Customize this Job Resume

Customize this Job ResumeCustomize this Job ResumeCreate this Resume Tomas Zaragoza1754 Woodridge LaneMemphis, TN 38115(222)-445-7252t.zaragozasampleresume.netObjective To join a world-class organization and pursue a career as Computer Engineer and contribute to the growth of the company by sharing my expertise in databases, OS, platforms, computer languages, software and hardware and networking. Summary of QualificationsHighly skilled in networking, information retrieval and securityExcellent technical writing skillsOutstanding computer assembly skillsAttained a highly developed critical thinking skillsDistinguished computer database skillsWorking knowledge on chips, analog sensors, circuit boards and operating systemsLanguagesJavaJ2EEJ2SE,JSPJDBCJava SecurityMs Office ToolsMSEXCELPower pointMS AccessDatabase ExperienceTransact-SQLData Transfer Service (DTS)Oracle SQL NavigatorPL/SQLOracle 8i, or 9i, 10gMySQL DatabaseWeb TechnologiesASPJavaScriptXML and HTMLSoftware SkillsMacola ER Pe-SynergyKnowledgeSyncNational InstrumentsLanguage SkillsCOBOLCOBOL IIVisual JavaDatabase SkillsMS SQL Server 2000/2005InformixdBase DB2OS and Utilitiesz/OSMVS/XAVM/CMSDOS/VSENetworks and ServersMS Windows Server 2000 and 2003Novell NetWareNTResponsibilitiesData World, Richton, MSChief, Computer Engineer, 2005 PresentTroubleshot software malfunctions and all related operating systems in the field of computers.Ensured proper availability of systems and monitored the functions of the equipments.Created communication systems and improved the systems in all areas.Recorded the progress of the designed studies and test programs.Ensured system stability by performing regular maintenance and formatting.Conducted research about softwares and executed network modeling.Placed in effect new user interfaces and carried out database systems.Planned programming tools and knowledge-based systems.Tested both hardware and software efficiency for better results.Ensured that specifications are met in physical component verification using test data.EducationM.S. in Computer Engineering, 2009Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PAB.S. in Computer Science, 2005Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PATraining and CertificationCertificate in Visual Studio 6.0 and IIS Development EnvironmentCertified in Hazardous Materials Incident Response OperationsAmerican Association of Certified EngineersCustomize ResumeMore Popular Sample ResumesProject Manager ResumeResume TemplateSkills Resume

