Moving Beyond the Typical Careers Advice for a Successful Career

There is no shortage of people offering careers advice to graduates throughout the United Kingdom. This advice comes with the best of intentions but most graduates are focused narrowly on getting their foot in the door within their industry. There are a few proven bits of career advice that graduates can take with them through their first year on the job.

All graduates need to keep advanced education opportunities open in their early careers. Advanced education can take the form of an online education program, an advanced degree program at a traditional university or a comprehensive training program within the workplace. Graduates just entering the work force need to think of tuition costs and fees as an investment in better wages down the road.

Graduates also need to show their interest in advancement early and often to their managers. Young professionals make the mistake of assuming that their hard work and completion of major projects will show their desire to move upward in the workplace. Every graduate should sit down with their manager as soon as they realize that they want to make their job a career and develop a path up the corporate ladder.

It is also important to build a network of colleagues and contacts throughout the workplace for support as a career progresses. Graduates make friends with their office mates but many overlook important contacts in different departments and different levels that can help them meet their career goals. The use of full staff meetings, parties and outings as networking opportunities can help a graduate build a list of references unparalleled by their peers.

In many industries, graduates need to begin publishing early and often in trade publications. Graduates who want to expand their possibilities within their particular industry should seek out every opportunity to promote their professional skills. Trade websites, blogs and conferences allow graduates to meet with experienced colleagues while showing off their acumen. The process of publishing itself shows the resilience and intelligence of a graduate before they ever get their first credit.

Graduates need to reassess their career goals on an annual basis to keep their perspective on their career path fresh. The idea that career goals are set in stone has been eliminated by the transient nature of modern employment. A graduate will change career paths and jobs several times in their lives which makes an annual reassessment of long held goals is the smart thing to do.

Career Clusters Close the Gap Between Schools Subjects and Careers

A wealth of information exists that explains the relationships between school subjects and careers. Across the nation, children, teens, teachers, and counselors use Career Interests Areas or Clusters to explore careers and to make school study plans. There are sixteen (16) Interests Areas or Clusters:

1. Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources

2. Architecture & Construction

3. Arts, A/V Technology & Communication

4. Business, Management & Administration

5. Education & Training

6. Finance

7. Government & Public Administration

8. Health Science

9. Hospitality & Tourism

10. Human Services

11. Information Technology

12. Law, Public Safety & Security

13. Manufacturing

14. Marketing, Sales & Service

15. Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

16. Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

States and federal agencies across the nation have created career cluster web sites and resources. We have reviewed three (3) of the best state or federal agency web sites.

Louisiana Integrated Skills Assessment (LISA)

One of the most unique comprehensive career cluster resources is the Louisiana Integrated Skills Assessment (LISA), an Internet program. LISA lets you explore career clusters, careers, abilities, training requirements, and more. Using the Lisa, you can do the following tasks:

Assessment: Explore career options using the Work Importance Locator.

I Enjoy: Find careers based upon the things that you enjoy.

Cluster: Find careers from Career Cluster Groups.

Search: Search for jobs based on knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Best Match: Use your current job to find knowledge, skills, and abilities to identify a new career.

Compare: Compare current job to potential new job.

Profile: Use this feature to create a profile from a selected career.

There are 3 steps in the LISA program. In Step 1, when you choose a career cluster, you will read the description of the cluster. When you select a career cluster in Step 2, you can select a career group. In each career group, you will see a lot of different careers. Finally, in Step 3, you see additional occupational information, such as:

Job descriptions

Educational and training requirements

Crosswalks, for example ONET, DOT, GOE, and other codes

Abilities

Knowledge

Skills

Tasks

Work Values

Labor Market Information

There is detailed information in each job profile:

Description

Crosswalk

Abilities

Knowledge

Skills

Tasks

Work Values

Occupational Characteristics Narrative

The Louisiana Integrated Skills Assessment (LISA) is an excellent tool for students to do career cluster exploration.

NCE Career Clusters and State Career Clusters Initiative Resources

The NCE Career Clusters has adapted information from the State Career Clusters Initiative to create a career education toolkit for teachers and counselors. In your NCE Career Clusters toolkit, you can find a Career Cluster Model, poster, resource booklets, At-a-Glance PDF Slices, and Plans of Study. Each resource is designed to facilitate the exploration of Career Clusters.

Career Cluster Resource Booklet

To prepare for a Career Clusters discussion, teachers and counselors use the State Career Clusters Initiative Career Cluster Resource Booklet. The brochures discuss the differences between career clusters and career pathways. The booklet outlines that career clusters are career groups from the same industry that have the same skills and educational requirements. Career pathways are specific careers that are within the each career cluster. The Resource Booklet discusses the following topics:

Historical background information

Cluster Knowledge and Skills

Pathway Knowledge and Skills

O*NET Crosswalk Report

Validation Studies

Assessment Protocol

Certification Protocol

The booklet is a “must-read” resource that provides in depth information on each career cluster. Each booklet has detailed graphs, charts, and tables.

