Ear on Careers – Feuza Reis, Photographer

December 9, 2011

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Feuza Reis, who is a professional wedding and lifestyle photographer.

Feuza will capture you with her enthusiasm and energy, describing herself “Brazilian Born, Jersey Raised.”  She graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies and Portuguese (highest honors).  Prior to opening Feuza Reis Photography, Feuza worked for various companies in marketing, sales and management.

Listen as Feuza describes what she does as a professional photographer, noting that her time is devoted between her craft and the business of developing her business especially with social media.  She offers our listeners a glimpse into a “typical” day as a photographer.  Feuza also shares her favorite stories, gives insights into what surprises her the most in the field and offers wonderful tips for those listeners who want to become an entrepreneur in photography.

We hope this podcast gives you a wide-angle glimpse inside the lens of a professional photographer!

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Insider’s Peak Into The Cooper Union

March 16, 2011

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera, co-founder, college counselor and tutor with Top-Tier Tutoring, interviews Top-Tier alum and The Cooper Union freshman Robert Brumer.

During the podcast, Rob shares what drew him to attend The Cooper Union among all of his college acceptances.  He gives a great overview of what life is like at The Cooper Union as a freshman, including the social life, lack of meal plan, the one dorm and the campus.  Located in the East Village of New York City, The Cooper Union consists of four buildings, including the dorm!

Listen as Rob describes his classes, his professors and his biggest surprises at The Cooper Union.  He offers great advice to students contemplating applying to his school, especially the importance of writing good essays.  One very unusual aspect of The Cooper Union is that you must declare your major when you are applying and submit a short essay about your choice.  For Rob, his major is in biomedical engineering, and he intends to continue his education in medical school.  Rob states that The Cooper Union is less about competition and more about community because of its size.

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Alphabet Soup: SAT, ACT, SAT 2, AP Exams

February 10, 2011

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera, co-founder, tutor and college counselor with Top-Tier Tutoring, explains the differences among the “alphabet soup” of common college admissions and college placement tests:  the SAT, ACT, SAT 2’s and AP exams.

During the podcast, Mike gives information about each type of standardized test, and their various purposes.  For example, the SAT got its abbreviation from its original name, the Scholastic Aptitude Test.  This college admissions exam tests three subject areas, is offered seven times per year, and the highest score is 2400.  By contrast, the ACT, also a general college admissions exam, tests five subject areas and its highest score is 36.  SAT 2’s generally are admissions exams as well but may offer college placement.  They are one-hour in length and only test one subject matter.  Advanced Placement tests, or AP exams, are used by colleges to determine whether college credit will be given for courses taken while in high school.

Listen as Mike goes into detail about each of these exams, and offers information that will help you to decide which test(s) you should take and why you are taking them.  The alphabet soup of exams can be overwhelming at first, but with careful organization and preparation, you will be prepared to enter college with your best foot forward.

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Kimberly Manis, Senior Supervisory Analyst

January 28, 2011

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Kimberly Manis, a Senior Supervisory Analyst with a financial services firm in New York City.

Kim graduated from the University of New Orleans in Louisiana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, and a minor in Biology.  After working for ten years for an educational company, Kim decided it was time for a change so she earned her Masters in Business Administration from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.

Kim soon found herself working on Wall Street first as an Editor, and then as a Supervisory Analyst in an Equity Research Department.  In her current position, she is a Senior Supervisory Analyst.  Kim is responsible for producing and editing reports, prepared by Research Analysts, concerning individual companies and broad-based sectors.  In addition to making sure that the reports are clear to investors, she also reviews financial models and ensures compliance with all of the legal and regulatory rules governing the financial services industry.  The two licensing routes to becoming a Supervisory Analyst are (1) the Series 16, OR (2) Series 7, 24, 63 and 87 (Kim has these licenses).  Click here to go to an informational blog about being a “SA.”

Listen as Kim describes a “typical day” for her, which starts at 4 am.  She shares a “war story” that really illustrates the need for a “thick skin” in her line of work.  In addition, Kim offers tips for those listeners who want to follow in her footsteps, as well as what surprises her the most about her profession.  We hope this podcast gives you some insights into how you can be a part of the exhilarating and unpredictable world of Wall Street:  “Booyah!”

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Insider’s Peak into the University of Delaware

January 20, 2011

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera, co-founder, college counselor and tutor with Top-Tier Tutoring, interviews Top-Tier alum and University of Delaware freshman Kyle Friedman.

During the podcast, Kyle shares why he chose to attend the University of Delaware among all of his college acceptances.  (Hint:  his campus visit was pivotal!)  Kyle is very candid with his assessment of the dorms, the food and the course requirements.

Listen as Kyle describes his classes, his professors and his biggest surprises at the University of Delaware.  He offers great advice to students contemplating applying to his school, and for ways to balance a social life with the rigors of academics.  The biggest compliment Kyle can give is that he really loves his school and misses it when he’s away!

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Lose the Freshman 15

January 12, 2011

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera, co-founder, college counselor and tutor with Top-Tier Tutoring, interviews Nutritionist Karen Lee and gets great tips and advice for learning how to eat properly while in college.  She also offers strategies to lose that infamous “Freshman 15.”

During the podcast, Lee discusses the challenges students face with regard to nutrition and diet while in college, which usually is the first time they are totally in charge of their meals.  With the freedom of college, many students may face a run-down immune system and drinking/eating late at night.  Lee recommends always eating the most important meal of the day:  breakfast!  She also suggests entering into regular exercise, which can be a social activity such as a pick-up basketball game or salsa dancing.

Listen as Lee identifies foods to be avoided because they actually increase stress, such as sugar and caffeine.  She also gives great tips to incorporate into your diet in order to lose the Freshman 15.  The podcast is peppered with great pearls of wisdom such as “if it comes in a bag or box, eat 1, but if it comes from a plant or tree, eat as much as you want.”  This podcast is a must for anyone who wants to lose the Freshman 15 or simply wants to learn more about nutrition and diet.

Lee is a graduate of Duke University, where she earned a B.A. in psychology.  She recently obtained a certification from Cornell University in plant-based nutrition, and has been a nutritionist for over 17 years.

