This is a great time of year to look for a job. I was hired for all four of my corporate jobs in December for a January start.

I know that companies are hiring for Q1 - they have new budgets and projects. It is a slower time in the office and employees have more time to network. In addition, holiday parties are frequent and you can meet new people.

I would like to share 7 proven tips to getting your online presence ready, putting your best smile forward and getting that fabulous job for 2015:

1. BE MINDFUL - I have networked with over 78,333 people and I can quickly assess their intent. I have an assessment I call TUGS: I have found that people are usually in one of 4 areas: Takers, Users, Givers or Sharers. READ MORE AT LINKEDIN

Laura Gomez has a quarter-million Twitter followers and has worked for some of the most powerful companies in high tech.

She belongs to the 3% — the 3% of workers in the industry who are Hispanic.

The 35-year-old entrepreneur came to the USA at age 10 from Mexico and didn't gain legal status until her college years. Encouraged by her teachers, she looked headed for a career in computer science. She took a detour into economics and sociology, with an emphasis on race.

This background has given her a singular voice on how to transform a Silicon Valley workforce that's largely white, male and Asian. READ MORE AT USA TODAY

At a time when wages are down and job growth has been sluggish, one group is upbeat about its future in America: Latinos.

A survey of 1,000 Latinos found that respondents were optimistic about access to health care, economic opportunity and education, saying that those things had improved over the past five years. The surveyed included undocumented immigrants to Latinos who have been here four generations or more.

U.S.-born Latinos are aware of discriminations and inequities they face, and most were upbeat about social progress and money, according to the survey released last week from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in partnership with Univision and The Denver Post. READ MORE AT DESERET NEWS

At a Marian University retreat last year, college leaders mulled: Where are we going, and what is our future?

For the private religious university, the clear focus fell on a group that is both the fastest-growing student population and the fastest-growing Catholic population.

"The burgeoning Latino population has to be recognized and is very important to our future," said Dan Conway, Marian's senior vice president for mission, identity and planning.

One goal in attracting more students, Conway said, is creating a $50 million Latino scholarship fund to help students — including undocumented immigrants — pay for a private education. READ MORE AT INDY STAR

Academy and GRAMMY Award winning artist Jennifer Hudson helps unwrap store and launch holiday season

CHICAGO (Nov. 15, 2014) - Today, Verizon Wireless unveiled its newest Destination Store on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile (840 N. Michigan Ave.), with Jennifer Hudson attending as the store’s first customer. At 10,000 square feet of retail space, it is the company’s largest store. Verizon’s Destination Store spotlights technology through interactive “Lifestyle Zones” where shoppers can learn about and experience wireless technology in action. Each Zone depicts ways technology can be incorporated into busy lifestyles. These Zones include Amplify It, Customize It, Get Fit, Have Fun, Home and on the Go, and Anywhere Business.

“We are excited to make this new retail experience available to Chicago residents and visitors, ensuring customers can discover all that wireless technology can do to enhance their lifestyles,” said Chris Baron, Midwest Area President for Verizon Wireless. “This new store is truly a landmark destination and we are honored to have it serve as the perfect gateway to Chicago’s ultimate shopping experience.”

As part of the grand opening celebration Verizon made a $250,000 donation to WINGS Metro. The grant was made possible through the company’s HopeLine® program, which provides funds and support to domestic violence prevention and service programs throughout the country. “Domestic violence can be a silent epidemic and through our HopeLine program we are able to provide support to organizations helping those in need,” said Brian Pascoe, president, Verizon Wireless Illinois/Wisconsin Region. “As we open our doors to our new Destination Store, we found this to be a perfect opportunity to give something back to the Chicago community. And what better way to show our support of the city than by helping others in need.”

To further extend its support and involve holiday shoppers, Verizon also announced it will provide additional funding to WINGS through an in-store and social giving program. From November 15 –

December 1, Verizon will donate an additional $5 to WINGS for every new line activated at the Michigan Avenue Destination Store. Additionally, for every message of hope for victims of domestic violence posted on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #VoicesHavePower, Verizon will donate an additional $1 to WINGS. The program will culminate in a final donation to be provided on “Giving Tuesday,” December 2.

