ANNOUNCEMENT: High school Seniors who plan to enroll in college in the fall who have not already applied for college admission, now is the time to do so. Many colleges are already in a position of selecting those individuals who will receive major financial assistance for their college education, but for most programs, there are still opportunities to be considered for admission.
Although, in general, colleges will review applications and consider candidates for admission into the summer, some of the highly competitive programs may be closing their admissions very soon. So, this should signal the time to begin some action. Also, please be aware that in many cases admission is a two-tiered process. There is admission to a college or university, but there may be a second layer of admission - to get into a particular program. For example, Architecture, Engineering, individual music programs, some computer majors, and others, will require the applicant to meet another group of admissions criteria, beyond what is required to be admitted to the institution. If the student has not done so, now is the time to meet with a guidance counselor to talk about applying for college.
Although some colleges admit all first year students to a general program, many of them require students to declare a specific major at the time they apply for admission. That means that the student should have a pretty good idea of what they plan to study in college and in most cases, that means they need a career-related goal. It is not always an easy decision, but one that students are often required to make.
Many of the high school counselors have access to career-related assessments that may assist the student in identifying a career direction and can offer other resources to assist in the process. Ideally, the student will be able to identify a major that would provide a good foundation - at least in that first year - for a number of different career directions. Additional assistance is available, if needed.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, providing coaching and counseling or life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Career Management in Today's World
Today's world requires a more proactive approach to your career decision-making and planning. The most effective people make decisions based on data and you need data to help you in making your career decisions. Begin with information about yourself - keep in mind the kinds of activities which interest you, the skills you enjoy using, your personal traits and strengths, and other factors that impact your satisfaction with your work and work setting.
You will also need data about the world of work so that you make your decisions based on reliable information and not just your hunch or guesses. Your particular circumstances will determine some of the kinds of information you need; but you will want to have knowledge of the kinds of activities involved in an occupation you are considering, as well as the education or training requirements preferred or required. You may also want to know about the kinds of companies that hire people to do that kind of work and whether or not the occupation is expected to grow, decline, or remain stable over the next several years. Most people also want to know where a particular occupation may lead - potential advancement or other opportunities or career directions.
After you have gathered your information about yourself and the world of work, you will look for areas of overlap and start there to make your decisions. After you have made a decision, you will need to develop your plan to achieve your career goals. With some planning and follow-through, your career goals will become realities.
Mary Ann Davis, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x 3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
You will also need data about the world of work so that you make your decisions based on reliable information and not just your hunch or guesses. Your particular circumstances will determine some of the kinds of information you need; but you will want to have knowledge of the kinds of activities involved in an occupation you are considering, as well as the education or training requirements preferred or required. You may also want to know about the kinds of companies that hire people to do that kind of work and whether or not the occupation is expected to grow, decline, or remain stable over the next several years. Most people also want to know where a particular occupation may lead - potential advancement or other opportunities or career directions.
After you have gathered your information about yourself and the world of work, you will look for areas of overlap and start there to make your decisions. After you have made a decision, you will need to develop your plan to achieve your career goals. With some planning and follow-through, your career goals will become realities.
Mary Ann Davis, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x 3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Use Winter to Prepare for a Spring Job Search
This winter, plan to do something different: prepare the ground now for your spring planting. I am not referring to your garden, but to your potential job change. Winter Si the perfect time to do some readying. Explore occupations you have considered or just read about different industries and their growth areas.
A few of the more popular and easy to access Internet sites include O*NET at http://www.onetcenter.org which is sort of the online version of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). O*NET has information on hundreds of popular job titles with a brief piece of information about each one. The Occupational Outlook Handbook OOH) also contains information about occupational clusters. You can read detailed information about hundreds of occupational clusters at www.bls.gov. Find out about the kinds of work involved, the educational background or training needed, the kinds of industries or organizations that hire people to do that kind of work, and more. You can even find information about average salaries in the U.S. in those occupations listed. Both the DOT and OOH are also available at most libraries in the Reference Section.