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Year in Review: 2010

December 29, 2010

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In this podcast, Mike and Rhonda Rivera discuss the successes and challenges they faced at Top-Tier Tutoring over the past year.  From wonderful success stories, getting known in the community, trademarking our logo and our new media involvement, the co-founders of Top-Tier Tutoring share their ups and downs with our listeners.  Listen to the podcast to see how far the company has come in just two short years, and what 2011 has in store!

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Top-Tier’s Campus Visit to the University of Miami

December 10, 2010

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In this enhanced podcast, Rhonda Rivera, co-founder of Top-Tier Tutoring, offers an overview of the campus visit recently taken at the University of Miami, located in Coral Gables, Florida.

During the podcast, Rhonda discusses what we learned both during the student-led tour and in the information session led by an admissions officer.  Some quick points:

• U of M is a medium-sized private school with approximately 10,000 undergraduate students and about 5,000 graduate students
• The president is Donna Shalalah, who served in the Clinton White House
• In 2009, the school received 25,800 applications for just 2,000 spots for the freshman class
• The average student to teacher ration is about 1:15
• U of M is in Division I sports
• The majority of students come from Florida, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, but all 50 states and 115 countries are represented in the student body
• Nearly all freshmen live on campus

Listen as Rhonda discusses what the University of Miami looks for in candidates, straight from the admissions officer’s mouth!  She lets you know how important the SAT and ACT scores are, as well as whether college interviews are offered, how may recommendations are requested, how heavily activities are weighted, and if you should include an academic resume with your application.  By viewing the photos and listening to the podcast, you will learn about the campus itself, majors/internships offered and the many diverse offerings, including the “Launch Pad,” which aids the student entrepreneur to start a business.

At Top-Tier, we have decided to offer enhanced podcasts of our campus visits to help you in your decision-making process.  We are not funded by the college, nor is this podcast any sort of advertisement for it.  We highly recommend that you make an appointment and visit the campus yourself, if at all possible, in order to formulate your own, first-hand impression.

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Ashley Bryan, Children’s Book Author and Illustrator

December 1, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are extremely pleased to welcome Ashley Bryan, an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator.  He is a “lion” of the New York Public Library, a multiple winner of the Coretta Scott King award and a recipient of the Laura Ingalls Wilder medal.  Click here to go to Ashley’s amazon.com page and check out his many great works.

Ashley is a child of the Great Depression who was born in Harlem to Antiguan immigrant parents and grew up in the Bronx.  He attended The Cooper Union Art School until he was drafted into World War II.  After the War, he completed his studies at The Cooper Union and went on to study philosophy at Columbia University.  Named a Fulbright Scholar, and thanks to the GI Bill, he was able to study art in France and Germany.  Ashley then taught at Queens College in New York and served as the Chair of the Art Department at Dartmouth College, until he retired as a professor emeritus of art and visual studies.  Ashley’s intellect and talent allowed him to excel in a time when the color barrier was nearly insurmountable; as he discusses in the podcast, he “never stopped, even though he was colored.”  A modern-day renaissance man, his “post-retirement” career as a children’s book author and illustrator, mainly of African-American stories, also encompasses windows made from sea glass, spoken-word poetry, painting and speaking at conferences, conventions and to children the world over.

Listen as Ashley describes a “typical day” for him, or rather his own philosophy of the way he lives:  traveling to conferences all over the world, painting, working in his book projects and walking on the beach near his home looking for new ways to use what has been discarded.  He shares the ways in which college opened up the world of possibilities of adventure and exploration, and allowed him to touch lives of those around the globe.  In addition, Ashley offers tips for those listeners who want to become a children’s book author and illustrator.  In his own distinctive voice, Ashley will lift your spirits and give you the gift of sharing in his passion of storytelling, as well as encourage you to follow your heart and love what you do.

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Tips for Campus Visits

November 17, 2010

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera, co-founder, college counselor and tutor with Top-Tier Tutoring, offers tips and advice for parents and students when going to visit college campuses.

During the podcast, Mike first recommends that you go on the internet and do some “virtual tours” of the colleges in which you are interested.  While virtual tours cannot replace actually visiting the campus, they are a good place to start trying to narrow down your college list.

Listen as Mike gives advice about when to visit campuses (hint:  during class sessions is the best time).  After you have made up your itinerary, your next step should be contacting the college admissions offices and scheduling tours and your attendance at any information sessions offered.  Mike explains that some colleges take note of who takes their tours, which may play a role in the admissions process.  If available, during your campus visit is also a great time for your college interview, so be sure to ask about this opportunity when arranging your tour.

Mike provides excellent tips about what you should do while on campus, including eating in the cafeteria, as this food will be replacing your mom’s cooking for four years!  Very importantly, take good notes and photos, as you will be referring back to these after all of your acceptances are in.  Happy touring!

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Sabine van der Meulen, Human Resources Director

November 10, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Sabine van der Meulen, the Human Resources Director for the Latin American region of a global medical device company.

Sabine graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, with a dual major in International Studies and German.  She intended to go into international business, but took her first job as a legal assistant where she became fascinated with the results an organization can have through its people.  From there, she went to Columbia University and earned her Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology.  Currently, with fifteen years experience in the human resources field, Sabine has come full circle, as she now is working in a position that takes her across borders.

Listen as Sabine describes a “typical day” for her, which really is very difficult to pinpoint – from involvement in long-term strategic focus for the company, to working in the field or “firefighting” in the moment, her work day is never boring!  She shares some “war stories,” including one involving a voicemail that never disconnected.  Ouch!  In addition, Sabine offers several tips for those listeners who want to follow in her footsteps, as well as what surprises her most about her profession.  We hope this podcast gives you some insights into the very varied and indispensible human resources field!

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Dr. Rose Frasco, Optometrist

September 16, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Dr. Rose Frasco, an optometrist with the Liva Eye Center in Paramus, New Jersey.  Dr. Frasco has been named one of the “Top Optometrists in America” by the Consumer Research Council of America.