Technology is constantly evolving, and so is the retail experience. Each lifestyle zone is staffed by highly trained specialists who will demonstrate applications, gadgets and gear with a goal of enhancing each visitor’s wireless life. Customers can also take advantage of a station dedicated to learning more about technology through Wireless Workshops.

“We want customers to feel empowered to explore technology and try things they may not have known existed,” said Pascoe. “We are breaking new ground here in Chicago and putting the customer at the center of all we do. They will definitely experience a difference.”

Located at 840 N. Michigan Avenue, the store will offer extended hours for holiday shopping through December 23 (hours are listed at Verizon.com/magmile). Thereafter, standard operating hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network. As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 106.2 million retail customers, including 100.1million retail postpaid customers. Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ). 

For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at

http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

###

Media Contacts:

Andrea Meyer, Public Relations, Illinois/Wisconsin Region

Wireless: 312-771-2441

Email: andrea.meyer@verizonwireless.com

Twitter: @vzwandrea

Rebecca Eckhart, Core Creative

Wireless: 312-720-7666

Email: rebecca@corecreative.com

Twitter: @sunskits

The banking experience for Hispanic consumers has improved over the past year, according to the second annual TD Bank Checking Experience Index survey. In 2014, 84% of Hispanic consumers describe their day-to-day experience with their checking account as “excellent” or “very good,” up 4 percentage points since 2013.

Nearly all (95%) of Hispanic consumers surveyed said they currently have a checking account, but some still use alternative banking services. READ MORE AT THE FINANCIAL BRAND

If by "clubbing" you think I refer to a Friday evening trendsetter or Saturday midnight music lover, actually I was referring to that apple of the CPG manufacturers' eye, Hispanic shoppers. That is, the regular weekend Latino customers at Sam's Club, Costco Wholesale, BJ's Wholesale Club, and other shopper club stores across America.

Latino shoppers are quite the clubby influencers when it comes to the club channel — that, according to our latest shopper marketing research, i.e., the recent quantitative study to which I referred in my two preceding columns.

At the national level, our Hispanic shopper study revealed that Latinos ranked Walmart #1 and Target #2 when asked their top shopping destination over the past three months. But Costco and Sam's were #3 and #4, respectively. In fact, the incidence of Latino shoppers at Costco and Sam's was higher than for the general market shopper. So, although I knew that Hispanic shoppers like to "go clubbing," the new data made me want to dig deeper for the real reasons, which follow. READ MORE AT MEDIAPOST

Entertaining Dancer Brightens Up Sam's Club Warehouse

There are times over the course of an engineer’s career where it can feel like the rate of moving forward comes to a slow crawl or worse a stand still. This period of slow career growth can strike at any time whether the engineer is green and entry level or a seasoned senior professional. There are many different causes for a stagnating career ranging from being stuck on report duty, working at a company with limited upward mobility or even faltering motivation. When the doldrums arrive, there are ten things engineers can do to take stock and accelerate or jump start their career growth. READ MORE AT EDN NETWORK

A national poll conducted by Latino Decisions for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation revealed that, despite concerns of increasing discrimination and inequities for Latinos and their families in the United States, there is a prevailing sense of optimism about the future.

On Nov. 12, the Battle Creek-based W.K. Kellogg Foundation, in partnership with Univision Communications and The Denver post, released the findings of its national survey polling 1,000 Latino adults who reside in the United States to provide a perspective within the Latino community on issues such as socioeconomic opportunities and discrimination. READ MORE AT THE GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Margoth Reyes said she knew from an early age that she wanted to help people, especially those near where she grew up in the Heart of Chicago neighborhood. The Texas native, 31, said she struggled as a child but always wanted a better future than what she saw around her.

"I'm not out on the streets, I'm not a drug dealer or a gangbanger or anything," Reyes said. "I never wanted that. I've seen other people and I said, 'That's never going to be me.'"

Now a student at the National Latino Education Institute, Reyes said she is a positive influence to... READ MORE AT CHICAGO TRIBUNE

If you're looking for a new job, you've likely read up on how to land your next great position. But beware: Not all of tips are worth following. Here are four job search strategies that look good in print but can actually cost you that new opportunity.

