career and education pathways workbook › 2014 › 09 › ... · 2014-12-18 · business detail...

CAREER AND EDUCATION PATHWAYS WORKBOOK

Name:__________ GLC2O

Mr. Barter

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Contents: 3….. Top 10 Career Path Myths 5….. Career Interests Warm-‐up 8….. Career Assessment Guide 15… Post-‐secondary Options 19… 16 Things You Can Do to Find the Right Career for You

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Top 10 Career Path Myths • Myth 1 -‐ There is one perfect job for me.

Fact: Anyone can find a variety of fulfilling careers. After an individual has become interested in a particular career field, numerous different paths can be pursued. If someone is interested in working in education, they then can narrow their focus to a particular specialty, such as school administrator, teacher, etc., and weigh the pro and cons of each job. Over time people's interests change. It's not uncommon for someone who graduated from college with a degree in economics later in life to find they've developed an interested in horticulture. The perfect job today, may not be the perfect job tomorrow.

• Myth 2 -‐ My major is going to lead to my career. Fact: Organizations that are hiring usually place more emphasis on previous work experience and job skills than specific majors. However, some companies, such as engineering firms, recruit and seek to hire individuals who have completed certain majors when it is essential for the performance of their job duties. Individuals in the workforce usually work in industries loosely related to the majors they studied in college. However, years after college, many professionals find themselves in careers and positions very unrelated to what they studied in college.

• Myth 3 -‐ I will have only one career in my lifetime. Fact: Most people undergo several career changes throughout the course of their working lives. This is not an uncommon occurrence. In fact, some people experience 5 career transitions during their lives. This can be attributed to economic changes or personal reasons. Since it is difficult to determine whether a career will be long term or not, you should find a career that interests you and assess it after working awhile.

• Myth 4 -‐ Liberal Arts, Humanities and Science majors are usually unemployable after college. Fact: Those who have completed science and liberal arts programs usually develop critical analysis, writing, and research skills. These skills can be applied a number of ways in different industries.

• Myth 5 -‐ Most students know their major and career goals when they enter college. Fact: This may be true for some, but most college students change their majors and career focuses many times during college. Most college students switch majors 3 to 5 times during college.

• Myth 6 -‐ If I wait long enough, luck will eventually bring me to the right career. Fact: It is beneficial to have a plan to reach your goals. Most people do not find the right career simply by luck.

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Those who thoroughly research careers that interest them and develop a plan to reach their career goals have a better chance than those who do not follow these steps to find the ideal career. Although everyone encounters circumstances they cannot control, those who plan and take steps to reach their goals are usually successful at reaching them and have better long-‐term outcomes.

• Myth 7 -‐ Most people have a solid understanding of careers and the world-‐of-‐work and if I don't, then I am the only one who is confused! Fact: Many people are not aware of all the responsibilities and duties associated with certain careers. Movies and television programs are usually the source of many of these misconceptions. For example, someone watching an exciting courtroom drama may get the impression that most lawyers spend all day in a courtroom. However, most lawyers spend very little time in courtrooms. When considering career options, gather accurate first-‐hand information before making decisions.

• Myth 8 -‐ Career assessment tests will tell me what career is right for me. Fact: Career assessments are useful in determining career interests, but these tests will not tell people which career is best for them. People answer a variety of questions during a career assessment to get a general idea of what type of career they should pursue. However, many factors cannot be accounted for on a career assessment. After completing an assessment, it is a good idea to critically analyze the results before pursuing a specific career path.

• Myth 9 -‐ I should choose an occupation based on my strongest skills. Fact: Your personal job skills should not be the only factor you consider while making career decisions. Other important factors that should be considered include interests, work environment, and earning potential. Choosing a career based solely on individual talents will not necessarily equate to career satisfaction.

• Myth 10 -‐ The best place for me to start looking for an occupation is where employers are doing lots of hiring right now. Fact: The economy and job market are always changing. New technology, retiring workers, and overseas job outsourcing are just a few of the factors driving this change. Increased or decreased demand for certain products and services can also lead to changes in the job market. This should serve as a caution for college students basing their choice in majors solely on job growth or decline since there could be many or few jobs available in certain industries after graduating. Job growth or decline should be one of many factors to evaluate when making a career decisions.