In the seventh grade, Dr. Frasco was introduced to eye care when her grandmother needed cataract surgery.  Her interest in the field deepened throughout high school, after which she worked with an optician and an optometrist.  She attended Siena College in Albany, knowing that she wanted to become an optometrist.  However, life took an unexpected turn in the form of a car accident during college.  In order to graduate with her class, she changed her major to English, with a biology minor.  After attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey to take prerequisite classes for optometry school, Dr. Frasco attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  There, she achieved Highest Clinical Honors, Honors in Pediactrics and was awarded the Conforma Contact Lens Award of Excellence, and graduated with a Doctorate of Optometry degree in 2001.  Dr. Frasco’s optometric internships/residency were completed at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware and at Seidenberg Protzko Eye Associates, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Medical Center.

Listen as Dr. Frasco describes a “typical day” for her:  seeing 30-40 patients with different vision/eye issues.  She shares a “war story” that demonstrates her dedication to her patients, in which she was able to place a temporary bandage contact lens in a 4-year-old girl’s eye after being hit by a dog – so that she was able perfectly to perform her duties as a flower girl the next day!  In addition, Dr. Frasco explains the differences among opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists, offers tips for those listeners who want to go into the field of optometry as well as what surprises her the most about her chosen field.  We hope this podcast gives you eye-opening information into the very rewarding field of optometry!

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Dr. Christopher Duddy, Dentist

July 7, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Dr. Christopher Duddy, a dentist with his own private practice in his hometown of Towaco, New Jersey.  Working in a town with so many familiar faces, Dr. Duddy often finds himself donating his services to local people who are in need.  In 2010, he was distinguished with the Award for Top Dentist in America by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.

Ironically, Dr. Duddy was scared of the dentist as a child.  Perhaps as a way to overcome that fear, he decided while in high school that he wanted to become a dentist.  Dr. Duddy graduated from Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry.  He went on to graduate from the prestigious dental program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.  Dr. Duddy takes great pride in his ability to make people smile better, and without pain.

Listen as Dr. Duddy describes a “typical day” for him practicing general dentistry, meaning that every day brings the unexpected.  He shares a Valentine’s Day war story that involves a friend, wisdom teeth, his wife and a Broadway show!  In addition, Dr. Duddy offers tips for those listeners who want to go into the field of dentistry.  We hope this podcast gives you information that you can sink your teeth into about becoming a dentist!

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Mary Dann-McNamee, Wedding Planner

June 23, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Mary Dann-McNamee, founder of Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators located in Manhattan Beach, California.  Mary is one of the most sought-after event coordinators in Southern California, as well as on-air talent for the Style Network’s “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” and “Married  Away,” and the WE Network’s “Platinum Weddings.”  She also is a published author and contributor to many prestigious wedding magazines.

Mary graduated from Fullerton College in California, a two year junior college, with an Associate in Arts degree in Visual Merchandising.  She went on to study at California State University, Chico (commonly called Chico State), and majored in business administration.  Mary worked as a waitress in order to put herself through both Fullerton College and Chico State.  After working in the hospitality industry and starting her wedding planning business, Mary went to graduate school at Antioch University in Marina del Rey, CA, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology.

In the podcast, Mary explains her path to becoming a wedding planner, which began at the tender age of 5 when she wanted to make something special for her guests!  Mary’s first stop after college was at the Ritz Carlton, where she made wonderful contacts and learned about the wedding business from the perspective of the venue.  She started Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators in 1991, with weddings being her specialty.  In order to be able to give the tools for emotional support to her brides, Mary became a licensed marriage therapist.  She feels that college prepared her well for being an entrepreneur, as she learned skills in multitasking and finance, as well as gained her independence.

Listen as Mary describes a “typical day” for her, balancing her family and work lives.  She shares a war story from her early days as a wedding planner, and another one captured on the television show “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?”  In addition, Mary expresses her surprises in the field and offers tips for budding wedding planners.  We hope this very informative podcast gives you insight into the exciting and fun – but also challenging and stressful – career as a wedding planner.

Mary’s book, “Wedding Wisdom” is available at www.amazon.com.  If you prefer to receive your hardcover book autographed by Mary, go to www.marydann.com/book.

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

The Benefits of Private Tutoring

June 16, 2010

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera, co-founder, tutor and college counselor with Top-Tier Tutoring, discusses the benefits that can be achieved in one-on-one tutoring.

During the podcast, Mike gives a historical overview of private tutoring as mainly for the affluent members of society.  In today’s world, many students are taking advantage of private tutoring as a way to either help understand topics taught in class, or to stimulate academic challenges, or to help achieving students score even higher on standardized tests ranging from the SAT to the ACT to AP exams.  Having a tutor is seen as a cool, status symbol.

Listen as Mike offers insightful questions that you should ask any prospective tutor before making a hiring decision.  One of the most important questions to ask is the teaching methodology of the tutor, or the tutoring center, you are considering.  Specifically, you will want to know if the private tutoring is curriculum-based or is constructed around your child’s exact needs.  Simply because tutoring is going to be one-on-one does not necessarily mean that the sessions will be tailored to the student’s needs.

Mike provides you with great information when you are starting to search for a tutor.  The benefits of private, non-curriculum based tutoring, such as offered at Top-Tier Tutoring, are well documented and, in many cases, dramatic.  Of course, the tutor cannot do the student’s homework, but working together as a team, superior results can be achieved.

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Marketing and PR Professional, Abe Kasbo

June 9, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Abe Kasbo, founder and CEO of the integrated marketing and public relations firm Verasoni Worldwide located in Fairfield, New Jersey.  Verasoni delivers meaningful strategies and campaigns across traditional and new media for its clients located in the United States, Canada and the Middle East.

Abe was born in Syria and emigrated to the United States at the age of 10.  He holds both a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in English, as well as a Masters in Public Administration (health care track), from Seton Hall University in New Jersey.  Abe decided upon his undergraduate major because he was always interested in political discourse to understand why things work as they do in a society.  An undergraduate professor guided him to his post-graduate area of study.  Notably, Abe worked full-time on Wall Street while attending graduate school full-time.

In the podcast, Abe explains his circuitous path to the founding of Verasoni, which included stops at Wall Street, teaching, a technology firm and the marketing departments at a couple of hospitals.  Essentially self-taught in marketing and PR, he approaches each project both as a professional and a student in order to become the best client advocate.  His experience has given him a perspective on how a business ought to communicate with its customers, and Abe builds campaigns based on business objectives.

