Why we're still #5 - and Phoenix isn't

The official 2010 Census returns are now in for Philadelphia, and they contain news everyone expected and a surprise few did. The expected news was that the city's five-decade-plus slide in population finally came to a halt: there are 8,456 more Philadelphians than there were ten years ago, an 0.56% increase. (Yes, it's small, but hey, we'll take it - a gain is a gain.)

The unexpected news is that we are not, as the Philadelphia Daily News article reporting the gain said we would be, staring up at Phoenix. To the surprise of Philly boosters, we remain the fifth largest city in the country, as the actual census count showed Phoenix with only half the population gain the Census Bureau had estimated in the previous year.

The news gives our municipal ego a huge boost, for there is a big difference between being in the top five U.S. cities and sitting just below those five, psychologically speaking. But it does raise an interesting question, given that Census estimates are usually not so far off: Why were they? How did we end the decade still bigger than Phoenix?

I would like to suggest it's because we still have a real, diverse economy and they don't.

Some years ago, I would regularly read a magazine published in Phoenix for that city's gay and lesbian community but distributed well beyond it. (To get people to move there, is my guess why.)

I couldn't help but notice that just about every ad in the magazine was from someone selling real estate.

Now, this periodical and those ads may have offered a skewed view of what makes Phoenix tick, but I suspect not. And there's nothing wrong with selling real estate; lots of folks do that around here too.

But if selling real estate is just about the only economic activity anyone engages in, then you have a problem. Not only is basing an entire economy on the sale of real estate something akin to basing it on taking in one another's laundry, but when the market goes kablooey, so does the whole local economy.

In case anyone forgot, the real estate market went kablooey in 2009 and has yet to truly recover, especially in those areas where everyone was trying to cash in on real estate. Areas like metropolitan Phoenix, to name one.

Were other things going on in Phoenix, that city might indeed have passed us in population. But what else is going on there? Here, we manufacture drugs. We write software. We refine crude oil. We make cakes, cookies and crackers. We still even make clothes and build ships. And we educate scores of thousands of college students. Do they do any of this in Phoenix? (Well, there is a university in Phoenix. But you don't have to go there to attend it; in fact, it probably has a campus in an office park near you.)

Put bluntly, people move to Phoenix because it has lots of sunshine and no cold weather, while people move here because we have opportunity. There, you can find a nice house; here, you can find a nice job. There, the boom ended in a bust; here, the bust didn't matter all that much. Our resilient and diverse economy, and the jobs it generates, is what kept us one step ahead of Phoenix.

By Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is a veteran freelance writer, editor and public relations professional who lives in Philadelphia. Besides blogging for PhillyJobs.com, he has written for numerous publications and websites, would be happy to do your resume, and is himself actively seeking career opportunities on Beyond.com. Check out his LinkedIn profile and read his other posts on PhillyJobsBlog.com.

Nutritionists to the Stars

by Alex A. Kecskes

There are nutritionists and then there are nutritionists to the stars. The difference, of course, is that those serving the needs of stars are highly paid and they are expected to get results—fast.

Nutritionists like Christine Avanti, for example, tell the fabulously rich and famous what to eat and what to stay away from if they want to maintain their youthful, healthy appearance. She has worked one-on-one with over 1,000 people, helping them achieve the balance of weight loss and nutrition that seems so elusive for many in the public eye.

The problem is that eating the right foods can be difficult for stars who have the income to order virtually any food or snack they desire no matter where they may be. In other words, they could eat the most healthy food money can buy. That said, many stars succumb to rich, unhealthful foods that are nutritionally empty. They indulge at parties and other soirées, eating foods that wreak havoc with their weight, complexion and energy level.

Avanti's first book Skinny Chicks Don't Eat Salads came out in stores worldwide last year and quickly hit the Amazon top 25.

Unlike some hard-nosed nutritionists, Avanti combines weight loss science with the art of gracious living to integrate nutrition with the way people really live. She has been teaching private chefs to cook healthy for nearly 10 years now (stars often have their own chefs, who may or may not be nutrition savvy). Her more recent endeavor, Flat Belly Food System, is a downloadable healthy nutrition plan on audio (CD or MP3) that combines inspiration and healthy food.

For an added perspective, check out this video:

For more information on health careers, visit http://www.healthcarejobsite.com/

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.

Enjoy a Career as an App Developer

Are you technologically-inclined? Perhaps then you may be well-suited for a career as an app developer.

As an Application Developer, your job will be to create programs that run on handheld devices, operating systems, and/or online. According to Zack Anton, CEO of Euriska Gaia, an app developer “transforms a concept or idea into a consumer-oriented product.”

He continues, “With the ever-growing advance in web-based, mobile and social networking technologies, developers must follow-up evolving 'trends', best practices and preferences of their targeted market segments.”

Educational Requirements

While it is possible to be an app developer without a Computer Science degree, individuals with formal educational qualifications will be likely to be hired first and command a higher salary in today’s competitive economy. That said, if you do not have proper hands-on experience, you will not be successful in this career. Of course, app developers also have the option to go the entrepreneurial route and work for themselves.