Think and Reflect:

• How has this article changed your thinking about careers?

• What is the best piece of advice you could share with a friend?

• What piece(s) of advice connect with you the most?

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Warm-‐up: What Would You Like to Do? 1. Imagine you had only 24 hours to live, what would you do with your time? Divide the clock into the time you would spend on each thing you would do with your last day: -‐How do your choices reflect what you really want in life?

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Keeping in the theme of limited time, what would you like to do with your life? Make a list of things you would like to accomplish in life (work, family, personal, otherwise) for each of your decades below: In My Teens I Want to… ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In My Twenties I Want to… ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In My Thirties I Want to… ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In My Forties I Want to… ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In My Fifties I Want to… ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In My Sixties I Want to… ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ At 70+ I Want to… __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Stop and Think… How does all this stuff relate to careers and your future? Thinking About What You Would Love to Do With Your Life… Most people find that they like and are good at certain things. What sort of likes and interests do you have? Plot your position on the graph below: How do your activities reflect what you like to do? What kinds of careers do you think you would like to do based on this simple diagram? On the following page, complete the career assessment guide and pay attention to your highest scoring categories. What career interests do you have? List the category and three possibilities below 1. a) b) c) 2.

a) b) c) 3.

a) b) c)

Scientific Creative

THINGS PEOPLE

IDEAS

DATA

Outdoor Practical

Office

Business

People contact

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For this test, check each item that applies to you, then total your checks for each section to get an idea of what groups of careers are right for you.

SOICC – NC’s Career Resource Network SELF-ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES 72

CAREER ASSESSMENT GUIDE

ARTISTIC – 01 INTERESTS What you enjoy

ABILITIES What you can do or will develop

People who choose artistic careers have an interest in creative expression of feelings or ideas. You can satisfy this interest in several of the creative or performing arts fields including literary, visual, performing, or crafts.

___ writing ___ photography ___ dance ___ music ___ drama ___ TOTAL

___ perform before an audience ___ express ideas in writing ___ compose music ___ photograph, ideograph ___ express ideas using computer software ___ TOTAL

PERSONALITY What describes you

WORK VALUES What is important to you

TOTAL CAREER CLUSTERS TO CONSIDER

___ creative ___ artistic ___ expressive ___ versatile ___ inventive ___ TOTAL

___ creativity ___ flexible hours ___ independence ___ public attention ___ recognition ___ TOTAL

Writers, Artists, Entertainers, Communications, Specialists, Athletes, Engineers, Surveyors and architects

SCIENTIFIC – 02 INTERESTS What you enjoy


People who have an interest in scientific careers enjoy discovering, collecting, and analyzing information. This includes research and development of new knowledge in mathematics, physical or life sciences, medicine and veterinary medicine.

___ collecting data ___ analyzing information ___ science projects and experiments ___ using a microscope ___ performing first aid or medical treatment ___ TOTAL

___ use logic to deal with many kinds of problems ___ use chemical formulas ___ follow technical instructions ___ use measurable data to make decisions ___ use laboratory equipment ___ TOTAL




___ inquisitive ___ logical ___ organized ___ reliable ___ structured ___ TOTAL

___ helping others ___ intellectual ___ stimulation ___ prestige ___ research work ___ recognition ___ TOTAL

Natural, Computer & Mathematical Scientists, Health Professionals & Technicians

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PLANTS & ANIMALS – 03 INTERESTS What you enjoy


People involved in plants and animals occupations have an interest in activities involving plants and animals, usually in an outdoor setting. This can be done by working in farming, forestry, fishing, or training and caring for animals. With management skills, one could own, operate, or manage farms or related businesses or services.

___ being outdoors ___ cultivating ___ harvesting ___ training animals ___ bathing/rooming pets ___ caring for animals ___ TOTAL

___ use tools & equipment ___ perform strenuous activities ___ understand & apply procedures ___ follow instructions exactly ___ perform duties requiring manual dexterity ___ TOTAL




___ patient ___ endure outdoor work ___ empathetic with animals ___ accurate ___ factual ___ TOTAL

___ adventure ___ independence ___ leadership ___ environmental work ___ seasonal work ___ TOTAL

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Agriculture, Fish & Forestry Workers

PROTECTIVE - 04 INTERESTS What you enjoy


People in protective occupations have an interest in using authority to protect people and property. You can satisfy this interest by working in law enforcement, fire fighting, and related fields. You may enjoy mental challenge, intrigue, and investigation of crimes or fires. Some examples include security guard, warden, park ranger, or custom officer.