Listen as Abe describes a “typical day” for him as a marketing and PR professional.  He shares a hair-raising war story about how he turned “get the Hell out!” into a positive experience.  In addition, Abe expresses his surprises in the field and offers tips for those contemplating following in his footsteps, including how his formal education has been brought to bear on his current vocation.  We hope this very informative podcast gives you insight into the dynamic field of marketing and public relations, and perhaps sets you upon a new course for your career.

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

What Is College Counseling?

June 2, 2010

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera, co-founder, college counselor and tutor with Top-Tier Tutoring, discusses what is, exactly, college counseling – and what it is not.

You probably have heard the term “college counseling” bandied about in several different contexts.  During this podcast, Mike discusses what is encompassed by this term – guiding high school students through the college application process, understanding the student’s interests, goals and ambitions, recommending classes, extracurricular activities and volunteer work, crafting a college list, counseling about the required essays, obtaining recommendations, coordinating college visits, preparing for the college interview – the list goes on and on!  College counseling also includes managing expectations and setting reasonable goals, both for the student and the parents.  The best part of college counseling, Mike admits, is celebrating acceptances.

During the podcast, Mike does offer a word of caution.  No college counselor can offer a guarantee of admission to a particular college or university.  Please keep this fact in mind when looking for a qualified college counselor!

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Ear on Careers – Wendy Hamlin, Health Insurance Broker

May 27, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Wendy K. Hamlin, a health insurance broker at Essential Benefit Solutions based in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, 973-872-1008.

Wendy is a graduate of Bowling Green State University in her home state of Ohio.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in interpersonal public communications, with a minor in marketing.  Wendy credits college with bringing her out of her shell and teaching her discipline, as she went full-time while working two jobs.

In the podcast, Wendy explains how she became interested in being a health insurance broker, which entails servicing her clients through education, administration of their plans, claims assistance and renewals as well as being a small business owner and growing her business.  Listen as Wendy discusses her biggest surprises in the field as being the strategy and creativity needed to help her clients navigate the health insurance maze.  She also shares an astounding “war story” and offers tips for people considering a career as a health insurance broker.

In addition, Wendy offers her insights into the changes in the health care system under the recently enacted law.  She notes immediate and welcome changes such as dependents up to 26 years old being covered under their parent’s plan, small employers receiving tax credits and no pre-existing condition limitations.  The changes coming in 2014 are still being hammered out, even though she believes there will be a role for brokers.

We hope this podcast gives you insight into becoming a health insurance broker, an interesting career path especially in today’s changing times.

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

New Service: College Counseling Over The Internet

May 13, 2010

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera, co-founder, college counselor and tutor with Top-Tier Tutoring, introduces our listeners to a new service being offered:  College Counseling over the internet!  Now, students who are not geographically located near our center in West Orange, NJ, will have access to the same outstanding college counseling as those living nearby!

Listen as Mike explains the logistics of how the service will work.  Using Skype, the popular web-telecommunication free software made popular by Oprah Winfrey, Top-Tier Tutoring’s college counselors will be able to work directly with your son or daughter.  Students will receive the same guidance, only instead of being across the table, your child will be looking at his or her counselor live via webcam.  Of course, you can feel free to sit in on the session as well!

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Ear on Careers – Joseph Mitzenmacher, Law Librarian

May 6, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Joseph Mitzenmacher, a Reference and Electronic Services Librarian at Loyola University Chicago School of Law in Chicago, Illinois, http://www.luc.edu/law_library/.

Joe holds both a B.A. in Economics and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Upon graduating from law school, he practiced law for a few years but did not find it to be as satisfying as he had hoped.  After doing some research, he found the related field of law librarian and obtained his Master’s Degree in Library Science from Dominican University.

In the podcast, Joe explains that a law librarian assumes an educational role by answering reference questions and teaching legal research classes.  He also acts as a liason with the faculty as well as with electronic service vendors.  Listen as Joe discusses a typical day for him in the library, shares his surprises in the field and offers a “war story” about hunting down a source for a King Henry VIII statute about coining money.  In addition, Joe provides excellent tips and recommendations for those listeners considering a very rewarding career as a law librarian.

We hope this podcast gives you insight into becoming a law librarian, a challenging field that combines a law degree with teaching and research in an academic field.

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s first “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Where Do I Go From Here?

April 21, 2010

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In this podcast, the very enormous task of creating a college list is tackled by Mike Rivera, co-founder, college counselor and tutor at Top-Tier Tutoring.

When faced with answering the question about where they are going to apply to college, many high school sophomores and juniors feel at a loss.  The process of creating a comprehensive and appropriate list can be daunting.  Crafting a list based upon name recognition or where friends are attending will not yield the best results for the individual student.  The podcast takes aim at this topic and offers concrete guidelines to help you on your quest.

Mike first asks you to look inward.  What are your general areas of interest?  Do you want to be close to home?  Are you interested in a city or a rural setting?  How important are job placement and internships to you?  Mike identifies many more factors in the podcast.  Mike’s advice:  take a self-assessment before jumping into books, the web and college fairs!

Once you have a master list, so to speak, now it’s time to refine it.  In order to narrow your list down to the 8 to 12 colleges to which you will actually apply, you should look for reach, match and safety schools, with the highest number being in the “match” category.  Then, time and budget permitting, try to visit each of these campuses and take great notes – you may need them to help you decide among your acceptances!

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Amy Gideon, Internet Professional

April 14, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers, we are pleased to welcome Amy Gideon, co-owner of Tag Online, Inc., based in Clifton, New Jersey.

Amy discusses how she didn’t really apply herself in high school and, as a result, attended Hofstra University for one year before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business.  Knowing that she wanted to transfer, she worked diligently at Hofstra, achieving a 4.0 GPA.  At the University of Pennsylvania, Amy double majored in Decision Science (now called Information Science) and Finance.  It was at the University of Pennsylvania that she met her future husband and business partner at Tag Online, Andrew.  Both she and Andrew earned their Masters Degrees in Computer Science from New York University.

In the podcast, Amy discusses how she was involved with the internet well before it was available for mass consumption.  She also outlines her progression from programmer to sales and marketing at TAG Online.  In her current role, she also manages client and staff.  Listen as Amy shares her surprises in her industry as well as some potentially horrifying war stories.  Amy offers advice for those thinking about a career as an internet professional:  do what you love and learn it inside and out.