Who Should Become an App Developer?

Since a career in app development involves analytical thinking, Anton suggests that any curious person with the innate ability to creatively and logically tackle industry-specific problems can consider a career as an app developer.

However, Anton cautions that in order to be a successful developer, a person needs to constantly update their technical know-how in order to optimize successes and minimize any potential problems.

Future Job Prospects

A career as an app developer looks to be a promising one. Why? Well, Anton explains that the ever-increasing need to "computerize business processes and automate activities are contributing factors. Further, the ever increasing popularity of mobile devices and smart phones directly affects the expansion of the app market.

“Moreover, the wide coverage of mobility in almost every business and every corner of the world implies that mobile apps became a crucial need instead of an optional luxury. This career choice is here to stay,” explains Anton.

Cool Apps

With respect to some of the more interesting apps out there, Anton’s team is currently working on some pretty cool apps. For instance, his company will soon be launching an interesting Green Social Network called Eurisko Gaia™. - which appropriately means “I discover Mother Earth” in Old Greek.

Built as a Facebook app, the environmentally-friendly application allows users to locate pre-defined "green-targeted" regions in the United States and pay to plant a real tree in these locations. Moreover, a multi-platform mobile app (for instance, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows Mobile) also allows users to tag regions, check notifications (for instance, nearby trees planted by friends) and promote green tourism – such as photographing and tagging natural landscapes - using advanced geo-locating capabilities.

All in all then, the evidence is clear – for those people who are willing and able – a career as an app developer looks to be a promising one.

Larisa Redins is a full time writer and editor with degrees in both Arts and Biological Science. She writes about career issues for PhillyJobsBlog.com and other topics for a variety of international websites and magazines. Please visit her other blogs at PhillyJobsBlog.com and view job posting at Beyond.com.

The Best 8 Tips For Getting a Job When You Have Been Unemployed for a Long Time. Part 2

Getting back on the job market after having been unemployed for a long time can be tough. Here are some tips to help.

When you have been unemployed for a long period of time, trying to find a new job can feel a lot like clawing your way out of a hole. The longer you are out of work, the bigger the hole seems. Climbing out takes strength, determination, a whole lot of help from friends and some hard work. Here are some things that can help you get a leg up on the climb. Last time we covered tips 1-4, and here are tips 5-8:

• Find a your passion, start a project – Even if you haven't had luck finding a full time job, think about what your passions are, and get involved volunteering. There are many places that could really use help, and volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, get back into the swing of working and will give you an amazing opportunity to meet new people and build your network. Also, when you interview for the job you really want, it is better to have something to point to when you are talking about what you did while you were unemployed. Employers want to see that you are still working, even if it isn't paid work.
  
  
• Hone your interview skills – Now that the job market is starting to look up, it is even more important to practice for your interview. When you have been out of work for a long time and are feeling discouraged, it is hard to show up to an interview and “wow” them. Sharpen your skills and practice your interview skills.
  
  
• Sell yourself and your skills – When you get a chance to interview with a potential employer, use your unemployment period to your advantage and sell yourself as someone who will work hard to prove themselves. Use your desire to never be unemployed again to fuel your determination and enthusiasm.
  
  
• Work hard on acting positive – Even if it is hard, get rid of any bitterness. Trust me, I know how hard it is when you have bills piling up and kids to feed. The desperation of not knowing what is going to go wrong next can be hard to set aside. But the truth is, the bitterness and stress will make you less attractive to a new employer. Even if you have to act hopeful and happy, when you aren't feeling it, it will start to become second nature. Having a positive attitude is one of the things that makes you successful in all parts of life, even finding a job.

Getting back into the work force after a long being unemployed is a challenge, but not impossible. As the job market continues to improve, it is essential that you work on being ready for the next big opportunity to knock on your door.

What do you think is important when you are trying to get back into the work force? Let me know in the comments.

If you are looking for a job in the Philadelphia area, visit PhillyJobs for the best Philadelphia area job listings.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

Hands On!

There are many different jobs in the field of Health care. Within the health care field are physical therapy jobs. One of the more specialized jobs is being a Hand Therapist. A Hand Therapist rehabilitates a patient’s upper extremities that have become impaired. This can happen through an injury or a physical disability. Some of the injuries or chronic problems that are treated by a hand Therapist are the following:

*Arthritis

*Carpal Tunnel syndrome and other nerve compressions

*Fractures or dislocations

*Ligament injuries or repairs

*Sprains and strains

*Tendon injuries, repairs or grafts

*Tendon transfers

*Traumatic injuries

A Hand Therapist would do a typical evaluation that would be an assessment of range of motion, coordination, strength, edema, skin/wound conditions, sensation and functions in daily living activities such as work, self care and leisure activities. The treatment for such conditions and injuries could be any or all of the following: exercise, therapeutic treatments (heat, ultrasound, etc), customized splinting, adaptive techniques and devices and/or management of pain and swelling.