___ helping people or leading a group activity ___ safeguarding/defending people’s property ___ working with the public’s needs ___ handling emergency situations ___ TOTAL

___ work under pressure ___ work with laws & regulations ___ think clearly and react quickly in emergencies ___ deal with various people ___ keep physically fit ___ TOTAL




___ responsive to others’ needs ___ inquisitive ___ helpful toward other people ___ a leader ___ understanding ___ TOTAL

___ adventure ___ authority ___ public contact ___ leadership ___ community service ___ TOTAL

______

Service Occupations


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MECHANICAL – 05 INTERESTS What you enjoy


People in mechanical occupations enjoy applying mechanical principals to practical situations using machines, hand tools, or techniques. You may enjoy working with ideas about things that would lead to choices in engineering and technical fields. Working directly with things would lead to occupations in crafts, trades, building or repairing objects. This category also includes interests in driving or operating vehicles, mining or construction.

___ building models ___ fixing broken items ___ using tools ___ designing, sketching, drafting ___ construction projects ___ TOTAL

___ perform detailed work with accuracy ___ use blueprints ___ measure, cut and work on materials ___ repair or adjust TVs, radios, or phones ___ solve math problems with ease ___ TOTAL




___ inquisitive about how things operate ___ creative ___ resourceful with materials or methods ___ prefer to work with your hands ___ mathematical ___ TOTAL

___ work with machines or equipment ___ work with numbers ___ creativity ___ variety of duties ___ work with hands ___ TOTAL

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Engineers, Surveyors, and Architects. Other Technologists and Technicians. Construction and Extractive Workers

INDUSTRIAL - 06 INTERESTS What you enjoy


People with an interest in industrial occupations enjoy repetitive, concrete, organized activities in a factory setting. This includes the mass production of goods, manual work, operating and taking care of machinery. This can also lead to positions in setting up machinery and equipment and supervising other workers.

___ assembling products or things ___ operating machinery ___ repetitive activities ___ working with your hands and with hand tools ___ TOTAL

___ use eyes & hands to do precise work ___ read and follow directions to assemble something ___ operate mechanical equipment ___ apply math skills to count, measure, or keep records ___ follow instructions precisely ___ TOTAL




___ prefer to work with machines rather than people ___ prefer limited public contact ___ prefer indoors ___ action oriented ___ steadfast and strong ___ TOTAL

___ physical work routine ___ work with hands ___ work with machines and equipment ___ active workplace ___ TOTAL

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Production Working Occupations Precision Production Occupations ___ TOTAL


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BUSINESS DETAIL – 07 INTERESTS What you enjoy


People in business detail occupations have an interest in organized, clearly defined activities requiring accuracy and attention to details, primarily in an office setting. The variety of interests and occupations include billing, computing or financial record keeping, telephone services, supervision of others, and operation of business machines such as computers and cash registers.

___ organizing papers and files ___ computing costs and other calculations ___ keeping records ___ typing letters, papers, and lists ___ answering telephones & greeting people ___ TOTAL

___ accurate with basic math ___ operate business machines ___ speak and write clearly and accurately ___ follow procedures ___ get along well with coworkers ___ TOTAL




___ accurate with numbers or files ___ logical ___ practical ___ organized ___ pay close attention to details ___ TOTAL

___ working with numbers ___ organized environment ___ routine methods & tasks ___ public contact ___ working with machines and equipment ___ TOTAL

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Executive and Administrative Managers. Clerical and Administrative Support Occupations.

SELLING - 08 INTERESTS What you enjoy


People with an interest in selling occupations enjoy bringing others to a point of view by personal persuasions, using sales and promotional techniques. Sales occupations include an interest in complex technical equipment to sell to stores, offices, and homes This category also includes occupations in legal work, negotiations and advertising.