Military Medical Standards - Nose, Sinuses, Larynx

Military Medical Standards - Nose, Sinuses, LarynxMilitary Medical Standards - Nose, Sinuses, LarynxThe nose, sinuses, and larynx are intricately connected and even partially linked with the Eustachian tubes which lead into the ear.Many medical professionals specialize in the Ear, Nose, and Throat region of the body. However, for the purposes of this article the disqualifying medical conditions are listed below are focused on the nose, its sinus passages, and the larynx, or voice box of the throat region. The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction (without an approved waiver) are an authenticated history of Rhinitis / Sinusitis Rhinitis There are two types of rhinitis allergic and non-allergic. Having a bout with allergies is very common, so do not fear that you cannot serve because you have rhinitis in your record. However, when attending Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) or Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) a recruit or candidate has a current allergic or non-allergic rhinitis and it is not easily controlled by oral topical medication, it is disqualifying. The exact way the military regulierung reads as follows (The International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes are listed in parentheses following each standard) (1) Current allergic rhinitis (477.0), due to pollen (477.8) or due to other allergen or cause unspecified (477.9), if not controlled by oral medication or topical corticosteroid medication, is disqualifying. History of allergic rhinitis immunotherapy within the previous year is disqualifying. (2) Current chronic non-allergic rhinitis (472.0), if not controlled by oral medication or topical corticosteroid medication, is disqualifying. Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection (rhinosinusitis) is a common condition in which the sinus cavities become inflamed and swollen for at least 12 weeks and medical treatment is not working.A sinus infection interferes with sinus drainag e and causes mucus buildup within the nose and sinus cavities. Symptoms will be difficulty breathing in and out of your nose and face pain above, below, and between the eyes (sinus cavities locations). The exact way the military regulation reads as follows Current chronic sinusitis (473), or current acute sinusitis (461.9), is disqualifying. Such conditions exist when evidenced by chronic purulent nasal discharge, hyperplastic changes of the nasal tissue, symptoms requiring frequent medical attention, or x-ray findings. Vocal Cord / Larynx Disqualifications The Larynx is the hollow muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords in menschenfreundlichs and other mammals it is also known as the voice box. It is quite the complex organ in the body as it is responsible for human language and vocalization which enabled us to advance as a species.The larynx is made up of six pieces of cartilage and 17 muscles that are also connected to nerves that enable speech and other vocal utterances. When the larynx is damaged or congenitally defective it can be difficult for someone to speak, speak loudly, or even protect the trachea and prevent food / liquid from entering the lungs. The disqualifying factors of the larynx are the following Current chronic conditions of larynx including vocal cord paralysis (478.3), chronic hoarseness, chronic laryngitis, larynx ulceration, polyps, granulation tissue, or other symptomatic disease of larynx, vocal cord dysfunction not elsewhere classified (478.7) are disqualifying. Loss of Smell Anosmia is the inability to perceive odor or the complete loss of the sense of smell. Anosmia may be temporary, but some forms that stem from an illness or accident, can be permanent. Current anosmia or parosmia (781.1) is disqualifying. Parasmia is similar to anosmia, but it often means the patient confuses the smell of something with something else. For instance, a rose may smell like sewer water to a person wit h parosmia.Both of these ailments are disqualifying within military medicine. Bloody Nose and Polyps If a candidate or recruit has reoccurring instances of bloody noses not brought on by immediate trauma, this is called a history of recurrent epistaxis (784.7). If you get a bloody nose more than once per week of bright red blood from the nose occurring over a 3-month period, is disqualifying. Also, if a candidate has a history of nasal polyps it can be disqualifying.The exact regulation on nasal polyps reads as followsCurrent nasal polyps (471) or history of nasal polyps, unless greater than 12 months has elapsed since nasal polypectomy, is disqualifying. Septum Issues A hole in the septum of the nose if not treated and is current (478.1) is disqualifying. A perforated septum is not always symptomatic. However, a hole in the septum can cause nosebleeds, and breathing issues. Chewing, Swallowing, Speech, Breathing Impact Obviously, any issue that causes disruption or diff iculty with chewing, swallowing, speech, or breathing with respect to the nose and throat will be challenging to pass military medicine upon entry. Current or history of tracheostomy (V44.0) or tracheal fistula (530.84) is disqualifying. Current or history of deformities, or conditions or anomalies (750.9) of the upper alimentary tract, of the mouth, tongue, palate throat, pharynx, larynx, and nose that interfere with chewing, swallowing, speech, or breathing are disqualifying. Current chronic pharyngitis (462) and chronic nasopharyngitis (472.2), are disqualifying. Derived from Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 6130.3, Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, and Induction, and DOD Instruction 6130.4, Criteria and Procedure Requirements for Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces.

Irish Wisdom for Job Seekers

Irish Wisdom for Job SeekersIrish Wisdom for Job SeekersIrish Wisdom for Job SeekersSt. Patricks Day got me thinking of all the old Irish sayings Ive heard over the years. For some reason, this one has always resonated with me Dont break your shin on a stool that is leid in your way.It makes me think of all the ways we can sabotage our own job search efforts, puttingup imaginary barriers and allowing a lack of confidence to hold us back. Most of these self-limiting thoughts boil down to two big worriesfear of inadequacy and/or fear of discrimination.Im not good enough Most people start out inexperienced, with limited skills. Most people are not computer whizzes. Most people dont have college degrees. Most people dont know all the rules of resume writing, interviewing, or negotiating salary. Most people have gaps in their resumes. Most people are unsure of themselves. And yetmost people who want to work have jobs. And most people, when they leave or lose their jobs, find another one often better than the lastI might face discrimination.Yes, you might. There are jerks out there. If you meet one, walk away and try again dont give them the power to stop you. People of both genders, and all ages, races, religions, sizes, sexual orientations, and abilities have good jobs. Employers want to hire enthusiastic human beings with the ability and desire to learn and to contribute to the success of their businesses. You can do that.In closing, Ill leave you with a couple more reminders from the Oul Sod Nobody ever said twould be easy, and Youll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind. So stop worrying about tripping over a stool and take a solid step toward your career goals today. As the ancient Irishman Lao Tzu said, A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Your Secret Weapon for Career Success

