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Deciding on a CareerIn the 20th
century, men and women often made a career decision only once. They
tended to stay with the same type of work for all of their lives
and often remained with one company Today, in the
dawning of the 21st century, most employees will change the company
they work for and embrace the opportunity to change careers one
or more times during their working lives. Changing business climates,
corporate ups and downs, the worldwide web, greater mobility, family,
and more attention to personal growth and development are some of
the reasons. Whatever your career choice, do you realize there is a smart ways to prepare for and enter a career and there are also smarter and smartest ways? Take the time to learn the difference. Is Career Choice One Big Decision?Not really. It is more often a series of smaller decisions about personal aptitude, likes and dislikes, preparation required (college, university, career school, and / or on-the-job training), skill set, geographic location, and knowing what it takes to make a good living as well as to be promoted. One important decision, for example, is to acquire skills and knowledge that can be applied in several related fields. For instance, expertise in team management and goal achievement can be used in many kinds of jobs whereas being an expert in repairing only one kind of engine can be very limiting. Smart: Learn the Basic Skills for that Career in a College or Vocational SchoolWhich candidate is more likely to get the job? The one who is eager to learn but has no relevant experience or the one who is not only eager to learn but who has expertise in required skills and a degree or a certificate? Check out ads for the kinds of jobs you want and find out what skills employers are looking for. If you don’t already have these skills, find a school that teaches them. Get the certificate or degree to prove you know what you are doing. Smarter: Make Yourself a Candidate for PromotionOne important area to pay attention to is the skill sets required. Let’s say you want to be a fireman. In many areas of the country, there are community college or trade schools that offer the required education and training. For many, that is enough. But you may be the person who would make an excellent battalion chief or trainer or even a fire chief. For that kind of advancement, a business or management degree is expected. Get that degree first, then get the training to become a fireman. Smartest: Make Sure You Have the Skills to Move LaterallyConsider all the different areas of specialization in your career field. Which appeal to you and are a match with your aptitude? Let’s say you liked to work in the business world and decide on a course of study in accounting. One way to have more flexibility is to become certified in one or more of the accounting and / or bookkeeping software solutions. That way, you can help clients set up their own record keeping, ensuring what they do dovetails with what your company requires at tax time. Furthermore, should your company downsize, you may find you have better chance of being retained and also the skills to earn as a consultant to small businesses if you have to look for another job. Consult an AdvisorLearn what experience
you need for the particular field you are interested in and find
an advisor who can help you make a high-quality decision. Although
you may not keep the same career or job for life, you still need
to take the time to understand your career options entirely. Make
you are clear about your goals and understand all of the ins and
outs of potential careers so that there are no unpleasant surprises
and you can enjoy the work you do under the umbrella of that career. Make an informed
decision. Know your goals and stay positive as you work toward them.
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