26

¹ The marketing manager occupation includes everything from vice president of marketing to director and manager, etc.
² Some occupations may require additional training after high school.

6 STEM Jobs With the Most Women Workers

Top positions in science, technology, and engineering

CareerBuilder

By Debra Auerbach, CareerBuilder writer

It's no secret that STEM jobs (science, technology, engineering and math) are some of the hottest careers to pursue. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs will increase by 9 million from 2012-2022.

While these industries are ripe with opportunities for any type of worker with the right skills, they've historically been male-dominated. In 2009, women represented less than 25 percent of STEM jobs. But the good news is that's quickly changing, in part due to initiatives like the one driven by the White House, which empower young women to pursue these areas of study.

While major strides have been taken to diversify the STEM workforce, there are some occupations that have higher percentages of women than others. Here's a list* of six jobs � spanning the science, technology, engineering and math fields � that have the highest percentage of women:

1. Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Counseling psychologists advise people on how to deal with problems. School psychologists apply psychological principles and techniques to education-related and developmental issues.
Percentage of women: 68 percent
Average hourly wage: $33.39
2012 � 2022 growth: 11 percent
Education: Doctoral/professional degree

2. Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans.
Percentage of women: 53 percent
Average hourly wage: $34.34
2012 � 2022 growth: 10 percent
Education: Master's degree required

3. Physical scientists conduct research tasks within a chosen field of study. Sample job titles include chemist, biochemist, astronomer, geologist, physiologist, environmental scientist and physicist.
Percentage of women: 41 percent
Average hourly wage: $45.05
2012 � 2022 growth: 5 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

4. Statisticians use statistical methods to collect and analyze data and help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, the sciences or other fields.
Percentage of women: 41 percent
Average hourly wage: $38.28
2012 � 2022 growth: 27 percent
Education: Master's degree

5. Database administrators use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records.
Percentage of women: 38 percent
Average hourly wage: $38.04
2012 � 2022 growth: 15 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

6. Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.
Percentage of women: 26 percent
Average hourly wage: $40.93
2012 � 2022 growth: 15 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

Employers and recruiters: For more information on women in STEM and tips for attracting STEM workers, download a free report here.

Choosing dream jobs and workplace perks

Author: Susan Ricker

Workers played "Would you rather" with workplace perks, careers

You don�t always get what you want, in life or in your career. In fact, most of your day is made up of compromises between what you want and what others are asking for. You rearrange your priorities to keep projects moving, to earn a bigger paycheck, to accommodate your family. But if somebody asked you what you really wanted, would you answer your job or the perks that come with it?

A CareerBuilder survey found the choices that workers will make when faced with hard decisions (like choosing between a bigger paycheck or a shorter work week) and the dream jobs we secretly yearn for. How would you answer?

Would you rather�

Workplace perks are becoming a bigger selling point in finding a new job, but you can�t expect to get it all. The survey attempted to find what workers really want, asking:
If you had to choose between the following at work, which would you choose?

• A car (76 percent) vs. a smart phone (24 percent)
• Air conditioning (54 percent) vs. Internet access (46 percent)
• Free lunches at work (63 percent) vs. the ability to wear jeans every day (37 percent)
• A bigger paycheck (77 percent) vs. a shorter work week (23 percent)
• An office (71 percent) vs. your own bathroom (29 percent)
• A concierge (70 percent) vs. a valet (30 percent)

Dream careers and second careers
Most careers end up looking different from what we imagined while growing up because we find more practical options or follow the labor market�s in-demand jobs. Though we pursue careers that are different from what we originally hoped for, we never really forget what we�d like to be doing if we could. The survey got to the heart of this, asking:

If you could do any job in the world, what would it be?
1.Professional athlete
2.Actor
3.Teacher/instructor, K-12
4.Artist/designer
5.Photographer
6.Veterinarian
7.Chef/cook
8.Computer programmer
9.Police officer
10.Engineer
If you�re realizing that you�d rather make a career switch to something new or to your original dream job, check out these resources that can help you determine if a career switch is the right move for you:

• �How I stumbled into my dream career�
  Some people have known since they were young what they wanted to do for work. Others took a less-direct route to get to their dream career path.
• Why uncertainty is necessary for a career switch
  When you're entering the workforce for the first time, it's natural to be nervous about your career and uncertain of how things will turn out. But what about later in life, when you're ready for a change or career switch?
• Navigating a career crossroads
  When standing at a career crossroads, you need to give careful thought to the consequences of your actions. Take into account your unique situation and the potential benefits of making -- or not making -- a change.
• 5 tough questions to ask before a career change
  Getting started in a new field often means taking a cut not just in pay but also in security and prestige -- at least for a while.
• Quiz: Are you really ready to switch careers?
  Have you thought carefully about the personal and professional implications of making a switch, or have you decided that anything is better than what you're doing?
• Why quitting my job was the best decision I ever madeEverybody�s had a project, co-worker or boss who has caused them to think, �I�m going to quit!� But rarely do we follow through with the threat, and usually the job gets better or the problem gets fixed. But for some people, choosing to quit has been the best decision they ever made.