Blacks Gone Geek: 2013

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas from Blacks Gone Geek

John 3:16

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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Sunday, October 20, 2013

Announcing Blacks Gone Geek SharePoint 2013 Boot Camp

Advance your career, develop new skills, and network with your peers.

Join the BGG SharePoint 2013 Boot Camp Today!!

Date: Wednesdays, starting November 6, 2013

Time: 8:00 pm Central, 9:00 Eastern

Cost: $100.00 for 10 sessions

Seating is limited to applicants who pass the entrance criteria. Apply now. Send your resume to JSWT_Admin@blacksgonegeek.org.

Registration closes November 3, 2013

This is a hands-on apprentice program where you will use SharePoint 2013 to build an externally facing public website.

You need skills to get a job and you need a job to get skills. This boot camp will give you real world work experience to put on your resume.

For more information: http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/SharePointClass.aspx

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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Become an Office 365 Super User

Globally, Office 365, one of the fastest-growing businesses in Microsoft history, is now made available for consumers, businesses and educational institutions via the cloud in 40 counties and regions. Office 365 brings together Microsoft Office Professional Plus, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online and Lync Online in an always-up-to-date cloud service. Office 365 makes it easier for millions of organizations to get and use Microsoft's award-winning business productivity solutions via the cloud. With Office 365, people can work together more easily from anywhere on virtually any device, while collaborating with others inside and outside their organization in a simple and highly secure way.

The Blacks Gone Geek Job Search Work Team (JSWT) uses Office 365 Enterprise E3 and SharePoint Online as a collaboration platform. Learn new “in demand” skills to put on your resume.

Get Microsoft SharePoint 2013 and Office 365 training. Join the Blacks Gone Geek Job Search Work Team (JSWT). Registration closes this Saturday, 9/7/13. http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JobSeekersForum.aspx

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Saturday, August 31, 2013

Are you using the latest Microsoft Office 2013 technology?

That's why I like being a Microsoft partner. I get to use the latest technology. I just downloaded Microsoft Office 2013. We're using Office 365. We upgraded our website and SharePoint collections to SharePoint 2013. It's a different look and feel. You get new features. When you're looking for a job, it's nice to be able to say you're using the latest technology. People want to hire people who are into technology, folks with the latest software, folks with the latest phones. Birds of a feather flock together.

Come join the Blacks Gone Geeks Job Search Work Team (JSWT)

JSWT Members get Microsoft software licenses to Office 365 which includes:

Office Professional Plus (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Lync, InfoPath)
SharePoint MySite Collection
SkyDrive
Cloud computing environment to learn the latest in SharePoint collaboration and website development tools.

Become a super user and apply what you learn immediately.

Seating is limited to the first 10 applicants who pass the entrance criteria. Apply now.

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Sunday, August 18, 2013

Never give up on your dreams!

Join the Job Search Work Team today!!

Date: Tuesdays, starting September 17, 2013

Time: 8:00 pm Central, 9:00 Eastern

Dial-in Number: by invitation only

Cost: $159.00

Positions fill quickly. Seating is limited to the first 10 applicants who pass the entrance criteria. Apply now. Send your resume to JSWT_Admin@blacksgonegeek.org.

Registration closes September 7, 2013

LOOKING FOR A JOB IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE JOB MARKETIf you have been looking for a job over 30 days with no results it may be time to do something different! Effective networking is the key to finding and keeping work in this highly competitive job market. Everybody needs help! Join the Job Search Work Team (JSWT) to learn how to conduct a highly effective job search.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Come join the Blacks Gone Geek Job Search Work Team (JSWT)

LOOKING FOR A JOB IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE JOB MARKET
If you have been looking for a job over 30 days with no results it may be time to do something different! Effective networking is the key to finding and keeping work in this highly competitive job market. Everybody needs help! Join the Job Search Work Team (JSWT) to learn how to conduct a highly effective job search.

Date: September 17, 2013
Time: 8:00 p.m. CDT
Venue: Online Interactive Webinar

Cost: $159.00

What you get:

10 weeks of intensive group study to find a job, advance your career, develop new skills, and network with your peers.