___ meeting new people ___ shopping ___ advising people on new products, services or ideas ___ demonstrating teaching new skills to others ___ negotiating transactions and agreements ___ TOTAL

___ persuade others ___ demonstrate or exhibit products ___ talk easily with strangers ___ assist people in locating the best products or services ___ treat people respectfully even in difficult situations ___ TOTAL




___ outgoing ___ extroverted ___ friendly ___ congenial ___ sociable ___ TOTAL

___ competition ___ flexible hours ___ independence ___ persuading others ___ public contact ___ TOTAL

______

Marketing and Sales Occupations


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ACCOMMODATING – 09 INTERESTS What you enjoy


People in accommodating careers have interests in catering to the wishes and needs of others, usually on a one-on-one basis. Careers in this area include hospitality services such as working in hotels, restaurants, and airplanes. Also included are cosmetology, ticket taking, ushering, and customer service jobs.

___ caring for others ___ meeting and greeting people ___ trying new hair styles ___ working with the public ___ serving food ___ TOTAL

___ talking easily with strangers ___ using math to total costs and make change ___ use a variety of hand tools ___ give directions and information as needed ___ handle emergency situations ___ TOTAL




___ outgoing ___ sociable ___ responsive to needs of others ___ sympathetic ___ congenial & friendly ___ TOTAL

___ routine methods & tasks ___ working with you hands ___ creativity ___ public contact ___ physical work ___ TOTAL

______

Service Occupations

HUMANITARIAN - 10 INTERESTS What you enjoy


People in humanitarian careers have an interest in helping others with their mental, spiritual, social, physical or vocational concerns. Careers in their area include nursing, therapy, ministry, social services, and auxiliary health care such as aides, orderlies, and technicians.

___ caring for the sick ___ listening to a friend’s problems ___ teaching religious activities ___ community or volunteer services ___ TOTAL

___ gain trust & confidence of others ___ understand people’s feelings ___ define problems and offer solutions ___ work fast in an emergency ___ communicate with various types of people ___ TOTAL




____ sympathetic and caring ___ responsive to needs of others ___ helpful to people around you ___ cheerful ___ TOTAL

___ helping others ___ variety of duties ___ independence ___ influencing others ___ creativity ___ TOTAL

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Social Scientists, Social Workers, Religious Workers, Lawyers, Teachers, Librarians, and Counselors.


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LEADING-INFLUENCING– 11 INTERESTS What you enjoy


People in this group have an interest in leading and influencing others with their verbal or numerical abilities. Careers in this area include teaching, finance, law, social research, public relations, business administration, and management.

___ analyze and interpret information ___ present information to a group ___ write reports ___ teach or supervise others ___ lead activities ___ TOTAL

___ direct others’ activities ___ speak to groups or classes ___ communicate well, written or verbally ___ work fast in an emergency ___ communicate with various types of people ___ TOTAL




___ leader ___ assertive ___ self-confident ___ positive ___ assistive ___ TOTAL

___ authority ___ authority ___ competition ___ independence ___ leadership ___ persuading others ___ TOTAL

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Executive & Administra-tive Managers, Social Scientists, Social Workers, Religious Workers, Lawyers, Writers, Artists, Entertainers, Communication Specialists, Athletes, Teachers, Librarians & Counselors

PHYSICAL PERFORMING - 12 INTERESTS What you enjoy


Workers in this group compete in professional athletic or sporting events, coach players, and officiate at games. They also give individual and group instruction, and recruit players for professional collegiate teams or in a recreational settings.

___ participating in athletic events ___ teaching & instructing ___ physical fitness – observing ___ athletic games ___ coaching ___ TOTAL

___ make quick decisions and enforce them ___ master rules and play accordingly ___ proficiently play a sport ___ teach others your skills and abilities ___ organize individuals into a team ___ TOTAL




