Understanding Career Clusters for a Better Future

Most of the states in the United States have a provision and set guidelines for all students. It is mandatory for all children to be educated; this is because education is highly necessary for empowerment. That is why for children living in the states, the federal government has provided some guidelines to help all students. By setting definable strategies, these clusters help under-graduates to find a suitable career path, and make the right choice. It is paramount to understand the intricacies of career clusters.

These guidelines are known as career clusters and are very important to each and every student in the lower and upper level of the education system; that is from first grade to the twelfth grade. However, the importance of clusters is mostly set for the upper level students, since they have a better understanding as young adults on what they would wish to do in future, as grown up adults. That is why the clusters are enforced and put into place; to guide and direct these young adults as to the main areas and scopes of career and how one can achieve that.

A career cluster helps and informs these young adults as to the main and different types of career paths, what these careers require and what they must take as a study path in college, so as to attain their goals in life. A career cluster consists of 16 clusters that are categorized and set forth by the US government and several other educations and career related bodies.It was created to make sure that students transit smoothly from high school to tertiary education with a set mind and goal as to the studies they would follow. This way, they get empowerment in the career fields they choose in the clusters.

There are different career paths set in them and has incorporated many different career jobs in the different sub categorized clusters. This is to mean that nearly all career options are set in a certain cluster, meaning the jobs in a cluster are more related to each other and have their own differences in execution and working. That is why with the clusters, once a student chooses a certain career cluster; he / she will have to make sure to choose a fitting career path, which he / she would love to go for, so that he / she can get to know the right study path to attend, in order to get to that career field.

The integration of the career clusters in the US education system back in the mid 90s, provided for students a chance to set a goal and an objective as to the career they would love to go for. Offering them the paths and spheres to attend and go for to get to that profession. This way, the system has ensured to nurture and build a higher probability of accomplishment in school and work by most of the students who have already gone through the system. The end product of this is a competent and able working force once done with school.

A pathway level, in the career clusters, sets forth the standard and needs required to get through to a certain career field, setting the detailed proficiency and knowledge, academic and technical needs required, to pursue the field one wants to go for as a career. This way, the student can gauge whether they are fit or able to go to the specific career field and if so, what requirements they have to attain to find a space in the career field.

career clusters
A great tool for teachers, counselors, and parents in helping students identify their interests and goals for the future. Use in guidance offices, career labs, libraries, and as a great enhancement to any state career information system.
Click here for 16 career clusters

The Future of Career Services in Higher Education: 5 Trends Colleges and Universities Can Expect

Over the past several years, the career services function within colleges and universities has been significantly impacted. Between an economic downturn and new federal regulations, career services teams are having to elevate their support to a higher level than in years past.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

The recent recession has put a tremendous amount of pressure on job seekers. Among those facing these challenges are graduates who have spent the last three, four, five or even more years preparing themselves for the workplace only to find their dream jobs are not waiting for them.

Economic Considerations:

The current economy is creating challenges for career seekers that those from previous graduating classes didn't face. It was not long ago that employers had to step up their recruiting efforts in order to attract and court future employees. Graduates entered the job market having their pick of opportunities and even the ability to negotiate salaries.

However, the recent recession has changed that dynamic dramatically. Today, there are fewer jobs and more competition to acquire those jobs. More pressure is being put on colleges themselves to help graduates secure job placementand launch a career in the student's field of study.

Regulatory Factors:

In addition to the economic challenges presented in placing students, the federal government has applied additional pressure on colleges and universities to place graduates on career paths in a recognized occupation where they can successfully repay their loans and avoid default. While regulations such as Gainful Employment are currently targeting career college programs, many pundits anticipate these regulations will hold colleges and universities to these same regulations in the near future.

Higher education is at a crossroads when it comes to career services and job placement. Institutions need to look for new ways to help students and graduates succeed beyond the classroom on a professional level.

INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

Until recently, schools haven't dedicated a lot of resources to career services because stronger market conditions meant it was easier for graduates to get jobs. This also meant less post-graduation accountability on the part of institutions. If a college was successful in training a student for the workplace, and that student met or exceeded the standards in his or her chosen field, then the college had done its job.

The stronger economy in the past has enabled colleges to put resources into other places, namely recruiting. Getting the right students enrolled in the right programs not only had a direct financial benefit to the institution, but it also increased the likelihood of producing successful graduates and qualified job applicants.

While this approach has helped more students fulfill their academic potential, and enabled colleges and universities to deliver their academic missions, it has yielded some challenges:

More Graduates, Less Jobs - higher education is now in a situation where colleges are producing an increasing number of qualified graduates, yet these graduates have fewer career opportunities in front of them. On top of that, because the recession has resulted in challenging times for graduates, the government has stepped in to oversee recruitment and placement activities to ensure institutions are in compliance and students' needs are being met.

More Graduates, Less Resources - until now, higher education has had to deliver minimal resources to help students find and secure available jobs. Fewer jobs lead to more competition among graduates, leaving students who don't come out ahead of the pack with very few options.

Higher education knows that something needs to be done. The industry is seeing a shift as career services gain traction in priority and importance primarily because of the current economic situation and government intervention.

Recession and Weak Job Market:

Although experts predict that economic recovery isn't far off, over the last few years, there has been more pressure for schools to make sure their graduates have the necessary skills to attract employers. However, it goes beyond simply preparing students for the real world.

Fewer jobs means no matter how qualified the student is, he or she needs more help navigating the placement process. Colleges are being expected to shoulder some, if not a lot, of this responsibility.

Federal Regulatory Landscape:

Pending regulations proposed by the Department of Education have put for-profit colleges and universities under the microscope to prove placement rates for graduates. Institutions must evolve their career services and placement strategies, as well as reallocate money and staff given the regulatory landscape.

