You can hear the term professional around quite a bit these days, perhaps too much. But what exactly does it mean to be a professional?
First of all, you should understand and satisfy your customer's needs. After all, without the customer, there is no professional.
The very word professional implies that you are an expert. Professionals always know their trade and perform to the best of their abilities. It’s also very important to keep your knowledge up to date.
Professionals aren't bound by a time clock. The reality is that professionals are expected to exceed the standard 40-hour workweek. There are times when you may be asked to work weekends. You may have to work 12-hour days to complete an important project. Professionals are expected to produce results.
Do what you say and say what you can do. This is one of my favourite sayings. You should "engage brain" before speaking — can you really do what you are speaking about. Whether verbal or written, professionals communicate clearly, thoroughly, and accurately. Effective communication is ultimately your responsibility — not your customer's.
Appreciate and support those you work with. Practice good manners and proper etiquette. Be honest and fair in all your dealings with others. Obey the law. These may sound like the attributes of a Boy Scout, but they are basic values that all professionals should follow. Many companies have a document that outlines their operating principles. Professionals stick to high values and principles.
Respect and acknowledge the talents of your peers. There is nothing more unprofessional and self-serving than telling others how wonderful you are. Professionals are humble and generous in their praise of others.
Professionals help their peers and are respected for doing so. It is possible to share what you know and still keep one step ahead of the competition — simply apply yourself and learn something new daily.
Professionals always find a way to thank others for their help in a meaningful way.
Keep a smile on your face and the right attitude in your heart.
It is in fact thoughtful to care about how your attitude affects those you interact with. Share your unhappiness with your manager only. "Share the misery" is not the mark of a professional. Professionals are pleasant even during trying times.
In conclusion, I want to say that working with professionals is a pleasure, and I am fortunate to know some true ones. You don't have to look any further than our teachers to see examples of true professionals.
Is work essential to have a happy life? Why or why not?
I think it certainly is. As we spend approximately a third of our lives at work our work provides us an excellent chance to meet other people and communicate with them. Work helps people to become somebody during their life and feel happy. Career advancement, good training, great colleagues and job security contribute to getting satisfaction from their job. It’s very important to get a job that you love and work your way up to earning a lot. We can’t deny the act that the salary we get allows us to afford some fine things in life. If you can go to work and laugh, have fun and find joy in the work you do, then you have basic career happiness right there. If you’re emotionally suffering at your job every day, then no amount of money in the world will ever make you content.
What questions will you ask a person who is satisfied with his/her professional life?
Where do you work?
What are your working responsibilities?
Do mind working extra time?
Do you get on well with your colleagues?
I wonder if you would like your children to follow in your steps.
Give me some advice on what I need to think about while choosing a job?
When choosing a future career, we should consider different factors. First of all, it's good when you get satisfaction from your job. It is very important to choose a profession that suits your interests. In my opinion, a job should be interesting and socially important. Some jobs are considered to be more suitable for men and others for women. For example, the professions of a secretary or a nurse are more suitable for women. A lifeguard or a pilot are more likely the jobs for men. You should also decide whether you want to work indoors or outdoors. To make the right choice, you should take into account your traits of character. It goes without saying that to become a good doctor you must be patient, caring and kind. Teacher's work requires love for children, excellent knowledge of subjects, and the ability to explain. I also want to say that the profession should be chosen according to the character and hobbies of the person. That's why parents mustn't make their children choose the profession they like. Children must do it themselves. Because they must love what they do, believe that people need them and their job will bring them more pleasure.
Benefits Specialists are in charge of handling all the paperwork in order for employees to receive compensation as well as other benefits the company offers.
Benefits Specialists work in the Human Resources department of a company handling all the paperwork for all other employees.
They work within the compliance of federal and state laws ensuring legal protocol is being met.
A Benefits Specialist can work in either a small or large company.
This position plays an important role in the Human Resources department.
They are the go to person when an employee sees some missing hours on their paycheck or has a question regarding benefits.
Someone who wants to become a Benefits Specialist can use their interpersonal, organizational and attention to detail skills in order to perform their role in this position.
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Education Requirements to Become a Benefits Specialist
A person can become a Benefits Specialist by obtaining a four-year college degree.
Candidates should focus in business or business administration as their course of study.
In addition, candidates should seek certification in order to be more competitive in the field.
Furthermore, professionals with experience in Human Resources will help strengthen a candidate’s background.
Employers look for a business background, although an interdisciplinary study that includes a minor in human resources administration is an alternative route in order to become a Benefits Specialist.
Students interested in becoming a Benefits Specialist should look at individual programs to determine whether the school offers a discipline in human resources administration.
Certification gives a candidate the necessary qualifications in order to work in the field as a Benefits Specialist.
The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist program offers four specializations and will prepare candidates to start applying for jobs.
Visit: CEBS for more information regarding certification and specializations.
The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist program offers specializations in the following:
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist – Focuses on complete employee compensation
- Group Benefits Associate (GBA) – Provides specialization in health care and other group benefits
- Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) – Focuses on providing specialization in all retirement plans
- Compensation Management Specialist (CMS) – Concentrates on compensation and human resources
Benefits Specialist Job Description
Benefits Specialists are required to coordinate all facets of employee benefits as well as benefit and employee personal information.
They use their familiarity with employment laws, healthcare coverage and other benefits such as retirement in order to help colleagues apply for them or answer any questions.
The main purpose of their job is to provide all employees with the highest coverage possible according to employee contract negotiations or specifications.
Some essential functions a Benefits Specialist performs can include the following responsibilities:
- Manage employee benefit programs according to contract information
- Explain enrollment information to employees such as: benefit options, benefit eligibility, payment information and open enrollment
- Assist in verifying eligibility, pass on information to employees and process claims
- Create a variety of information regarding benefits such as pamphlets, forms, brochures and procedures
- Distribute a variety of documentation including: retirement forms, benefit packages, bulletins, proof of insurance, forms for new enrollment or changes
- Processes information received from enrolling employees
- Investigates discrepancies involving employee, company, payroll, benefit providers and government agencies in order to provide maximum benefits
- Ensure the accuracy of records and employee information
Benefits Specialists make sure every employee is aware of and knowledgeable of the benefits they are qualified to receive through their company.
Benefits Specialists are aware of laws, procedures and know detailed information regarding the benefits their company can offer.
They handle a lot of information and are responsible for communicating any coverage changes with other employees.
Benefits Specialist Salary and Career Path
The national average salary for Benefits Specialist is approximately $59,000 per year.
The salary range for these professionals is $33,000 to about $61,000 depending on experience, education and location.
Experienced Benefits Specialists should expect more job opportunities compared to other professions.
The fast growth is attributed to changes in healthcare coverage and employment laws that require the expertise from skilled Benefits Specialists.
The job market will need Benefits Specialists who are knowledgeable with compensation and with benefits expertise.