2 books

The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search by Orville Pierson
The Business of You by Linwood Bailey

Microsoft Office 365 software licenses which includes

Office Professional Plus (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Lync, InfoPath)
SharePoint MySite Collection
SkyDrive
Cloud computing environment to learn the latest in SharePoint collaboration and website development tools. Become a super user and apply what you learn immediately.

Positions fill quickly. Seating is limited to the first 10 applicants who pass the entrance criteria. Apply now.

Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community

Friday, August 9, 2013

Sears’ Milt Haynes oversees knowledge management

This former national BDPA president graduated with U.S. President Barack Obama. Now he’s a knowledge manager at Sears, and runs a global group for blacks in technology

Milt Haynes is a knowledge manager at Sears Holdings Corporation.

'I graduated from Columbia University in 1983, the same year and in the same class as President Obama,” notes Milt Haynes, “but he took a slightly different path than me.”

Haynes is a knowledge manager at Sears Holdings Corporation (Hoffman Estates, IL), where he ensures that IT knowledge, intellectual capital and experience are shared throughout the organization.

“My interest in computers started when I was a kid in Chicago, with Star Trek,” he says. “Mr Spock always seemed to have a logical solution to any problem. That made me think that if I had a computer, I could do that too.

Monday, June 3, 2013

H-1B reform debate pits tech firms against veteran IT workers

Some tech vendors say more foreign visas are needed to help with a shortage of qualified IT workers

By Grant Gross, IDG News Service

May 03, 2013, 9:02 AM — Many U.S. tech companies are pushing hard this year for an increase in the number of high-skill immigrants allowed into the country, but many veteran IT workers question their motives for wanting to increase the number of visas under the controversial H-1B program.

Microsoft, IBM and recently Facebook are among the large tech companies that have called for an annual increase in H-1B visas for high-skill workers, arguing they can't find qualified tech workers in the U.S. to fill all their open positions. Reports from those companies -- and others -- of thousands of unfilled tech jobs in the U.S. seem to support their argument.

A group of eight U.S. senators has pushed this year for an increase from the current 65,000-person cap on H-1B visas to as much as 300,000 workers. But critics say the skilled worker visa program undercuts U.S. wages and is filled with abuse.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Show Me the Way - Job Seekers

This short video shows job seekers how to navigate the Blacks Gone Geek website to find information on who's hiring now, job seeker services, career coaching, and much, much more.

http://youtu.be/KlaIdj4cZ_I

Enjoy!

Milt Haynes, Founder and Chief Knowledge Officer
Blacks Gone Geek

Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Show Me the Way - High School and College Students

This short video shows high school and college students how to navigate the Blacks Gone Geek website to find information on careers in technology, student internships, STEM programs, and much, much more.

http://youtu.be/shGqV9Im614

Enjoy!

Milt Haynes, Founder and Chief Knowledge Officer
Blacks Gone Geek

Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Friday, April 19, 2013

Teach Me a Tool - join.me

Check out this short video on how to use join.me, a free screen sharing tool.

Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Careers in Digital Media

You've learned how to build an online community and now you're a social media subject matter expert. What do you do next? How do you get a job doing what you love to do? Would you like to join a research project to investigate career opportunities in the ever growing field of social media?

You can interview digital media experts in the field to find out how they get to where they are, what skill sets are in demand and how you can join their ranks.

Contact us if you would like to volunteer to work on this research project.

Here are a few links to get you started if you are interested in this topic:

Hubspot Inbound Marketing University

Inbound Marketing Jobs

Online Communications Coordinator

Social Media Marketing Manager

Social Media Marketing Associate

Vice President Marketing

Marketing Manager Social Media

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Sunday, March 10, 2013

Call for PROJECT MANAGER Volunteer – Blacks Gone Geek Communications Team

Blacks Gone Geek is run by a group of IT professionals who donate their time and energy for the greater good of mankind. At Blacks Gone Geek our mission is clear: We promote career advancement for African Americans in IT. There is an immediate need for a PROJECT MANAGER to lead the Blacks Gone Geek Communications Team.

Background

The Communications Team is responsible for disseminating knowledge and developing Subject Matter Expert (SME) groups, focus groups, special interest groups (SIGs), and knowledge sharing Communities of Practice (CoPs). This includes development and management of communication and promotional strategies and public relations activities.