The recently released Gainful Employment ruling will dramatically impact the ways schools approach career services. Schools not only need to place students, but they need to do so in positions that give the students the highest likelihood that they will be able to pay down any debt accrued from financing their education. Specifically, the Department of Education states that Gainful Employment requires schools to meet the following metrics:

At least 35 percent of former students at an institution must be repaying their loans, defined by reducing their balance by at least one dollar per year
The estimate annual loan payment of a student should not be greater than 30 percent of discretionary income
The estimated annual loan payment should not exceed 12 percent of total earnings

While there is some leniency in the fact that schools will be put on warning should they not meet the above criteria three times in a four year period, the Gainful Employment regulation increases accountability on the part of the schools. From a financial aid perspective, colleges that have students with a debt-to-income ratio beyond the specified percentage risk losing financial aid for their students. This will surely translate into fewer enrollments, and could mean the loss of programs that are not filled to capacity.

From an accreditation perspective, colleges need to prove placement as an end result of student success. Almost all accrediting bodies assess placement rates, though in different measures, as a determining factor in a college securing and maintaining its accreditation. Again, the loss of accreditation could likely mean the loss ofenrollmentsand the departure of programs.

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

While colleges and universities are starting to establish and step up their career services activities, there are still tremendous opportunities to improve in this area. A well thought out and proactive approach to career services can produce the following:

Better Placement Results: It is about more than making sure students are qualified. Colleges and universities that take the initiative to help students prepare for the job application and interview process, as well as help students and employers connect, will increase the likelihood that their students will secure jobs.

Increased Retention Rates: Colleges that build relationships with employers and the community, as well as establish themselves as the go-to partner in providing qualified graduates in specific programs and fields will increase job opportunities for students. Institutions have an opportunity to become incubators for certain professions, increasing the possibility that employers will come to them directly to hire graduates. Because students know that these relationships can produce good job prospects upon graduation, they will be more likely to stay engaged in school and retained through program completion.

Stronger Recruitment and Enrollment: Institutions that earn a better reputation for placing graduates will be able to leverage that data in their recruitment efforts and enroll more students as a result. Higher placement rates can have a direct impact on recruitment numbers as prospective students look for schools that can help them succeed both academically and professionally.

The Future of Career Services:

As more colleges and universities look for ways to boost career services and meet new federal regulations, as well as learn specifically what works and what doesn't work, what can institutions expect?

Higher education is positioned for a renewed focus on career services where it will experience the following five trends:

1. Stronger Employer Relationships

Institutions are going to be working closer with employers, communicating on a more regular basis to ensure students are acquiring the skills employers want, and employers are providing employment opportunities to qualified students from specific schools and programs. Colleges and universities will need to make it easier for employers to post job openings online and view a student's background and resume.

2. Automated Communications

We'll see more proactive communications between students and a school's career services team to make sure students can effectively market themselves to employers. We'll also see this outreach start earlier - for example, instead of waiting until a student is one month away from graduation, the placement process might start 6 months to a year prior to graduation.

3. Dedicated Staffing

We'll see shift in career services organizations to include more staffing and resources dedicated to placement support. Not only will we see an increase in career services headcount, but also increase in the service level they deliver to students. Sheila Curren, author and leader in the field of student career services, hit the nail on the head when she said, "I think a fundamental change needs to take place in the way career centers are organized, and in the training that is given to career services professionals. Good career services can make a huge difference to a student's ultimate success after graduation."

4. More Student Self-Service Functionality

We'll see colleges and universities empower students to play a bigger role in the career placement process, giving them better access to resources so they can build an online profile highlighting qualifications and their resume, track job postings and opportunities, connect with employers, and apply for posted positions.

5. Increased Tracking and Measurement

Institutions will implement the tools and technology necessary to more effectively track employer and job posting information, as well as measure placement results. Colleges and universities will identify key performance indicators (KPIs), including placement by employer, program and student; volume of job postings; and average salary and debt of graduates so they can make more informed decisions in order to provide increased support to students seeking targeted employment.

CONCLUSION

While there is little data out there that speaks to placement results across higher education, the consensus is that there is tremendous room for improvement. Colleges and universities need to set their goals higher in order to:

Exceed accreditation requirements
Stay compliant with federal regulations
Recruit at a higher level
Fulfill the obligation a college has to its students and graduates

The current economy and regulatory landscape are forcing colleges and universities to take a closer look at the level of support they deliver to students beyond the learning experience. Institutions need to take career services to the next level in order to truly support students, graduates and alumni across the education lifecycle.

Career Management: Protect Your Future!

Just like we wear a life vest when out on the water, have you though of taking the same approach with your career? As you plan your career and work on improving your skills and documenting progress and accomplishments so to must you take ongoing action to protect your career.

Effective career management does not mean building a moat around you career and retreating into the castle. You must take a pro-active approach and be aware of what is happening in the economy, how it impacts your industry and company.

Too often with an industry downsizing or outsourcing those affected seems surprised that it could happen to them. Yet the signs of possible future actions that would hit them were all around.

Even if you are working in a field that may be looked upon as secure (IT, engineering, etc.) they are not immune to changes, layoffs or even companies closing. Another bitter pill to swallow in managing your career is working for a company that is not growing but rather spends an inordinate amount of time counting paper clips.

If you see the possibility of negative things happening in your industry and there is a likelihood the wave will roll through your organization the time to begin to take action is well before the event.

Here are some proactive career management actions you can begin doing right now.

1. Go back over the past two years or so and organize and list all of your accomplishments. Going forward keep a current file on accolades and accomplishments. Make them quantifiable and show the benefits and value to the employer. Study the writing of a resumes and cover letters that will showcase your accomplishments.

2. Take an audit of you career related skills. Are there any gaps in your skills or something that you need to get current on? Perhaps, you've done some career research and you plan on changing career directions. Now is the time to plan on building appropriate skills and qualifications for the proposed new career.

3. If your industry looks like a dead-end, begin studying other related industries that can use your skills. Research other companies and organizations in your area. Don't forget to look carefully at smaller companies, non-profits and if appropriate government agencies.

4. If you may face a change in circumstances, now is the time to look closely at your finances. Reduce debt, postpone major purchases and build a robust rainy day fund.

5. Build you network. Become more active in a career or industry related association. Start a contact data base of those in your network. Help others in their career planning and job hunting. Actions in this area now could pay dividends in the future.

