Researching & Choosing Careers

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Chapter Overview

Lesson 1: Researching and Choosing Careers

Lesson 2: Military Careers

Lesson 3: Careers in Aerospace

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Lesson Overview

• Selecting and charting a good career path

• Careers versus jobs

• Career direction—Getting to know yourself

• Career options

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Lesson Overview

• What employers are looking for

• Career factors

• Career planning and information sources

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Quick Write

• Write down three types of jobs you can picture yourself doing over your lifetime

• The jobs should sound satisfying, rewarding, and even fun to you

• Keep this list as we go through this lesson, and make changes as you see fit

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Selecting and Charting a Career Path

• You want a fulfilling, rewarding, and enjoyable career

• You will spend 8 to 10 hours a day or more on the job

• That is two-thirds of your waking hours!

• Now is the time to chart your path

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Careers versus Jobs

• A job is something that a person does to make a living

• A career is something that defines a person’s working life

The choice is up to you!

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Job

• Provides for a basic living – food & shelter

• But may not give you a chance to improve your lifestyle

• You perform specific duties within a specific time frame

• Your ability to advance will be limited

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Career

• Provides opportunities for advancement

• Provides opportunities for increased salary

• Provides opportunities to apply your increased experience

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Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Careers

• It’s also important to find something you enjoy

• Work doesn’t have to be boring!

• If you find something you like to do, you’ll probably do it well

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Career Direction

• What do I want to do?

• What am I suited for?

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Getting to Know Yourself

Aptitude

Interests

Attitude

Values

Abilities

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Career Options

• Working in the private sector

• Working for the federal, state, or local government (including as a teacher)

• Serving in the military

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Career Options

Fastest- Growing Occupati

onsHome health aides

Network systems and dataCommunications analysis

Medical assistants

Physicians assistants

Computer software engineers, applications

Chart Available: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Career Options

High- Growth

Occupations

Retail Salesperson

Registered Nurses

Postsecondary Teachers

Customer Service Representative

Janitors and cleaners except maids and

housekeeping cleaners

Chart Available: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Career Options

Future Job

Decreases

Farmers and ranchers

Stock clerks and order fillers

Sewing machine operators

File clerks

Order clerks

Chart Available: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Career Examples

• Computer animator

• Customer service representative

• Dental assistant

• Environmental scientist/engineer

• Food-preparation and -service workers

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Career Examples

• Geneticist

• Health-care information specialist

• Intellectual property lawyer

• Medical assistant

• Online content developer

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Career Examples

• Physical therapist

• Telecommunications technician

• Webmaster

• Federal government employee

• Student educational employment program

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What Employers Are Looking For

• Ability to work with others

• Problem-solving and creative-thinking skills

• Technical aptitude (for example, being computer literate)

• Good communication skills

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Chapter 1, Lesson 1

What Employers Are Looking For

• Willingness and ability to learn and accept responsibility

• Versatility and flexibility

• Dependability and honesty

• Good reading, writing, and math skills

• Personal financial literacy

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Employers also want people who accept

personal responsibility for their work

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What Employers Are Looking For

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Career Factors

EducationYour level of formal knowledge and training. Education greatly increases your career potential.

Experience

The knowledge, skills, and self-confidence you’ve gained through events and activities. Experience adds to your earning potential. It can come from jobs, internships, and volunteer work.

Skills and Talents

Abilities you possess. Education and training enhance your abilities.

Interests andTemperament

Aspects of your personality that affect the kinds of work you prefer and the settings in which you can work effectively.

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Career Factors

Job Availability

Positions available at a given time and place that match your skills, experience, and education. Some jobs are available only in specific locations, such as large cities or company headquarters.

Earning Potential

Certain professions or careers have higher earning potential then others do.

Personal NeedsFringe benefits and other factors that influence job satisfaction, such as insurance, vacation, on-site child care, and sick leave.

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Career Planning

• What is right for you: a job or a career?

• Will you enter the workforce right after high school?

• Will you pursue higher education?

• Will you join the military?

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Career Planning Includes Four Tasks

• Discovering your attitudes, interests, abilities, and preferences

• Gathering information

• Matching your interests with occupations

• Taking the steps to reach your career goal

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Job Information Sources

• The Occupational Outlook Handbook

• The Dictionary of Occupational Titles

• Websites: – www.assessment.com– www.Careerexplorer.com

• Networking

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Review

• You want a career that is fulfilling, rewarding, and enjoyable

• A job is something that a person does to make a living

• A career is something that defines a person’s working life

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Review

• In making career choices, you have to know yourself well

• Among your options are the private sector; the federal, state, or local government; and the armed forces

• Employers want people who have developed a sense of personal responsibility for their work

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Review

• You’ll need to consider many factors as you decide on a career path or specific job

• Make the choice with a lot of thought—but also be willing to change if a particular direction doesn’t seem right

• Eventually, you’ll find a path that’s good for you

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Summary

• Selecting and charting a good career path

• Careers versus jobs

• Career direction—Getting to know yourself

• Career options

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Summary

• What employers are looking for

• Career factors

• Career planning and information sources

Chapter 1, Lesson 1

Next

• Today we’ve learned about what a good career path will do for your future

• Next we’ll learn about military careers

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