Word on RealStreet!

 

Construction projects are well underway and the job market is heating up! Companies everywhere are seeking skilled talent to ensure their projects get completed on time and under budget - while still leaving time for employees to take vacations. If y ou have been considering a career change, w e can help connect you to some of the hottest opportunities the construction industry has to offer this summer!  Best wishes from everyone at RealStreet!   

Sincerely,
  
Katy Cook, CSP
Marketing Coordinator
 

What's Happening at RealStreet?
Paige Gemmill Promoted to Role of Recruiter!
RealStreet  is thrilled to announce the promotion of Paige Gemmill! She joined the company nearly a year ago as a Recruiting Coordinator for the Aberdeen office. During this time she saw success in her position, was honored as the 2017 Recruiting Coordinator of the Year, and has now been promoted to the role of Recruiter. 
According to RealStreet's Aberdeen Branch Manager, Jennifer Pipino, "Paige is developing into an extremely talented recruiting professional. She is knowledgeable, a strong team player and has always shown initiative in the performance of her duties, often going above and beyond what is expected of her. She demonstrates all of the qualities necessary for success in the employment industry. This promotion to Recruiter is a well-deserved progression in her career development."

View the full announcement on RealStreet's website.

RealStreet President, Judy McGovern, 
Elected  Girl Scouts of Central Maryland Board  Chair
Girl Scouts of Central Maryland recently named RealStreet President, Judy McGovern, as their new Board Chair for the Board of Directors! Judy was elected to the position on May 16, 2018 at the annual council meeting by the council's voting members. As Chair, Judy will govern the board, which provides oversight for the organization's finances, handles community relations and is responsible for the community's policy, planning, review and evaluation.   

When accepting the role, Judy shared her appreciation, stating that "serving my Girl Scout community has been a joy and a privilege that I am grateful for every single day" and that she "is deeply honored to have the opportunity." Judy has been involved in Girl Scouting for nearly 25 years. She began as a Brownie, continued through Cadettes, and earned her First Class (now Gold) Award. She has since shared Girl Scouts with her daughter, serving as Troop Leader, Troop Coordinator, Family Share Coordinator, Delegate Chair and National Delegate. Judy has proudly has been honored with Girl Scout's Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Leader awards, and for the past nine years she has served as a Board Member, with the last three years on the Executive Board.  

View the full release on 
About the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
Girl Scouts is the best leadership development organization for girls. In a girl-only, girl-led environment, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland provides leadership and character building programs and activities for more than 20,000 girls in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties.  With the help and support of 8,000+ dedicated and committed adult volunteers, girls develop the courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place.  Visit  gscm.org  to find out more about the organization and how you can support the next generation of women leaders. 


CELEBRATIONS!


RealStreet wishes you a very 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
  • Francis C. -  06/07
  • Alex A. - 06/10
  • Niresh K. - 06/10
  • Laura T.  - 06/11
  • Adam L. - 06/16
  • Cheryl B. - 06/17
  • James B. - 06/18
  • Dean C. - 06/28
Congratulations Paige on your recent promotion to Recruiter! 

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Interesting Industry Information
How Does the Job Market Look?
For another look at the information, check out the BLS' interactive graphs.
The U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a "M onthly Jobs Report"  soon after the beginning of each month. Each report describes the previous month's employment situation, based on data such as the number of jobs that were added to the economy and the unemployment rate. 

According to t he  April Jobs Report,  t he US economy saw an increase of 164,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate dropped to 3.9%. While there are always differing opinions and there are a wide variety of factors to consider, overall, the employment situation appears positive. 
  
A recent CareerBuilder publication pointed out how:
  • April marked the 91st straight month of job gains.
  • Unemployment is at a historic low (since 2000).
  • Wages are growing, but the rate remains unexpectedly slow.
The White House released a statement regarding the economic situation since the current President's election. Some of the highlights include:
  • America's economy has grown by 2.9% over the last four quarters, nearing the goal of 3%.
  • More than 3.1 million jobs have been created, including 363,000 new construction jobs.
  • The recent tax cuts and reforms are having a positive impact, as over 5 million employees are receiving bonuses, retirement account contributions, higher pay, and other new benefits.
Andrew Chamberlain, Glassdoor's chief economist, perceives the numbers in last month's report as positive indicators, and was quoted in a recent Glassdoor publication saying that the situation is "putting more workers in the driver's seat when it comes to negotiating for pay - we expect to see more upward pressure on wages throughout summer 2018 as a result."

Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC)  Industry 

The BLS showed an increase of 17,000 jobs within the construction industry.  A recent Architect Magazine   article, featuring the chart shown to the right, indicated that the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry as a whole sa w a decline.  For example (and illustrated in the images below and to the right):  
 
  • Architectural and engineering services declined by 5,200 jobs  
  • Nonresidential construction increased by 5,100 jobs
HOT JOBS!
How many job seekers do you know? Would they be a good fit for one of these positions? 

We are still actively searching for skilled architects, engineers and construction professionals to aid in the 2017 Hurricane Disaster recovery efforts. Interested in learning more about this rewarding opportunity? Apply today! 


To see all of our open positions, check out the  RealStreet Job Board !

RECENT PLACEMENTS
RealStreet has recently filled the following positions!
  • Project Coordinator
  • Civil Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Writer / Editors
IT & Cyber Security
Will Artificial Intelligence
Play a Role in Cyber Security?
Individuals, organizations and countries alike face an onslaught of cyber threats each day. Risks evolve, security measures are taken, attacks are thwarted and breaches are addressed. It's a never ending battle. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) / machine learning is predicted to become a large part of daily life. According to the report, The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Future Outlook and Emerging Risks, that was referenced in a recent Business Insurance article, AI "spans applications in almost every industry and has been predicted to increase corporate profitability in 16 industries across 12 economies by an average of 38% by 2035."

The report also mentions that as the technology develops and gets adopted into varying industries, for varying purposes, "such scenarios will require new ways of determining liabilities and mitigating risks of social security."

As stated in a recent eweek article, there are potential uses for AI / machine learning in cyber security. According to RSA CTO, Zulfikar Ramzan, "cyber-security is about making intelligent decisions based on what is good and what is bad, based on the data that you have in front of you." Common speculations are that AI will get used in self-driving cars, virtual reality and smart cites, however, some of the potential everyday uses include: 
  • SPAM filtering
  • Online fraud detection
  • Malware detection

Regardless of the intended use, the key to AI's effectiveness as a cyber-security tool will be a combination of good data and human intervention. People will still need to program the right algorithms, ask the right questions and understand results. 

Will AI be a saving grace? Will it be instrumental in the reduction of cyber threats and the mitigation of damages? Could it be a potential threat as well?
 
Featured News Post
Advance Your Career
Through Contract Assignments
Some professionals shy away from temporary roles. Often, this is over concerns the position is finite in nature, believing it could hurt their career over the long term. After all, regular job-hopping can negatively impact the way a recruiting or hiring manager views a candidate. Contract work - especially  in the government environment or within the  architecture, engineering and construction (AEC)  communities - is common, simply due to the nature of the work. In fact, temporary assignments  can help propel your career forward, giving you the means to reach your long-term goals. 

If you are interested in new job opportunities, read the full article for a few considerations about contract assignments.


Financial Advice From Your Future Self 
How to Max Out Your 401(k) in 2018 (Part 2)
Take advantage of the tax breaks and 401(k) match your retirement account provides.

Select Low Cost Funds
401(k) fees are deducted from your returns regardless of how your investments perform.  Your plan sponsor is required to send you a 401(k)-fee disclosure statement that lists how much each fund in your 401(k) plan costs to own.  Find out if your 401(k) plan provides a lower cost fund that meets your investment needs.  

Avoid Penalties
There are penalties if you take money out of your 401(k) account too soon or too late.  You will be charged a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty if you initiate a distribution before age 55.  There's also a 50 percent penalty if you fail to take a required minimum distribution, and pay the resulting income tax bill, after age 70 ½. 

Sign up for Direct Deposit
Contributions to your 401(k) plan are typically withheld from your paycheck before you ever get a chance to spend them. This is the fastest way to get money into your account and reduces the temptation to skip a deposit. 

Increase Your Withholding
As you get raises and bonuses, consider redirecting a part of your pay increase to your 401(k) plan.  Some 401(k) plans have an automatic escalation feature that will increase your savings rate over time without any further action. 