Your Secret Weapon for Career SuccessYour Secret Weapon for Career SuccessThe business world is tough- especially if you want to rise through the ranks and put yourself on an executive path. If youre ambitious and want to build a great career, its going to take hard work and lots of it.The good news is that all that hard work should pay off over time. The better news? Theres something else you can do to make your career path easier to navigate, mora successful, and even more enjoyable. That something is building your own career advisory board, and its a strategy I recommend to everyone, no matter what stage youre at in your career.A career advisory board is a group of people in your industry- both seasoned professionals and contacts just a few years ahead of you- who agree to act as beraters to you as you grow in your profession. It generally starts as something small and casual, with you reaching out as you need help dealing with an issue at work or a career decision. However, as yo u build your career, it has the potenzial to become something much larger and more formal (think the Presidents Cabinet).RelatedYour Boss, or Your Mentor? Why You Should Know the DifferenceThe benefit of having a board versus just one or two mentors is that you can draw from a diversified set of experiences and expertise. Say, for example, youre deciding whether to gun for a promotion at your current company or take a management job with a competitor. What better way to navigate such a complicated decision than to have multiple perspectives on the best way to move forward?Despite the obvious benefits, Im amazed by how few people actually take the time to build an advisory board for themselves. If youre sold on the concept, here are a few steps to get you started.1. Mine Your ContactsIf youve already been in the workforce for a few years, chances are you already have some current or potential mentors that could fit the bill for your advisory board. You want your board to be somewhat diversified in terms of expertise and industry knowledge, so start by identifying candidates from your own network- old bosses, former colleagues, friends who are in a similar field- then figure out where the gaps are. This should help you narrow your focus when you go to identify new board members.2.Network in a Targeted WayBuilding the rest of your advisory board starts with building a broader network, which most people do in a happenstance way. They attend a cocktail party, collect a few business cards, and perhaps even connect on LinkedIn. And while they may amass a large quantity of new contacts, if the qualitys not there, it can translate to a lot of wasted time and effort.Instead, try building your network with the end result in mind. Start by identifying people in your industry and function who you think could be potential mentors, then work backward to figure out how to meet them. An easy way to make inroads is to find a common interest contact. For example, if your target works at ABC Corp, try to find another person at ABC Corp who has something in common with you- perhaps you went to the saatkorn business school, served in the same branch of the military, or even play soccer in the same weekend league. Find that person (or multiple people) and reach out, explaining what you have in common and asking if they want to connect in order to expand both of your professional networks. Eventually, as that relationship grows, you can ask for an intro to your original target.Related 4 Ways to Make a Real Connection When Networking3.Make the AskOnce youve connected with your potential mentors, youll want to officially ask them to be a part of your advisory board.Exactly how you approach this will completely depend on the relationship you have with that person. For example, you might be explicit Im building out my own personal advisory network, and Id like to know if I can stay in touch with you a little more often. Or you might keep it casual As I build my car eer, would it be okay if I bounced ideas off of you from time to time?Related Be My Mentor? Craft the Perfect Email to Someone You AdmireIf the mentor says yes, be ready to set expectations for future communications. The cadence and format, again, will depend on the mentor and his or her availability and preferences. For some board members, you may be able to set up a monthly coffee date or a quarterly Skype call. For others, you may just want to reach out from time to time when you have big issues or decisions on the horizon.4.Set Realistic GoalsThis process may sound straightforward enough, but if youre extremely busy or introverted, it may seem nearly impossible to execute. But give yourself a break, because career advisory boards are not built overnight. Start by setting reasonable goals- say, meeting two people in your industry within the next three months- and go from there.Even these small wins can bear fruit. First, youll continue to build your broader network, which is alwa ys a good thing. Eventually, youll land one mentor, and one is better than none. And over time, one mentor can turn into three, then perhaps even five or 10. But you have to start somewhere and give it continual effort.Once your board starts to take shape, you can start to reap the rewards of having this strategy in place. Keep in touch with your board members on a regular basis, start documenting professional challenges you want to run by them, and keep track of how things go when you use their advice- theyll appreciate hearing that their guidance has helped you. And above all, say thank you often and in many ways.Yes, the business world is tough, but you dont have to face it alone. Building a career advisory board isnt an easy or fast process, but its worth the time and effort. And in the end, all the connections youve made along the way will give you the edge you need to rise to the top.Photo of people talking courtesy of Shutterstock.