Primary Responsibilities:

·         Develops a communications strategy with supporting communication plan to effectively manage communications activity

·         Utilizes the most recent trends around consumer web usage (Google, LinkedIn) and social media (Facebook, Twitter)

·         Manages public relations work and activities to promote Blacks Gone Geek’s mission, services, and products.

·         Nurtures relationships with knowledge owners and maintains the knowledge owner directory

·         Addresses communication issues within the organization

·         Ensures the transfer of knowledge to end-users through various communication vehicles

Knowledge Skills and Requirements

·         Undergraduate (BS) or graduate degree (MS or MBA) in Business Information Systems or other related field.

·         1-3 years experience leading technology projects with increasing degree of difficulty

·         Knowledge of web design and web development in a hosted environment, with willingness and desire to learn.

·         Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, organizational, interpersonal, communication skills and solid Microsoft Suite skills required.

·         Excellent written/verbal communications and collaboration skills.

·         Ability to work within the constraints of the project

·         Flexibility with project changes and constraints.

·         PMP and ITIL v3 Foundations certification is a plus.

Benefits to you:

1) Learn to work in a fast paced environment.

2) Develop project management, ITIL knowledge management and web content management skills.

3) Add professional experience and accomplishments to your resume.

4) Receive a professional recommendation.

5) Potential to sell consulting services to other Office 365/SharePoint users.

If you are interested in volunteering for this project, please send a copy of your resume and a link to your LinkedIn profile to milt@blacksgonegeek.org.

Thank you.

Milt Haynes, Founder and Chief Knowledge Officer

Blacks Gone Geek

Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Blacks Gone Geek Readers Poll - Website Feedback

Help Us Redesign Our Website - Survey closes 3/22/13

Hello everyone!

Please take a few quick minutes to complete the website survey regarding the Black Gone Geeks website (http://blacksgonegeek.org). We are in the process of redesigning the website and your feedback is of utmost value to us.

Click here to take the survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BGGWebsiteFeedback

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and if you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email.

Thanks.

Milt Haynes, Founder and Chief Knowledge Author

Blacks Gone Geek

milt@blacksgonegeek.org

Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Friday, February 15, 2013

2013 IT Job Outlook - Blacks Gone Geek Readers Poll - Your Opinion Matters

To be successful in this ever changing IT industry, you have to know what’s hot so you can keep your skills current. This is where we could use your help. It’s your opinion that matters. How do you see the job outlook for technology workers in 2013? What is the one thing that job seekers must do in order to advance their careers in 2013?

Please click the link below to take a short 5-minute survey.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2013-IT-Outlook

Survey closes Friday, March 1, 2013. Please take action today!

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

Are You Getting What You Want from Your Career?

Introducing an innovative and practical approach to help you manage your most important economic asset-your career.

The Business of Me: Your Job ... Your Career ... Your Value provides a process with actions you can take and tools and resources you can use to achieve your career goals and objectives and address the specific employment challenges and situations you may be facing.

The Business of Me will enable you to transform the huge amount of data available to you from numerous sources such as the media, books, the Internet, and career advisers into practical information. The Business of Me is designed for professionals who are seeking to:

Position themselves for exceptional pay raises, promotions, and career advancement.
Strengthen their employment position in their organizations.
Land a new career opportunity after losing a position.
Make the transition from student to professional.
Improve their performance ratings.
Leverage new capabilities, skills, and credentials.
Return to the workforce.

About the Author

Linwood Bailey is the Founder and Owner of Fields of Success, LLC. As a career coach, Linwood partners with professionals to assist them in addressing the career management challenges presented by today's employment environment.

Click here for more information:

http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/BlacksGoneGeekPublications.aspx

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Technology is a Hot Spot for Young Professionals

by Charisse Williams

Technology is one of the sexiest careers out there! It’s attractive to the eye, exciting to learn and a lucrative industry that impacts billions of consumers. According to a recent U.S. News report, technology related careers occupied four of the top ten spots in the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs of 2013. An increasing number of professionals are specializing in various technology careers such as IT Project Management, Web Developers and Database Administrators. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that between 2010 - 2020 there will be more than 1.4 million computing- related job openings in the US.