In addition to learning more about the world of work, you should reflect on your personal career-related preferences so that you are clear on the kinds of activities you enjoy doing, the skills you enjoy and want to use or need to learn, and other personal factors that relate to your potential satisfaction with your career direction. Of course, if you would like to complete some formal or informal assessments to identify or clarify your career-related interests, activities, values, and other personal traits, that service is available.
Although you may not want to start a new job campaign right now, winter is the perfect time to create a well-developed plan for your next change. You should also update your resume, if it has been a while since you dusted it off or updated it. That way, when the trees begin to bud and the early spring flowers bloom, and you are more energized; you can take full advantage of those days by taking action to achieve your new goals.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x 3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
A few of the more popular and easy to access Internet sites include O*NET at http://www.onetcenter.org which is sort of the online version of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). O*NET has information on hundreds of popular job titles with a brief piece of information about each one. The Occupational Outlook Handbook OOH) also contains information about occupational clusters. You can read detailed information about hundreds of occupational clusters at www.bls.gov. Find out about the kinds of work involved, the educational background or training needed, the kinds of industries or organizations that hire people to do that kind of work, and more. You can even find information about average salaries in the U.S. in those occupations listed. Both the DOT and OOH are also available at most libraries in the Reference Section.
In addition to learning more about the world of work, you should reflect on your personal career-related preferences so that you are clear on the kinds of activities you enjoy doing, the skills you enjoy and want to use or need to learn, and other personal factors that relate to your potential satisfaction with your career direction. Of course, if you would like to complete some formal or informal assessments to identify or clarify your career-related interests, activities, values, and other personal traits, that service is available.
Although you may not want to start a new job campaign right now, winter is the perfect time to create a well-developed plan for your next change. You should also update your resume, if it has been a while since you dusted it off or updated it. That way, when the trees begin to bud and the early spring flowers bloom, and you are more energized; you can take full advantage of those days by taking action to achieve your new goals.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x 3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Have You Often Thought of Owning Your Own Business?
Do you have an entrepreneurial dream? Many people think of being an entrepreneur but dismiss the thought for one reason or another. If owning a business has been your dream perhaps now is the time to seriously consider self-employment; in today's job market, it can be an attractive option. Career and job research indicates there are fewer jobs being created or available in major corporations and the majority of new jobs will be in medium or small companies, including privately owned small businesses.
But before you make a decision about owning a business, it is wise to do some reasearch - just as you should before making any career decision. Not only should you research the type of enterprise you are interested in and how you could enter and compete in that industry, you need to determine if you have the characteristics, traits, and skills needed to handle running a small business. You also need to look realistically at your financial situation. Most new ventures need time to begin to generate more income than expenses.
Many people decide to start their enterprise while they are employed, full or part time, which allows them some time to grow the business before they are dependent on the income from the business. Most new ventures need time before they realize true profits. Other people develop a business from a hobby and stay with it as a means of adding satisfaction to their lives.
If you are interested in learning more about running a small business you may want to look for classes or seminars that would give you information and suggestions about being an entrepreneur. There are other resources available throughout the community for those who are thinking of becoming a business owner; including the Small Business Development Center and the Service Corps Of Retired Executives.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
But before you make a decision about owning a business, it is wise to do some reasearch - just as you should before making any career decision. Not only should you research the type of enterprise you are interested in and how you could enter and compete in that industry, you need to determine if you have the characteristics, traits, and skills needed to handle running a small business. You also need to look realistically at your financial situation. Most new ventures need time to begin to generate more income than expenses.
Many people decide to start their enterprise while they are employed, full or part time, which allows them some time to grow the business before they are dependent on the income from the business. Most new ventures need time before they realize true profits. Other people develop a business from a hobby and stay with it as a means of adding satisfaction to their lives.
If you are interested in learning more about running a small business you may want to look for classes or seminars that would give you information and suggestions about being an entrepreneur. There are other resources available throughout the community for those who are thinking of becoming a business owner; including the Small Business Development Center and the Service Corps Of Retired Executives.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Is It Time for a Job or Career Change?