Barack Obama Resume Reviews & Tips

Barack Obama Resume Reviews & Tips If Obama can overcome the feeling of helplessness, he will certainly reap much political credit. The Democrats could shed this one. Obamas conversion to a different faith, in summary, makes him a murtadd. I think Democratic primary voters will earn a judgment relating to this. For now, however, such critics seem to be in the minority. Hopefully one of those minds will cause discovery. Learn how to tune out the negativity and focus on what youre attempting to achieve. That we are in the middle of crisis is currently well understood. Top Barack Obama Resume Choices The inadequate performance at the current Provincial Council elections welches only a symptom of poor organization. Our leadership position was degraded as an outcome. Lesson Summary Being the President of the USA is no little job. In that case, then youll require a Security Guard Resume in addition to a Federal Resume. What Barack Obama Resume Is - and What it Is Not E conomy has ever thrived under previous UNP governments and there is not any doubt it will keep doing so beneath a future UNP government. Rather than focusing on ways to incorporate your son or daughter in your family culture, youre encouraged to constantly emphasize the kids birth culture. Theres this huge beef between 50 Cent and Ja Ruleand between real men and women, tooso hes got to be concerned about that. Beat poverty by creating an increasing number of employment opportunities. Eisenhowers number is pretty lofty also. Shes married to the 44th and present President of the usa, Barack Obama, and is the very first African-American First Lady of the USA. If you wish to learn more about one of Americas best presidents, The Audacity Of Hope is where to begin. An individual cant turn into a leader until and unless hes a remarkable communicator. This motherfucker knows the way to earn a joint that resembles a cross. Employers truly do look for this because it gives them impo rtant information that they need for deciding on the individual thats going to be the very best for that specific job position. They will focus their attention on the persons professional qualifications and then have an opportunity to review their work history and any educational achievements that they might list, or any training that they have received over the years. Knowing that youre deciding whether the job is appropriate for you while the employer is deciding whether youre appropriate for them is a wonderful equalizer. Finding that job may mean that you can pay your accounts, complete a move to a brand-new city (or country), or get from a lousy job situation. When youre a phony its difficult to continue to keep facts straight. Naturally, the resume objective must be the job you wish to take. Allow me to repeat in a nutshell and like I understand. Understanding Barack Obama Resume Naturally, in your resume youd concentrate on the situations youve accomplished but dont be scared to split the ones which you havent. There isnt any way its possible to expect folks to make the required changes in your life. Too many individuals are scared to even attempt to do anything new. The French individuals know a great thing when they see it. That will guarantee that youre writing a resume that will always supply the ideal data in the suitable format for a certain job position. Even your 6-step procedure is impressive. You will also need to hope that its set up using the right format. Examples of resumes are among the absolute most productive methods to make sure that youre writing one which is good and thats correct for the specific job youre applying for. While the statistics related to our economy are abysmal enough, theres an accepted understanding they dont accurately reflect the real amount of desperation on Main Street. Sometimes it felt the same as a lecture, warning the Burmese of many problems they still have to overcome, despite all of the prog ress of the final calendar year. Before you decide on the one to use, make sure you look in any way of the example options so that you can guarantee that the perfect one is decided on with confidence. There are new issues that are not the same as the ones we faced at the moment. Understanding Barack Obama Resume Whether its the fit, the style, or a specific colour that makes us look better, select clothes which make you feel and appear good, in addition to professional. One of the greatest means by which you can ensure you compose an impressive resume is to use resume examples. Overhauled the charge card business, which makes it much more consumer-friendly. There are quite a lot of places where you are able to acquire good resume examples. While technically found in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago, the start of the adjacent Hyde Park neighborhood is across the street and where it is possible to hit all the neighborhood spots. Providentially, the light of day may additi onally help to scuttle the offer. Perfect for roommates who dont require privacy, trustworthy heat or steady hot H20. Secondly, anyone seeking to co-name a nyc street has to experience the neighborhood community board. A result is likely by Saturday. A positive thought is that weve got the chance to make choices for that which we do and purchase. Its sad that being a sensible person in the current Washington often doesnt do the job. Almost always the answer is going to be no.

