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Sec. Hilda Solis

Sec. Hilda Solis

Posted: May 12, 2010 11:35 AM

What Do You Do?

What's Your Reaction:

"Nice to meet you. What do you do?"

For many, this is one of the first conversations we have when meeting someone new. But our jobs are more than simply a topic of conversation -- they are an important part of our lives. They can be an extension of us and a matter of pride. What we "do" is part of who we are.

So now that we've met, I'd like to hear more about your job.

Here's your chance to tell me, and the world, about your work through the Department of Labor's Career Video Challenge.

We are asking America to create short videos highlighting 15 in-demand occupations including nursing, medical lab technicians, weatherization, carpentry, steamfitting and more.

Our Employment and Training Administration staff will narrow it down to the top three videos in each field -- but the final choice is up to you. Your votes will determine the $1,000 cash prize winner in each field.

Through June 18, you can submit your entries on the Department of Labor website.

Some of these occupations have been around for ages and others are just emerging. The one thing they all have in common -- the potential for growth.

In today's competitive environment, America's job seekers face tough choices. For those that are thinking about their first job or those that are changing directions mid-career, it's important to find a job that's a good fit. These videos will help provide a firsthand look into all the opportunities available.

So tell your story. Be creative. What's the best part of your day? How did you get into your career and what keeps you coming back? What skills and experience do you need to succeed?

I can't wait to see what you come up with. June 18 is right around the corner, so check out the site, review the occupations, read the rules for the contest, and get filming!

This post also appears on the White House Blog.

 

Follow Sec. Hilda Solis on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@HildaSolisDOL

 
 
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Bladernr1001
Vote Libertarian
06:10 PM on 05/12/2010
Hilda...honey...just try to do as little damage as possible.
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Liz DeBagara
05:41 PM on 05/12/2010
You know, I think this is a pretty good idea - a real problem for children trying to pull themselves out of poverty is that it's hard to understand what jobs are out there, what they're like, or how much they pay. A lot of us grew up without family and friends already in place to help you understand how to groom yourself, what to expect, or how to be "professional" too. This is at least a way to let kids know what to expect after college, or to decide if they even want the post-college careers available.
ThePeacemakers
Concerned Citizen
05:19 PM on 05/12/2010
This is a good idea, but I can't help but laugh.

"Some of these occupations have been around for ages and others are just emerging. The one thing they all have in common -- the potential for growth.

In today's competitive environment, America's job seekers face tough choices. For those that are thinking about their first job or those that are changing directions mid-career, it's important to find a job that's a good fit. These videos will help provide a firsthand look into all the opportunities available."

Yep, some of the jobs have been around for ages.
But why should the people of the country trust? If they send in too many videos showing their jobs...how do they know you're just not getting a count for how many H1B1 Visas you need to get ready?

Just sayin....
HUFFPOST PUNDIT
gino618
03:24 PM on 05/12/2010
Perhaps someone can make a video justifying paying her staff so much and giving raises while 10% of the country is unemployed?


Congressional DOL Salary Date if DOL Increase Current
.Name Salary upon hire Appointment upon Appointment DOL Salary
Appointee 1 $49,000.00 $73,100.00 5/24/2009 49.18% $74,872.00
.
Appointee 2 $37,000.00 $50,408.00 2/26/2009 36.24% $62,467.00
.
Appointee 3 $52,999.96 $60,989.00 4/26/2009 15.07% $74,872.00
.
Appointee 4 $53,500.00 $86,927.00 2/24/2009 62.48% $105,211.00
.
Appointee 5 $44,500.04 $86,927.00 3/4/2009 95.34% $89,033.00
.
Appointee 6 $82,000.04 $120,830.00 2/25/2009 47.35% $145,000.00
HUFFPOST PUNDIT
gino618
03:52 PM on 05/12/2010
Sorry for the collapsing columns.... The columns should read: Name - DOL Salary upon Hire - Date of Appointment - Inrease upon Appointment - Current DOL Salary.

Tell me - how, during a recession and rampant unemployement, does the Department of Labor Secretary justify giving pay increases of $1,772.00, $12,059, $13,883, $18,284, $2,106.00, and $24,170 to her staff?

And the government wants us to believe they're working to help average Americans? Cronyism isn't help. Greed by our government and our overpaid government employees isn't help.
HUFFPOST PUNDIT
gino618
03:15 PM on 05/12/2010
So - now our government is funding video contests? During a recession? With nearly 10% unemployment, massive debt and deficits?
03:15 PM on 05/12/2010
Maybe when you government people Stop sending our jobs to china maybe i'll be able to be employed long enough to tell you what's in demand.
01:55 PM on 05/12/2010
Sorry, but from someone who has been unemployed for months now, this seems like a cruel joke.