SOUTHEASTERN
JEWISH
-
(MICHIGAN BUSINESS
ay Bassin, 36, Detroit
Jay Bassin is director of security and regional
property manager at Berger Realty Group Inc.
in Southfield.
Jay Bassin graduated from Lawrence Technological
University in Southfield.
Jay began working as a locksmith when he was
14 under a mentor who taught him everything he
knows. He then ran his uncle's office supply
company, started a security consulting company and
was eventually recruited by one of his clients at the
time as their facilities and security manager.
Jay was then recruited by his current company,
Berger Realty Group, to manage a building they
owned. He was promoted to a regional property
manager and given the responsibility of overseeing
security operations of their entire property portfolio.
Jay has been with Berger Realty Group for more
than six years and loves where he is.
One of Jay's properties is the Park Shelton in
Midtown Detroit. He not only manages the Park
Shelton, but lives there as well. About a year ago, he
decided to move from the suburbs to the city, and it
couldn't have been a better choice for him. Jay says,
"Midtown Detroit is far from a dying area; on the
contrary, it is a vibrant and alive area. We are a com-
munity in Midtown, and one that wants to make a
positive impact on the city of Detroit."
Jay volunteers as a BBYO youth adviser. He has
been volunteering for 12 years now and is still going
FREE FRIDAYS NETWORKING
QWIK TIP-TELECLASS
Meet networking strategist Mindy Selinger. Call in
every Friday morning at 11:30 a.m. for an informal
chat about networking. There will be a topic of the day,
but callers are encouraged to bring questions of their
own. There's no registration, just call in! Check the
website each week for upcoming topics:
http://mindyselinger.com/free-stuff/free-friday-calls/
Dial-in: (712) 432-1630, access code: 420322#.
QUICKBOOKS TRAINING
Saturday, May 29, 9 a.m.-Noon
U-M Fairlane Town Center, Dearborn
Get organized and learn how to manage QuickBooks!
QuickBooks streamlines keeping track of customers and
vendors so you are can look them up easily in one place.
Cost: $40/per person, or $60 if two people register
together. For more information, go online
http://quickbookstraining2010.eventbrite.com
strong. Jay is the adviser for Hank Greenberg AZA
and loves that he is helping to shape so many teen-
age lives. His BBYO kids over the years have gone
on to be awesome leaders. Just knowing that he had
something to do with their pursuit of success is a
great feeling of accomplishment.
Jay is also on the board of directors for the Isaac
Agree Downtown Synagogue. Jay also volunteers
as a member of the security committee for the
University Cultural Center Association in Midtown
Detroit.
MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR
VENDORS
Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Embassy Suites Detroit, Southfield
Discover how to get the greatest value from your "vendor
experience." Cost: $35 through May 22, $45 afterwards.
For more information, www.eloquets.com .
DETROIT CAREER FAIR
Monday, June 7, 1) a.m.-2 p.m.
Holiday Inn Southgate, Southgae,
Meet face-to-face with top employers at the DetroitHires
Job Fair! Attendance is FREE for job seekers! Register at
www.DetroitHires.com and you will receive the company
list and online job fair guide. Free resume reviews will be
available at the event from two local career experts. For
more information, contact Peggy Hillman, (702) 614-9537.
Tamo•IPIWIPOR.4•••••••Imr,
When I Grow Up I Want To Be. • •
How to make career path decisions
Long gone are the simple days where the only
choice is to go to school, get your degree and
pursue one's field of expertise, rising the corpo-
rate ladder of success and, of course, increasing
the paychecks along the way.
Long gone are the simple days where you only
have one dream and only one career.
It seems to be a recent trend that young
professionals are making several career transi-
tions before they even hit their 30s. This young
generation, for better or for worse, is affected by
a multitude of influences in the office environ-
ment. We change jobs at the drop of a hat for
many reasons: we get bored, don't get along
with the boss, the raise we want didn't come,
the work environment wasn't quite right, or we
try to follow popular trends.
Especially now in our economy, we are forced
to think more critically and creatively when mak-
ing a career move. Recent college graduates
might be questioning what do with their newly
framed bachelor's degree. And a qualified CPA
with five years experience might be brushing up
his resume because he just lost his job.
We are forced to think "out-of-the-box," try-
ing to turn a French major from a day school
teacher to an online language programmer or
merging the skills of an account executive who
got laid off to an event planner.
Below are a few thoughts to consider while
determining if changing careers is the right
decision for you:
• Explore Career Fields. There are many more
careers today than most people are aware
of; take time to do the research or speak to
a career counselor. Shadow different fields
before committing to a program. Speak to
employers in the field to get firsthand recom-
mendations.
• Know Your Finances. Have a solid under-
standing of your financial standings. Taking
risks for a new business adventure is only
wise if you aren't taking away from the foun-
dation of your savings. Make sure you can
still pay your bills for the next year without
relying on any new income.
• Learn Universal Knowledge and Skills. Basics
such as good writing, public speaking, critical
thinking and computer skills are imperative to
any field. Make sure to have a diverse, strong
and up-to-date background in these areas to
ensure an easy career transition.
• Turn Hobbies into Careers. Take what you
already enjoy doing and try to incorporate
those interests into a career that you can be
happy with right now. If you didn't have to
work or worry about money, how would you
spend your free time? Enjoy cooking? Start a
small catering business. Sports? Why not get
the neighborhood kids together and coach
a little league team. Start small — you can
always increase your business as you grow.
RELOCATE TO MICHIGAN
• Shana Olson, 32
• Current City: Philadelphia, PA
(moving to Ann Arbor August 2010)
• Degree: University of Michigan, BA
psychology; University of
Pennsylvania, MSW
• Desired Field of Employment: social
work, counseling, child/adolescent
behavioral health
• Skills: group/individual counseling,
assessment, treatment planning,
crisis intervention, management of
behavioral health programs for
children and adolescents. Experience
in school and residential settings.
• Contact information:
shana.a.olson@gmail.com
The Southeastern Michigan Jewish Alliance" , is not prescreen-
ing, recommending or endorsing any persons. This tool should be
used as a method of networking and sharing opportunities.
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