Team from Cal State Northridge Triumphs at the ASME HPVC West Competition

Team from Cal State Northridge Triumphs at the ASME HPVC West Competition Team from Cal State Northridge Triumphs at the ASME HPVC West Competition Team from Cal State Northridge Triumphs at the ASME HPVC West CompetitionCalifornia State University, Northridges vehicle distributionspolitikd first overall and first in the design, innovation and womens speed categories at the ASME Human Powered Vehicle Challenge (HPVC) West competition, which welches held in Santa Clara, Calif., in April. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Montoya) In a surprise turn of events, a student gruppe from California State University, Northridge took top honors at the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge (HPVC) West event last month, overtaking perennial HPVC heavyweights including Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering.Thirty-two student teams battled it out during the three-day ASME competition, which was sponsored by the Santa Clara Valley Section and held at three locations in Sa nta Clara, Calif. The design event was held on April 22 at Santa Clara University, and the male and female drag races were held the following day at San Jose State University. The final event, a two-and-a-half hour endurance race, took place April 24 at the Santa Clara Valley Fairgrounds.In addition to placing first in the overall competition, Cal State Northridges entry took first place in the design, innovation and womens speed race categories, as well as second place in the mens speed race and third place in the endurance event. Other big winners at this years HPVC West included the team from the University of Akron, which placed second overall and first in the mens speed category, and Utah State University, which placed third overall, first in the endurance race and second in the innovation category. Members of the Cal State Northridge team pose with the various awards they collected at the event. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Montoya)Cal State Northridges near-domination of this y ears HPVC West may have been unexpected but it was well earned, according to HPVC West head judge Will Hilgenberg, who was impressed with the teams entry, a three-wheeled trike with a full fairing.Northridge had a very well-produced bike, said Hilgenberg, a mechanical design engineer for Praxisworks, a manufacturer of bicycle components. The fairing was very good quality carbon fiber construction. So they spent the time on the molds and they spent the time in all the initial prep to get it right, which is not an easy thing to do. They built a very clean bike. They kept it simple. Their design was much more cleanly executed than the others were. And it showed in the events, too. It always comes down to again how well you can actually execute your design. If its a simple design that you can build well and quickly in buchen to get testing done, then you will do well in the competition.The Cal State Northridge teams success at the competition can also be attributed to the fact that the team members took the time to attend a series of web-based HPVC tutoring seminars, which were conducted by Wesley Rooney, who has served as a design judge for the program for the past 12 years. The seminars highlight what the judges look for when evaluating each vehicles design and provide tips on how to build a robust human powered vehicle. The tutoring seminars seemed to pay off for the teams that attended them, Hilgenberg observed, noting that all three of the overall winners attended the seminars. The University of Akron team placed second overall and first in the mens speed category at the 2016 HPVC West event. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Montoya) In addition to giving the students an opportunity to demonstrate their design skills, each year the HPVC competitions also provide a supportive community for the students who participate. Members of the team from Delhi Technological University in India experienced this first-hand this year when they arrived in California with a damag ed vehicle and no tools to fix it. Several other teams quickly stepped forward to help. The Arizona State University lent the team the tools they needed to fix the vehicle, while Rose Hulman provided the seat belt, so the DTU team could meet the competitions safety guidelines. Colorado State University provided transportation for the team to and from the event site. A member of the Cal Poly Pomona team, Diane Amon, even volunteered to serve as the teams driver for the womens drag race event, after learning that the teams female driver wasnt able to secure a visa to attend the competition. Finding herself physically unable to maneuver the vehicle, however, Amon walked the bicycle one and a half miles to the finish line, as she was applauded and cheered on by the other competitors.This type of generosity of spirit is deeply entrenched in the HPVC program, Hilgenberg said. Its very indicative of the welcoming, community aspect of the Human Powered Vehicle Competition, he said. Its very evident every year when theres one or two teams that need help. As a competitor in the past, Ive actually borrowed welding equipment overnight - $2,000 to $3,000 pieces of equipment - from a competitor to fix our vehicle that we broke. Its a natural part of this competition. Will Hilgenberg (right), head judge for the HPVC West competition, congratulates a member of the University of Akron team during the presentation of awards at HPVC West. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Montoya)The HPVC program also provides students with practical experience that is often lacking in todays engineering curricula, Rooney added. In todays harsh economic climate, many universities try to save money by cutting extra-curricular engineering projects from their programs and offering engineering programs that are purely theoretical, he said. The trouble is, Im on the other side of things now, said Rooney, a mechanical design department manager at Essai, an engineering and manufacturing firm. Im now manageme nt. Im hiring these students and I can tell you its pretty common for engineering students whove just gotten a degree to really not be capable of a lot of practical daily things. From an industry hiring standpoint, the engineering degree is proof that youve got the background training. But youre not really an engineer until youve got the experience.ASMEs Human Powered Vehicle Program is one way students can acquire this practical experience, Rooney said. There are a number of great events out there, like Formula SAE or Formula Baja, he said. But to compete well in those events, you have to have a budget of $40,000 or more. Technically, you have to have a huge team of 30-some odd students. And unless you have tons of university support from an infrastructure point of view and lots of prior event experience, there is basically no chance youre going to do well at all. konzept judge Wesley Rooney (foreground, right) at the 2016 HPVC West competition. (Photo courtesy of Wesley Rooney) I feel it is the social injustice that ASME can help correct through this event, Rooney continued. What the HPVC does is, it basically offers a reasonable work load for small teams of students who have full-time jobs, little to no outside funding, and you dont have to have a fancy support infrastructure. You can theoretically do this in your garage if you have to. And thats what makes it a universally appealing, international event.To see the complete list of winners at the HPVC West event, visit the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge Community page on ASME.org. To learn more about the ASME Human Powered Vehicle Competition program, click here.

