Karen Wells, vice president of Strategy at McDonald’s USA, insists that networks are invaluable when you are trying to build or grow a business or attempting to advance your own career. At the Rockford (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce Minority Enterprise Luncheon, she offered these tips for those who are beginning to build a network:   1. Perform a [...]

Deep in my heart, I believe that success is simple with established moral and realistic guidelines.  I also believe, however, that having the discipline to consistently follow those guidelines is one of the most difficult things one could do.  Back during my senior year of college, I defined what success meant to me and put [...]

This is my inaugural posting in which I will discuss “What is Engineering”. In up coming postings I will discuss- in no particular order: Engineering Technology, CAD (Computer Aided Design)-2D,3D, GD&T (Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing), Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Rapid Prototyping, Engineering Careers/Education, Green Technology, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Blueprint Reading, and anything else you the [...]

Whether you are a student, employee, parent, business owner, or superstar, we are all human and face an overlooked concept: insatiability.  Contrary to what many believe, nothing is (and never will be) enough for us in our endeavors in life because we will always want more. Accordingly, scarcity occurs because wants are unlimited while the [...]

At what point is it time to quit your day job?  Since my undergrad years, I have always believed that getting a traditional education is only a ticket to working for some else, to being the boss’ black sheep when things hit the fan, or to being the secretary’s secretary.  In other words, a traditional [...]

Excell’s Philosophy of Education Philosophically, it is my firm belief that education is the lifeline of our country. In order for our country to thrive socially and economically, it is imperative that we construct and cultivate educational institutions where continuous learning exchanges take place. Currently, education is in a volatile state of epidemic proportions.  As baby [...]

The importance of mentoring relationships becomes evident as we recognize the value of networking and maintaining relationships throughout our professional career. The value of a good mentor is immeasurable when it comes to learning the tricks of the trade as well as becoming connected to those in the know and possess the ability to hire. A [...]

For those who are on the fence about seeking nonprofit work, Roos offers the following words: “These days with all of us asking questions about the world’s economic future and perhaps even deeper questions, few of us would dispute the need to serve those less fortunate. Nonprofits have been singing that song for a very [...]

For those still in college who are considering nonprofit work, volunteering now with a nonprofit and learning what skills it requires for employment can help students to tailor a course of study. According to Roos, “An overlooked benefit of working with a nonprofit is that often your co-workers will have a high level of education, [...]

While many workers shy away from nonprofits because of their reputation for lower starting pay, fewer and smaller raises and longer work hours, especially in the higher-level positions, these organizations are worth taking a look at. What employees lack in salaries, they may make up for in more vacation time, flex hours and less daily [...]