Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Journal.
Companies That Control the Food Industry
Have you ever wandered the aisles of a large supermarket and been in awe at the sheer number of different food items available? The choice is often astounding; how many different kinds of dried pasta does one need? You may be forgiven for thinking that all these different brands of the same item shows diversity and good, healthy competition. Dig a bit deeper however and the dark truth appears. The food industry is actually run by a small monopoly of huge, global companies. It would appear that as we increase our choice with regards to the foods we buy, we decrease the number of companies that control the food industry.
By Patty Ramsen7 years ago in Journal
Writing and Onion Peels
A majority of writers, of any genre, continually tell interviewers that they consistently struggle with their craft. They are always looking for new ideas, new takes on old ones, and struggling to keep their message within the context of their audience. This problem is neither old nor new. Rather, it is a continual dilemma that affects the novice and professional, and in teaching college composition classes I have often used the analogy of a yellow onion to convey the writing process and purpose of a target audience. The onion represents the writing process because its layers and outer skin are symbolic to steps used to achieve clarity and consistency within an author’s text. These techniques and analogies are plausible for the new freelancer, as well as the advanced and professional writer, because everyone gets “stuck” or can not see past the surface of their subject matter. Accordingly, an onion analogy proves most poignant to the writer’s craft because its potency, pungent odor, sensual pull, and strong flavor conjure images and mental sensations that pull the mind and senses toward the central subject. Hence, the onion acts much like the words of a refined writer.
By Annessa Babic7 years ago in Journal
Things You Don't Owe Your Boss
With an uncertain job market and less full-time work available than ever, it can be difficult to know how to find the right work-life balance. There is a myth in many industries and specific jobs that in order for someone to be successful, they need to dedicate absolutely everything to their work. This can lead to long work hours, emotional burnout, and health impacts. Our boss is our primary source of professional feedback, and often the gatekeeper to new opportunities and positions. Unfortunately, some employers will take advantage of eager workers and an unstable job market, and push you into doing more and spending more time at your job. As a result, the onus is on you to make sure you strike a work-life balance that makes you happy. It can be hard to know where to draw the line and where to set boundaries, but there are certain life priorities that work can’t supersede, and we’ve put together a list of things that you don’t owe your boss in your quest for success.
By Leila Parker7 years ago in Journal
Most Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Searching for a new job can be exhausting. Just getting to the interview can be difficult enough, but once you’ve landed one, you want to be sure to do all you can to prepare and make the best possible impression. Get started by reviewing the job posting, information about the company, and anything you can find online about what is happening that is big and exciting for that company. Then, review your skills and your resume so you are prepared to be positive about why you’re the perfect employee.
By Patty Ramsen7 years ago in Journal
Mind Your MOQs
In order to boost profit margins, you need to balance how much product you buy from your supplier with how much you sell to your consumer. It sounds simple, but there are a lot of variables that can affect this delicate process. So how can you make sure that you are buying the right amount of product, from the right supplier, for the lowest cost without the risk of over-exposure?
By Seller's Choice7 years ago in Journal
Best Tech Companies to Work for in America
If you are looking for the best tech companies to work for in America, then you have come to the right place. Tech companies are best known for their high-end salaries, amazing perks, and office spaces that do not feel cramped or overpopulated. The best tech businesses have low stress, satisfaction in their job, and pay raises based on experience. Some businesses on this list might surprise you, but these tech companies have some of the best benefits around.
By Richard Owens7 years ago in Journal
Corporate Secrets: Signs That You’re Promotable
A friend of mine approached me and asked me, what are the signs that you're promotable? At first, I felt pity for him. This is because we graduated from college at the same time and both of us were lucky enough to get employed at the same company. While I have moved up the corporate ladder and I am currently the head of my department, he is stuck at the junior level. In addition, his wife just gave birth to twins and the pressure is mounting on him to move up the corporate ladder. This a common problem faced by many individuals. As human beings, we do not love being stuck in our place, we like moving forward.
By Richard Owens7 years ago in Journal
Reasons Good Employees Quit
Many managers struggle to figure out the reasons good employees quit and why their staff turnover is always so high. This is because most of these employees do not explain themselves as they walk out the door, saying only that they have decided to move on or have been offered a position elsewhere, which only adds to the problem. Managers will most likely blame others for the constant outward flow of good people, but they should really be looking at themselves and what they are doing to add to the reasons good employees quit, since the majority of the time, it is their own actions causing it.
By Patty Ramsen7 years ago in Journal
Best 80s Business Movies
Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. The stress and the long hours can be demanding, but eventually, it will all (hopefully) pay off in the long run. Through the struggles, there is growth, and that is where entrepreneurs learn the most. Many films, like the best 80s business movies, show the world of business from many different points of view. Although each of the characters from the films are in different situations, in business and in life, they all have one thing in common: success. These films range from satirical, informative to downright comedic, but that doesn't take away from the lessons you can gain from them all.
By Richard Owens7 years ago in Journal
Signs You’re A Unicorn Employee
What are the signs you’re a unicorn employee? Or could you spot one amidst the long humdrum line in the labor force? Once in a while, someone will present himself out of the dark recesses of the office, a mythical creature brought in by luck or providence. Don’t bother to find this person. He or she will most likely find you, and with him or her, all the innovation and clarity needed to bring your company to the next level. The unicorn employee will not only refine your business model. He will redefine it, and even break it all together. This could be you, or someone close to you. When you spot one, don’t be afraid to learn as much as you can. An encounter with a beautiful anomaly needs to be studied and emulated. Excited to know of the signs you’re a unicorn employee?
By Leila Parker7 years ago in Journal
The Winter Break Woes
If you're anything like me - an overworked, underpaid college student - you haven't done much but work, sit on your ass, watch television, and catch up on your sanity since the end of the semester. Now this was obviously not the intention as finals came to a close and I praised the universe for giving me the strength to make it to the end of the single most stressful few months of my life. Realistically I was excited to take advantage of the free time that had recently been held hostage by studying U.S. history, keeping up on contemporary issues in the media, and learning how to be a soulless PR professional. I was going to get back into great shape, write every day (I'm a journalism major, soon to be English lit.), do some pleasure reading, maybe get back into some painting and crafts, or come up with a new recipe. Ahh, how optimistic I was. While I have been working on a script a friend asked me to tackle (slowly but surely), I've been overwhelmed with the amount of goals I have yet to accomplish. It's been roughly two weeks and I haven't put myself on any exercise or health regimen, this is the first writing I've semi accomplished, I've done zero pleasure readying, painting, or crafts, and I sure haven't felt creative enough to invent a new recipe. Though I do still intend on mustering up the motivation to pursue the aforementioned, the fact that I haven't was really started getting to me. When I woke up I took that frustration to a search for freelance writing positions, and when I of course couldn't think of anything to write about, I got to thinking.
By Brittany Plante7 years ago in Journal
Habits of Profoundly Influential People
The habits of profoundly influential people help them to become more persuasive and powerful, both in their careers and throughout the other areas of their life. Adopting them yourself may involve making changes to your daily routine and lifestyle, as well as the way that you interact with the world—however it's certainly worth it! Try to use these habits of profoundly influential people for yourself to advance in the business world, as they are tried and tested by those who have found success.
By Patty Ramsen7 years ago in Journal