6 Valentines Day Jobs That Help Make the Day Special

6 Valentines Day Jobs That Help Make the Day Special6 Valentines Day Jobs That Help Make the Day Special6 Valentines Day Jobs That Help Make the Day SpecialWithout these hard workers, Valentines wouldnt be the same.Each February, our shopping centers are flooded with pink and red as people try to imagine new ways to show their affection for one aleidher knowing how to make Valentines Day special can be difficult. Unfortunately for some with Valentines Day jobs, the big day means a long day of work, not romance.Its not as bad as you might think. Many of those people who are working on Valentines Day have an opportunity to make someone elses holiday extra special. Just like a CPA prepares for tax season, these professionals know that the season of love is their time to shine. Here are six Valentines Day jobs and how those who do them help make the day amazing for other people.1. blumenhndlerLove is the answer, and you know that for sure Love is a flower, youve got to let it grow. Joh n LennonThis one seems like the most obvious of Valentines Day jobs, right? But that doesnt mean its simple. A great florist doesnt just run a sale on a dozen red roses they will help you think outside of the box and perhaps suggest a different flower that will dazzle your significant other. A great florist knows their stuff.For example, did you know that nearly every flower has a symbolic meaning? Some of them overlap, so there are several flowers that indicate love besides roses. Chrysanthemums and carnations also signify love. Gardenias represent a secret love. Things not going as you hoped? The daffodil is there for you to express your unrequited love.Dont take your local florist for granted. They know their flowers and the ideal arrangement doesnt happen by accident. Its a trained skill. With a great florists help, you can find the flower that says exactly what you want it to say and then build a gift idea around it.While youre at it, make sure to say thank you. They work like crazy this time of year2. Massage therapistI love a krpermassage. Id go every day if I could. I dont need to be wrapped in herbs like a salmon fillet, but I do love a massage. Jason BatemanWho doesnt love a great massage? The feeling of someone digging deep into the muscle tissue and releasing all of the pent-up tension and chronic aches can be heavenly.Its no coincidence that professional massage sessions are a popular Valentines Day gift. Want to dial up the romance? Get a couples massage where you can both enjoy the same experience at the same time.Like a great florist is more than a flower picker, a great massage therapist is more than just a person who rubs your calves. The massage therapists can read your body and your body language to adjust the level of pressure and find your trouble spots.Sound like one of the easy Valentines Day jobs? When was the brde time you gave your significant other a good shoulder rub? How long did you last? Five, ten minutes? Try doing that for a n hour and then when that person leaves, start on your next one. Then repeat it for days on end during the season of romance.Not sure what to do or if you should tip? Read up ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Thats why youre there.3. Hotel conciergeReal knowledge is to know the extent of ones ignorance. ConfuciusAre you thinking of a trip out of town with a stay at a luxurious pension? Go for it its one of the best ways to make Valentines Day special Hotels love holiday visitors and Valentines Day is no exception. One hotel employee in particular is perfectly suited to help you make the most of your little getaway.If you are in a new town, chances are you dont know where to find the best cheesecake or scenic views. Luckily for you, most hotels have just the person to help you out. Your hotel concierge specializes in knowing the area. They know where to find the best food, drinks, dancing, and quiet spots. Need a ride? They can call a cab or recommend a servi ce.You dont have to go crazy trying to research and reserve everything for your trip. The hotel concierge is like having Google right there in the lobby. Take advantage of their skills and watch your evening unfold spectacularly. Just make sure you know what you want to ask before you talk with them.RelatedAdministrative Professionals Day 8 Ways to Show Your Appreciation4. Greeting card writerSo many ways to say, I love you, never enough to say how much. Cameron RandIt can be amazingly difficult to put your emotions into words. Thats where greeting cards come in. Have you ever picked up a greeting card, read it, and thought Wow That says exactly what I want to say or That is so usHow do they do that? Heres the greeting card writers dirty little secret Your situation is probably not unique others have felt that way before. The writers job is to discover these thoughts, feelings, and experiences and then find fun and meaningful ways to put them on a card.Sound easy? Its not. For ever y card that gets printed, there are hundreds of failed ideas. Drawing on common human experiences, like a new love, and then creating a card that is unique and meaningful is very difficult.Thats why you dont just buy a blank card and write it yourself. These guys are good and theyre happy that their Valentines Day jobs are to help you make your card perfect.5. WaiterA person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. Dave BarryRestaurants make a killing on Valentines Day. Does that mean working there is an easy Valentines Day job? Absolutely not. A great waiter not only makes great tips, they can make your night.Have you ever left a restaurant and felt overwhelmingly happy with the experience? Chances are that the food was only a part of the equation. A great waiter is fun and friendly, maybe even a little bit playful. They know their menu and wine lists inside and out. They know when to embellish and when to be honest. (Dont tell us that the salmon is exquis ite when its really average)When it comes to having the perfect romantic meal, pay attention to your waiter. Theyre there to help your evening go well. And if youre on a date with a relatively new romantic interest, be aware that youre being watched. How you treat waitstaff says a lot about you as a person.6. ChocolatierChocolate, I am sure, is the concrete manifestation of love. Geneen RothWhat would Valentines Day be without chocolate? As you pick out your favorite selections this year, take time to thank a chocolatier. Theyve slaved over their creations to help make your holiday special. Thats right, their job is to make chocolate all day, every day. Quite the gig, right?When it comes to the day of love, they have to step up their game. People purchase 58 million pounds of chocolate over the week of Valentines Day in the U.S. alone.To make Valentines Day a memorable event that will wow your significant other, be sure to plan ahead, make reservations, and make use of those who kn ow best. The people who hold down these six Valentines Day jobs are experts in making romance happen. Thank them and tip wellDoes your resume need some love? Submit it for a free resume critique todayRecommended ReadingInside TopResume Why I Love My JobLove Your Job Even mora With These Career Development TipsShould You Fall Back in Love With Your Job?

