Learning About Careers

Learning About Careers What to consider and where to get more information about a career that interests you

Discuss… -So with the people at your table I want you to discuss these things… -One person at your table needs to write your answers to these questions on the paper I give you -When deciding on a career what kinds of things should you consider when making a career choice? - What careers are you interested in and why?

So….. • When you are deciding on a career choice for your future what should you consider? • What careers interest you? • Why did you decide on those careers? • I chose teaching because I like working with people, helping them, sharing what I know with them, the benefits are great

So what should you consider? • 6 Things to consider when making the right job choice: • #1- JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES • What tasks are to be done everyday at your career…. • What Traits- noteworthy characteristics, often seen in want ads you need • Examples of traits: plan, organize • What are other examples of traits?

Consideration #2 • #2 Job Prospects • Determining chances of finding a job in career field • look at job outlook in next 10-20 years, job openings expected by time you’re ready to enter that fields, will career area grow so you can advance, if jobs will be declining need to consider another area • Hot Jobs: medical field, technology • Not so Hot: factory

Consideration #3 • #3 Education, Training, and Skills • Education is gaining knowledge to live and work in today’s society • Training is applying that knowledge through practice • Skills are abilities that result from education and training

#3 Continued… • Education and training requirements are generally divided into 3 levels: • 1. Entry level are jobs that require no previous training. These are jobs that are easily learned, training provided on job, high school diploma usually required, low wages • What would be an example of entry level jobs?

#3 Continued… • 2. Advanced training means some job skills and training are required for a specific job. May obtain skills in career program, technical programs, community college, apprenticeship program • What would be examples of careers that required advanced training?

Finishing up #3 • 3. College degree required from a 2 or 4 year program • What are examples of careers that require college? • Other educational requirements: license, certification • Getting right education, training, skills requires time and effort and is usually accomplished in steps. Ex: dental hygienist must get state license to work, to get license mush past a test, be a graduate of dental hygiene school, however to get into dental school requires one or 2 years of college first

Consideration #4 • #4 Salary and Fringe Benefits • Starting salary depends on job specifications and experience • Entry level usually minimum wage • Union wages set by contract between employer and union, same union jobs pay same wage, raises are same for everyone in same job category • Promotion is a move up to a higher position within a company. Generally result in higher pay

More on #4 • Regular hourly wage is normally paid for first 40 hours of work, overtime applies to time worked beyond 40 hours (usually time and a half which is regular pay rate plus 50% more ) may be pay difference for evening work, some jobs may not offer overtime • Some workers paid annual salary, no overtime pay, may receive bonuses and raises based on performance and company’s earnings • What do you think the advantages are of being paid annual salary vs. hourly? • What about the disadvantages?

Finishing up #4 • Fringe benefits are extra rewards given to working such as paid vacation, sick time, health and life insurance, retirement contributions • What benefits would be most important to you?

Consideration #5 • #5. Advancement Opportunities • Few people start at top of pay scale, goal should be to move upward at a steady pace, best way to do this is to get promotions • When researching job choices ask yourself: is there opportunity for advancement, does company fill openings by promoting employers or hiring outsiders, is there opportunity for advancement at other firms due to rapid growth in the field?

Lastly #6 • Work Location and Environment • How far to get to work, how much time will it take and what will it cost, will salary enable you to live comfortable after paying for travel to the job? • If considering jobs in different cities, compare cost of living expenses. Cost of living is amount of money needed for rent, food, travel, everyday expenses. Living costs usually high in larger cities than in small towns or rural towns. • Where would you have to live for your future career?

A little more on #6 • Day to day work environment includes sights, smells, sounds, physical demands, working conditions of workplace • Won’t always know in advance if you will like the location or work environment • What do you know about the work environment for the career you are interested in?

Your Future Career • On a sheet of paper, I want you to write down the name of the career you are interested in…. • Next, list the 6 considerations we just discussed • For each consideration, write as much as you know about each consideration…

Obtaining Career Information • 1. Department of Labor References: some available online: through the internet • Occupational Outlook Handbook: describes what workers do, working conditions, training and education required, earnings, expected job prospects • Guide for Occupational Exploration: designed to help people understand what traits are required for certain occupations. Determines how suited you are for a job bases on how well your abilities and interests match job requirements • Occupational Information Network: explore careers, job skills, trends, assess abilities and interests

Obtaining Career Information • 2. School Counselors • Explore careers and educational requirements • Explore colleges and trade schools offering specific programs • Government service and recruiting information • Local opportunities to observe jobs in career field

Obtaining Career Information • 3. The Internet and Your Career • Popular career sites: Job Bank USA, America’s Job Bank, Career Magazine, Career Resource Center • Many sources for job information from employment agencies, newspapers, colleges, professional associations, newsgroups, online chat groups

Additional Ways to Investigate Careers • 4. Research • Libraries: books, cds, videos, newspaper, magazines • Trade Unions and Professional Associations: for highly specialized career information • Public Employment Services: help find employment

Additional Ways to Investigate Careers • 5. Interviewing Workers • Contact people to ask questions about careers. • People usually eager to talk about their jobs and give you advice • 6. Job Shadowing • Job Shadow is accompanying a person to his or her job to learn more about the job • Get to experience job firsthand and get questions answered

Additional Ways to Investigate Careers • 7. Part-Time Jobs • Gain valuable work experience by working part-time after school, weekends, or during summer • 8. Career Events • Career days, workshops, tours offered by school or community • Have speakers to answer questions or bring materials for you to look at

Learning About Careers