4 Times It Pays to Accept a Lower Salary

4 Times It Pays to Accept a Lower Salary4 Times It Pays to Accept a Lower Salary In the curse of your career, youre apt to land in situations where youre choosing between two jobs, and two distinct salaries. Most people will naturally gravitate toward the higher income, because, well, money is important, and theres no such thing as having too much of it. But before you jump at that higher number, there are certain circumstances where accepting a lower salary actually makes more sense. Here are a few you might encounter.Workplace benefits are an important part of your overall compensation package, so if youre looking at a lower salary from a company whose perks are outstanding, thats reason enough to consider that offer. Furthermore, a oben liegend benefits package can actually save you money, even when you end up taking a hit on salary in the process.Imagine youre choosing between two companies. The first is offering you a $65,000 salary and health insurance thatll cost you $300 a month. The second is offering you $62,000, but health insurance thats completely subsidized and free to you. Suddenly, youre actually $600 ahead by taking the second offer. Therefore, before you accept an offer on the basis of it coming with a higher salary alone, take a look at the whole picture and recognize the financial value your employee benefits might offer.Company culture can play a huge role in your day-to-day satisfaction on the job, so if taking a hit on salary means being happier at the office, its probably a hit worth taking. Not being content with their company culture is actually the No. 1 reason younger workers quit their jobs today, so if youre offered the chance to work in an environment where employees are valued and respected, it pays to go for it.Career growth should be a major factor in any job-related decision you make. Therefore, if youre offered a slightly lower salary by a company thats expanding rapidly and tends to promote workers interna lly, accepting that deal might pay off in the long run.How do you know what growth potential your company has? Its simple Ask. Find out how many jobs the business has added over the past year, and how many it plans to add in upcoming years. These are questions youre allowed to ask during a job interview, and if you have reason to believe you have more long-term potential at a company thats paying less at present, dont hesitate to join it.Only 30% of employees today are satisfied with their work-life balance , so if youre offered a role whose demands seem reasonable, it pays to consider it. Though a growing number of companies today are becoming open to flexible work arrangements , such as telecommuting, theres a large chunk of businesses out there that are sticking to a more rigid model. And finding a position where youll get the former over the latter is reason enough to accept a little less money.Though money does, and should, play a substantial role in our lives, it certainly isnt everything. Before you rush to take that job with the highest salary, think about the perks that might come along with making a bit less money. You may come to find that taking a lower salary makes you happier with your work situation on the whole.This article was originally published on The Motley Fool . It is reprinted with permission.