6. Research and start a small home based business. There are many opportunities in this area. One started selling on eBay and earns over $1000 a month working 10-15 hours a week, another sells affiliate items and earns up to $500 a month just working a couple of evening a week. Whatever direction you take, this will improve your financial situation and give you more options. Who knows, it could grow into a full-time type income.

Now with these actions in managing and protecting your career, you will not be totally immune to layoffs and other external changes in your career, but you'll have developed a greater measure of safety. Moreover, now your viable career management plan will put you in charge of the situation rather than your career being starved by the slow drip-drip of circumstances outside of your control.

John Groth has changed careers seven times during his working life. Learn more about changing careers, career management and career planning at http://careersafter50.com. Discover how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by effective career planning after 50.

Career Truths, Facts and Obstacles: The Future of the Workforce, 3 Tips Part 1

The facts are in, and the truth is our career and workforce options are changing quickly. There appear to be so many obstacles to entering the workforce now many people are wondering what to do. More importantly, many career choices can become obsolete overnight due to advance in technology, a change in workforce outsourcing or some global influence.

So, how do you prepare to enter the workforce if your career has been annihilated by the global economic crisis, destroyed by new software advance or outsourced to a cheaper market?

Here are 3 tips to help you make career decisions. Choose a career that has these 3 abilities and you will have an easier time developing income.

Career Traction: Career traction are careers that will still be in demand for at least a decade or more. Usually 10 years worth of career traction is important to sustaining your income. Choose a career that will not be wiped out in 3 years by developments in technology or outsourcing abilities. For example (web design) was once a great career field and got wiped out in the last 5 years by software developments and outsourcing to cheaper markets. You also want to look for something where good compensation remains vs. diminishes over time.

Career Diversification and Adaptability: Diversifying your income structures is a huge concern for many people and will be into the future. Career adaptability means that you are able to diversify your career into a job longterm, a per- project or per- Diem basis. This will help you in case of job loss in your industry. Many companies are not hiring employees because of the costs involved in having employees and the instability of our global economy. It doesn't make sense to hire people right now in this economy. However, it does make sense to hire on a per project basis in a contract labor market during high season times.

You will know if you have chosen a career that is diversified and adaptable if you can answer this question. For the next 10 years, can my career turn into a home based business per project income source? If yes, then do both right now to protect and diversify your income structures before you need to. If not, you may want to think of a back up business or career.

Global Demand: Choosing a career with global demand just makes sense right now. There are many industries that will continue to grow in global demand and this will also make you more in demand. Of course nursing, occupational and physical therapy are in those categories along with consulting and technology sector careers. These careers also have traction and global adaptability.

Careers and industries are evolving very quickly right now and know how to gain traction and diversifying your income is important. This is a rebuilding time in the economy and rebuilding your income sources will demand that you focus on these 3 key areas. When you do, you will create career stability and success in your future.

Writes for http://successsystemsnow.com and http://privateJVclub.info

Hey College Students! Check Out These Best Future Careers

Not surprisingly many websites nowadays will try to say which the best careers offer the best prediction in the years to come. They based statistically on growth percentage in the recent years. However, other people never reflected this concerns base on which careers get the payout, which job are easier to acquire and so on. As long as they have a proper and organized career management though sometimes they need to have career transition inevitably. Despite of all of this, there are some general trends proven true.

Future career fashion

One of the fastest progressing areas of business, employment and communication in recent years are all because of our computer technology. Continued assimilation of IT and digital communication into one package throughout different sectors ensures that this fashion will go on longer. Web developers, systems analysts, computer programmers, designers and developers, consultants and information managers show something of these career spot.

Included also in the career spot are engineers including fiber, cable, satellites and more.

Healthcare career

Health care job also guaranteed in demand due to increasing population - particularly those people belongs to older age groups in which health care services and treatments available extended to farther places. Number of administrative jobs expanded and support roles needed.

Other potential "hot" career in the future includes the spot of scientific advance particularly in "biotechnology". Highlighted on this area are tissue engineers and gene programmers - but all skills on this area are included. Another new technology added is nanotechnology and energy technology.

Due to population changes lots of career arises in addition to healthcare. To name the few are:

Teaching and Tourism, Training and Development and care of the elderly or Care-giving these careers are predicted to be in demand and would increase more as also with Financial Advisors.

Current services would increase as population grows older. Legal sector, Military career, Educators, tutors and a lot more. Consider also the massive return of income sectors of paying for domestic support like house helpers, maids, cleaners and drivers etc. This could not be avoided due to higher level of divorce yield mostly on single-parent families.

New services are developing recognize to another career spot. Many of these services are directly serve to the end users or the consumers itself. Few of those are Counseling, different Complementary Therapies also includes Coaches and Physical Training Instructors.

Fresh Graduates: What is the best career for the future?

One of the biggest problems of the society is the high percentage of unemployed sector.

Obviously this includes the fresh graduates who are still looking where to land a good job.

Lucky are those who properly organized their career management program before graduating because obviously they are first one to succeed in the pool of job searching.

Although some of demand careers already mentioned above, here are some that offer most new job as opposed to future career fashion.

* Accountants and auditors.

* Applications software engineers.

* Computer systems analysts.

* Secondary school teachers.

* Systems engineers.

* Systems analysts.

* Network administrators.

* Employment and recruitment specialists.

Finally, your choice of career may vary on your skills, capacity in whatever field you are confident of delivering it. Create a career management program to let you organize what you must do in your career choice.

You will be confident if you have to assess first yourself knowing your weakness and strength, tolerance level and limitations. If you surely are the master of yourself, no doubt you would be successful in your career.

Teen Quizzes Connect You to Your Future Career Choice

If you do not know which career to choose, or are confused about which career you should be in, teen quizzes can analyze your personality and abilities to see which careers you could fit into. If you are not interested in any careers at all, an interest test can still help, by suggesting careers you may be interested in, because of your personality type. Another way to find out what you like to do, is to take part time jobs in whatever you can get into. For example, if you work at a fast food chain, any experience can be added to your resume, and applied to the next job application.

