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There are times in our lives when we may need career
advice. Where does one go when seeking career
advice? It depends on where we are in life and in
our careers, and what type of career advice we need.
The first time we may encounter the
need for career advice is in junior
or senior high school, when we are deciding what
types of classes to take. Knowing which school subjects
are your strongest will help. Are you great in Science,
Math, History, English, or Social Studies? What
about the vocational areas? Are you especially talented
in Cosmetology, Agriculture, Metals, or Woodworking?
These areas of strength can easily translate in
a rewarding career
choice. Most schools employ a school counselor
who will be a great source for career advice.
You should also do your own research
into these career fields to see what types of jobs
are available. Think of important factors such as
the job growth in these areas, the expected salaries,
the length of training needed, and the location
of these types of jobs. Do you want a job that offers
a large salary or would you be satisfied with a
median income? Are you willing to go to school for
a long time, such as a going to medical school or
law school? Would you rather have a short period
of training and get right into the job force? Are
you willing to relocate to find a job? Do you want
to live in a small town or a big city? There are
a variety of jobs available in each career field.
Research the options available to find careers that
are interesting to you and fit into your desired
lifestyle.
Most colleges assign an advisor to
each student. This person is an excellent resource
for career advice. They can point you to a number
of resources to help you narrow down your career
choices even further. Again, you should also continue
to do your own research in these areas to make the
best choices for you. Many schools also offer “Career
Labs” or departments with staff who can
help you in finding jobs after graduation. Career
Days or Job Fairs are great places to get career
advice and even get prospects for jobs you are qualified
for.
However, the beginning of your career
is not the only time you may seek career advice.
Many people find themselves in need of career advice
after being in their jobs for a number of years.
Perhaps they find themselves out of work because
of downsizing or other economic reasons. Perhaps
they find out that they really aren’t suited
for the job they are doing and want to see what
other options are available to them. Relocating
to a new area or returning to the work force after
staying home with children also creates a need for
career advice.
In these cases, it is best to seek
career advice from a professional
career counselor. Ask friends and family for
referrals, or even check the yellow pages or internet
for career counselors in your area. There are a
number of career assessments available from these
counselors or even online which can help you understand
your personality, skills, and qualifications for
certain career fields.
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