Does a new year inspire you to think about a new career? According to the employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, total employment is expected to increase by 15.6 million jobs during the 2006-2016 decade. More and more opportunities are now available so take the first step of finding your new career by exploring the numerous possibilities.
See what is new in your own organization. Many people don’t realize that new jobs are being created every year in their very own company until it is too late. Do your homework by asking about your company’s future plans. Ask your direct supervisor, human resources, and anyone who might be in the know. Your dream job may be right in your own back yard.
Research the top jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the three fastest growing jobs in the 2006-2016 decade will be Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts, Personal and Home Care Aides, and Home Health Aides. Take a look at the major job boards such as Hot Jobs, Monster, and Career Builder to see what is being posted on a weekly basis. I found that there were interesting jobs that I didn’t even knew existed.
Do some creative brainstorming. One way to do this is a through a system developed by Radcliffe Career Services. The first step in this method is to write down your skills, interests, and values. The second step is to take one interest and then match that interest with the skills that would be associated with that interest. The third step is to brainstorm careers that would be using both your interests and your skills. You can combine these elements any way you desire such as choosing the value first, and writing down your interests associated with that value. The goal is to brainstorm as many careers that fit with your particular interests, skills, and values.
The new year is a time of beginnings. Invest a little time in creating your new dream opportunity.
Stacy Harshman brings her experience as a recruiter for a Fortune 500 corporation to her work as a life and career coach. In addition to helping people discover their passions, she also provides clients with insight into the mind of a recruiter, unlocking the secrets of what employers look for in potential employees. Stacy offers individual and group coaching in person and by phone to those seeking positive change in their professional and personal lives.
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Hi Stacy,
I’ve found Edgar Schein’s career anchors profile to be very accurate in predicting what I am drawn to (or is that held to?! lol)
Also, mobility within a company can be a form of career change. Maybe not “root and branch” but possibly a fresh start. Sometimes that is enough.
regards
mark mcclure
tokyo
Hi Mark,
That is an interesting comment that you made about the Edgar Schein Career Anchor Profile. Assessments do play an important role in assisting job seekers in determining where their interests/strengths lie. Personally, I have utilized the Career Liftoff Interest Inventory based on John Holland’s Theory of Careers and also the Golden Personality Type Indicator based on the personality type theory of Carl Jung. I have found both of them beneficial in assisting others in understanding their interests and strengths.
I also agree with you that mobility within a company can also be a form of career change. In my experience, there are two types of upward progressions within a company. One is the movement within the same position such as from a Technician I to a Technician II. The basic duties remain the same but more responsibility is given. The second type is a complete change in job duties while still remaining in the organization. For this type of promotion, the same principles of preparing for a career change apply. In most cases, an internal candidate will be required to apply for the position and will go through the same interviewing process as an external candidate. The internal applicant should research the new position as thoroughly as possible, update his/her resume, and begin practicing answering potential interview questions. And of course, hiring a career coach is always recommended!
Thanks
Stacy