Is Your Resume Missing an Executive Summary

Is Your Resume Missing an Executive Summary Is Your Resume Missing an Executive Summary Objective vs. SummaryTrends in resume writing change over time. Objectives used to be the must-have accessory for your resume, but their popularity has gone the way of pet rocks and slap bracelets. Old-fashioned objectives focus on you- your needs and wants for your new job. Competition for jobs is fierce in this economy, so instead of focusing on how the company can benefit your career, demonstrate how hiring you will help the company. Lets take a look at an example objective statementDetail-oriented, results-driven accounting professional seeks a position to utilize my organizational and communication skills.The objective above is vague, full of clichd statements- everyone thinks that theyre detail-oriented and results-driven- and, aside from the roger accounting, it could be written on anyones resume for any industry. Compare it to the following summaryAccounting executive in search of the ne xt challenge after four years of progressively responsible leadership at a busy college campus. Lowered campus expenses by 50 percent above mandated goal in FY 2012. Scored highest rating in company-wide internal audit of 29 campuses for the same year. Dynamic, civic-minded, and proficient in both Works and Lawson systems. If you were a hiring manager, which applicant would you rather interview?The Qualities of a Good Executive SummaryYour statement should be two- to four-short sentences. The goal is to summarize your experience, education, competencies, achievements, and personal attributes in as few words as possible. Sound challenging? Dont worry its notlage as difficult as it seems.First, jot down a list of your most impressive accomplishments (winning a pie-eating contest does not count, unless the job youre applying for involves competitive eating). Be as specific and measurable as possible if you increased production efficiency, state the percentage of improvement. If youre p roficient in any relevant software, list those programs as well, but dont bother with email or Microsoft Word. At this point, all employers expect a baseline level of computer skills. Finally, write down a few of your best qualities as an employee. If youre uncomfortable tooting your own horn, it may help to imagine that youre introducing a valued colleague to an acquaintance.Next, highlight keywords in the vacancy notice. If theyre looking for an executive chef, dont call yourself a lead cook. Often, your resume will need to pass an automatic computer scan, and including keywords that correspond with the original job posting can help you land on the hiring managers desk. Work the keywords into your statement as organically as possible. For more help with resume keywords, check out this article from The Wall Street Journal.Writing the SummaryWhile the summary should be grammatically correct, there is a distinctive style to these statements. You should avoid referring to yourself in the third person or using the pronoun I instead, structure the sentences with an implied subject. The reader will know that youre talking about yourself.Heres a Mad Libs-style templateAdjective, adjective job title with experience. Accomplishment. Accomplishment. Quality, quality, quality.If you were a cocktailparty clown looking for work, this is what your summary might look like after filling in the templateGentle, friendly clown with more than twenty years of experience as a childrens entertainer. Winner of the National Balloon Animal Award in 2007 and 2009. Performed for the Governor of Louisianas children and their guests in 2012. Dependable, hilarious, and a proven hit at parties. While your summary might be organized differently, the important thing is to make sure that it tells the reader, as succinctly as possible, who you are and what you do.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.