We hope this podcast provides you with food for thought if you are interested in a career as an internet professional – a truly dynamic and evolving field!

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere career day podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

A Reply To Recent Article About College Prep Advisors

April 7, 2010

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera – co-founder, tutor and college counselor with Top-Tier Tutoring – responds to a recent article published on SmartMoney.com, which has been picked up and disseminated on the web in various forms.  The article, entitled “10 Things College-Prep Advisors Won’t Tell You” identifies ten allegedly deceptive practices of the college counseling industry.  To read the full article, click here.

In his rebuttal, Mike debunks each of the ten topics brought up in the article.  For example, in responding to the “your high school guidance counselor can do this for free” argument, he references the study by Dr. Patricia McDonough that determined a high school student will spend approximately 38 minutes per year with his or her guidance counselor for college advising.  Click here to read Dr. McDonough’s comprehensive study.  He also points to the recent Public Agenda report, “Can I Get A Little Advice Here?”  This report finds that six in ten young adults who had gone on to further education gave their high school counseling poor grades for college advice.  To go to the Public Agenda report, click here.  Clearly, you get what you pay for.

This podcast is not a rant, but rather a thoughtful reply to a superficial article.  Mike points out when the article is correct, but wants our listeners to understand the limitations of the guidance department – and those of independent counselors as well.

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Corinna Sager, Film Director/Producer

March 31, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers, we are pleased to welcome Corrina Sager, founder and president of, as well as film director and producer with, Lifestyle International Production Service, Inc. (“Lifestyle”), based in Montclair, New Jersey, www.lifestyleintl.com.  Lifestyle assists corporations, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, TV/film productions and marketing agencies with their communication projects to and from the United States.

Corinna was born in Hamburg, Germany, and studied at the Villa Pierrefeu near Montreux, Switzerland and at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.  She earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts (“BFA”) in Theater and Communications from the University of Miami.  She feels that her BFA prepared her well for the corporate world because it gave her a broad education in areas of study like communications, English literature, etc.  She also received a great introduction to the theater by building sets and creating costumes; she learned how to make it “magic.”

In the podcast, Corinna explains the different roles that a producer and a director perform for a project.  Listen as Corinna discusses her surprises in the field, including how new technology impacts production and the importance of continuing to learn.  Being from Europe, Corinna is multilingual, and she stresses the importance of being able to communicate with people around the world, and to have an insight into their culture.  Nominated for an Academy Award® for her role as a producer of the documentary “Ferry Tales,” Corinna shares her exciting Oscar-night stories with our listeners.  Finally, Corinna offers tips to aspiring directors and producers:  the business is very difficult to break in to, so volunteer and learn by doing, in addition to getting a broad education at a college that expands your horizons.

Corinna has won Film Festival Awards in both the United States and internationally for her PR video “Container Shipping – A Revolution for World Trade” and her documentary “Women – Our Century” which toured the United States with Billy Jean King and Star Jones.  In addition to the Academy Award® nominated “Ferry Tales,” she served as Executive Producer for “Vertical Traveler,” seen on PBS and the Franco/German TV channel, Arte.  Corinna also is President of the Media-Communication Association-International, and is listed in the Who’s Who of Executives and Professionals.

We hope this podcast gives you insight into becoming a film director and/or producer, and offers alternative routes than simply television or movies for you to consider.

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere career day podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Extracurricular Activities Admissions Officers Love

March 24, 2010

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera offers some insights into what admissions officers look for in the college applicant’s extracurricular activities column.  In short, quality triumphs over quantity every time.

Mike discusses that an admissions officer seeks to round out the college class with students who will make a meaningful contribution.  Consequently, high school students who exhibit leadership and dedication – and therefore good time management skills – are looked upon favorably.  In addition, meaningful participation in activities outside of school such as community, church or travel, are similarly viewed with favor. Read more

Ear on Careers – Dr. Marco Ferrucci, Chiropractor

March 17, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Dr. Marco Ferrucci, the founding chiropractor at The Chiropractic Source in Caldwell, New Jersey, www.thechiropracticsource.com.

Dr. Ferrucci attended William Paterson University, and graduated with a degree in exercise physiology.  During undergrad, he was able to obtain a chiropractic internship, which cemented his desire to practice this healing art.  He then went to Life University in Georgia to obtain his chiropractic degree, which was a 3 ½ year course of study.

In the podcast, Dr. Ferrucci explains why a chiropractor looks at your spinal alignment, and how this practice is proactive rather than reactive.  Listen as he discusses his biggest surprise in working as a chiropractor as it relates to health care coverage.  Listen as Dr. Ferrucci offers advice to students considering embarking upon the field of chiropractic medicine.  Dr. Ferrucci also shares his most transformative patient, who literally walked into his office using a cane and left it on her own power!

We hope this podcast gives you insight into becoming a chiropractor, a relatively new field of medicine that teaches how to live a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle through natural, preventative health care.

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s first “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

About Rolling Admissions

March 10, 2010

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera discusses the topic of “Rolling Admissions.”  This term means that the college imposes no strict deadline for application submission; applicants will be accepted so long as space is available within the freshman class.  While a minority of colleges follow Rolling Admissions, colleges that do offer Rolling Admissions generally will make a decision regarding a candidate within a couple of weeks after receiving the application.

Mike’s advice for students contemplating applying to a Rolling Admissions college?  Don’t wait!  Given these economic times and the fact that more people than ever are applying to colleges, all universities are more selective than ever.  The earlier you apply, the better your chances will be for being accepted.  In addition, scholarship opportunities, financial aid offers and housing are more readily available the earlier you apply and are accepted. Read more

Ear on Careers – Jerry Frungillo, Caterer

March 3, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Jerry Frungillo, co-owner of Frungillo Caterers, www.frungillo.com.

Frungillo Caterers is a family-owned business, started by Jerry’s parents in 1973.  Knowing that he was going to go into the family business, Jerry opted for a business major as his undergraduate degree from William Paterson University.  He feels that is formal education provided a solid background into running a business, which complemented his previous life experiences, and offered much insight as he grew the business.  Under Jerry’s stewardship with his brother Robert, Frungillo Caterers has grown from a single catering location to four banquet halls plus off-premise catering capabilities.