International Relations Major - What to Do With Your Degree

International Relations Major - What to Do With Your DegreeInternational Relations Major - What to Do With Your DegreeThe grenzberschreitend relations major involves studying world societies and the interactions between them. Students with a concentration in this subject area develop expertise in diplomacy and foreign policy. Many colleges and universities offer students an interdisciplinary approach which often includes coursework in history, politics, economics, world languages, and geography, or some combination of those disciplines. You can earn a bachelors, masters, or doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in international relations. Mastersand Ph.D.programs are usually more specialized than undergraduate ones. Like other liberal arts degrees, a degree in this discipline will not give you entry into a specific occupation. It will, instead, provide you with a broad knowledge base that you can use to excel in a variety of career fields. What Coursework Can You Look Forward To? The interdis ciplinary approach many colleges and universities favor means those who are working toward a degree in international relations take a diversity of courses.Here are some of the general classes as well as those in each of the disciplines many colleges incorporate into their curriculum political science, geography, economics, and history. Some programs also include classes in anthropology, international law,and religious studies. There is often a world language requirement as well. Specifics vary by school. It is important to investigate several colleges and universities to find the one that takes an approach to international relations that will allow you to reach your career goals. International Relations Students who major in this subject will take courses specific to this area of study as well as classes in other disciplines. Here are some international relations course titles at various schools International Relations Theory and PracticeHistory of International RelationsGlobalizati on and World OrderNon-Violent Conflict and ResolutionPeacemaking and NegotiationGlobalization and International DevelopmentChallenges and Dilemmas in American Foreign PolicySchools of Thought in International RelationsGlobal SecurityDiplomacy and Statecraft Political Science Political science deals with domestic and international governance. It is essential for experts in international relations to understand the governmental structures of different countries. Your coursework will analyze government systems and political ideologies and behavior inside and outside the United States. These are some of the classes you may take Politics in the United StatesInternational Politics Methods of AnalysisPolitics of Third World NationsComparative PoliticsThe Politics and Psychology of Persuasion and PrejudiceMoney and Power in the International Political EconomyMiddle Eastern Political SystemsHuman Rights in World PoliticsElectoral SystemsFailed States Geography The study of geography covers t he physical features of the earth and the effects human beings have on it. International relations experts need a good understanding of this subject matter. For example, you must be aware of the locations of nations around the world and their proximity to one another. Some college and universities require international relations majors to take the following classes World Regional GeographyCultural GeographyPolitical GeographyDisasters Preparedness and Hazards Mitigation Economics The study ofeconomicsis concerned with the allocation of tangible and intangible resources. An understanding of how this happens will go a long way toward having the ability to make sense of global interactions. Introductory Economics MicroInternational TradeInternational Economic InstitutionsEconomics of Less Developed RegionsEconomic Development in Latin AmericaSocial Entrepreneurship and Economic DevelopmentInternational EconomicsChina Economic Development and ReformEconomies in TransitionHistory of Econ omic Thought History Without knowledge about the past, it is impossible to move forward. Many colleges offer these and similar classes to students in International relations programs Historical Intro to Latin AmericaHistory of Modern MexicoEurope in the 20th CenturyEuropean Women Since the Middle AgesHistory of TerrorismHistory of GermanyHistory of the Modern BalkansModern AfricaHistory of the CaribbeanTraditional India Masters and doctoral degree candidates take more advanced and narrowly focused coursework than undergraduate students. To prepare for writing a dissertation, they typically have to take classes in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and research design. Where Do International Relations Majors Work? International relations majors, in addition to graduating with an in-depth knowledge of world affairs, politics, economics, culture, geography, history, and language, also leave school with several valuablesoft skills. They include listening, speaking, critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills. This strong foundation will qualify you to work both in the corporate and non-profit sectors. International relations majors go on to have careers in government, law, politics, business, education, media, and international affairs. Possible Job Titles Here are several job titles for which you may qualify afteryou graduate ArchivistCIA AgentDemographerDiplomatEconomistForeign Affairs AnalystForeign Affairs SpecialistForeign Service OfficerImmigration SpecialistIntelligence SpecialistInternational LawyerInternational absatzwirtschaft SpecialistJournalistLanguage SpecialistLobbyistMarket Research AnalystNews AnchorNon-Profit Program CoordinatorPoliticianPolitical AnalystResearch AnalystUnited Nations Worker How High School Students Can Prepare for This Major High school students who are thinking about studying international relations in college, should take classes in U.S. history, world history, government and politics, and geogra phy. It is also essential to learn at least one world language. What Else You Need to Know Other names for this major areinternational studies and international affairs.Admission requirements for masters degree programs vary. Candidates need a bachelors degree, but it can be in any subject. Applicants must have completed some coursework in economics.Doctoral programs, which are research-oriented, usually only admit candidates who have already earned a masters degree in international relations.To become a more marketable job candidate after you graduate,consider studying abroad and becoming fluent in at least one language other than your native one. Internships are also invaluable. To earn a doctorate, expect to spend at least five years studying full time. You will also have to prepare a dissertation, a written document that summarizes your research. It could take a few years to complete. Employment Information American Foreign Service Association This site provides resource s to help you learn about careers in the Foreign Service.The Peace studentencorps Get the facts on becoming a Peace Corps volunteer and apply online.U.S. State Department Career Opportunities Find out about career opportunities with the State Department. Explore more Careers By Field or Industry

