Choosing Your Career PathChapter 19

Learning About the World of Work

19:1

What is Work

Work can be defined as any activity that results in useful product or service

A job is a position held by a person working to earn a living

A job title refers to an occupation, or type of work

A career refers to the work done over several years while holding different jobs within a particular field or area.

Career ladder – series of jobs in which each builds on the experiences of the previous step

Why Do People Work?

1. Earn income

2. Support their lifestyle 1. Leisure activities enjoyed

3. Status in the community

Earning Income

A person’s job determines his or her income

Factors that can affect a job’s pay Education and training Experience High-demand and high-risk

Personal Reasons

Work provides personal satisfaction

Work brings recognition

Work increase feelings of worth Your self-esteem will increase as you succeed

as work

Work provides opportunities for personal growth

Work provides social contacts

Choosing a Career19:2

Learning About Yourself

These factors should be considered when choosing a career:

*Personality traits

Values

*Goals

Interest

*Aptitudes

Abilities

Personality

If the nature of your work matches your personality traits, you will find it easier to succeed

Values

The beliefs or ideals that you feel are important They will affect you decisions, actions and

choose of career

Goals

Goals are what you want to accomplish in life.

Your career choice should help you reach important goals in your life

Interests

*In all occupations, a worker is involved to some degree with people, ideas, and objects

Identifying you interests can help you choose your career

Aptitudes

Aptitudes are your natural talents

Abilities

You abilities are skills that you learn and develop

Different jobs require different sets of skills. Transferable skills are basic job skills that can be applied in various work situations.

Learning About Careers

When investigating different career choices, the following factors should be considered:

Job responsibilities

Personality traits needed

Places where employment can be obtained

Skills, training, and education required

Employment outlook

Earning potential

Potential for advancement

Researching Careers

Career clusters are 16 broad grouping of occupational and career specialties

Each cluster includes several career directions, called career pathways

Examples of Career Information Guide The Occupational Information Network The occupational Outlook Handbook CareeOneStop

Factors Affecting Job Outlook

You may not be able to find a job if you plan a career in a field with few jobs and many works

Technology also impact the availably of jobs

Career opportunities are also affected by changes in society and the world

Considering Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs are people who are self-employed and earn income through their own business

Developing a Career Plan

A career plan is a list of steps to take to reach a career goal. It will includes short-term and long-term

Education and Training

Apprenticeship program – the worker learns skills and gains experience while under the supervision of an experience worker

The military can provide training that can used in both military and civilian careers

A technical college is a one – two year program at a technical college training

A four-year degree program from a college or university

Student and Professional

Organization Student and professional organizations offer

the opportunity to develop skills while learning about future careers

Being active in a professional organization can help you stay informed about job trends and advancements in your career field.

Portfolios

A portfolio is a collection of materials that document your achievements over time

Items to Include in a Portfolio List of awards and special honors Descriptions of volunteer work Transcripts, licenses and certifications

The World of Work19:3

The Job Search

Gather the information you need to know about yourself

Find out what jobs are available

Network with family, friends, and people in you career field Networking is talking to family members,

friends, and other people you know about possible job openings.

Membership in a professional organization can also provide network opportunities

The Job Search

Identify employers who offer the job you want

Research the requirements needed for each position you consider

Preparing You Résumé

A résumé is a summary of your skills, training, education, and past work experiences. A résumé allows any employer to quickly evaluate n applicant’s qualifications

Parts of Résumé

Worker identification

Work objective

Education

Experience – job history, listing the years worked, title of your jobs and duties performed

Activities and organizations

Special skills

Applying for a Job

Cover letter - a letter sent with résumé to express interest in a job Include:

Why are you qualified for the job Mention the qualities or experiences that are

most likely going to attract the employer’s interest

End your letter with a request for an interview

Filling Out Application Forms

Completing this form neatly and accurately in important This represents how well you follow written

directions

Do not skip any questions

Interviewing for a Job

An interview gives the employer an opportunity to talk with job applicants

Be able to: Talk about why you want to work for the

organization What will you be able to do for the organization What skills and qualities you have

Bring a list of references to the interview References are people who have direct

knowledge of you and your past work record

Prepare of the Interview

Learn all you can about the employer

What are your strengths and weakness

Allow extra travel time to arrive a few minutes early

Job Success

Performance Rating Formal evaluation

Succeeding as a Team Member Doing you part to help the group success

Business Etiquette

Business etiquette – showing respect for others, being courteous, and taking time to listen and communicate clearly

Business Ethics

A guiding set of moral values that influence high standards in business activities

Sexual harassment – unwelcomed or unwanted advances, request for favors, or other verbal or physical conduct sexual nature

Equal opportunity forbids the discrimination of workers based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability

Terminating Employment

Giving Notice A two-week notice of termination from

employment is accepted as a standard of courtesy in most jobs

Asking for a Reference