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Guidance Counselor Realities

February 24, 2010

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera poses the question:  “Is 38 minutes enough?”  This question derives from a study by Dr. Patricia McDonough that found that an average student will spend only 38 minutes per year with his or her high school guidance counselor discussing college counseling and/or career counseling.

Now, this fact is through no fault of the high school guidance counselors themselves.  It is based upon the realities of numbers.  While the American School Counselor Association recommends 1 guidance counselor per 100 students, the national average is 1:315 (or much more) in public high schools and 1:241 in private schools.

During the podcast, Mike offers questions for parents to ask the high school office regarding this issue.  He also recommends seeking external college counseling to best position the high school student for success in college and beyond.

Source:  Sanders, B. (2008, January 18). Parents – Guidance at School May Not be Enough. Retrieved January 18, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Parents-­-­-­Guidance-­at-­School-­May-­Not-­be-­Enough&id=935539

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.  Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Kevin Slavin, Hospital President

February 17, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Kevin Slavin, the President and Chief Executive Officer of East Orange General Hospital, www.evh.org.

Like so many people we’ve interviewed for this Ear on Careers series, Kevin does not work in the field of his undergraduate major:  engineering from Rutgers University.  In the podcast, Kevin explains how he first became interested in healthcare administration during his initial job search.  This interest led him to the University of Colorado, where he did his graduate studies.  Kevin first worked as an orderly/nurses aid and saw the hospital organization from the ground up.

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Ear on Careers – Ryan Dorchak, Restaurateur

February 12, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Ryan Dorchak, third generation restaurateur at the Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell, New Jersey, www.cloverleaftavern.com.

Ryan grew up at the Cloverleaf Tavern, originally founded as a “man’s bar” by his grandfather in 1933.  Knowing that he would enter the family business, Ryan graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey, with a degree in marketing and a minor in finance.  Both his major and minor contribute to the continuing success of the Cloverleaf Tavern, as Ryan employs “4-walls marketing” and keeps an eye on the finances to increase the restaurant’s profits even in these uncertain times.

Listen as Ryan explains the delicate balancing act he oversees as a restaurateur.  Believe it or not, restaurants have the number 1 failure rate in the United States.  While the restaurant opens for lunch at 11 am, Ryan’s day begins at 7 am attending to staff operations, finances and marketing, allowing him to be on the floor during the lunch and dinner rush. Read more

Meet Meghan McGeehan, Spanish Tutor

February 9, 2010

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera introduces our listeners to Meghan McGeehan.  Meghan is a Spanish language arts tutor with Top-Tier Tutoring, who has developed an affinity for Spain and its culture, and imparts her enthusiasm for all things Spanish on to her students.

Meghan holds a B.S. in Spanish and Criminal Justice from Penn State University.  She has her Master’s Degree in Spanish Language and Literature from Middlebury College.  Her studies have taken her to Sevilla and Madrid, and she has taught in Madrid for two years.  Meghan also is a Spanish teacher at Morristown-Beard High School in Morristown, NJ.

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Ear on Careers – T. Jens Feeley, Ph.D., NASA

January 11, 2010

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome T. Jens Feeley, Ph.D., who works at the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA). Dr. Feeley is a Senior Policy Analyst in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD), http://nasascience.nasa.gov/, where he is responsible for SMD’s advisory committees and history activities. In addition, he is the SMD Lead Policy Analyst for Planetary Science.

At the tender age of 6, Jens witnessed Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon, and his fate was sealed. Politics were always hotly debated in the Feeley household growing up. So, space exploration, politics and political science are truly in Jens’s blood.

Jens earned his B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University in New Jersey, followed by an M.A. in Government and International Studies from the University of Notre Dame. Jens was awarded his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Washington. His publications span a broad range of topics, including space policy, earthquake policy, the history of science policy, and science communications. He is also the author of a congressional study on Foreign-Trade Zones. His dissertation research explored partisan politics in the modern Congress, and documented the limitations on partisan ambition that result from the governing responsibilities of the majority. In addition, Jens worked as an intern in the Pentagon’s Office of International Security Affairs and was selected as a Presidential Management Fellow (Class of 1987). He has received numerous merit awards, including the NASA Exceptional Performance Award.

Jens has spent 16 of the past 23 years of his life working at NASA. In his current position as a Senior Policy Analyst, Jens prepares senior managers and scientists at NASA on how to best handle issues, testimony and presentations. Jens truly enjoys blending his writing skills with science, making even the most complex scientific hypotheses and discoveries accessible to everyone.

What has surprised Jens the most about working at NASA? His ability to interact with literally the smartest people in the world, who can break down extremely intricate concepts so that he is able to communicate them effectively to Congress and other interested parties. He enjoys learning about science and technology, two things that change on practically a daily basis at NASA. In addition, Jens derives satisfaction from the culture of interaction between people and ideas at NASA.

If you are considering a career at NASA, Jens recommends “preparing to be the best.” Such preparation should include internships that are available at such websites as http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/programs/ (for NASA internships (paid & unpaid)) and http://www.studentjobs.gov/ (for summer jobs/student jobs – Government wide).

We hope that Jens’s story will inspire you to consider a career at NASA, even if you do not want to be a rocket scientist!

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s first “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Year in Review: 2009

December 30, 2009

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In this podcast, Mike and Rhonda Rivera discuss the successes and challenges they faced at Top-Tier Tutoring over the past year, its first in operation. From starting a business from scratch, getting known in the community, to wonderful success stories, the co-founders of Top-Tier Tutoring share their ups and downs with their listeners. Listen to the podcast to see how far the company has come in one year, and what the new year has in store!

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Steven Janett, Real Estate Broker

December 21, 2009

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Steven Janett, a real estate broker. Steve currently is the Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of Prudential New Jersey Properties, www.prudentialnewjersey.com. Steve has won many awards, including “REALTOR of the Year” from both the New Jersey Association of Realtors and the West Essex Board of Realtors.