Working in the fast food industry will tell you if you want to pursue it or not in the future. Experience will teach you what you like and don't like in the working world. A Personality Test can match you to compatible careers, because it is known that people with similar personalities and interests are happy in similar jobs. One test that matches your personality to suitable careers, is the Strong Interest Inventory (R).

This interest inventory test uses the Holland Codes Typology (R), which categorizes your personality into one of six distinct types - There's Realistic, Artistic, Investigative, Conventional, Enterprising, and Social. They are pretty much self explanatory. You want to discover your future? Look at your past and present. It is a good measuring stick to learn what you may be interested in doing for a career later. Someone's personality usually doesn't change, so if you are the Artistic type, you will probably stay that way.

Realistic: You enjoy physical, practical, hands on careers that are possibly outdoors, but do not want to involve yourself with a lot of paper work. You prefer to do, not think it out on paper. You only want the facts and are solidly based in reality. Let's get Moving, is your motto. You have no illusions, you want what's real now, and see things for what they are.

Artistic: You prefer expressing yourself through designing something without a clear set of rules or regulations. You go with your own intuition flow without deadlines. Imagination and creativity is you. You move at your own pace despite the speed of the world. Something in an art career cluster may be your ideal career choice.

Investigative: You like working with ideas and figuring things out for yourself, mentally. You are the pencil and paper kind of guy, or girl. You like investigating and observing. You do the research. You enjoy contemplation and pondering new ideas.

Enterprising: You are a self starter, an independent thinker, and like taking charge, leading people, and taking responsibility. When there's a question to be answered, you're the guy or girl, with all the answers - Just ask you. You are a natural born leader. Hand over the reigns, you will take over. You will direct the entire show. Consider self employment in your own legitimate home business, management, or supervisory positions.

Conventional: You like working by a predictable routine and a specific set of operational rules. You do not mind having to answer to someone, and being directed by an authority figure. You enjoy a predictable career working environment and job routine. You love to go by the rules and want them to be clearly defined. You work well with others within a cohesive team. You perform good as a team player, and like the social interaction on the job. This is the best job environment for your particular working style.

Social: You love people, and have to be surrounded by them. It is part of who you are. You do not like to do much alone. People energize you. You are a social butterfly. You are well liked, because you like people in general. There is no one you can't find something about them to like. Career personality tests show you to be amiable and possibly gregarious.

Take an inventory of all your education and skills. Have you been a babysitter? Take this in consideration too, because it could lead to you being a teacher in grade school, or owning your own day care center. Don't be in an occupation you are not interested in, nor passionate about. Make sure you have the natural aptitudes required for doing the job you are interested in.

If you use aptitudes you are weak in, or do not like using, you will be unhappy in that job. Pick a job where you can be who you are, and use those strongest skills and aptitudes you prefer using. Your personality has to fit the job, or you will not be fulfilled. Discover your abilities and who you are, and match these both to the right career, and you will then have a fulfilling career you will also be successful at.

Steve Humphreys

http://www.free-career-test-online.com

Key to ideal career discovery is self-knowledge. Find, develop, and plan your career choice with our self-help resources. Teens, career changers, or job searchers will find helpful advice and articles about career tests, resumes, interviews, and more. Let us help you find your dream career on your journey.

Free ebook http://www.free-career-test-online.com/career-ebooks.html

Greener Pastures - Is a Career Change in Your Future?

Have you been feeling restless in your career lately? Or, have you been wondering what's next even though you have enjoyed a successful career progression as an executive?

Managing your career is similar to keeping your body in shape-positive thinking and high-quality input will keep it healthy and growing. Just like an annual check-up ensures you're in good physical condition, it's important to monitor your career in the same way. Ask yourself at regular intervals if your career development is as it should be-or needs a new focus, direction or energy. If your work life seems stalled and you feel dissatisfied, a career change may be in order as the new year approaches.

A change in your occupation may be the right move for you.

You may feel that changing to an entirely different field at this point in your life is too risky, but with careful planning, it's possible. You can't really know what could be possible until you investigate further. In fact, you may discover related possibilities that don't require a dramatic change or reduction in salary.

A recent client, a governmental relations executive, was quite successful but didn't feel fulfilled professionally. After career assessment and time to think through his needs and interests, he realized that he'd be much more satisfied in a leadership role serving a non-profit organization. However, he didn't want to relinquish such a lucrative income. His employer's active community involvement program was just the change he needed. My client negotiated a new position, remaining part time in governmental relations while assuming responsibilities as liaison with non-profit groups that his company seeks to benefit. And, he did not have to take a salary cut. Had he not taken stock to examine his career situation and investigated his options, he'd still be feeling restless and bored.

Taking stock of your career satisfaction

Not sure if you are ready for a change? To measure your career satisfaction level, check all questions that are applicable. Then, tally your score below.

Have you considered a career change for over six months?

Have duties been taken away from you?

Has it been longer than three years since you had a promotion?

Are you concerned about job security?

Do you feel underpaid?

Do you feel unappreciated?

Is your job affecting your health?

In your present position, are you repeating yourself (not growing in responsibility)?

Has a colleague, a member of your family, or a friend suggested you search for another job?

Are your duties increasing without a pay increase?

Does work interfere with your personal life?

Do you suspect a lay-off, takeover, or company merger?

Are rewards and recognition for your work hard to come by?

Are you concerned about the quality of your company's product or service?

Is your company falling behind competitively in today's tough market?

Are you excluded from the decision-making process?

Is your present position keeping you from meeting your goals?

Are you in need of more income than your job is providing?

Have you already mentally shut yourself out from your job?

Total Check Marks

If you scored 1 -5: Basically, you're satisfied. Use those as indicators of where to apply yourself to make your present job better.

If you scored 6 - 10: You may have peaked or begun a transitional period. It may be time to investigate ways to expand. Look within your company first. You may discover a new project or opportunity that may use your abilities as well as incorporate your goals.

If you scored 11 or more: Serious work is needed to address your situation. If these things go unchecked, you'll find yourself one of the first victims of a downsizing, or stuck in a no-growth situation. Again, always work on the present situation along with any job search.

