Heather Dziczek
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Heather Dziczek is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Heather Dziczek and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
All Activity
.thumbnail.jpg){kind=small}
Berrak S.
We're working on a Team Brazen blog and I'd love your input on Grad School vs. Real World Experience. This is something I'm battling with as well: If I have the real world experience, is it necessary for me to go to grad school? Will it enhance my chances of moving forward in my career? What do you guys think? What's been your experience?
69 weeks ago from Graduate Students, Career Changers, Entry-Level Young Professionals, Human Resources and Education3 more
Travis Power:
My current employer, which is a 20,000+ employee engineering company, I had thought that a graduate level education was necessary to move up. ...MoreMy current employer, which is a 20,000+ employee engineering company, I had thought that a graduate level education was necessary to move up. However, I would roughly estimate that less than half of the senior leadership team has any sort of graduate level education.
Its become apparent to me as I finish my graduate education and try and move up the ladder that it is not as I had thought. It now seems to me that all you need is to "prove" yourself, put your time in, and buddy up to senior level people to get promoted.
69 weeks ago
Its become apparent to me as I finish my graduate education and try and move up the ladder that it is not as I had thought. It now seems to me that all you need is to "prove" yourself, put your time in, and buddy up to senior level people to get promoted.
69 weeks ago
Tracy Brisson:
The way you phrase the question, my answer would be yes. If you have the real world experience, a degree can help you earn much more than your ...MoreThe way you phrase the question, my answer would be yes. If you have the real world experience, a degree can help you earn much more than your peers who have similar experience over your life time. Also, to maximize your earnings, you don't have to go to school full-time.
In US World News and Report's May "Where the Jobs Are," a study was cited that found that graduate degrees were insensitive to economic downturns. It didn't matter when you got a graduate degree, you earned more where people who earn BAs in an economic downturn earn less. However, I think that will change if they re-do the study in a few years after all the post-Lehman law school grads hit the job market.
69 weeks ago
In US World News and Report's May "Where the Jobs Are," a study was cited that found that graduate degrees were insensitive to economic downturns. It didn't matter when you got a graduate degree, you earned more where people who earn BAs in an economic downturn earn less. However, I think that will change if they re-do the study in a few years after all the post-Lehman law school grads hit the job market.
69 weeks ago
Heather Dziczek
Second Chance FitCenter — my private personal training center in metro Phoenix — is having an open house this weekend: 1-4 on Saturday, 9-3 on Sunday. Come by, check it out, enter the raffle, learn how to use a foam roll to relax your muscles. Spread the word!
For more info: http://bit.ly/czy7vc
Brett Kunsch
Predicament: I'm applying for jobs but am planning my honeymoon in January/February (just got married in August). Cash isn't so much of an issue (we saved a good amount), but how might I take a job in the next 2 months and still do the honeymoon without feeling it's "wrong" to do? [My thoughts are that companies wouldn't appreciate someone taking time off right away]
Steve Ellwood:
How many times are you going to marry; how many jobs are you going to start? There's a lot of concern about what a *potential* employer might ...MoreHow many times are you going to marry; how many jobs are you going to start? There's a lot of concern about what a *potential* employer might feel. Give a thought to what your *actual* wife will think. I live in Europe, so it's a different environment; but me, I'd wonder about someone's judgement if they put work ahead of family.
81 weeks ago
81 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch:
@Steve - right on. Family is important, and I've talked about this with my wife. The *potential* versus *actual* really resonates with me on how ...More@Steve - right on. Family is important, and I've talked about this with my wife. The *potential* versus *actual* really resonates with me on how to look at this situation.
81 weeks ago
81 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
I am REALLY excited today because I am officially credit card debt-free! It's all paid off and I'm pretty proud of myself. My next step was going to be to pay off my student loans (which have very low interest rates) or maybe my car (which I think has a 6% interest rate), or instead, re-build my emergency fund and then start donating to my Roth IRA again. What do you all think? Get rid of all debt or save a little first?