Steve graduated from Stockton State College, with a major in business and minors in finance and real estate. His late father had started a real estate office in 1954 and, after graduating, Steve soon joined the family business. He really enjoys the fact that real estate is not a 9 to 5 business, but rather is very flexible according to the client’s needs. Steve started as a sales representative in his father’s office, became a broker within two years and sales manager three years later. Today, in his role as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, Steve oversees many offices in the Prudential New Jersey real estate corporate structure. He supports managers and sales people in their efforts to provide the best real estate experience for their clients.

When asked about the biggest surprises in real estate, Steve noted the legal complexities involved with riders and inspections. His advice to aspiring real estate specialists is to get a solid educational background, join a good broker that has a training program and to remember that real estate is all about relationship building. Steve notes the impact that technology is having on real estate agents and how real estate is marketed and sold. Even in this economy, the second half of 2009 has been a great time in real estate for Steve!

We hope that Steve’s story will inspire you to consider a career in real estate, a challenging field that combines relationship building, legal knowledge and technology with the possibility of great rewards.

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s first “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – James Nachbaur, Federal Agent

November 24, 2009

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome James Nachbaur, a federal agent with the Department of Homeland Security, www.dhs.gov. Due to the nature of James’s position, this podcast focuses more on federal law enforcement in general, rather than James’s specific job duties.

James was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and graduated from Passaic County Community College (“PCCC”) and William Paterson University. After graduating with a degree in Communications in 1995, James entered the financial industry, where he worked until after the attacks of September 11^th. He, like many, decided that he wanted to make a difference in the world and – after a brief time as the owner of an Applegate Farms franchise – was accepted into the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) in 2006. James was drawn to the DHS because of its opportunities to transfer within the department and thereby gain experience with a variety of different agencies.

James notes that PCCC was a great experience because the value was extremely high, he had great professors, and it allowed him to gain the maturity needed to continue for a four-year degree. At PCCC he majored in Criminal Justice but does not recommend that major for anyone considering a career in law enforcement because the Academy will teach you everything you need to know.

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Ear on Careers – Cindy Salvo, Attorney

October 30, 2009

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome Cindy Salvo, a civil litigation attorney and founder of The Salvo Law Firm in Fairfield, New Jersey, www.salvolawfirm.com.

Cindy’s path to becoming an attorney was anything but straight. After several detours, she obtained both an undergraduate and graduate degree in psychology, and founded the Miss American Petite Pageant. While running the Pageant, she had a lawyer on retainer to assist her with various legal issues. Seeing the value of the attorney’s skill, Cindy went to law school in order to better run her Pageant business. However, after spending her summer between her second and third years at law school with a large New York City law firm, she decided that the legal profession was right for her, and closed down the Pageant shortly thereafter.

Cindy does not regret her previous educational and life experiences, as they have shaped the type of lawyer that she is. Her psychology degree taught her compassion, while her experience as a businesswoman brought her understanding for clients. Her advice to aspiring lawyers is to study really hard and make sure your first year law school grades are very good. She finds being an attorney to be very rewarding and she very much enjoys the field, especially when she obtains a good result for her clients.

We hope that Cindy’s story will inspire you to consider a career in the law. If you like to write, argue and think on your feet, the law may be a perfect fit for you!

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s first “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Your ACADEMIC Resume

October 27, 2009

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera discusses a unique way students can stand out in the college admissions process: providing an academic resume. Make sure to listen to the podcast for a special offer just for our listeners!

In this twist on the traditional job resume, your academic resume markets you to colleges. It focuses on your strengths and shows how you will make the most out of what the university has to offer. Your academic resume lists your interests and identifies what you intend to do after college.

Also, do not shy away from your weaknesses; your academic resume is your opportunity to show how you are working to rectify a possible perceived flaw. For example, if you have a low GPA or SAT/ACT scores, indicate that you are taking summer courses or tutoring to improve your results. Have historically few volunteer experiences? Create a solution by listing a new volunteer position you have just begun.

We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – Sarah Ober, Accountant

October 15, 2009

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome Sarah Ober, an accountant with Tobia & Hillyer in Fairfield, New Jersey, www.tobiahillyer.com.

Sarah’s path to becoming an accountant is not at all what you would imagine. She never even took one accounting class in college! She graduated from Seton Hall with a degree in International Relations and a minor in business, and planned to work at the World Bank. A requirement before applying there, however, was having experience in the working world. It so happened that Sarah was hired by the accounting firm of Tobia & Hillyer as an Office Manager, and simply fell in love with tax returns!

Sarah has now worked at Tobia & Hillyer for seven years, and has earned two Master’s Degrees in Tax. In her position, she reviews bookkeeping and tax returns for small companies and individuals and says that there is no typical day. In fact, during tax season, Sarah logs 12 hour days, 7 days a week, and loves every minute of it. Sarah is very proud of her recent IRS win in tax court, as she is an enrolled agent with the IRS and was able to secure a sizeable victory for her client who had lost all receipts in a fire. She credits her win to her knowledge of tax law and her people skills, obviously an unstoppable combination.

Sarah offers the following advice for aspiring accountants – take advantage of any internships offered at your college. She also suggests taking accounting classes and learning how to multitask. We hope that Sarah’s story will inspire you to consider a career in accounting, a complex field that challenges you to provide answers to clients in all types of situations.

Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s first “career day” podcast series – what 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.

We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

The Ins and Outs of Early Decision versus Early Action

September 26, 2009

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera discusses the somewhat complicated early college application processes. Mike first discusses who should consider applying to colleges early – mainly, those students who are confident that they know where they want to spend the next four years gaining higher education. He then outlines the benefits, such as 25%-50% of acceptances come from this pool, as well as the early November deadlines imposed. He cautions from the outset that each school maintains their own peculiar process and requirements, so be sure to check the college’s application for college-specific details. Read more

Ear on Careers – Marlene Waldock, Communications Specialist

September 11, 2009

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome Marlene Waldock, a communications specialist based out of Verona, New Jersey, www.becausewearewomen.com. Among other things, Marlene is the founder of 1^st Impression Communications and of Because We Are Women, a teen counselor at the Rothman Institute and the immediate past president of the North Essex Chamber of Commerce.