Things My Mother Taught Me

Things My Mother Taught Me Every day is Mothers day at PowerToFly - but to celebrate, this year we decided to share the lessons our own mothers taught us, and how theyve helped us become the people we are todayThank you to all the wonderful mothers out there - we appreciate youhttp//bit.ly/30fMaOn One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When welches the last time you actually spotted a wom an on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and pro blem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned a n average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

5 Seemingly Minor Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Job

5 Seemingly Minor Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Job5 Seemingly Minor Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Job We all make mistakes on the job, whether its botching a presentation or showing up late more often than not. But while certain blunders are clearly bad news, what you may not realize is that minor on-the-job errors can hurt your career just as well. Here are just a few seemingly trivial mistakes that can come back to bite you.Lifting office supplies is something fruchtwein of us are familiar with, and its something most companies have come to expect to a certain degree. The problem, however, is when you take the concept too far. Rest assured that if you happen to bring home the occasional pen or notepad, your manager probably wont bat an eyelid. But if you make a habit of sneaking supplies for your personal use, someone in charge is bound to take notice. And if that happens, your job could end up on the line.Most of us complain about work at some point in tim e or another. And theres nothing wrong with airing your grievances when you sit down with your friends and confidantes. But be careful about bashing your company on a public forum, because if word gets back, you could easily find yourself out of a job. Youll need to be particularly careful if you know you have coworkers following you on social media.Now this isnt to say you cant ever seek sympathy for a long day or tough project. But keep your commentary employer-neutral. Its OK to say something along the lines of, Its 900 p.m. and Im still at the office. But stay away from posts like, Stupid boss made me work late again. This company bites.Its nice to be social during the workday. Not only can it help reisepass the time, but it can also help strengthen your relationship with your colleagues . That said, there is such a thing as being too social, so if you come to find that youre spending more than 30 minutes a day outside of your lunch break shooting the breeze with your coworker s, its time to start cutting back on that chitchat. You dont want to get a reputation as that person who distracts others and is too busy talking to get things done.Weve all been known to make a personal phone call on our office landline, or use the copier on occasion. And theres certainly no reason to rethink that activity if its indeed infrequent. But if you abuse the privilege of using office resources for your own needs, it could come back to haunt you. So resist the urge to print out 100 copies of your sons soccer teams flyer without asking. Youre better off spending a little money at your local print shop than risking your job.Whether its a department-wide happy hour or your company holiday party , youre likely to encounter a work situation where alcohol is being served and youre tempted to enjoy it. But while theres nothing wrong with having a few drinks, dont let things reach the point where youre obviously intoxicated. Not only will this make you look irresponsible, but wi th your inhibitions dangerously lowered, you could end up saying something out loud that you come to regret. Youre better off taking it nice and slow, and indulging in moderation.You never know when a series of small mistakes might end up derailing your career. Avoid these blunders, and youre more likely to remain an employee in good standing.This article was originally published on The Motley Fool . It is reprinted with permission.