82 weeks ago from Personal Finance, Work/Life Blur, I am Gen Y, Credit Union Folks and Fans and Economics and Finance3 more
Sarah Peck, Kelly Ashworth and Ryan Healy recommended this
Rebecca Thorman:
Wow, thanks so much everyone! This was awesome to read everyone's replies. I sat down with my spreadsheet, worked the numbers and found that I ...MoreWow, thanks so much everyone! This was awesome to read everyone's replies. I sat down with my spreadsheet, worked the numbers and found that I will be able to max out my Roth IRA, fill my emergency fund back up and pay off my car loan completely by the end of next year - so that's the goal. I'll probably do split payments between savings and car loan as many suggested, and then roll over all to savings. Thanks so much again!
81 weeks ago
81 weeks ago
Harriet May
I have my third sprint, first open swim in less than two weeks... nervous!! My training has definitely deteriorated due to work. Oh well, I'm still excited! Nothing like wearing a pair of tri shorts super early in the morning, right?
93 weeks ago from Triathlon
Harriet May:
No I didn't! But I did it yesterday and it went well. Next year: Olympic distance!
91 weeks ago
91 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
What do you all think about co-habitation prior to marriage? Everyone I know seems to be moving in together or already living together, although I've always had the romantic notion that I would wait until engagement/marriage. Is that outdated now?
99 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur, I am Gen Y and Ask Penelope Trunk!1 more
Sara Gallagher and renal aladin recommended this
Heather Dziczek:
@Raquel- It's not a matter of being angry or flustered. I enjoy debate, but in order to have an effective debate, debaters need to listen. I'm ...More@Raquel- It's not a matter of being angry or flustered. I enjoy debate, but in order to have an effective debate, debaters need to listen. I'm not worried about Ty thinking ill of my opinion, but he's reacting without reading and blowing out of proportion things I'm saying. When I replied to try to explain that he'd misconstrued my point, he (ironically) replied saying that I wasn't getting his point. I don't think that re-explaining what I've already explained will somehow seduce Ty into considering other points of view or thinking critically about what is being said, so instead of arguing with a brick wall, I remove myself from the debate. That's all :)
96 weeks ago
96 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman:
Hi everyone. Wanted to give you a quick update. Thank you again for all your wonderful comments. I did ultimately decide to move in with my ...MoreHi everyone. Wanted to give you a quick update. Thank you again for all your wonderful comments. I did ultimately decide to move in with my boyfriend. I published a post on it this morning - http://bit.ly/9LiSsw - I read each and every one of your comments and took each to heart, and appreciated you taking the time to have such a smart dialogue!
94 weeks ago
94 weeks ago
Sara Gallagher
I work at a private college, and a huge challenge we face is that our faculty are not educators by training. They have often spent the last 20 years working in a particular industry or technical field, making them subject-area experts but occasionally lousy teachers. I wonder what kind of training resources are available to people who are trying to leverage their experience to enter the field of education? Have you ever had or known a teacher who was very knowledgeable but not a good educator?
102 weeks ago from Education
David Thomas:
Wow, What a great discussion. I teach in a public tech college. We are required to take education classes to maintain our certification. Our ...MoreWow, What a great discussion. I teach in a public tech college. We are required to take education classes to maintain our certification. Our college also has a strong "Peer Support" program. I have always been drawn to teaching and really love it so I really try to create an engaging experience and structure class exercises appropriate to the topic and student needs. In college, I HATED the instructors who had no real-world experience. When I came to teach full-time I lost that connection to clients and projects that I thought were so valuable to my students. It's interesting to hear so many people feel that teaching skills are just as important as knowledge. Interestingly, in my first semester in the Peer Support program, they told us the following fact. Nearly 100% of complaints about teachers involve teaching methods. Nearly 0% complain that the teacher is not knowledgeable. What's the solution? I am not sure. Maybe encourage students to speak up more... submit ratings to RateMyProfessor.com.