Setting the stage for successful career change

We've heard it before-our thinking sets the stage for action. A winning spirit shows that you believe things can change for the better. That is, if you feel hopeless, your career may seem hopeless as well. However, if you revitalize your thought processes and become more optimistic, your career can take a positive step forward as well.

Realize that you're the only person who can make things happen in your life. When you understand and accept this, you'll develop the courage to take careful risks and manage a successful career change. Don't stake your career future on any employer's goodwill. Your company could fold or be acquired. Given this climate of uncertainty, professional survival requires creative self-reliance-which can lead to new and better opportunities.

Charting a new course

Mental obstacles caused by the fear that your age, educational attainment, ethnic background, gender or current workplace limitations are stacked against you. To recharge your career, shake the mental obstacles by focusing on what you can attain despite the odds.

Talk to others who have persevered and succeeded. How did they do it, and what lessons can you learn from their experience? Participate in industry functions and attend professional meetings where you can meet people whose career paths have taken interesting turns. Their stories can be inspirational. You may even receive some promising job leads from your conversations.

The next step, is to create a game plan for your career. A few of the options that could help you reach your professional and financial goals include:

o Moonlighting to explore working in a different industry or type of job.

o Researching franchise opportunities to see if you're suited to entrepreneurship.

o Becoming an "intrapreneur" who performs services for various companies under contract.

o Pursuing further education or professional certification to prepare for a different occupation.

o Taking early retirement to follow a dream outside of the corporate mainstream.

o Volunteering for work assignments, task forces or special projects that reflect your interests, add to your skill base and help you develop new contacts.

If you're open to change and willing to take informed risks, you'll be surprised by how many avenues you could pursue. Your future is what you make it, and it's never too late.

As the strategic partner in designing targeted job search campaigns, Louise Garver, President of Career Directions, LLC, provides the services and tools to position you above the competition and win the career you deserve. A certified career coach and certified resume writer with 20+ years of experience in helping people find rewarding, meaningful work they love, Louise provides expertise in resume development, career branding, online identity positioning, networking, interview and salary skills enhancement, and career management. Through a personalized, consultative approach, she will help you identify your distinctive talents, career passions and success stories to produce career documents described as "compelling and highly effective" by recruiters and hiring authorities. Her resumes are published in over 30 publications. Please visit her Web site at http://www.careerdirectionsllc.com

Career Planning - 5 Quick Start Tips to a Better Future!

Career Planning:5 Quick Tips to Control Your Career and Your Future!

It's unlikely that anyone today will stay with one employer their whole working life. As you make choices regarding your career your identity comes from these choices and not your employer.

Who is making a lifetime commitment to your career? It's surely not your employer, no matter how benevolent they might be. The person controlling your life is you, so if you take responsibility for your life and your future you'll be far ahead of most people. It's counterproductive to blame circumstances you cannot control or to blame your employer, your supervisor or co-workers.

If you feel powerless because of where you work, or the career you are in, wake-up and get started on your future. Everyone, with a bit of planning has the ability to quit their jobs and start with another employer, another career or start working for themselves.

The job market is relatively soft right now, but the economy will change and if you plan for a job or career change you future success starts now.

Five Ways to Quickly Get Control of Your Career and Your Future.

1. Research job opportunities all the time.

This doesn't mean you need to send out five resumes every day. What is does mean is you are constantly looking for opportunities. Some may be internal-with your current employer-some may be external.

Some opportunities may be additional education, self-study, networking with outside organizations, and becoming a player in a career related organization. All will provide you with a constant stream of valuable career information.

If you get stuck and don't see a way out, work hard at getting help. Career coaches are everywhere, how about a mentor or someone from your network.

Build up your support team and soon you'll have a group of people working on your behalf.

2. Don't use money issues as the reasons holding you back.

If you use this as an excuse for making a career or job decision you are shortchanging yourself. If you think you need a certain income to live well, there are many families living better but earning 10%, 20% and even 50% less than you do. How do they do it? Do some research.

After your research then make your plans and you'll soon find that financial issues will drop off your worry/excuse list.

3. Honestly assess where you happiness comes from.

If it were money, millionaires would be the happiest people on the planet. And earning 25% more may or may not increase you level of happiness. Probably not as there is always 25% more, and 25% after that.

After you've built your career plan and you take action this is the fasted path to fulfillment and happiness, not ruminating about what you cannot control.

4. Blaming others or taking a routine negative approach to a situation is a lose-lose proposition.

How you view situations matters. If a problem becomes framed as an opportunity you'll be well on your way to controlling the situation. Search for the best in every situation, taking the optimistic approach will put you more in control of your career and your future.

5. Do the best presenting in your "brand."

Looking your best starts with physical conditioning. What is your ideal weight? Do you regularly exercise? Do you go out of your way to build in some physical activity into your daily routine?

Working in a three story building-how often do you use the stairs? Going shopping? How about parking at the edge of the parking lot and getting in some extra walking. You get the idea.

What you wear can make a difference. Recently I meet with a manager who was dressed in what looked like Goodwill castoffs. He didn't impress any member of my team and he had to work extra hard to get his points across. This is not to suggest that he had to wear a $2000 designer suit, but freshly pressed khakis, with a shirt without a frayed collar and shined shoes would have made at least a neutral impression.

Need assistance with the rest of your appearance? Get help, get a regular haircut, etc.

Also, as part of your career planning work hard to improve your ability to communicate, both in writing and in making an oral presentation. Improvement in this area will also improve your "brand" and will pay big dividends.

Controlling your life, career and future is no easy task. Once you make the decision to start, work through one thing at a time. Keep it up and before you know it you will put together a record of personal achievements and career advancement. The time to start is now.

John Groth is a Career Coach and former HR executive. On his site find Career Planning Ideas valuable articles and exciting ideas to build a successful career plan. Discover up to date career and recruitment strategies at Careers After 50 Blog all to assist you in advancing and managing your career.

Future Success Starts with a Winning Career Plan!

A winning career plan for future success through effective written career planning.