1. Taking a scattergun approach to résumé submissions.
While "résumé bombing" may seem like a good strategy (you're sure to hit something if you apply to lots of openings, right?), it's actually a job search mistake. READ MORE AT BUSINESS INSIDER

San Jose State, a university that prides itself on its diversity, has added yet another racially charged incident to it’s ever growing list of offensive behavior occurring on campus.

Former Tower Foundation board member Wanda Ginner allegedly made remarks regarding Latinas ability to succeed during a February meeting in the presence of presidential cabinet member Rebecca Dukes, vice president for University Advancement.

“I donate to this university because these little Latinas don’t have the DNA to be successful,” Ginner allegedly said during the meeting. READ MORE AT SPARTAN DAILY

For over a decade, Hispanics have been the largest minority in the U.S. This group will represent the largest component of the workforce in California as early as next year. By 2050, Hispanics will represent over half of the nation’s workforce.

Obviously, this cohort is likely to be an important source of talent for major corporations over the years ahead. Not only will they represent a significant proportion of the incoming workforce, but my research shows that they are particularly likely to be drawn to larger, well-established firms with recognized brands. This preference is in sharp contrast to Gen Y’s as a whole; a recent Deloitte survey found that only 20% of Y’s overall want to be a leader in a large organization, while 70% of respondents want to launch their own organization. Because of this, developing an environment that is attractive to Hispanics should be an immediate priority for every major organization. READ MORE AT HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW

This time of year is particularly exciting for me as I get to work on my true passion: developing Hispanic digital strategies for our clients. As we wrap up 2015 planning, five key themes have emerged that I expect to come to life in the Hispanic online market next year.

1. Hispennials will be the “It” consumer.

Move over, Latina moms – Hispennials (that’s Hispanic + Millennials) are poised to emerge as the most sought-after market segment. Millennials, the largest generation by population size, are all the rage, and wise marketers know that 21% of Millennials are Hispanic. READ MORE AT MEDIAPOST

People want to buy products and services from businesses run by people they like, know and trust. This means that as a small business owner, your personal network becomes your net worth in business. You must work at building great word of mouth about your business -- to grow sales and encourage customers to come back for more. Growing your business with repeat customers will ensure it'll be around for the long haul. If you're not paying attention to building and maintaining your network, your sales will dry up, leaving you scrambling to find new customers. READ MORE AT HUFFINGTON POST

"No one gets a job around the holidays. It's a good time to take a break and relax until things ramp up in the new year." Are you hearing this advice, or convincing yourself it's true? If so, you could be missing out on an amazing career or job opportunity.

In fact, the holiday season can be the best time to look for a job. It is a big mistake to take a break now. Finish the year strong! Here are eight reasons to ramp up your job search at this time of year.

1. Organizations may suddenly realize they have money to spend before year-end.
Wouldn't it be nice to suddenly discover money you didn't know you had? That happens more often than you think at large companies. They realize at the 11th hour that they have enough in the budget to fill extra positions, but they need to get the people in seats before the end of the year, or the money will disappear. If you stop looking for a job or get lackadaisical about checking emails, you may lose an opportunity and never even know it.  READ MORE AT AOL JOBS

Read bios of Feature Guests for the Professionals in Healthcare Networking Forum, Wednesday November 19 at Vertigo Sky Lounge. 

PANELISTS

Susana Gonzalez, MHA, MSN, RN, CNML - Director, Women Services, MacNeal Hospital, President - Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association

Susana González is the Director of Women’s Services at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn Illinois. In this role she is responsible for developing and leading great quality care, nursing services, & promoting educational gains. She has extensive knowledge in program management, resource development, public policy, advocacy, and community health program development. She enjoys the challenges of creating a culture, which promotes professional growth and development via her leadership.

Susana volunteers on several board of directors; such as the March of dimes, Chicago Chapter, the Chicago bilingual Nurse Consortium, Mujeres Latinas en Acción, and is an active member of the Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association a National Association of Hispanics nurses chapter and she serves on the national scholarships & awards committee. In addition she is a member of the Illinois Organization of Nurse leaders and co-chairs policy & advocacy committee. In addition; she serves as the president of the Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association.

Susana is well prepared educationally with dual Master degrees of MSN and MHA. Susana has led a professional and personal commitment to serve and improve the quality of life for all she encounters. She is a life role model for education and community servant leadership. On a personal note: She lives by the philosophy that if there is something she can do for you now, then let it be so. For, we may not walk this path again.

