Chapter 9 –Career Planning and Development
The Career Planning Process
People are hired to fill an occupation and are paid for the work they perform
Career: a goal for work that is fulfilled through an occupation or series of occupations
You search for the right career could continue for a long time
Your Study of Careers
The study of careers is a continuous process
New career opportunities happen all the time
A tentative career decision will give you a direction
Making a career decision while in school has advantages
One advantage is that you have a lot if information available to you
Early career planning can help you choose the right classes
Early career planning can also encourage you to become in involved with organizations that teach about that career
Career Training
Most careers require education and training beyond high school
There are 3 educational alternatives
- Two-year school
- Four-year school
- Private business schools or specialized institutions
The cost for further schooling is considered an investment in your future
This investment can help earn higher wages and expand your potential
Financial aid is available through scholarships, student loans and work study programs
Some financial aid is based on grades others on financial need
Career InformationSources
There are many resources available to you
Information ranging from general information to specific skills needed for that job
There are 4 resources you can use to gather information on a potential job
- Print/Social Media Sources: different magazines, print/online newspapers, job websites
- Online Sources: these are career planning websites that help with resume writing, interviewing techniques and creating a career portfolio
- Informational Interviews: basically talking to someone who currently works for the company and can tell you what they do, preparation needed and their feelings about that career. This could also involve a job shadowing day
- Business Contacts: this is talking to other people about their jobs (networking). The advantage of networking is that your contacts are not just people you know personally. Every person you meet is a potential contact for career information. All of these contacts can be used as you start work or later in life as you are thinking of changing jobs
Growth Career Areas
Future employment opportunities are influenced by geography and business trends
Geographical Influences
This is deciding if you want a job in the area in which you currently live or if you are willing to move to where the job you really want is located
People who successfully pursue careers of their choice often have mobility
Mobility: the willingness and ability of a person to move to where jobs are located
Economic and Industry Trends
Careers with the most potential are influenced by economic trends and current business activities
Consumer demands, changing demographic trends, and new technology are factors that affect career opportunities
Service industries are expected to have the greatest employment potential
Think about your personal interests along with the future demand when choosing a careeer
**Do assessment questions pg.204 1-3 &6
Personal Assessment
Self-assessment in these 3 areas should help you find a satisfying and successful career
- Interests: activities that give you satisfaction. People with strong social tendencies would be suited to work with interacting with people. If you enjoy investigating then maybe a career in research is best for you
- Values: the things that are important to you. How you value prestige, money, power, achievement, independence, security, belonging or serving others. These may affect you directly or indirectly. Another way to evaluate your values is to answer this question: “what would you do it someone gave you a large sum of money and said you could use it any way you wanted”
- Talents & Abilities:we all have certain talents and abilities. Talent: a natural, inborn aptitude to do certain things. Ability: the quality of being able to perform mental or physical tasks. Talents & abilities along with career goals and interests are important in career planning
Employment Experience
Involvement in a range of school and community activities provides a basis for employment experience
You can obtain career oriented abilities in four main areas:
- Work Study Programs: Cooperative education combines school with work related experience. Internships involve work experience while learning about a career field. Some internship’s are paid and some are unpaid.
- Part-Time Employment: summer and part-time work can provide valuable experience. It helps you make contacts and see if you would like to do this particular career forever
- Volunteer Activities: this helps you develop organizational skills and make future career contacts
- School Activities: class work can provide work related experiences. Research and communication skills are developed when you prepare reports and oral presentations. School clubs can give you a range of skills such as; goal setting, planning, and delegating responsibilities
Sources of Available Jobs
Finding a job can be hard but there are many resources out there for you to use:
- Media: this includes newspapers (online and print), Career websites. Not every job is posted to the general public so other avenues need to be explored too.
- Personal Contacts: let as many people as you can know that you are looking for a job. Anyone can be a good lead for a job
- Business Contacts: if you visit a business ask about any job openings. Some businesses are constantly accepting applications.
- Career Fairs: these are held at schools or community centers. This allows you to contact several prospective employers at once. Be prepared to tell about your potential contributions and know something about the company
- Government Employment Offices: these are a great source about available jobs. They can help you look for part-time or full-time work.
No one source is better than the other.
**Do assessment questions on pg.211 1-4
Application Activities
You will start your process by either filling out an application or turning in your resume
You may be filling out applications online or emailing your resumes in
Application Form
Application form: gives standard information to your employer
This form will ask for your names, address, social security number, education, work experience and job you are applying for & references
If you have to hand write your application make sure you write clearly and answer all questions completely
Resume
Resume: provides information about you to a potential employer
2 types of resumes:
- Experience Based
- Qualifications Based
Present your resume in a professional manner
Limit your resume to one page
Remember to use key words: Fluent, proficient, leadership overseas study, international experience
Use action words to describe what you have achieved
Be honest about qualifications
Have a list of references available
References: a list of people who can report on your character, work habits and education
References can be; teachers, previous employers, co-workers, family friends, counselors, community leaders
Career Portfolio
Career portfolio: provides tangible evidence of your ability and skills
Career portfolios include: Resumes, cover letters, sample work, creative works, news articles about community activities you were involved, & letters of recommendation
Application Cover Letter
Cover letter: expresses your interest in a specific job
This is like a sales letter about yourself
This letter should draw attention to yourself
The letter should also urge the reader to invite you for an interview
Needs to be neat, courteous and to the point
A careless letter may cause the employer to think you will be a careless worker and disregard your application
Online Application
With the Internet being used so frequently for career planning activities you may be asked to apply online or even interview online
With this process you may be asked to complete a few questions to see how suitable you are for the job
Some interview are conducting via video conferencing or that you post responses to questions online
**Do assessment questions pg.220 1-2
The Interview Process
Once you have submitted an application or resume, your goal is to get an interview.
Employment Interview: a two-way conversation in which the interviewer learns about you and you learn about the job and the company
Before you Interview
Make sure you obtain as much information as you can about your prospective employer and the job you are applying for
Prepare questions you would like to ask
Practice, Practice, Practice before your interview
Make a good first impression
Be early for the interview
Go alone to your interview
Wear appropriate clothing to your interview
During the Interview
Interviews can go a number of different ways
Could be a panel interview, a single interview or a pre-employment test
Answer the questions calmly and be to the point with your answers
After the Interview
After a few days send a follow up email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview
If you don’t get the job send a thank you letter or email to make a positive impression for future consideration
Evaluate yourself after the interview, note areas you need to improve on and things you excelled at
Be patient to hear about the interview, it may take up to a couple of weeks before you hear from them one way or the other
Job Offers
“We’d like to offer you the job!”
Once you hear those words you need to consider some factors before accepting or declining the job
Salary & Financial Factors
The type of work and your experience will affect your pay
Is there any benefits such as; insurance, retirement programs and vacation time
Some companies will also offer; on site fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, free parking
Organizational Environment
This includes things like dress code, leadership styles, workspace and social atmosphere should also be considered
Advancement potential and training programs should also be looked at
On the Job Behavior
Job Success strategies
7 things to remember to have success on that first job
- Ask questions
- Avoid complaining
- Honor time for breaks
- Consider your appearance
- Be on time
- Be friendly with everyone
- Show you are dependable
You may be assigned a mentor
Mentor: an experienced employee who serves as a counselor to a person with less experience
Leaving a Job
Always try to leave on good terms
4 tips to leaving a job in an appropriate manner
- Give at least 2 weeks notice
- Finish all current projects
- Be constructive on an exit interview
- Thank co-workers
**Do assessment questions pg.223 1-2