"Committing your goals to paper increases the likelihood of your achieving them by 1000%." Brian Tracy

Jack had worked at Wal-Mart for over four years and was in his early 20's. In the past year he was promoted to department manger in his local store. His education ended at high school although he had gone to a junior college for one semester.

He had visions of someday being a store manager but had no idea how to advance his career to that level. What did he have to do to get his career on track to the store manager level? Working hard? A lot of very capable people work hard every day but never seem to get anywhere. No, the real effective focus lies elsewhere.

If you want to promote your career to two or three levels above your current position lets follow Jack as he builds a workable and efficient career plan. We already know he enjoys the job and the interaction between the employees and customers. He's not afraid to work hard and he works smart because that's the reason he got promoted to department manager.

First, as Brian Tracy stated, the goals have to be put on paper. Jack's goal is to be a store manager but there is an intervening step, that of assistant store manager. So let's work with Jack at putting his career plan together. Here's Jack's career plan:

1. In the next 30 days have a meeting with the store manager to determine what qualifications are needed to get promoted to assistant store manager?

2. Complete the department manger computer training modules within the next 60 days.

3. Read two books a month on motivation, retail finance and other areas of effective supervision and management.

4. Spend time every day becoming familiar with the sales and other data important to managing his department and the entire store.

5. In the next 45 days get to know at least four personal things about each employee that works for him and each store department manager.

Depending upon the outcome of number one above Jack will have to add whatever the store manager advises him to complete. If he finds he needs to complete certain activities in a set period of time to qualify to be an assistant manger that will be added to his career plan. He will then write them out and take number one off the list. As a matter of course he should plan on talking with his assistant manger and store manager about the progress of his career plan at least every month or two and bring them up to date on his progress.

At least every three months or maybe more often Jack will have a meeting with himself. He will gage his progress and make adjustment to his career plan as required. On thing he learned when he writes out his career goals is to put the goals on index cards and have one on the visor of his car, another in his check book and another in his pocket. He plans on reading his career goals at least five times each day.

With this career plan Jack is well on his way to moving to the next level at Wal-Mart. Further, he is building the foundation to qualify himself for a store manager's position. Developing your personal career plan is not difficult if you quantify each step, don't get too far in the future, and write out your career goals, step by step.

John Groth is a former HR executive and career coach. Find Career Planning Ideas, valuable articles and a free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date career and recruitment strategies at our Employment Guide all to assist you in planning and advancing your career.

Career planning-the key to your future

The biggest mistake made more in their careers? Many times the individual fits into a job rather than finding a job or a career that fits them and then fits into their lives.

Career planning makes all the difference. Thinking about what you need at every stage of your career, putting down on paper, thinking in terms of progress in 3 months to a year at intervals of three years and frequently review your progress are all the ingredients necessary to plan and develop a rewarding and satisfying career.

And it's no mystery that many people surrender themselves less than satisfying careers, does not work to their potential and never completely having explored all their options. For example, peer or family pressure some into College guide when entrepreneurship or technical school education can be better. Others elect the College Major or fall in jobs based on potential earnings and then later find that they are unhappy.

Recently, a survey revealed that almost half of College educated workers between 25 and 50 respondents said they would choose the more different if they could do. Most graduates will have changed careers at least once, and one in five expect change in the future. Chalk up to indecision, social or economic changes or destiny, but more likely it is because many do not have a plan.

It's never to late to develop a career plan, even after 50, you can find work in a new challenging and satisfying career.

Regardless of where you are in your career, it is important to make informational interviews with people in the field or the company that you want to insert. Also, expand your search to libraries and the Internet. There are, for example, more than 20,000 job titles listed in the Bureau of Labor and statistics.

Let's face it. It is cheaper to do your career planning in the face of which remain in the wrong job too long or change majors college halfway through the school. Having a documented and well thought out plan early helps you discover your career-related interests and capabilities.

Will guide you to help identify occupations that match your interests, knowledge and personality. From here you can develop areas where it is necessary to further education and study. What are the needs of the job and how well will handle work requests are just some of the questions that you need to ask yourself as you research your opportunities.

If it is a career first or a later change in careers or even a career change after 50, many people have sought the services of a career counselor or coach. Keep in mind that there aren't any universal requirements for career coach. Depending on the State, some Councillors must undergo rigorous state licensing requirements and have advanced degrees in counseling or social work. On the other hand, some coaches draw on years of work experience and simply hang out a shingle. Ask around for recommendations if this avenue seems promising. Bottom line: whatever career you plan is developed it is your responsibility to the work plan.

There is nothing wrong with doing the job that you really want on weekends or part-time. You can hold the job that pays the Bills and pursue your entrepreneurial goals or artistic during your time off until you determine how to do it full time.

Planning and career development is a constant effort and never really ends. Your written goals must look forward in reasonable blocks of time. Equally important, do not stop the career planning once you get your dream job. Society and the global economy is constantly changing, you must have a flexible career plan that adapts to whatever comes. If, then, is clear, you'll be much better prepared than your peers.

Career planning is an ongoing activity. Will help you achieve your dream job and career. For more information about how to get started in your career planning http://careersafter50.comgo. Also you will discover a variety of success stories and examples of successful career planning and career change after 50

Career Plan Mapping For a More Secure Future!

You've been working for a number of years. You've moved rather effortlessly from one job to another and perhaps from one career to another. If you've had any periods of unemployment it's been brief.

Now however, at age 50 or beyond, you find you're suffering from a malady that affects many your age; your career is just not what makes you happy. In the course of your working life somehow you've wandered off the right career road and now you find you're lost. Your future is somewhat uncertain and you want to get a better handle on the direction your career may be moving.

There is no handy GPS to direct you back to the right road. You have to solve your confusion by developing a strong career plan with a career map leading you out of the wilderness. To get back on course it's critical to find the road to want to travel along with your destination.

You don't immediately have to have a final career destination, right down to the street address. But getting into the right zip code will allow you the flexibility to fine tune your career plan as you get closer to your final career objectives.

Here are the four fundamental factors you should review as you design a map to get your career plan back on track.