Don't Stick with the Default Savings Rate
Many employees are automatically enrolled in their workplace 401(k) plan.  When this happens, the default savings rate is typically 3 percent of pay. This low savings rate is not likely to produce a big enough nest egg to let you retire comfortably and might not allow you to get the entire 401(k) match. Take care to select a savings rate that will provide you with the retirement income you need. 

Consider a ROTH 401(k)
Traditional 401(k) plans allow you to defer paying income tax on your retirement savings, but some employers additionally provide an after-tax ROTH 401(k) option. You don't have to pay income tax on the investment gains in a ROTH 401(k) account, and withdrawals are typically tax free. A 401(k) match might be provided for ROTH 401(k) contributions, but it will be deposited in a traditional 401(k) so you will have pre and post-tax accounts to draw from in retirement.

The aforementioned content was sourced from U.S. News.
Seasonal Tips
Summer Job Search: 
Four Ways to Position Yourself to Get Hired
The summer season provides warmer weather, longer days and new project starts. With that, an influx in construction jobs! If you have been considering new opportunities, June is a fantastic time to commit to a change. Continue reading for four tips to best position yourself as a great hire this summer!



Safety: Four Tips to Beat the Heat
Working outdoors can be truly enjoyable, especially for those who dislike being cooped up inside an office all day. Even if you do not mind the heat, the human body is only programmed to handle so much. The sun can cause substantial damage to the body if not protected.

With the increased heat and sun exposure, it is important for individuals who work outdoors to be cognizant of the weather and their health and safety. Continue reading for four tips to take care of yourself while working outside during the hot summer season.


 
Top Ten Safe Driving Tips
We know you're busy. There's a lot going on these days! But is multitasking, skipping a step or taking your eyes off the road worth risking a life?  In recent years,  traffic fatalities  have accounted for over 30,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone!  Driving is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously. After all, the consequences  of a mistake could be dire. 

Use the following ten tips to help keep you, your passengers and fellow drivers remain safe while you're behind the wheel.

1. How are you feeling? 
Consider how you're feeling before you hit the road. Are you tired or ill? Have you had a few drinks? If you have any indication that your driving may be impaired, think twice and find another ride.

2. How is your car feeling?
Cars need TLC, too. When was the last time you changed the oil, rotated the tires or filled up with gas? Keeping your car in top form will reduce risks on the road.

3. Do not text and drive. 
When driving, resist the urge to respond to texts. If the temptation is too great, put your phone out of reach, turn it off, use your phone's safety features or download a safety app to disable the texting feature while behind the wheel.

4. Check the weather. 
It's best to stay off the roads if there is a threat of flooding, snow, ice or heavy
thunderstorms.

5. Don't forget to pack. 
Make sure to equip your car with a first aid kit, flashlight, blanket, map and a roadside safety kit, especially if you're planning a long trip.

6. Stay focused on driving. 
Distractions are everywhere. Is the radio too loud? Are your passengers rowdy? Are you trying to multitask? Avoid diverting your attention unnecessarily by taking care of tasks - such as eating a snack or applying makeup - before hitting the road.

7. Buckle your seat belt .  
It cannot  be said enough, seat belts save lives. In fact, seat belts save more than 13,000 lives each year!

8. Watch your speed.  
Obey the speed limits! They, along with the signs and signals that accompany them, are set for your safety.

9. Watch other drivers. 
Drive defensively. Avoid lingering in other drivers' blind spots, anticipate that doors of parked cars may be opened and be cautious in major intersections.

10. Keep your distance. 
Refrain from tailgating. A little distance goes a long way when it comes to response times. Plus, a few extra feet could drastically reduce damages in the event of an accident. If someone is tailgating you, let them pass.

 The aforementioned tips are courtesy of ATT.
 
Keep in Touch!
Feedback Wanted! 
We Value Referrals!
Would you mind taking a moment to  write a few sentences  about your experience working with RealStreet?
Thank you!
Who in your network is looking for a new opportunity? 

Check our  open positions to see if any are a match to the job seekers that you know. At RealStreet we value great candidates and when it comes down to it, we know you're the Real Deal! We have a great referral program that compensates you for every qualified referral you provide us.