So what type of training requirements would you need for this type of job? Well, a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement but a master’s is preferred. Most employers would want at least one year of experience, a valid driver’s license, and CPR certification. If you have experience with hand, splinting and wound care experience that would put you higher on the employment scale. Occupational and physical therapists, including hand therapist, must earn state licensure. Employers also look for job candidates that have worked in schools, hospitals, or private physical therapy practices. Some hospitals and medical centers also offer postgraduate fellowship in hand therapy. To remain competitive in this field, a hand therapist may consider specializing in pediatrics, mental health or gerontology.

What about certification? Educational programs for hand therapist are available as fellowships that can be finished within one year. You do have to be a graduate of an accredited physical or occupational therapy program and be licensed to practice in your state. The purpose of the fellowship program is to help occupational or physical therapist specialize in rehabilitation of the upper quarter of the arm. Through a fellowship, your education will be divided between patient care and academic experience. Specific coursework in treatment planning, upper extremity disorders, surgical; recovery, biomechanics and splinting are usually covered. You may also participate in surgical observations and could be expected to complete projects or presentations on special topics in hand therapy. In order to become certified through the Hand Therapist certification Commission, you need 5 years of on-the-job hand therapy experience. You will also need 4,000 documented hours of on the job hand therapy. Cerification is valid for 5 years and requires continuing education courses to recertify.

So if this is a field you’re interested in or you’re already an occupational or physical therapist, the jobs are out there. It will give you a true hands on experience.

By Linda Lee Ruzicka

Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She also does freelances work for Beyond and Healthcarejobsite. You can read more of her blogs on Healthcarejobsite blog.

The Best 8 Tips For Getting a Job When You Have Been Unemployed for a Long Time. Part 1

Getting back on the job market after having been unemployed for a long time can be tough. Here are some tips to help.

When you have been unemployed for a long period of time, trying to find a new job can feel a lot like clawing your way out of a hole. The longer you are out of work, the bigger the hole seems. Climbing out takes strength, determination, a whole lot of help from friends and some hard work. Here are some things that can help you get a leg up on the climb:

• Stop blaming yourself – The past few years have been tough for everyone, and especially those of us who are out of work. Not being able to find a job doesn't mean that you are broken and not worth hiring. The more you beat yourself up, the harder it can be to muster up the enthusiasm necessary to impress an interviewer.
  
• Stop wasting time – When you have been job searching for an extended period, it's only natural to stop giving it your best and just start applying for every job opening you see that is even close to being within commuting distance. Don't let the desperation win. The best way to find a new job is to target openings that are a match for your skills and experience. Then, customize your resume and cover letter to target that particular job. You know this, but when you are feeling beat down and think that it is a waste of time, it is hard to remember.

• Get out and make friends – When you are feeling desperate and start thinking that you need to “beat the streets” until you find something, stop and start looking for networking opportunities. The best use of your time is to make new friends, connect with other professionals and build your network. Getting out and talking to others in your industry will help you get re-energized and can lead to recommendations and insider news about new openings.
  
  
• Talk to your previous employer – The job market is starting to make a rebound, but many companies are hesitant to take on new employees, opting for freelance and temp workers. If you were downsized or laid off at your previous job, it may be a good idea to get in touch with your previous boss or co-workers. If you are willing to take on freelance work, they may be interested in having someone who is already familiar with the company.

Getting back into the work force after a long time of being unemployed is hard, but not impossible. Stay tuned for the next installment, and find out tips 5-8.

What do you think is important when you are trying to get back into the work force? Let me know in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

Matt Damon, Kate Winslet to Star in New Film Featuring the CDC

by Alex A. Kecskes

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is starring in a new film with Matt Damon, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow and Laurence Fishburne.

The movie, “Contagion,” is filming on the campus of the CDC. Billed as a bio-med drama, where a team of doctors must race to find a cure for a deadly epidemic, the film is the second recent project to feature the CDC in its plot line.

The CDC collaborates to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health. Its many programs include health promotion, disease prevention, injury and disability prevention, and preparedness for new health threats.

If you're interested in working for the CDC, there are a number of exceptional careers available at this world-class medical institution. Their goal is to hire the best, the brightest, and the most committed people to help carry out their mission. Some of their most common positions include:

• Behavioral Scientists
• Biologists
• Emergency Response Specialists
• Epidemiologists
• Health Education Specialists
• Health Informatics Specialists
• Health Scientists
• Medical Officers
• Microbiologists
• Public Health Advisors
• Public Health Analysts

If you are in college, have recently graduated, or are currently working in the public health arena, learn more about the public health training and Fellowship Opportunities at CDC. Student Internships are also available for college graduates eager to make a contribution to the health and well being of the American public.

For an added perspective on more student opportunities, check out this video:

For more information on health careers, visit http://www.healthcarejobsite.com/

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.