Career Cluster Model

To provide an overview of Career Clusters, teachers and counselors use the Career Cluster Model. The Career Cluster Model simplifies sixteen (16) Career Clusters model. The center of the NCE Career Clusters model focuses on six (6) major groups. The career clusters are color-coded so that you can easily present six (6) major groups in classroom activities. The six (6) major groups are:

1. Environmental and Agricultural Systems

2. Business, Marketing, and Management

3. Communication and Information Systems

4. Industrial, Manufacturing, Engineering Systems

5. Health Sciences

6. Human Services and Resources

Here is summary of the relationship between the sixteen (16) Career Clusters and the 6 Super Clusters.

1. Environmental and Agricultural Systems

Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources (1)

2. Business, Marketing, and Management combines:

Business, Management & Administration (4)

Finance (6)

Hospitality & Tourism (9)

Marketing, Sales & Service (14)

3. Communication and Information Systems involve:

Arts, A/V Technology & Communication (3)

Information Technology (11)

4. Industrial, Manufacturing, Engineering Systems

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (16)

Architecture & Construction (2)

Manufacturing (13)

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (15)

5. Health Sciences

Health Science (8)

6. Human Services and Resources

Education & Training (5)

Government & Public Administration (7)

Human Services (10)

Law, Public Safety & Security (12)

The sixteen (16) Career Clusters systematically fit within the six (6) major groups.

Career Cluster Brochure

Another excellent career cluster student aid is the Career Cluster Brochure. The brochure is filled with photographs that show people performing the different jobs. With this easy-to-read booklet, students get an overview of the different careers, career clusters, and career pathways. Students read about:

What is a career cluster?

What is a career pathway?

What school subjects are important for a career in the … career cluster?

What is the educational or training requirement for a career in the … career cluster?

What are the necessary credentials for a career in the … career cluster?

What is the employment outlook for a career in the … career cluster?

What are some sample occupations?

Career Cluster Slices

Besides the Career Cluster Model and the Brochure, a third student Career Cluster aid is the NCE Career Cluster Slices. The NCE Career Cluster Slice identifies specific career opportunities found within each Career Pathways. Each Cluster Slice is illustrated and designed to explore areas, such as:

Cluster Description

Pathway Description

Cluster Knowledge & Skills

Career Field

Preparation for a Career in …

Examples of Education and Training Postsecondary Programs of Study

Students discover that each pathways leads to post-secondary options including:

Apprenticeships

Certificates

Licenses

Associate’s Degree Programs

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Master’s Degree Programs

Doctoral Degree Programs

Professional Degree Programs

Career Clusters Plan of Study

At the beginning of the students’ middle school years, the students use assessments identify career cluster interest areas. With the Career Clusters model, brochure, Slices, and LISA resources, the students have explored the different careers and post-secondary training options. Students, teachers, counselors, and parents then use the Career Clusters Plan of Study to strategically plan the students’ high school course work. The Career Clusters Plan of Study provides examples of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, electives, and extra-curricular activities for the following grade levels:

7th – 8th grade

9th – 10th grade

11th – 12th grade

Examples of advanced coursework for postsecondary credit

The NCE Career Clusters web page is the gateway to the student career cluster resources.

State Career Clusters Initiative, NCE, and Lisa materials are just examples of career cluster resources. Career clusters resources have established a connection between school subjects and careers.

Resources:

Explore Career Clusters, Texas Workforce Commission/Career Development Resources (TWC/CDR), US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and Louisiana Department of Labor

Nebraska Career Education, States’ Career Clusters Initiative, 2005, and NCTEF/NASDCTEc (National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium) States’ Career Clusters Initiative, & National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education Consortium

State Career Clusters Initiative Washington, DC: National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium, 2002

Career Advice for Hot Careers

Most people don’t search for alternatives when it comes to choosing a career. They just find it interesting in one-go and narrow down to be with it for the lifetime. Then comes the time when they start finding it bore. Is the same happening with you? Is your present job not filling your cup of delight? Well! If your answer is yes, you need a good career advice. However, ensure a set course of action this time.

A lot of contemplation and homework is necessary before you change careers. First and foremost, you should be well acquainted with your strengths and weaknesses. Spend some time with yourself and see what interests you the most.  Can you leverage your skills and hobbies for a better career? Never act on gut reactions. Always double check the facts before implementing them in making your career. Also, research and identify future growth areas and opportunities.

Most job seekers already know the answers to these questions, but don’t realize it. You just require to focus on the things that motivate you the most and that you enjoy the most! Also think of the challenges that you would require to accomplish while being in your chosen field. You can be a beginner in your line of business. There are employers that offer training before putting you on the job. Alternatively, you can also enroll yourself for the training at local colleges and vocational institutes.

Then there is another set of people who like their present choice of career, but do not want to be in the department they work in. If this is the case with you as well, talk to your seniors and try to get placed in a department which will offer you to make the most out of your skills.

Job is not something that you have to do for the mere sake of doing it. Turn it into something that you truly want to pursue. Americasjobexchange connects you to numerous experts who will answer all your career queries and offer you the best career advice for a successful livelihood.