Are you looking to make a change in your work life? Do you find yourself thinking, "There must be something better"? Maybe you feel you would like more challenging work. Sometimes you can satisfy the desire for a change by looking within your current organization. It may be that you are working in an organization that you really like and is a good fit for you. Sometimes just making a small change in job responsibilities can make a difference in how you feel about your work. Is there something you could propose as a change to your responsibilities? Perhaps you have talents that you have not had the opporutnity to use, or other skills you possess. Look around for ideas that might help the organization to increase revenue or customers, or to reduce expenses. Are there tasks currently outsourced that you would be able to take on? Be creative in thinking about how things could be improved.
If you would like a different kind of work, or work in a different area, you may not want to leave the organization, but may want to look for other opportunities within that organization. If that is your situation, consider talking to your supervisor or Human Resources Department about other positions within your organization.
Also keep in mind if you aren't looking for a new employer, or there isn't really a way to fit your other talents into your work, you may need to find ways to apply them in areas outside of the workplace. Many people find satisfaction and enjoyment in using their skills and talents in volunteer work or other activities in their community.
Most people find their lives, in general, are more fulfuilling if they are using their talents and best skills in some way. Perhaps this type of change will work as a solution for you.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
If you would like a different kind of work, or work in a different area, you may not want to leave the organization, but may want to look for other opportunities within that organization. If that is your situation, consider talking to your supervisor or Human Resources Department about other positions within your organization.
Also keep in mind if you aren't looking for a new employer, or there isn't really a way to fit your other talents into your work, you may need to find ways to apply them in areas outside of the workplace. Many people find satisfaction and enjoyment in using their skills and talents in volunteer work or other activities in their community.
Most people find their lives, in general, are more fulfuilling if they are using their talents and best skills in some way. Perhaps this type of change will work as a solution for you.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Coping with the Loss of Your Job
Loss is one of those areas that people must cope with, at some time or another, in a variety of areas in their lives. Some people have experienced many losses at once or in a short peroiod of time, while others have experienced less significant losses over a longer period of time. If you are facing or coping with a job loss, you may be experiencing feelings you did not expect. Whether your job loss came suddenly, unexpectedly, or had been planned, it is still a loss and can require some time to adjust to it and the differences it will make in your life.
Some people have been quite happy about the loss of a job they didn't like, but the reality of the change can still have a dramatic effect on your emotions and overall well-being. We know that the same type of loss may affect different people in diffeent ways, but most would agree that you often need time to gain an understanding to cope with a loss - and, in the case of a job loss, that often comes when you do not have the luxury of time because of the need to generate income.
If you are not coping well with the loss of your job, you may need to take a different approach. Start by thinking about your situation - do you describe your situation as an 'opportunity', a 'challenge', or a 'blessing'? Or do you believe it is a 'tragedy', a 'travesty', or a 'crime'? If you believe you have been treated unfairly, which may or may not be true, that belief can keep you from moving forward. Even in those instances, it is to your advantage to view the situation as neutral or positive - circumstances that can lead you to something better if you are open to possibilities.
I have worked with a number of people who were forced into a job change and those who viewed it as a good thing, or at least as a neutral event, managed to work through their feelings more easily than those who continued to resent the forced change. The unfortunate thing about anger is that it usually shows through - either in your writing or in an interview or other discussions. Obviously that could be a real hindrance to finding out about and landing a new job.
If you need assistance coping with a job loss, please seek it out. Resolving those issues can save you job search time later.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions, in person or at a distance. She has assisted individuals through various transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, and grief work. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Some people have been quite happy about the loss of a job they didn't like, but the reality of the change can still have a dramatic effect on your emotions and overall well-being. We know that the same type of loss may affect different people in diffeent ways, but most would agree that you often need time to gain an understanding to cope with a loss - and, in the case of a job loss, that often comes when you do not have the luxury of time because of the need to generate income.