___ agile ___ athletic ___ quick thinking ___ organized ___ team oriented ___ TOTAL

___ authority ___ competition ___ recognition ___ prestige ___ travel ___ TOTAL

______

Writers, Artists, Communication Specialists and Athletes


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CAREER ASSESSMENT GUIDE ACTIVITY (Cont.) RELATED SCHOOL SUBJECTS Directions: Think about the school subjects you enjoy and do well in. They may lead to possible career choices for you. If you enjoy and do well in… Career Interest Area Occupations to Explore Further Art Artistic Commercial Artist, Designers, Reporters, Architects Auto Technology Mechanical Mechanics, Auto Body Repairers, Machinist Industrial Business Business Detail Tax Preparers, Typist, Secretaries, Receptionists Carpentry/Wood Technology Mechanical Carpenters, Brickmasons, Painters, Roofers Computer Science Scientific Systems Analysts, Technical Writers, Programmers Drafting/Engineering Mechanical

Industrial Engineers, Drafters, Surveyors, Engineering Technicians

Foreign Language Artistic Teachers, Musicians, Home Health Aides, Humanitarian Social Workers Leading-Influencing Health/Health Occupations Scientific Nurses, Physical Therapists, Dieticians Humanitarian Home Economics Accommodating Child Care Workers, Cooks. Orderlies, Selling Waiters Humanitarian Horticulture/Agriculture Plants and Animals Biological Technologists, Veterinarians Scientific Industrial Arts Artistic Photographers, Cabinet Makers Mechanical Language Arts/English Business Detail Writers, Editors, Public Relations Specialists, Selling Advertising Agents Humanitarian Leading-Influencing Mathematics Scientific Actuaries, Statisticians, Teachers, Financial Mechanical Managers Business Detail Leading-Influencing Marketing Selling Cashiers, Real Estate Agents, Retail Salespersons Music Artistic Composers, Dancers, Choreographers, Musicians Physical Education Physical Performing Athletes, Coaches, Officials Science Scientific Biological Scientists, Chemists, Physicians, Humanitarian Pharmacy Assistants Social Studies Protective Police Officers, Lawyers, Paralegals Leading-Influencing

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What Post-‐Secondary Path is Right for Me?

You’ve learned a lot about what kind of career you would like to do, but now that you know what you like, where do you go? What’s next? Finishing high school is of course what you will be doing for the next couple years, but what comes after that? This module is intended to help you answer the big question: “What are you going to do after school?”

You Have 6 Basic Choices: As discussed in class, you have 6 basic options after you graduate from high school, they are:

• University • College • Private training and instruction • Apprenticeship • Military service • Direct to workforce

Each has it’s pros and cons and based on the kind of career you are interested in, you will probably find yourself following one of these career paths.

Your Options: Let's look at your options with a little more detail: University:

• Entry Requirements ~75+ • 3-‐4 year undergraduate programs • 2 years masters degree • 4 years doctorate • Higher wage-‐earnings for comparable work • Lecture styled learning • Academically focused • Higher tuition fees than other options of postsecondary education

University might be right for you if you are interested in…

§ Administration § Management § Human

Resources § Arts

§ Artists § Performers § Curators

§ Communication § Writers § Journalists

§ Finance

§ Accountants § Economists

§ Education § Teachers § School

Administration § Engineering

§ Computer § Civil § Sound § Structural

§ Health

§ Dentists § Doctors § Psychiatrists

§ Law § Criminal § Civil § International

§ Sciences § Biologists § Chemists § Physicists

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College: • Entry Requirements ~60+ • 2-‐4 year diploma programs • Some schools/programs allow for entry into university with partial credit • Many career options • Lecture/hands-‐on styled learning • Practical/experientially focused • Moderate tuition fees –lower than university

College might be right for you if you are interested in…

§ Administration § Administrative

Assistants § Clerks § Management § Human

Resources § Arts

§ Artists § Fashion Design § Performers

§ Film and Music Producers

§ Communication § Writers § Journalists § Technicians

§ Health § Dental

Hygienists § Nurses § Social Workers

§ Service Industry § Chefs/Cooks § Hospitality § Travel/Tourism

§ Skilled Trades § Construction § Welders § Mechanical

Production and Repair

§ Surveyors Private Training:

• Entry Requirements vary • Programs vary in length • Programs can be flexible with training times and lengths • Career options are focused on technical skills and services • Hands-‐on styled learning • Practical/experientially focused • Moderate tuition fees –lower than university

Private Training might be right for you if you are interested in…

§ Careers requiring small scale and specialized training, such as piloting an aircraft, street performing or naturopathic wellness

Canadian Armed Forces:

• Entry Requirements based on physical and mental testing • Multiple training programs based on skill-‐sets –all vary in length • High academic scores can lead to university training paid by CAF • Career options are mostly focused on technical skills or combat/support roles • Hands-‐on styled learning • Practical/experientially focused • Requires commitment of at least 3-‐4 years.