100 weeks ago
100 weeks ago
Barbara Brown:
I am a instructor and have been for about 10 years. As part of my grad school program we took classes to help use learn be in the classroom. Those ...MoreI am a instructor and have been for about 10 years. As part of my grad school program we took classes to help use learn be in the classroom. Those classes were great. We took them as we were teaching our first courses, so we could go in and discuss what was happening in our classrooms and get feedback.
Like David, I've been required to take continuing education courses to help. I've found many of those to be simple rehashes of each other.
What I have found to be helpful is attending conferences. When you get people of like disciplines together, that is where the ideas really start to flow. I've learned some of my best classroom techniques and the best coping techniques.
97 weeks ago
Like David, I've been required to take continuing education courses to help. I've found many of those to be simple rehashes of each other.
What I have found to be helpful is attending conferences. When you get people of like disciplines together, that is where the ideas really start to flow. I've learned some of my best classroom techniques and the best coping techniques.
97 weeks ago
Heather Dziczek
Is looking to set up speaking engagements re: health/fitness/motivation/inspiration. Phoenix area = free. Outside of Phoenix area = transportation/accommodations required. Is your group or employer looking for a speaker?
TOP IDEA:
Ilana Weiner
Always wear sunscreen. This is one those beauty things that you should do, whether it's sunny or overcast. Why? First, cancer sucks. Second, sun damage is the number one cause of aging. Plus wearing it every day is a life lesson. Do something small and good for yourself every day and you will reap the benefits over time. Delayed gratification isn't something that most of us are good at. So practice by wearing sunscreen.
http://beautybyilana.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-beauty-philosophy.html
Heather Dziczek:
If you're looking to avoid cancer, check the ingredients. There are a lot of sunscreens (and other things many women put on their skin) that ...MoreIf you're looking to avoid cancer, check the ingredients. There are a lot of sunscreens (and other things many women put on their skin) that contain cancer-causing ingredients that are soaked up by the skin.
Also make sure that the sunscreen protects from UVA and UVB rays. SPF does not account for both.
EWG has some great information.
100 weeks ago
Also make sure that the sunscreen protects from UVA and UVB rays. SPF does not account for both.
EWG has some great information.
100 weeks ago
Vincent
What are your feelings about the ban on ethnic studies in AZ? The concept of "ethnic solidarity?" "Individualism?" My initial outrage pushed me to think about my own immigrant roots and realize how my comfort with my ethnicity has been a positive. http://cranialgunk.com/blog/2010/05/30/honesty/
Heather Dziczek:
My problem with the ban (based on what I've read in papers — I haven't actually read the law) is that it really only bans ethnic solidarity for ...MoreMy problem with the ban (based on what I've read in papers — I haven't actually read the law) is that it really only bans ethnic solidarity for non-white ethnicities. American history is written as ethnic solidarity (and just became worse in Texas...) — but solidarity for white America. So unless they're going to revise ALL classes that promote ethnic solidarity, I'm opposed.
102 weeks ago
102 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh
I usually try to make my lunches, but 2-3 times a week I can't. So I stockpile single serving meals (frozen burritos, noodle bowls, etc) from Trader Joe's. I buy this stuff from Trader Joe's because it looks and tastes a lot better than the crap at regular grocery stores, but is it any healthier? I'm no good at reading nutrition labels so let me know what you guys think!
103 weeks ago from I Love to Cook!, Brazen Foodies and Health and Nutrition1 more
Adriana Llames:
@nicolep: great advice, and it's accurate. Generally frozen dinners are high in sodium (500-600+) which can add up; if you're just eating them ...More@nicolep: great advice, and it's accurate. Generally frozen dinners are high in sodium (500-600+) which can add up; if you're just eating them every so often you're fine. Go for easy, high protein snacks in between (hummus/veggies, apple/peanut butter) to off-set the frozen meals.