1. Where are you now? Just like zeroing in on a computer based satellite map there will be a proper distance where everything becomes clearer. Being able to see your entire career path up to this point is important to keep things in perspective.

What factors in a career are most important to you? Where do you want to work? What type and size of an organization best fits your interests? Is self-employment a possibility? Future aspects of the career: salary, promotion how important are they?

How far down the road will you be looking? One year maybe up to three to five years or longer depending on the destination should be how detailed you build your career plan.

2. Self-Assessment leads to self-improvement. Take a close look at you current career skills and resources. Just like inspecting a vehicle that you would be driving on a long trip, your skills and strengths will determine how well you travel in your career journey.

Along with a self-assessment of your strengths and weaknesses have a trusted friend or family member help you with a personal audit. If you have areas that you can strengthen what additional training and experience what do you need? Take the same approach eliminating or reducing a weakness.

You are unique so draft a short selling proposition that identifies your skills and what you would bring to your targeted career. Focus on the desired industry and job. With this method your energy will not be scattered and you will be more productive.

3. Explore the career landscape. Career research can take many forms from the general to the specific. It's normally better to gather more information than needed so you can analyze the data and then reject what you don't need.

Four areas come to mind to get you started:

A. Use information interviews to talk to others working in the proposed career field.

B. From the informational interviews learn what those working in the career read and study. How do they keep current? Build these activities into your career map planning.

C. If possible find an individual working in the planned field who can mentor you and help you assess your progress as you build and work your plan.

D. Keep abreast of industry trends. Go to conferences and trade shows, and use your networking abilities to add to your network. Have a list of career and industry blogs and websites that you regularly visit.

4. Flexibility will get you around roadblocks. With any career planning, one area most overlooked is financial planning. The two areas go hand in hand helping you reach your career objectives.

You must always plan for the worst possible financial situation.

You change careers and you income does not come up to previous levels for an extended period of time. You move to another more promising area and it takes longer than planned to find the right job. A promising career path hits an early dead-end. You work hard learning a new skill only to find the hard-earned technology is made obsolete with new software or the latest gizmo.

Your career plan must be realistic, with small positive steps taken over an extended period of time. Be sure you financial plan allows you the flexibility to continue on your career journey. As you uncover new career information, learn new skills and acquire added experience and abilities you will be in a better position to adjust your plan to overcome obstacles and roadblocks.

Written planning allows you to make rational career decisions. Moreover, you'll have a method to frequently gauge your progress toward your future career objectives. With a highly competitive job market, you'll also have an advantage over those who do not have a road map to guide them to their destination.

John Groth has changed careers seven times during his working life. Learn more about changing careers and career planning at http://careersafter50.com. Discover how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by career planning after 50.

IT workers are upbeat about the future

Tuesday 6th December, 2011

Career Watch: IT workers are upbeat about the future   
     Monday 5th December, 2011  Source: Computer World

The CIO at George Washington University answers questions about the traits he seeks in new hires, the value of mentors and more.
What qualities have you sought in recent hires? Recently, we have been hiring motivated, self-aware individuals who are dedicated to the mission and goals of the organization.
Our recent hires are motivated by what is ...
Libya has been liberated largely because of countries like Canada. Hoorah for Canada and its Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose policies have painted him firmly in the image of former United States President George W.Bush.

Breaking News
Tuesday 6th December, 2011

Our network flyer service provides a medium for putting your important news into a flyer on the web.
Whether it be a new product launch, announcing a community event, promoting a Web site, or advertising your business, then our Network Flyers service is for you.
Click here for more details

View the original article here

Teen Career Quizzes Can Help You Discover Your Future Adult Career

Taking the right Teen Career Quiz will point you in the direction of Jobs that may be a best fit for your Personality Style. When you are trying to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life, pay close attention to what things you like to do and do not like to do. This is something you can use to guide you on your Career Path to the right career choice. You do not want to get yourself hung up in a Career Mismatch.

When I joined the Military, I was tested for my working aptitudes and transferable skills. The test placed me into a Clerical and Administrative position, because it matched to my aptitudes and capabilities best. The Job was what I liked to do, and especially something I could do well - It fit.

When I was Discharged from the Armed Services, I went into Construction right away - Big Mistake. I never liked it, but stayed because of the money and benefits. It was not who I was. I hated it - I got myself trapped into one big Career Blunder. This is exactly what you need to do. Not get trapped or necessarily join the Military, but find out who you are. It is your job to find out what your true calling, or ideal career is.

I know that it can be confusing when it comes to making a career choice that is supposed to last the rest of your life. It is a big responsibility. There is not much room for error. Just know that no matter what career you choose, you may change your mind later. Even in College, it is normal to Change your Major at least once.

Statistics show that half of those with jobs end up not liking their careers at some point. And to top that, people usually change careers a few times during their lives. Young and Old change their minds about their Careers. Sometimes, this is the way people eventually find their Dream Jobs. They do it by testing the job waters. They work at this job a while, then at that job. They quit because there is some quality about the company, or the job they do not like, and then search for another job. Eventually, they gain enough experience and insight into themselves, and finally know what things they like and do not like in a job. Then, when that particular job comes along that blends in with the preferred skills they like using every day, they then know they have found their ideal career.

Questions to ask yourself -

What Careers interest you?
What things would you like and not like doing in a job?.
What things fascinate you?
What do you do as a Hobby?
Do you have any Special Interests that could be turned into a Job?
What do you like to think about?
What do you find yourself daydreaming about?
The question is - How do you find out who you are, so that you can know what career is right for you? What we want to find out here, is who you are in relation to a compatible Career Choice. If you find a career cluster you fit into, then you can zero in on that particular job within the cluster you think you would enjoy being in.

For example, if the Career Cluster is Electronics, one needs to narrow it down even further. What kind of electronics do you prefer? Do you want to Repair Computers, or Design the Entire Computer as a Computer Engineer ready for Manufacture? Would you rather work for the FBI putting together electronic surveillance equipment, or assemble Motherboards in a Factory? It is all up to you what you want to do, depending upon your skills, education, training and abilities.

