Ear on Careers – J.P. Hamel, Publisher
July 29, 2009
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J.P. Hamel
In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome J.P. Hamel, the publisher of The Essex Fells Magazine. J.P. grew up in Rahway, New Jersey, and attended Albright College in Pennsylvania. In college, J.P. majored in biology and math, intending to enter the biotech/research field. However, his first job took him into the marketing and recruiting field and in January 2009 – the same time that Top-Tier Tutoring was launched! – J.P. started his franchise business with N2 Publishing, www.n2pub.com.
Publishing, according to J.P., requires him to coordinate material for the monthly publication. He is always seeking relevant and creative content of interest to the readership. In addition, a publisher functions in a business development capacity, as advertising provides necessary funding. Accordingly, J.P. has to both find advertisers and maintain good relationships with them.
J.P. says that no one type of major is required to enter the publishing field. His degree in math and biology provided him with a solid foundation, as the scientific/analytic approach he learned in college enables him offer his publication to advertisers as a logical business decision. J.P. notes that his career in sales also has benefitted him tremendously in his role as publisher, especially when dealing with business development. We hope that J.P.’s story will inspire you to consider a career in the publishing industry, an exciting field that brings much needed information to the people!
We are very excited to bring to you another episode in the series we call “Ear on Careers.” This series of podcasts is designed to introduce our listeners to successful leaders in a variety of different fields, including business, industry, medicine, the arts, and so much more. Consider this your podcast “career day”!
We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Ways to Stand Out in a (College Admissions) Crowd
July 21, 2009
College Admissions. These two words strike fear in many students’ hearts, as they only think about grade point average and
standardized test scores. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on these components, as they do play a very significant role in the college application process. However, colleges are much more expansive in their review of an applicant’s submission, as they seek students who demonstrate more than simply classroom success. Admittedly, a student’s academic grades and mix of courses will be the most important factors admissions officers will consider; nevertheless, it’s also very important that students endeavor to excel in areas outside of the classroom.
What types of activities catch an admissions officer’s eye? A whole range of things! Students should become involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, volunteer organizations and part-time jobs. In addition, strive to take on leadership roles within your chosen activities. Don’t feel stymied by a seeming lack of opportunities, either. For instance, if a club that interests you doesn’t currently exist at your school (e.g., fencing), take the initiative and start the club yourself. Being the founder of a particular club really enhances your academic resume by demonstrating your leadership and initiative. Read more
College Financial Aid: How To Get Your Fair Share
July 13, 2009
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In this podcast, Mike introduces our listeners to the world of college financial aid in his interview with Marie Mayer of Garretson Financial. Whether you think your family “makes too much” to receive financial aid, your family consists of divorced and possibly remarried parents or you simply don’t know how to begin the process, this podcast addresses both the urban myths and stark realities of financial aid.
Marie holds a degree in accounting, and is a College Financial Aid Counselor with Garretson Financial, located in Cranford, New Jersey – www.garretsonfinancial.com. Marie’s interest in the field stemmed from very personal reasons – her children were of college age! Now she helps parents understand the process and receive the most aid for which they are eligible – and even illustrate how a private school could be less expensive than a public institution!
During the podcast, Marie discusses the FAFSA form – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is through this application that the “expected family contribution,” or the minimum amount a family can pay, is calculated. All colleges receive this report and some also have their own separate supplements, which Marie also touches upon.
Marie’s advice is to plan early. The best time to meet with a financial aid counselor is when your child is in freshman or sophomore year; no later than junior year. Marie stresses the importance of the deadlines, noting that the system is based upon a first come, first served model. So, be quick to download this podcast and get all the information about this very important aspect of college selection!
