Focus groups of 21 recent nurse practitioner graduates revealed that, as they begin practice, they experience loss of time and privacy, changed relationships, isolation, and role ambiguity. Although they felt adequately prepared, they felt anxiety, inadequacy, and uncertainty. Mentoring and other ways to assist transition were recommended. (SK)

Survey responses from 245 of 500 financial officers and 347 of 500 finance educators showed both groups perceived the same finance topics important for entry-level positions, although educators thought them more important. Nonfinance topics such as communication, interpersonal, and computer skills were also important. (SK)

A study of 16 nurses' descriptions of their experiences, thoughts, and feelings that arose from interactions with nurse colleagues during their first year of nursing practice indicated a lack of consistency in the way they were assisted. Suggestions for better transition included mentoring, nonjudgmental guidance, and adequate time for…

Interviews with 28 women in secretarial studies and 29 men in machining took place throughout their studies and after 1 year of work. Only 60% of machinists found work in relevant occupations. Both groups' views on work preferences changed after 1 year. Although their negative expectations of the workplace were confirmed, their desire for…

Early career medical technologists (n=392) were surveyed in 1994 and 1997. They participated in both scholarly and administrative types of professional development; both types increased over time. Distinct types of professional development opportunities were recommended. (Contains 32 references.) (SK)

The hospitality program taught at Delaware (Ohio)Joint Vocational School is comprised totally of special needs students who learn job tasks while they learn about the hospitality industry. Students have a 77 percent employment rate in hospitality jobs after graduation. (JOW)

Fortune 500 executives (n=71) rated the importance of entry-level accounting skills now, 5 years earlier, and 5 years into the future. They suggested that the importance of accounting knowledge will decrease and the importance of computer, communication, and group skills will increase. (SK)

Responses from 214 of 950 British employers of management accountants were analyzed with a weighted importance indicator. Communication and time management skills were most important. Employers thought that entry workers had good information technology skills but oral and written communication was "just acceptable." Also needing…

Constant changes in society and the public health domain force public health professionals into new roles and the development of new competencies. Public health professionals will need to be trained to respond to this challenge. The aim of this comparative study among Poland, the UK and the Netherlands is to identify competence needs for Master of…

After noting that on-the-job training (OJT) constitutes perhaps ninety to ninety-five percent of the real training most hourly employees get, the author points out the importance of using trainers skilled at OJT, offers rules for successful OJT, and provides suggestions, directed at the chief executive officer, as to how OJT can be improved. (SH)

Examines the impact of direction and occupation on the importance of communication skills for entry-level positions in finance, management, engineering, and law. Results substantiate a three-dimensional model (based on direction, occupation, and position) for the examination and application of communication skill importance in organization. (JD)

Since 1982, the federal government has relied on a decentralized, noncompetitive hiring method and on specialized examinations for entry-level professional hiring. Most agencies are satisfied, and minority hiring has increased. Both methods reflect a focus on selection based on specific job skills rather than on long-term career potential. (JOW)

Word processing instructors and supervisors and correspondence secretaries were surveyed concerning their perceptions of correspondence secretarial competencies, training loci, job qualifications, and company training programs. Findings indicate that entry-level skills are most often learned in company training programs and advanced skills are…

This study explores how sex is related to core-periphery placement and mobility from labor force entry to almost midcareer. The results support the existing literature that suggests women enter the labor force in peripheral industries. Limitations and issues pertaining to future studies using both individualistic and structural approaches are…