Editors Note Pickle Suit to Executive Suite

Editors Note Pickle Suit to Executive SuiteEditors Note Pickle Suit to Executive SuiteThoughts and notes on making the transition from military life to civilian workDont underestimate the power of military experience for executive roles.While they may appreciate the tafelgeschirr of those in uniform, some hiring managers dont recognize the qualifications veterans can bring to their organizations.To prepare this exclusive coverage for Ladders, former naval officer and freelance journalist Sean Gallagher talked to a variety of sources on both sides of the desk and learned about opportunities and impediments that face folks on the move from a military career to a civilian one.Some paths, such as positions with the Department of Defense, are smooth for veterans. (You just take off the pickle suit and put on a regular suit, and youre ready to work at the Pentagon, Col. Dick Crampton, director of placement services for the Military Officers Association of America, told Sean.)Others require more ingenuity retooling resumes translating military jargon into corporate parlance and, frequently, disabusing hiring managers of the idea that military training limits flexibility in the private sector.As Jim Deimer, a member of Ladders whos now a human-resources manager for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said, preparation is the key So you dont feel like, I won a Silver Star, and I cant get a job? Somethings wrong with that picture.

What we can learn about happiness from Iceland

What we can learn about happiness from IcelandWhat we can learn about happiness from IcelandThe World Happiness Report comes out every year, providing some data about how well-being varies from country to country and how it shifts within a countryfrom one year to the next. But what makes some countries happier than otherbeis?Dra Gumundsdttir is one of many researchers around the world studying happiness and well-being at the bevlkerung level. By analyzing large data sets, she has helped to uncover the epidemiology of well-being- how different groups within a country are faring in response to changing social and economic forces, such as inequality, recessions, and education policies.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraBy understanding these effects, she helps a countrys politicians and policymakers make better decisions to support the well-being of their citizens. To date, she has wo rked with the government in her home country of Iceland, where she is the director of determinants of health and wellbeing at the Directorate of Health.I recently interviewed Gumundsdttir about her research and what we can do to build more flourishing societies.Jill Suttie What made you interested in studying social or environmental factors influencing happiness?Dra GumundsdttirWhen I started studying the causes of happiness, I became very interested in the causes of the causes of happiness- meaning, the environmental factors that keep people from feeling connected, safe, and autonomous, all of which contribute to happiness. Even though many individual choices affect happiness, how easy or difficult it is to make those choices often depend on social or environmental factors, like government welfare programs or gender equality, for example.JS According to the World Happiness Report, happiness has been decreasing around the world (as a whole) and there is more happiness inequality wit hin countries. Why do you think thats the case?DGThere might be many reasons for a decline in happiness. One of them might be higher expectations. In many countries, people are faring better each year- living longer, healthier lives. So, maybe people have a stronger sense that they have the right to feel good.It may also be that many people are more open about their mental health- so, they are more willing to say when they are unhappy. Or it might be that younger generations have less tolerance for adversity and pain (both physical and mental) than previous generations.In terms of inequality, there has always been more happiness inequalitywithincountries thanbetweencountries. We also see that there is more happiness inequality within municipalities than between municipalities in the same country. It would be helpful to look at those who score high in happiness and those who score low, and then monitor changes in both, to see how policies impact these groups differently. But our curr ent measure of happiness gives us only a very limited view of the situation. We need broader measures of mental well-being to better understand differences.JS This year, Iceland was ranked as the fourth-happiest country in the world. What is it about Iceland that makes the people there so happy?DGAccording to studies around the world, it seems that the most important contributor to happiness is ones social relationships. In a small country like Iceland, it is quite easy to be in good contact with your family and friends. The majority of the population lives within an hours drive from the Reykjavik capital area.Another important factor related to happiness is health, and the health status in Iceland is quite good compared to other countries. We have the lowest infant mortality rate in the world and one of the highest life expectancies the majority of citizens have access to good-quality health care.Iceland is also a very peaceful nation- for example, we have never had an army. There is a high level of trust in the society, too. Children can go places freely and play outside without supervision. Icelanders also have quite a bit of control over their lives. They have access to