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The Military might be right for you if you are interested in…

§ Combat and security forces

§ Infantry § Military Police § Sailors § Pilots

§ Mechanics § Small/Large

Vehicle

§ Aircraft § Naval Engineers

§ Technicians § Communications § Computer

§ Administrative Staff § Clerks § Finance

§ Medical Staff

§ Technicians § Doctors § Nurses

§ Intelligence Services § Surveillance § Analysts

Apprenticeship:

• Gain apprenticeship through application (like a job) • Apprenticeships vary in length, gaining hours of experience equivalent with industry standards • Being an apprentice is a fulltime job • Career options are focused on technical skills and services • Hands-‐on styled learning • Practical/experientially focused • You earn an income while working and learning

An Apprenticeship might be right for you if you are interested in…

§ Careers related to skilled trades § Construction

§ Commercial § Residential § Renovations

§ Manufacturing § Aircraft

§ Auto parts § Specialized

§ Carpentry § Welding § Cooking § Baking

Direct to Workforce:

• Start working for wages immediately • Wide open –it will be what you make it (good or bad) • Low success rate when starting a business. -‐Takes a long time to become profitable • Wages typically lower • Little training required, experience is a must

Going Directly into the Workforce might be right for you if you are interested in…

§ Hospitality Industry § Waiter § Host § Clerks

§ Retail Industry § Sales § Stock management

§ Lower Management § Fast/Chain Food Services

§ Clerk § Line Cook

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Thinking About Your Options: Choose and fill in the post-‐secondary options that best match your career interests (complete at least two). What would you like to do or study? Are there schools or careers you want to check out? Then dig a little deeper and get an understanding of what each path could do for you.

COLLEGE

I would like to study:

I would like to check out:

Dig Deeper: www.senecacollege.ca/programs www.georgebrown.ca/programs www.humber.ca/programs-‐courses

UNIVERSITY



Dig Deeper: www.universityaffairs.ca/Careers www.ontario.ca/education-‐and-‐training/ontario-‐univerniversities www.macleans.ca/education/uniandcollege/2013-‐university-‐rankings/

PRIVATE TRAINING



Dig Deeper: www.ontario.ca/education-and-training/private-career-colleges

APPRENTICESHIP

I would like to learn:


Dig Deeper: www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/postsec/openingdoors/starting

MILITARY SERVICE

I would like to:


Dig Deeper: www.forces.ca/en

DIRECT TO WORKFORCE

I would like to:


Dig Deeper: www.jobbank.gc.ca

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16 Things You Can Do to Find the Right Career for You:

I had a difficult time choosing a career path in college, and when people heard that I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a living, they would give me advice. Some would say, “What would you do if you didn’t have to worry about money? Turn that into your career.” Others would say, “Pursue a career where you can make the most money from the least amount of work.” While both of these statements have value, there is a more thorough way to choose a career based on your passions, values, and abilities. If you’re confused about which career path to follow, consider these 16 tips to help you find it. Take Action 1. Consider Your Hobbies Before you do anything consider what your hobbies are and write them down. Also think about why you enjoy these hobbies. If you like to bake, for example, perhaps the reason is because you like to create, and a creative career like wedding cake design would be a good fit for you. Or if you enjoy running, maybe it’s because you like challenging yourself and working hard to achieve a goal. A career that demands and rewards hard work with pay raises, promotions, or commissions could be one to consider. 2. Visit a Career Resource Center When I was in college, there was a huge career resource center on campus. It was similar to a library with tons of books and periodicals and was lined with computers. A student could research virtually any career imaginable. If you are a student, visit your school’s career resource center. If you are not a student, see if you can gain access to one at your local college. 3. Speak to a Career Counselor A conversation with a career counselor may help clear your mind and point you in the right direction. He or she can also tell you about careers you had no idea even existed. 4. Take a Test A career counselor may suggest you take a test to help discern and guide you to areas of interest. A popular test is the Myers-‐Briggs Type Indicator, but there are others as well. If you look for tests online, be careful. Some tests cost money and may not be completely (or even remotely) reliable. It is best to take a test under the guidance of a career counselor who can discuss the results with you. 5. Interview Professionals If you are interested in several great careers, interview people already working in those fields. Call someone