101 weeks ago
101 weeks ago
Heather Dziczek:
I'm in the "make all lunches over the weekend" camp, except for lunches that will come from dinner leftovers.
Without knowing what you normally ...MoreI'm in the "make all lunches over the weekend" camp, except for lunches that will come from dinner leftovers.
Without knowing what you normally eat or consider "healthy," I wouldn't be able to give great advice, since none of the "heat and serve" meals are healthy by my standards. (Not trying to condescend — I've just become fairly health-conscious over time.)
If you can't (for reasons unknown) make lunch 2-3 days per week ... that's between half and most of the time. If it's important to you to eat a healthy lunch, perhaps checking out why you can't make lunch regularly (and making adjustments) will help more than reading labels.
101 weeks ago
Without knowing what you normally ...MoreI'm in the "make all lunches over the weekend" camp, except for lunches that will come from dinner leftovers.
Without knowing what you normally eat or consider "healthy," I wouldn't be able to give great advice, since none of the "heat and serve" meals are healthy by my standards. (Not trying to condescend — I've just become fairly health-conscious over time.)
If you can't (for reasons unknown) make lunch 2-3 days per week ... that's between half and most of the time. If it's important to you to eat a healthy lunch, perhaps checking out why you can't make lunch regularly (and making adjustments) will help more than reading labels.
101 weeks ago
Heather Dziczek
I am looking to reduce my teaching to part time but will need health benefits. I would like to offer personal training/group fitness to employees of a company in exchange for only health benefits (no salary). Ideas for who to approach or how this might work?
Heather Dziczek
Why aren't I getting the Featured Posts in Google Reader any more? The most recent was April 29...
Heather Dziczek
They do help you float, but I felt like I could hardly move my arms. The tradeoff wasn't worth it for me. I considered a sleeveless one, but because of long-term side effects from chemo, I'm not supposed to be in the sun without sunscreen on (or other protection), so I just do the whole dang race in Skins.
120 weeks ago from Triathlon
Heather Dziczek
I have one planned so far (the same one I started with last year), but I'd like to do two or three. I ended up doing two last year. I need to seek some out in the area where the water will be warm enough to swim without a wetsuit but the air temp won't kill me. I handle heat pretty well, but I do have my limits... I have talked a few friends/coworkers into doing the Tempe Danskin SheRox with me this year :)
120 weeks ago from Triathlon
Eric H. Doss:
I had a great race last year that was in a lake beside a nuclear power plant. Very warm water. I think I like colder water and wetsuits a bit ...MoreI had a great race last year that was in a lake beside a nuclear power plant. Very warm water. I think I like colder water and wetsuits a bit more than coffee like water... At least the wetsuit helps you float.
120 weeks ago
120 weeks ago
Samantha Karol
Do you send real thank you notes, e-mail thank you notes, or neither? And why?
Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer:
I always send hand-written thankyou notes. Shows how genuine the emotion is. And I've noticed it sticks better with people.
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Todd Nilson:
At the very least send an email thank you note. As a rule of thumb, I try to send an email thanks for people I've networked with, gotten advice ...MoreAt the very least send an email thank you note. As a rule of thumb, I try to send an email thanks for people I've networked with, gotten advice from, met for coffee, etc. For employment, it's a nice touch and shows you went to some trouble to send a hand written note. Analog notes just show a more personal touch!
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
pbob
Hi Heather, I purchased Teach Like Your Hairs on Fire. Great!
I am using his book as a discussion board with my children. I know that they are only in 4th grade, but I learn from listenting to them. Their thoughts on issues especially concerning school matters and other children near their age opens the door for wonderful discussions. This is a good book for that. I have not finished reading Rafe's book yet.
121 weeks ago from Education
pbob
Thank you Heather. I shared your information with another colleague. Neither of us had ever been told of NBC. We are certainly excited about finding out more and how to get started. I did research Rafe Esquith. I believe that my students will love this author and his style of writing.
We will start with one of his books for the 4th six weeks period.
