Monday, December 31, 2007

Anytime can be back to school time: Career development through education

Enhancing one's career through education and/or training would be something to definitely consider as being a very practical endeavor. Considering just from a practical point of view, in today's world it is almost a requisite for an individual to keep pace with new technologies that are constantly coming out or on the horizon, which means constantly educating oneself. The nature of today's workplace moreover is such that its hallmark is globalization. Skills that only could be learned through attendance at American or otherwise Western campuses just a decade back even, may now be learned by anyone, anywhere in the world. All it takes is a few mouse clicks to download training programs, and be on the way to earning online degrees for example. Today many companies offer educational benefits such as tuition reimbursement for classes taken at college or even over the internet, or also attendance of training programs at institutes for example. Consider exploring the availability of any educational benefits with your HR representative. In the end, the knowledge that you acquire may not only boost you along your career path, but will very likely also be immensely intellectually rewarding.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Do you need a career coach?

If you are feeling stuck about the direction your career is going, or perhaps even clueless as to what career options are available for you out there, then perhaps talking with a career counselor can shine some much needed light upon your professional path. Career counseling has really evolved in the last decade into a niche consulting area. Career counselors are highly skilled in providing accurate assessments to an individual about their career options based upon not only the educational qualifications and talents one holds, but also taking into account one's core values and principles. Beyond just helping an individual write or polish their resume and cover letters, career counselors may open your eyes into carving a niche where none may have existed before. Consider going to a private career counseling firm. Or if you are an alumnae or an educational institution, chances are that your institution has some kind of career counseling office or department so consider contacting your campus or even visiting just the website to explore further.

Here you can learn how to create cover letters for your resume. Cover Letters

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Stay ahead of the curve: Planning career changes

Because our professional lives are such a big part of who we are, thinking about one's career and what one is doing as their job (or their labor) is inevitable. And therefore, so too are career changes inevitable. Statistics show that men and women entering into the workforce today may be expected to change their careers an average of three times throughout their working lives. If you are serious about changing careers, the number one advice is to first understand what you really want. Are you simply dissatisfied with your current position, which a position change can remedy (a positional change)? Or are you truly unhappy with what you do and yearn to do something different (a situational change)? Once you have accurately assessed the type of change you desire, do your homework. Here is more information on how to get promoted faster Click Here.

Plan for your change by acquiring any needed training or education. And in addition, try to acquire experience and network with other professionals who are already doing what you seek to become. A systematic approach can allow you to ease your way out of your current path, and smoothly transition into a new position, or an outright new phase of your working life.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

To be or not to be: Choosing a career in today's world

Choosing a career in today's world can be one of the most empowering and creative endeavors someone undertakes. It is also one that can seem overwhelming and can easily seem like a fruitless chore. It is important to keep in mind that in today's world there are just as many career paths as there are people, such that how a person applies their knowledge, skill set, and aptitude is just as important as knowing which direction one is headed. In choosing a career, take stock first of what your talents are and where your interests lie. This can help narrow down your educational requirements. Once you actually enter into a job, focus on the experience and commit yourself to it. This way you can start to identify your preferences as to what environment you work best in, what inspires and nurtures your creativity, and how to leverage your aptitude into an excellent compensation package. Above all, keep learning throughout your job and be willing to adapt. In the end you may end up being able to carve your own niche and blaze your own path to riches.

Here is a site where you can take a test and find out the career you are best suited for. www.FutureProofYourCareer.com

Monday, December 24, 2007

Gazing into the crystal ball: Creating a five-year plan for your career path

When interviewing for a new job (and career), one of the questions that you may get asked consistently in interviews is: "What are your plans for the next five years?" or "Where do you intend to be five years from now?" It seems that as far as careers go, five years seems to be a kind of median in terms of time frame for career advancement. If you have not progressed to the next level or two above where you started within five years, or do not personally feel fulfilled with where you are, perhaps you ought to seriously consider changing careers, or at the very least your professional focus. For those starting out in new careers or already in one, a five-year plan may be an effective personal tool to take stock of how much you have developed and/or where you would like to be. In your five-year plan, make a note of your professional objective(s) and current or possible areas of focus upon. If possible, review these with your supervisor or manager to come to a consensus about your career track. And finally, revisit your plan regularly if only to check off objectives you may have achieved, and to keep in mind your intentions along your career path.