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you already know in a field of interest or call local businesses and ask to do a quick phone interview. Most people are happy to discuss their day-‐to-‐day activities with a willing listener. 6. Shadow Someone When you conduct your phone interview, ask if you can shadow someone for a day. That will give you a clear idea of what their day is like. In my previous job, I often observed hospital employees to provide operational improvement ideas. During my years with the hospital, I learned there were many jobs I would like to do and many jobs I wouldn’t. If I hadn’t observed the employees, I would never have known this. 7. Get an Internship If you’ve shadowed someone for a day or more and still like the position, get an internship or summer job. This will give you work experience and could open the door to a future job. If your education qualifies you for a broad range of positions (e.g. a business degree), an internship may allow you to narrow down your field of opportunity and acquire skills that could be useful in different tracks as well. 8. Volunteer If you are not positive you want to commit to an internship of several months, consider volunteering. You’ll still be exposed to the profession, but can easily leave it if you decide it’s not for you. 9. Get a Broad Education If you are a student struggling with what to major in, aim for a broad education instead of guessing at something specific. If a flash of inspiration later reveals your career path, you can specialize in it then. For example, if you like science, but don’t know which area you want to pour your heart and soul into, don’t major in something like Cell Biology. One thing that led me to my Industrial Engineering major was that it covered a range of topics like math, business, and even sales. 10. Take a Class While taking a class in meteorology may not tell you what it is like to be a meteorologist, you will find out whether or not you enjoy the subject. If you think you may be interested in a particular area, sign up for a class to find out for sure. 11. Go to a Networking Group Many groups may benefit you in your career hunt. Check out a career networking group and talk to people about careers they are interested in and why. Or attend meetings that focus on particular careers, such as a group for future physical therapists. Just make sure you are allowed to crash the meeting if you are not a member.

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Have the Right Mindset 12. Don’t Be Afraid If you really want to find the best career for you, don’t be afraid to make phone calls and follow someone around for a day. Or make the phone calls and follow someone around in spite of your fear. You may miss out on a great career opportunity if you don’t. If certain careers intimidate you because you’d have to go back to school for them, consider what you have to gain from the investment, and look at funding options before concluding that it’s not affordable. 13. Be Open When I was growing up, my parents always urged me to be a pharmacist. As a rebel teenager, however, there was no way I would even consider it. Being a pharmacist may have been great for me, but since I wasn’t open to the idea, I’ll never know. 14. Remember Your Values If you would like to be involved with your family, you will not want a career that requires heavy travel. Take an honest look at your priorities and understand how or if they’ll be affected by the careers you consider. If a potential career will not allow you to live the way you want, check it off your list. 15. Don’t Settle If you have been searching hard and continue to be confused, don’t give up and settle for something dissatisfying. That said, most of us have to work, and you may need to push through a job you hate for a while. If that’s the case, find aspects of your current job that you enjoy. See if you can move into positions that allow you to work more in those areas, or gain skills to transfer to a new job. Also discipline yourself to use downtime to follow the steps above. We’re happiest when we live up to our full potential. Even if it takes many years to find a satisfying career, it’s better late than never. 16. Switch Careers If you make a wrong turn, you are not stuck. You can change career paths at any time. Besides, it’s normal to have several careers throughout a lifetime. Plus, many entrepreneurial people are creating independent careers out of their hobbies, education, and past work experience by starting a business. Final Word The more effort you put into your search for the right career, the more you’ll get out of it. Diligently invest your time and effort because change like this is rarely easy, but often rewarding. http://www.moneycrashers.com/confused-‐find-‐right-‐career-‐path/ Think and Reflect:

• Which of these suggestions seem easy to do and why?

• Which of these suggestions seem hard to do and why?

• What piece(s) of advice would you share with a friend and why?

career and education pathways workbook › 2014 › 09 › ... · 2014-12-18 · business detail...

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