You may still be asking yourself why a career in technology even after those facts. The importance of being tech savvy increases each day as companies try to compete in the economy. Additionally, technology and innovation help companies save large amounts of money yearly. Technology has become a key way for competitors to enhance their impact on the consumer experience.

How did I become interested in technology? My curiosity for technology started in high school when I took an Adobe Photoshop course offered as an elective. I took several art classes growing up and was always interested in graphic design and imagery. Interestingly, the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) states that no state requires computer science coursework for high school students. I found this even more intriguing because technology and digital connection are involved in daily consumer interactions. Plus, the computer elective that I took in high school was one of my favorite courses because it was fun, exciting and memorable. From there, I began to explore technology even more in college by obtaining technology internships and concentrating in Management Information Systems. By my senior year of college, I determined that I would pursue a technology career full time. This is where Deloitte Consulting LLP came into play. By the end of first semester senior year, I was ready to start my career with the firm.

So how does technology currently play into my career? I currently work at Deloitte Consulting LLP in Chicago, IL. Even at my level as a business technology analyst, I interact with professionals at various levels whether on the client site or in the office on Fridays. Deloitte technology prides itself on professionals pursuing their passions which are evident in their wide range of service lines. Some of the services lines include Systems Integration, SAP, Emerging Solutions and Oracle. I belong to the Deloitte Digital service line. The Deloitte Digital service line focuses on conducting business with consumers digitally via offerings such as mobile, social, web and digital content. During my time with Deloitte so far, I have been exposed to numerous technology and innovation concepts.

I strongly encourage you to do your research and find a technology concept that interests you. There are tons of firms in corporate America in search of technology professionals; you just have to find your ideal environment. I am at the stage where I am actively exploring new technology specialties and programs. Remember technology is fun, fast and becoming more and more important in today’s society. It is surely a hot spot for young professionals now and in the future.

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A Job within a job…

by Eric B. Horn

http://www.ericbhorn.com

I’ve heard that finding a job is a job within itself. It takes a lot of time, energy, and patience to obtain an employment opportunity. Contrary to popular belief, jobs are available; they are just HIDDEN from the masses. You must navigate your job search differently to become successful. I will touch on four key points that have gotten a mass amount of job hunters the opportunity of their dreams.

1. Have a target list of 25 – 50 companies that you want to work for. Start treating your job search the same way a surgeon treats his patients, with laser sharp precision and little room for error. In 2013, blindly posting your resume on multiple job websites is a waste of YOUR time and effort. Having a list will keep you focused on the companies that you really want to work for, but more importantly keeps you away from the companies that you don’t want to work for.

2. Develop a Routine – From getting up at the same time in the morning to scheduling your informal interviews, developing a routine is extremely important when looking for a job. Developing a routine will also keep you on track with everything you have to do that day. Furthermore, the most important piece of having a routine is incorporating the discipline needed to effortlessly transition from being unemployed to being employed.

3. Implement the 2, 5, 1 Rule – When searching for a job, one of the most valuable resources you have are people. Knowing this, every week you should meet at least two new people, catch up with five people in your existing network, and have one face-to-face meeting. The overall objective of this rule is to keep your network of people “warm” so when you need to ask for assistance; such as letting you know about any job leads; it will not feel like you are taking to a total stranger. Trust me this rule works like a charm!!!

4. Calling on a higher power for help – Everyday ask for GOD to open up an avenue of employment and he WILL answer your prayers. :)

Want to learn more tips and tricks on finding a job. Join the Blacks Gone Geek online community (http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx) to hear Eric Horn and other job search experts share their words of wisdom.

And if you have been looking for a job over 30 days with no results it may be time to do something different. You don’t have to go it alone. The Blacks Gone Geek Job Search Work Team can help. A job search work team is a group of people committed to helping each other in job search by keeping each other focused on key tasks and accountable for getting them done.

Click the link below for more information:

http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JobSeekersForum.aspx

Thursday, February 7, 2013

2013 IT Job Outlook - Blacks Gone Geek Readers Poll

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics

In December, 1,509 mass layoff actions affected 137,839 workers

Employers took 1,509 mass layoff actions in December involving 137,839 workers as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month.

Dec. jobless rates down over the year in 290 of 372 metro areas; payroll jobs up in 283

Unemployment rates were lower in December than a year earlier in 290 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 68 areas, and unchanged in 14 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.

