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. If you would like to submit any events, information or would like to be featured in our section, please contact Rachel Lachover at (248) 351-5156 or rlachover@thejewishnews.com . JOIN US ON FACEBOOK; search our group name and fan page "SE MICHIGAN JEWISH ALLIANCE"