121 weeks ago from Education
Heather Dziczek:
His books are geared to an adult audience — I recommend him for reference — but if you use one of his books with your kids, I'd be interested to ...MoreHis books are geared to an adult audience — I recommend him for reference — but if you use one of his books with your kids, I'd be interested to hear which one and how it goes!
121 weeks ago
121 weeks ago
pbob
Hello everyone,
I'm looking forward to joining. I teach 4th grade in Texas. That means TAKS and TEKS and testing, testing, testing. I'm always looking for new way to teach and reach children. All the new technology is wonderful, but our school doesn't have the Title 1 make-up to afford purchasing the needed equipment. I'm also getting ready to take the GRE for graduate school any helpful information would be appreciated.
121 weeks ago from Education
Heather Dziczek:
Getting National Board Certification was WAY more helpful to my teaching than a grad degree. Added bonus: it was cheaper. Wish I knew that ...MoreGetting National Board Certification was WAY more helpful to my teaching than a grad degree. Added bonus: it was cheaper. Wish I knew that before student loans. NBC certainly wasn't easy, and it's time-consuming, but as long as you pass in one try, it finishes in one year.
Have you read any of Rafe Esquith's books? I highly recommend them. They're short and easy to read and amazing.
(I've tried to post a comment many times and it keeps not working. Sorry if you're getting this again...)
121 weeks ago
Have you read any of Rafe Esquith's books? I highly recommend them. They're short and easy to read and amazing.
(I've tried to post a comment many times and it keeps not working. Sorry if you're getting this again...)
121 weeks ago
@BenjaminMcCall
Evening. I have been in Training and Development for awhile. Learning is much better than training. Let me know what you think!
128 weeks ago from Education
:
John Dewey wrote and talked about the difference between "schooling" and education. One hardly needs to go to school to get educated, though the ...MoreJohn Dewey wrote and talked about the difference between "schooling" and education. One hardly needs to go to school to get educated, though the two are not always mutually incompatible.
But, along those lines, if I were going to point to a significant difference, I would say training creates habitual skills while education creates the ability to learn.
128 weeks ago
But, along those lines, if I were going to point to a significant difference, I would say training creates habitual skills while education creates the ability to learn.
128 weeks ago
Heather Dziczek:
I have learned more through teaching than I have taught. If you are thoughtful about what you're teaching and why, and you pay attention to your ...MoreI have learned more through teaching than I have taught. If you are thoughtful about what you're teaching and why, and you pay attention to your audience, you learn much from them. It requires humility and patience, though.
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Heather Dziczek
Did my first sprint tri in May and I'm hooked. Don't want to do anything longer, but these things are addictive!
137 weeks ago from Triathlon
Ken
What do you think is the worse cancer to get?
Lung cancer
Breast cancer
Brain cancer
Stomach cancer
Kidney cancer
Lymph cancer
Other
140 weeks ago from cancer
Josh Thomas
What do you all think of performance incentives for educators? If in favor, how would you implement? What would you focus on? If not, why?
142 weeks ago from Education
Melanie Duppins:
I believe in performance incentives in theory -- if they're based on smart, multifaceted evaluations -- not based on an increase in student scores ...MoreI believe in performance incentives in theory -- if they're based on smart, multifaceted evaluations -- not based on an increase in student scores alone (although scores should be a facet). I also think that it would be hard to implement these incentives in practice across the board, due to the unique challenges of teachers in different communities.
131 weeks ago
131 weeks ago
Darrell Pharmer:
This is a very tricky question. Increasing students performance is very important but if we focus only on this then we lose sight of why we ...MoreThis is a very tricky question. Increasing students performance is very important but if we focus only on this then we lose sight of why we choose to be educators. We always want our kids to do there best but if performance is the key to a teacher's pay then it becomes nothing more than a sales job. We need to take all the variables into consideration in order to actually promote some kind of performance based incentive.
131 weeks ago
131 weeks ago
Private Message
Facebook
Following (13)