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Saturday, January 19, 2013

Volunteer Call - Blacks Gone Geek QA Team

Blacks Gone Geek is run by a group of IT professionals who donate their time and energy for the greater good of mankind. At Blacks Gone Geek our mission is clear: We want to promote career advancement for African Americans in IT. The Blacks Gone Geek QA (Quality Assurance) Team is looking for volunteers.

Background

The Knowledge Management Quality Assurance (QA) Team reviews authored solutions to ensure that the appropriate authoring standards and guidelines are applied, information is complete, and steps are accurate and easy to follow.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Solution Approvals. Ensure quality and that the appropriate authoring standards and guidelines are applied

2. Responsible for reviewing the knowledge utilization (e.g. Google Analytics page views) of all solutions and make recommendations to archive least utilized solutions.

3. Coordinate activities to create and maintain authoring guidelines

4. Manage the KM CSI (Continual Service Improvement) functions, initiatives and related activities.

5. Reporting

Benefits to you:

1) Learn to work in a fast paced environment.

2) Develop knowledge management and web content management skills.

3) Add professional experience and accomplishments to your resume.

4) Receive a professional recommendation.

5) Potential to sell services to other Office 365 users.

If you are interested in volunteering for this project, please send a copy of your resume and a link to your LinkedIn profile to milt@blacksgonegeek.org.

Thank you.

Milt Haynes, Founder and Chief Knowledge Officer

Blacks Gone Geek

Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Are You Doing All You Can to Be a Leader?

Introducing a wonderful new book that will show you the path to leadership

Choose to Lead—Advice, Tools, and Strategies for Women from Women

By Narmen Fennoy Hunter and Deborah Chambers Chima

Choose to Lead—Advice, Tools, and Strategies for Women from Women will show you how to make a conscious choice to lead rather than falling into a leadership role by chance. This book is for women who want to learn to lead in powerful and effective ways.

This book is also for:

women who want to serve as coaches and mentors
women who want to lead but don’t know how
women who have never considered leading because they think it is too difficult
women who have experienced leading and are seeking guidance to be more effective
men who want to relate better to women in leadership
men or women who seek to understand the importance of nurturing and developing more women leaders

Click here for more...

http://www.chambersconsult.com/book_c2l.html

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Thursday, January 10, 2013

Join the Job Work Search Team today!!

Date: Weekly meetings started Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Time: 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Central Standard Time

Time: 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time

Contact us to attend this "invitation only" event.

“The only way to get ahead and stay ahead in this challenging job market is to constantly distinguish yourself from the competition by demonstrating great performance and maintaining highly marketable skills.”

LOOKING FOR A JOB IN A TOUGH ECONOMY
If you have been looking for a job over 30 days with no results it may be time to do something different! The key to finding and keeping work in tough times is the same as in good times: take action. Economic uncertainties and fluctuations make it especially important for job seekers to learn how to conduct an effective search and to be actively engaged in the process. If you are looking for an internship or a full time position, you must be proactive. Everybody needs help! That’s where the Job Search Work Team can help.

What is a Job Search Work Team?

A job search work team is:

• a group of people committed to helping each other in job search by keeping each other focused on key tasks and accountable for getting them done.

• an advisory panel that knows you and your search and can provide good answers to the questions that come up in job hunting.

• an opportunity for job hunters to share information and information sources, so everyone gets smarter about the job market.

• a core network for its members.

• a project management team.

• a way to make the sometimes difficult job of job hunting easier and more pleasant.

You are invited to attend the next Job Work Search Team meeting, Tuesday, at 8 pm central. We will discuss each other's job search experiences and plans, answer each other's questions and give each other encouragement. We can exchange information about employers and the experiences we have had with job fairs, conventions, trade shows and interviews. Feel free to discuss what you have accomplished on your job search during the previous week and your goals for the upcoming week.

Agenda:
Introductions
--Come prepared with your 30 second elevator pitch!

Discussion Topics:

--Q&A

Bring your tough job search questions to the meeting.

Roundtable:
--Good News

--Staying Energized

--Upcoming career fairs and networking events
--Volunteer Opportunities

Click here for more information:
http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/2011/08/chronicles-of-it-job-seeker-pierson_23.html

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