quality education, whatever the educational background of their parents. And Iceland is the country with the narrowest gender gap in the world, where it is now illegal to pay women less than men for the same job.All of this makes it easy and acceptable to try out different things, so people do not feel that they are stuck in a particular path they have not chosen. Their level of safety and autonomy probably has a big impact on their happiness.JS How much- and in what ways- is happiness affected by economic forces, according to your research?DGIncomeonly predicts1 percent of the happiness in Iceland when other factors are taken into account. That means making a higher income is not going to lead to more happiness, necessarily- its a fairly low predictor of happiness compared to social relati ons.At the same time, the biggest predictor for unhappiness is having financial difficulty. Those who find it difficult to make ends meet have the lowest happiness score of all groups, lower than those without a job and those with the lowest income. This means that those with the lowest income are not necessarily the same group as those with financial difficulties. There are people with high incomes who have financial difficulties, and that is worse for your happiness than having a lower income with no financial difficulties.JS Youve been looking at research around how economic disasters affect well-being in a country. What are your most surprising findings?DGWhen westudiedthe effects of the banking system collapse in Iceland, we found that happiness among adolescents went up after the collapse, even though the happiness levels of adults went down. Thats because after the collapse, adults were working fewer hours, which meant parents had more time to spend with their adolescents. As it became easier for adolescents to get emotional support from their parents, their happiness increased, even though working less may have resulted in a lower GDP Gross Domestic Product for the country.JS Do you think that having greater levels of happiness in the population acts as a kind of buffer against strong economic downturns?DGYes. When a person faces a challenge, it is likely that the level of well-being before the challenge would play a role in the impact of the challenge. A person who has low well-being and has few resources to handle adversity might be more vulnerable than a person high in well-being with more resources.In our study, we saw that adolescents who had strong relationships with their parents were not harmed by the economic crisis, while those who had weak relations with their parents had a decrease in their happiness. So, good relations with parents are not only good for your happiness but can also act as a buffer (protecting factor) for your well-being in times of crisis.JS How have governments responded to your research and used it to create policy?DGIn 2007, public health authorities in Iceland decided to include public mental well-being measures in a national survey on Health and Wellbeing. That decision had an impact on both health policies and policies for the whole society. Well-being measures were then used as an indicator in the development of theHealth 2020 policyfor Iceland, as well as in the broader governmental policy for the economy and community, namedIceland 2020and led by the prime minister.Public health indicators, including indicators of happiness and well-being, are published every year for seven health districts, providing profiles for each district. These profiles reflect the strengths and challenges in each district, which enables health authorities, municipalities, and other stakeholders to prioritize, plan, act, and evaluate according to the best available knowledge. For example, this information has been used to distribute financial resources for mental health services around the country. Additionally, municipalities (who score below the country average in happiness) have used the results to develop an action plan to increase happiness among their citizens.JS What still needs to be done to increase resilience in your country, in your opinion?DGIn order to increase resilience, it is important to teach skills in schools- like, coping, self-efficacy, social and emotional learning, and mindfulness. Fortunately, we got funding fromEU Horizon 2020for developing a training program on mental resilience in schools in five European regions.The project is calledUPRIGHT, and its general objective is to promote mental well-being and prevent mentaldisorders by enhancing resilience capacities in youths. It was designed by psychologists,pedagogists, methodologists, and technology experts from around Europe, and will focus on increasing resilience in adolescents (12-14years of age), their families, and schools validating the effectiveness of the program and providing scientific evidence on specific resilience factors that contribute topromote positive mental well-being.JS What do you think other countries can learn from your research?DGCountries need measures beyond GDP to help them with policy planning. Its very important to measure happiness and well-being on a national and local level and offer the results to the public, because what you measure gets attention When you present well-being results to the public, it opens peoples eyes about differences in well-being and creates a desire to understand why the situation is like this and what can be done to improve it. Its only when citizens ask for change that politicians listen and act.This article originally appeared on Greater Good, the online magazine of The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.