If you are not coping well with the loss of your job, you may need to take a different approach. Start by thinking about your situation - do you describe your situation as an 'opportunity', a 'challenge', or a 'blessing'? Or do you believe it is a 'tragedy', a 'travesty', or a 'crime'? If you believe you have been treated unfairly, which may or may not be true, that belief can keep you from moving forward. Even in those instances, it is to your advantage to view the situation as neutral or positive - circumstances that can lead you to something better if you are open to possibilities.
I have worked with a number of people who were forced into a job change and those who viewed it as a good thing, or at least as a neutral event, managed to work through their feelings more easily than those who continued to resent the forced change. The unfortunate thing about anger is that it usually shows through - either in your writing or in an interview or other discussions. Obviously that could be a real hindrance to finding out about and landing a new job.
If you need assistance coping with a job loss, please seek it out. Resolving those issues can save you job search time later.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions, in person or at a distance. She has assisted individuals through various transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, and grief work. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Don't Let an Old Resume Hold You Back
Over the years I have talked to a number of poeple who were considering changing jobs but hesitated, either because they have never created a resume, or because it has been too long since their last one. There are many people who delay looking for a new job or changing careers because they don't feel like they want to deal with creating a resume.
In some respects, basic resume formats are the same as they have been for years, but there are some new types of resumes, particularly the electronic version. Before you worry about that; however, you need to start putting your basic information in writing. You should write down every job you have had in the last 10 - 15 years at least, and write a description of each job, including skills demonstrated, tasks completed, and any tools, technology, or machines used. Also write some statements about accomplishments or achievements in each position held. You will also want to write some statements about what you enjoyed in each job. Also list your education - what level of education you have completed, if you have a degree, your major or focus of courses you completed and/or any job related training you have received. It is also a good idea to write down the skills and traits that you possess that you want to use, that will be beneficial to a potential employer.
Once you have gotten that far, you will need to decide the format you want/need to use. Although there are several different resume formats that are acceptable, it is in your best interest to use the format that you feel best presents your background and demonstrates why employers should be interested in your qualifications. There are many resources available to help with resume updating - books, on-line resources, and people. Your completed resume should be a strong representation of you, but a resume is also a work in progress. If you send out some resumes and don't get the responses you had hoped for, you may want to do some fine-tuning to it. But the important thing is to start on it; once you have some things written down, you can make adjustments, as needed. Another benefit to working on your resume is that reading some of what you have done can give you some ideas about things you enjoyed that you would like to add or continue to have in a work situation; it can also be a teriffic boost to your self-esteem.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions in person and at a distance. Her work includes discussions on a variety of life transitions, including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, and grief work. She is recognized as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; certified as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
In some respects, basic resume formats are the same as they have been for years, but there are some new types of resumes, particularly the electronic version. Before you worry about that; however, you need to start putting your basic information in writing. You should write down every job you have had in the last 10 - 15 years at least, and write a description of each job, including skills demonstrated, tasks completed, and any tools, technology, or machines used. Also write some statements about accomplishments or achievements in each position held. You will also want to write some statements about what you enjoyed in each job. Also list your education - what level of education you have completed, if you have a degree, your major or focus of courses you completed and/or any job related training you have received. It is also a good idea to write down the skills and traits that you possess that you want to use, that will be beneficial to a potential employer.
Once you have gotten that far, you will need to decide the format you want/need to use. Although there are several different resume formats that are acceptable, it is in your best interest to use the format that you feel best presents your background and demonstrates why employers should be interested in your qualifications. There are many resources available to help with resume updating - books, on-line resources, and people. Your completed resume should be a strong representation of you, but a resume is also a work in progress. If you send out some resumes and don't get the responses you had hoped for, you may want to do some fine-tuning to it. But the important thing is to start on it; once you have some things written down, you can make adjustments, as needed. Another benefit to working on your resume is that reading some of what you have done can give you some ideas about things you enjoyed that you would like to add or continue to have in a work situation; it can also be a teriffic boost to your self-esteem.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions in person and at a distance. Her work includes discussions on a variety of life transitions, including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, and grief work. She is recognized as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; certified as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.