Marlene received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Adolescent Psychology, with the goal of helping teens transition to young adults. However, early in her working life, she went into sales and eventually became a Regional Training Consultant. In the mid-1990’s, Marlene turned to communications and public speaking Throughout her career, Marlene has constantly doing public speaking in front of groups, either while training or as a television host on NJ Channel 12. In-between, she obtained a management degree from Georgia State.

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Ear on Careers – Bernard O’Rourke, College Professor

August 26, 2009

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In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome Bernard O’Rourke, an associate College Professor in International Business at Caldwell College in Caldwell, New Jersey. Caldwell College can be found on the web at www.caldwell.edu.

Bernie hails from Ireland, where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees. After college, Bernie was sent by the Irish Government Development Office to the United States to promote inward investment to Ireland. While here, he met his wife, got his M.B.A. at Fordham University and held positions within various corporations.

In this podcast, Bernie discusses the different types of professorships. He shares his love of college campus life with our listeners, finding his role as Professor never tedious. Bernie genuinely enjoys teaching (and learning from) his students, and is extremely fulfilled in his chosen occupation.

His tip for aspiring college professors? Secure the best credentials by way of degrees. Experience counts, but credentials are key. We hope that Bernie’s story will inspire you to consider a career in academia!

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.

ACT versus SAT – What’s Best For You?

August 23, 2009

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In this podcast, Mike Rivera takes you on a tour of the two major standardized tests looked at by college admissions officers: the ACT and the SAT. He traces the origins of both exams, and the varying skills they are meant to test.

The SAT is designed to test a student’s test taking skills and innate ability, as it was designed based upon the IQ test. It runs three hours and forty-five minutes, has 140 questions and tests critical readying, writing and math. The perfect score is 2400; 1/4 point is deducted for each incorrect answer.

On the other hand, the ACT tests scholastic achievement, and it was designed based upon the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The ACT is three hours and twenty-five minutes long, has 215 questions and tests math, English, reading, science and writing. The perfect score is a 36. No points are deducted for a wrong answer.

Both the SAT and the ACT are accepted at virtually every college. Starting with the class of 2010, the SAT joins the ACT in allowing you to select which scores (entire test) to send to the colleges. The bottom line: take practice exams for both exams to determine with which test you’re most comfortable. Then, study for that one, and get the best score possible!

We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.

Ear on Careers – J.P. Hamel, Publisher

July 29, 2009

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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.

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!

Ear on Careers – Pat Nocito, Banker

June 11, 2009

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We are very excited to bring to you our first episode in what is hoped to be a very long series of podcasts: “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”!

For our first episode, we are pleased to welcome Pat Nocito, a Vice President and Branch Manager at Capital One Bank in West Caldwell, New Jersey. Pat’s route to banking was certainly anything but direct but, in hindsight, his undergraduate degree in psychology (with a minor in finance) prepared him well for the tasks he faces daily. He explains that banking is not just crunching numbers, but really is all about people – connecting businesses to other businesses to develop relationships, and enhance everyone’s bottom line. A “typical” day for Pat consists of multitasking; dealing with the finance side of the business as well as the various people, from bosses and mentors to staff and business and consumer clients. For those considering entering the field of banking, Pat recommends becoming a teller, taking advantage of local college programs as well as applying for paid internships.

Pat stresses the importance of his college education. College taught him life lessons, brought him out of his shell and expanded his horizons, all of which serve him well as a banker. A native of Vineland, New Jersey, Pat attended St. Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania on a full scholarship. We hope that Pat’s story will inspire you to consider a career in the banking industry, as it’s not just about making deposits anymore!

We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212

Meet Math & Science Tutor Jeff Wojcik

June 2, 2009

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In the second podcast for Top-Tier Tutoring, Mike Rivera introduces our listeners to Jeff Wojcik. Jeff is a math and science tutor with Top-Tier Tutoring, who makes these sometimes intimidating subjects understandable, approachable and dare we say it – enjoyable!

Jeff holds a B.S. in Mathematics and Secondary Education from the University of Scranton. While there, he also was enrolled in pre-med courses. At the present time, he is going for two masters degrees – one in Mathematics from Montclair State University and another in Administration and Curriculum from the University of Scranton. Jeff is a math teacher at Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls, NJ. Ironically, Jeff says that it was tutoring that got him into teaching!

During the podcast, Jeff explains his philosophy about tutoring, and how he makes students feel “safe” with the subject matter, which leads to their success. We were skeptical at first of how such a math whiz could really connect with students (or anyone for that matter!), but once you listen to this podcast, we’re confident that you will agree that our skepticism was unfounded.

We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212

Top Tier Tutoring Podcast Show #1

May 21, 2009

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In the debut of its podcast, Mike and Rhonda Rivera, co-founders of Top-Tier Tutoring, a tutoring and college counseling center located in West Orange, New Jersey, introduce you to themselves and their school’s philosophy and offerings. Mike and Rhonda discuss their approach to tutoring and college counseling as focusing on the individual student. Top-Tier Tutoring only offers one-on-one tutoring, and assigns 1 tutor to be with the student for their entire package. Diagnostic tests, in addition to old exams, are administered to each student that inform the tutor/counselor about how the student best receives and processes information so that the tutor can adjust his or her style accordingly. Top-Tier Tutoring truly is a boutique tutoring and college counseling center.

During July and August, Mike discusses how Top-Tier Tutoring is challenging all students to Seize the Summer by enrolling in its College Prep Boot Camp. This series of 8, 1-hour workshops will address a variety of topics related to college planning, such as selecting the right schools, creating your academic resume and writing your essays and short answers. One lucky listener to the Top-Tier Tutoring Podcast will be selected at random to win free admission into the College Prep Boot Camp (a $300 value). To enter this contest, please send an email to info@top-tiertutoring.com with “Free Boot Camp” in the subject line.

Mike has been a tutor and college counselor for over 3 ½ years as well as in the financial industry for over 16 ½ years. Mike holds a BA from Seton Hall University, an MA from Kean University and a JD from Fordham University School of Law. He applies humor and a dose of reality into his tutoring sessions, to help his students see the big picture. Rhonda, who does sales and marketing for Top-Tier Tutoring, earned her BA from Bucknell University and a JD from New York Law School. Both have seen the value of education as providing a firm foundation in today’s changing world.

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