What Career For You?
For many, our career defines who we are and what we hope to become. Finding your career can be a daunting task. And being asked over and over again "What do you want to be when you grow up?" seems to make it even more daunting. Making such a decision may take years of research and constant change as you learn of new and exciting possibliities. As you go through your education, meet new people, see new places, your choices may open to careers never thought of before.
There are many things to take into account when searching for a career. Would you like working with people or things, indoors or out, helping others, fast paced or low stress? There are many career test you can take, some in the Career Center and some on the internet (see links below). The tests on the internet may charge a fee, so be careful. Some of the personality tests you can take will help you learn more about yourself and what types of careers may be suited for you. Remember they are only a tool, not an absolute and most, tell what you would like to do, not what you would be good at.
Once a year I host the ASVAB test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitiude Battery). It is the best interest and aptitude test there is for juniors and seniors. The ASVAB not only takes into account what you would like to do, but also what careers you may be good at. The test is free and is scheduled for November 25th this year.
Find out what career may be the career for you.
www.uncwil.edu/staff/career/majors Career-guidance site by Univ. of North Carolina
www.CaliforniaRealityCheck.org
www.CaliforniaCareers.info/ccpg
Learning About Careers
It's important to know as much as possible about a career before you commit yourself. Asking questions of people in the career your considering, maybe job shadowing someone, reading articles and books about that career can be very helpful. Remember, TV and movies are the worst examples of what a career is really like. Below is a list of things to consider when looking into a career and a few WEB links to get even more information.
What are the working conditions?
What are the personal qualifications?
How much education is needed?
What is the employment outlook?
What is the starting wage?
What licences are needed?