How to Ace the Interview With a Disability

How to Ace the vorstellungsgesprch With a DisabilityHow to Ace the Interview With a DisabilityHow to Ace the Interview With a DisabilityDont let your disability stand in your way of landing your dream job.Job interviews are stressful for everyone, but if you have a disability, it might feel as if the odds are stacked against you. Although you may be just as talented and skilled as any other candidate, a qualifikation employer may not always recognize this at first glance. Its your responsibility to go into the interview with a positive mindset and show your potential employer that you can do the job as well as (or better than) a non-disabled candidate.This article shares five tips to ace the job interview and makes sure your disability isnt affecting how youre received by the interviewer.Do your researchIf youre feeling nervous about an upcoming interview, dont worry Its absolutely normal to feel anxious at this stage in your job search. However, you can ease your nerves and enter th e interview with confidence by doing thorough research prior to the interview session. Find out as much as you can online about the company, hiring department, and whether or not the company is known for being disability-friendly. If possible, reach out to people you know in the saatkorn industry and talk to them about any potential gaps in your skill set. Its also helpful to prepare your thoughts on the following topicsWhy is the company a good fit for you?What are your strengths and weaknesses?Where do you see yourself five years from now?What is your salary expectation?Tell us about a conflict youve faced at work, and how you dealt with it.Why are you leaving your current job?Preparing well for potential questions and walking into the interview with good body language will give you an advantage over other candidates and help boost your confidence.Consider disclosing your disability ahead of timeA lot of people prefer not to disclose their disabilities unless they really have to. Although this is an understandable sentiment, in some situations, non-disclosure might prove to be more harmful than helpful.For instance, if you are wheelchair-bound, you may want to check if the office building has elevators and is wheelchair accessible overall. If not, you should arrange for the interview to be somewhere more wheelchair-friendly. If you are deaf, you may need to arrange for an interpreter to be present for the in-person interview. Keep in mind that the HR personnel may not know any good interpreters. Itd be a good idea to inform them of potential agencies to contact and tell them your preference, if any.While there are good reasons to be upfront about your disability, there might also be good reasons not to disclose it unless you really have to. Use your judgment and go with the option that youre more comfortable with. Also, dont be afraid to do research and ask others with either the same or similar disabilities what they did.Dont associate your disability with your weaknessYour interviewer might directly ask you about your weaknesses or ask you to talk about a work situation in which your weakness cost you a project. No matter what, never relate your disability as your weakness Most importantly, dont apologize for your disability, either.Instead, before going to the interview, think of the ways that your disability actually made you a better employee. Perhaps your blindness made you extra careful with meticulous work. Maybe the fact that youre wheelchair bound made you more creative in completing day-to-day tasks. Highlight these facts and assure the potential employer that you can complete the tasks assigned to you despite your disability.Remember, you are not your disability. When answering questions like this, answer them as any other professional would. Your disability isnt your career, so dont be afraid to make that distinction.Explain gaps in your work historyIf you are a person with a disability, chances are there may have been tim es when you had to forgo a full-time job. You may have been hospitalized due to health problems or unable to work due to ongoing medical treatments.Whatever the reason is, its important to explain these gaps in your employment history during your interview. Make it clear that you had to stop working due to your circumstances and not lack of interest. Explain that youre fully prepared to be working again and committed to fulfilling all your tasks despite the challenges you may face. Show the interviewer that youre optimistic about starting work and heidewitzka them with your upbeat attitude.What if the interviewer asks an illegal question?The Americans with Disability Act prohibits employers from asking about your disability, the nature of your disability, and its severity. However, if you find yourself in a situation where the potential employers ask an illegal question about your disability, do not confront them angrily. Instead, maintain your cool and calmly explain that youre not comfortable answering the question. You can ask them about the underlying reasons for that question and address those instead.Make it clear to them that your disability will not hinder you from performing your tasks without dwelling into the lengthy details about your condition. Keep in mind that the interviewer might have simply made a mistake by asking you that question and have nothing against you. Take this as a good opportunity to showcase your emotional intelligence and explain to them how your disability has made you a stronger person and a more-than-capable candidate.Your disability is not a job-search death sentence. Dont let your disability stop you from going into the interview and impressing your prospective employers with your skills, achievements, and overall winning personality.Is your disability leaving you less than confident when walking into an interview? TopInterviews expert coaches can help you prepare and boost your confidence during the process Recommended R eadingInterview Tips for IntrovertsWhats a Stress Interview? And How to Prepare for OneThe Art of the Interview From Fear to FunRelated Articles