It is theorized, that if you have the same personality and interests as one in a certain job who likes his job, you will probably like that job too.

If you are inclined toward Art, Music and Writing, you should further explore and pursue these areas. When you take a Teen Quiz that inventories your job interests and career personality, your working style preferences will be matched to certain career jobs. These Occupations will be those known to attract and retain people with your particular personality.

You may be more of a hands-on type of person, and may still be interested in Art, but maybe your creations will require Welding your artistic model together for display. You may have the artistic inclination to make a masterpiece out of metal, but you will have to acquire the manual ability to Weld, through additional Training.

Are you into Scientific Research? You may have a Mind for Math and formulas. A Teen Quiz can help guide you to those careers that may be the best fit for your abilities and personality style.

The Teen Quiz may suggest Careers you never thought about. Consider these and explore - Visit people who have these jobs, and ask them what the job is like, and how they got into the career. You may start out with a job idea before you take the test, and end up with choices totally unrelated, that you would like doing just as well. Try to Keep an open mind, so you do not miss any potential opportunities - They can show up when you least expect them.

Know that You definitely fit inside some job, somewhere. The job exists that is perfect for your personality, interests and skills. Unless you have Transferable skills, you may have to receive further training and education in order to be qualified to apply for that job. This is true for those with little or no experience in the new field they wish to break into, no matter what their age.

For example, I enjoy thinking about different things, rearranging my words, and typing my thoughts out. Those in my past would often mention how it seemed I would Dwell on things too much, or refer to me as Quote - The Thinker. I was not too amused. But, now I feel I have put my aptitude to positive, good use.

I never fit my Second Career together until recently. I now make pages for my Web site, write Career and Teen Quiz articles online, and am working on a book. Just like me, you have the Capability to fit all your abilities, skills, interests, aptitudes and values together, and Discover which career will match.

Remember, that no matter what age we are, that most of the time, we still can get the education and training required to get into that particular Career Choice of our dreams. It is almost never too early to begin planning for your Future Career, nor too late to change careers and search for a new one. The first step in planning for your first career, is taking a Teen Quiz.

Steve Humphreys

http://www.career-test-for-teens.com

Key to ideal career discovery is self-knowledge. Find, develop, and plan your career choice with our self-help resources. Teens, career changers, or job searchers will find helpful advice and articles about career tests, resumes, interviews, and more. Let us help you find your dream career on your journey.

Free ebook http://www.career-test-for-teens.com/career_ebooks_download.html

The Importance of Career Planning to Your Future Fortunes

In this article we will cover a little about the meaning and purpose of Career Planning. When it comes to career planning, you tend to think the craziest things when you are young and not yet focused on life. When you are a child you want to be the President, the Pope, or an astronaut; kids tend to shoot for the stars, however, when you grow up, you need to aim more realistically for your success, but not necessarily aiming lower than you can strive to succeed to.

You will want to make sure that your plans are something that you can enjoy and something that you can reach. When it comes to career goals you do not want to set the bar too high, but you do need it to be a slight challenge. A lot of career satisfaction comes for achieving goals in the workplace that you had to work hard to make happen, including your own pathways and the roles of team members.

The only thing that you will want to worry about when it comes to picking a career is that it is something that you can reach. If you can see you can do it, right? Well sometimes, it depends on your means. When it comes to planning your career you need to think about support, money, and effort.

When it comes to support, you are going to need some family and friends to back you up when everything falls. You are going to need some people to act like a support system. You are going to need some people when things fall apart so that you can pick yourself up and make something of your life.

Your career will dedicate your life so it is important that you take career planning seriously and that you think about your future when you choose a career.

It is also very important that you make sure that the career path that you choose fits your personality and your future goals. There are a lot of career tests that you can take online and offline so that you can pick a career that suits you. You will notice that your career planning may be rough in the beginning, but if you do your research you should be able to find a solid path for your future.

If you would like to do some further counseling you may want to ask yourself about seeing how people in the careers that you pick act and work. You may want to become an intern or you may just want to get more involved in the career by becoming an assistant.

There are lots of things that you will want to take inconsideration when planning your career. Location has a big effect on your career path. You may end up having to move away to become what you dream of. You will also have to research the wages that you can look forward to having.

You will also want to research the odds of finding a job in that career. If you plan to study for a higher qualification, you should start your research before you go to college so that you can declare a Major.

I have found a site created by Helene Malmsio who has had 20 years of employment recruitment and staff training experience. On this site there are hundreds of resources to help you plan your career, including a no-obligation report download and eCourse you can also subscribe to, that can be used by anyone wanting some expert help in trying to develop their career further.

It is important that you do enough research because you don't want to end up in a career field that will make you unhappy. When it comes to a career you may want to think about aiming high because your goals are going to always be changing, but you will be able to get a clear idea of what you are looking for out of the perfect job.

As for effort, how much are you willing to give to your career? Are you willing to give it your all? How far are you willing to take your dreams? If you cannot drive yourself to reach your goals, you will never be able to make your dreams come true.

Just because you have one problem with the above, does not mean that you cannot make your dreams come true, however, it will be more of a challenge. The most important thing that you will ever need is personal motivation and commitment to your career goals. If you got drive then you will find a way to make the money and the support system for your career training or college degree to appear. Money can hold a person back, but it can never stop a committed person from following their career dreams.

You will want to speak to many people in the job field as well as some people who can give you some advice or guidance in your career planning. It is important that you make something out of your life so that you can live a fulfilling life.

Get the best tools you can to make sure you are fully equipped to make the best decisions and choices from the career opportunities open to you, and to learn the professional skills to sell yourself to your ideal employer. We all had to learn these skills, no-one was born with them, but your career path will be fast-tracked to success when you give yourself the leading edge in your career planning.

Learn everything there is to know about career planning from the bottom up, so you get it right the first time...

Do you find the prospect of planning your career daunting and unmanageable? If you are one of the millions of actively seeking job hunters in the market today, you have to gain a competitive edge to get ahead.

Get The Career Planning Guide Toolbox here:

http://strategic-services-aust.com/Career-Planning-Guide-Toolbox.html