Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?

Weekend Warriors can shout TGIF a little louder this week with the extended weekend that Labor Day affords. According to the official U.S. Department of Labor website:

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

In tribute of Labor Day, Emory Mulling and Cheryl Ayers will interview special guest Walter Andrews, President of the Communication Workers of America Atlanta Chapter and Executive Vice President of the Georgia Chapter of the AFL-CIO. At Work with Emory Mulling airs Friday at 3:00PM on GPB. Tune in on your radio dial or stream the show online here.

Interviewing

Interviewing is one of the most stressful parts of a job search, and blowing an interview is a sure way to be rejected for a position. This show gives you tips for a successful interview for whatever level job you are interested in. It explains how to form the best first impression, open the interview, describe your accomplishments, and close the interview. Callers ask specific questions on how they should have handled one of their past interviews with a prospective employer, as well as receive advice on future interviews.

Your Network = Your Net Worth

This week on At Work, Emory Mulling tackles the subject of networking. Hard work and a shimmering resume can only get you so far. A strong network of business connections can provide support in times of unemployment or opportunities to advance in a career. Some of us aren't "social butterflies," so it can be difficult just to speak with people we don't know. Here's a few helpful tips from the good folks over at Business Pundit:

Do cool things.
Introverts typically don’t like to talk about themselves - we prefer to talk about ideas. Force yourself to discuss some of the things you’ve done. Don’t brag, make sure they are relevant to the conversation. Then the extroverts can talk about you and pass your achievements along. It gives you credibility in some circles. Yes, I realize you would rather be accepted for what you think and know, but the truth is that the world measures you by what you do.

Go regularly to things you like.
When I was living on the Space Coast, I went to a group called Founders Forum. It was for entrepreneurs and investors. I learned a lot at the meetings, but it took about 6 months for people to start recognizing me and saying hi. It was uncomfortable, being 23 in a room of mostly middle aged people. You just have to keep showing up, month after month.


Networking can be as simple as handing out a business card or introducing yourself to co-workers in the break room. Share your stories of how networking has enhanced your career by leaving us a comment.

At Work with Emory Mulling airs this Friday at 3PM on GPB

Who Needs a University Degree to Succeed?

Ron Jackson, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, joins Emory Mulling this week on "At Work." Join us as Jackson answers the questions all students should know such as:
How many schools and how widespread is the Technical College system?

How is Technical College curriculum different from University curriculum?

Does the Hope Scholarship Program cover Technical College tuition costs?

Technical Colleges can also be helpful for non-traditional students or adults seeking to change careers or hone their skill set. At Work with Emory Mulling airs this Friday at 3PM on GPB, TUNE IN!

Submit your questions for Ron Jackson here in the comments section of the blog.

Consumer Call In

At Work with Emory Mulling takes a break this week for GPB's Consumer Call-In with host, Valarie Edwards. On today's show ... Bobbie Baker from the Public Service Commission and Shawn Conroy from the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs take listener calls.
And, there's a new state website designed to help young adults become better consumers.
Also, learn how to protect yourself from identity thieves.
And, joining us today is Will Phillips from the statewide branch of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
All that plus the latest in consumer information you can use.
Coming up on Consumer Call-In this afternoon at 3:00 here on GPB.