Nancy Alonso, Chief Human Resource Officer, Medulla LLC / Chiro One Wellness Centers

Nancy Alonso is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer for Medulla LLC. She is responsible for providing leadership, strategy, and direction various areas within the Human Resources function including talent acquisition, employee compensation, rewards and recognition, employee relations, organization development, regulatory compliance and employee communications. She has more than 15 years of experience in the field of Human Resources. She has led several change management initiatives to increase employee skill levels and increase support of business initiatives.  Nancy earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial Relations and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Loyola University in Chicago, IL.  

Alicia Mandujano, MD - Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Dr Alicia Mandujano is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

She was born and raised in Little Village within Chicago. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where she graduated with honors with a bachelor in Human Development and Family Studies. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for medical school and was an active member of the Urban Health Program where she tutored and mentored underrepresented minority students within the field of medicine. She remained at UIC for her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology then moved to Cleveland for specialty training in MFM.

Dr Mandujano has presented and published many projects since her specialty training. Her areas of interest include the risk of fetal and neonatal death in late preterm and early term pregnancies, in large- and small-for-gestational age fetuses, and in women with advanced maternal age. She trains medical students and residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology and provides them with research mentorship.

Within her specialty, she focuses on pregnant women with HIV, diabetes, congenital heart defects, as well as pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies. Dr Mandujano has been trained to perform specialized procedures in pregnancy including fetal echocardiography, chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling.

Candace Ramos, Project Manager, Northwestern Medicine

Candace Ramos is a Project Manager at Northwestern Medicine (NM), managing a project focused on improving and expanding the organization’s online patient portal. The patient portal is a direct link to NM’s electronic medical record system and serves as a tool for patients to easily communicate with their physicians and care team and have immediate access to view and manage their personal health record securely online. The focus of the portal is to increase patient engagement in their health and create a more established connection to their providers. Additionally, allowing NM and it’s physicians to be compliant with the guidelines that CMS has established for meaningful use and patients’ online access to their health.

Prior to Northwestern Medicine, Candace was a project manager and team lead at a private company focused on HIPAA compliant electronic and mobile communication between hospital based providers and nurses. Candace completed her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health at Indiana University’s school of Health Physical Education and Recreation in Bloomington, IN. With an academic and professional background in healthcare focused on the patient as the end goal, Candace is a strong believer in leveraging technology to ultimately improve the ease of management of care for patients and similarly for patients to better manage and engage in their own care.

Time is running out to register for the Professionals in Healthcare Networking Forum. Don't miss out. Register today! 

www.2014-healthcare-networking.eventbrite.com

Once thought gone for good, the office holiday party appears to be staging a comeback. While these parties offer you the opportunity to socialize with your business associates in an informal setting -- make no mistake about it, they are business events! I've witnessed and heard many people commit career suicide due to their inappropriate behavior and conversation at these functions. Following are some tips I remind my clients of to insure they utilize these business holiday events as a career enhancer -- not a career de-stabilizer!

1. Office holiday events are really business events masquerading as parties! READ MORE AT HUFFINGTON POST

The minority consumer may be the unlikely hero of holiday 2014.

With the economy mostly back on its feet thank to an improving economy, job gains and lower gas prices, minority consumers — Hispanics, African Americans and Asian Americans — will boost their holiday purchases more than the general population this Christmas, and be a central driver of seasonal spending, according to an eye-opening 2014 Holiday Sales Forecast that the research specialist, Nielsen, shared exclusively with USA TODAY. READ MORE AT USA TODAY

Led by one of the world's most prominent Hispanic executives, Sprint Corp. needs staff who can speak English and Spanish.

Although mostly in sales or retail positions, the Overland Park-based carrier (NYSE: S) is looking for dozens of bilingual staff to fill jobs throughout the U.S. With a majority located in California, Texas and Florida, Sprint hopes to fill nearly 90 bilingual jobs, according to a search on the company's career site.

In conjunction with the hiring effort, Sprint also has been ramping up marketing to Hispanic consumers. READ MORE AT KANSAS CITY BUSINESS JOURNAL