What Choice Is There For International Business Careers

With more corporations seeking for expansion, this has also resulted to open doors for greater employment opportunities. It has also attracted several individuals to seek for greener pastures where they know there is a higher compensation that can sustain not just themselves but also their respective families. Yes, you have the desire but are you up to the challenge of having international business careers?

Here is a checklist for you to evaluate yourself if you are fit to pursue international business careers. This has been compiled by Stephen Taylor who holds a Master of Arts degree in International Management Studies- Global Leadership from the University of Texas.

Do you tend to be cynical?

Adaptation should be the most important factor when deciding to work in a foreign nation. Remember that they have their own customs and traditions which may appear unusual on your end. Since you are alone out of the many, you just have to really adjust until such time that it will just be common.

A lot of the executives who are now successful in their fields have a strong personality. When they are thrown into a whole new environment where he or she has only a morsel background of the area, the initial reaction is to take control of the situation. Establishing relationships is also very important so that the locals will learn to cooperate with the emigrant manager.

Are you task oriented?

It is a borne fact that your primary resolve in achieving international business careers is to give what is due to the pay that you are receiving. However, most of the communities outside your own country seek the support of everybody else and not just on a personal note. It is a must that the culture of that place be discovered by you. A great start would be to read articles so that when you are there, you have an idea.

Do you welcome change?

It may inject fear but it is healthy to simply expect the unexpected especially when you are miles away from home. There can be employees that can get into your nerves because you feel like they do not give the credit due to you or even managers that can be very annoying because they demand too much. Either way, the call is to value.

The ability to be open to anything, be it victory or failure, is unmistakably an advantage to others who are just close- fitted in their idealisms.

Are you willing to take risks?

Engaging in international business careers has been very dangerous at this time. There have been a lot of terrorists groups who threatens security and other impediments.

If you are determined to the plans that you have, the most wise approach is to undergo a process of discernment and not just do your own will. Regrets does not come before but after.

International Business Careers

The continuing growth in the international job market is becoming more and more challenging as expectations for new international job and career opportunities rises. A lot of people are considering international business careers mainly because of the great opportunities and rewards it offers to the qualified. International business careers are not only rewarding and challenging, but fast paced as well.

If youre considering an international career then you may want to check on a few things to help you decide if you have what it takes for working in an international job environment:

Are you judgmental? The most important factor in business careers environment is the ability to accept and work within the customs, beliefs, culture, and attitudes of a particular country. Having a strong personality and personal background experience which makes a majority of successful business executives may be the worst attitude in an international business environment. The only way to succeed in international business is to build strong relationships that encourage local employees to cooperate.

Are you the task-oriented type or the people-oriented type?

Accomplishing corporate goals and objectives are primary in an international assignment, however many cultures throughout the world considers people, family, and community as the most important aspect and so being too task-oriented may jeopardize productivity. Knowing everything possible about the culture you are possibly going into is a good place to start to identify whether or not you can accept this culture.

Do you welcome changes or are you a flexible person?

Being open to unexpected challenges and situations which may sometimes be uncontrollable, is one of the important qualities a person considering an international business career must possess.

Is the thought of family and friends around you more appealing?

An International business career means a little sacrifice on the family and friends, as it is less likely in the present economic environment that companies will pay for family relocation. Nowadays, business careers contracts have been shortened to the 12-18 month contracts than the older 2-3 year agreements. This allows companies to get around the expensive relocations. The International business career requires your ability to function efficiently and effectively away from home, family, and friends.

Is having your spouse with you a must?

A spouse of a person considering international careers should also be aware of the changes that will be gone through. It is nice for a spouse to be in a foreign assignment, but it is not likely that the spouse can also have work in the foreign country which means that they may be at home all day adjusting to the new environment. In fact, it much more difficult for the spouse to be in a foreign country doing nothing and feeling isolated which may cause problems.

Are you willing to take the risk?

Does the fear of a risky place for certain nationalities bother you? Although the chances of being injured by a terrorist act is very small, some people in countries tend to act differently around foreigners and can make for a psychologically hostile and may result to an unhappy working and social environment.

An International Business career opens a wide range of great opportunities for people, but knowing and understanding what you are getting into is very important, this will determine your success and failure in your chosen field.

Continuing Growth For International Business Careers

The continuing growth in the international job market is becoming more and more challenging as expectations for new international job and career opportunities rises. A lot of people are considering international business careers mainly because of the great opportunities and rewards it offers to the qualified. International business careers are not only rewarding and challenging, but fast paced as well.

If youre considering an international career then you may want to check on a few things to help you decide if you have what it takes for working in an international job environment:

Are you judgmental? The most important factor in international business careers environment is the ability to accept and work within the customs, beliefs, culture, and attitudes of a particular country. Having a strong personality and personal background experience which makes a majority of successful business executives may be the worst attitude in an international business environment. The only way to succeed in international business careers is to build strong relationships that encourage local employees to cooperate.

Are you the task-oriented type or the people-oriented type?

Accomplishing corporate goals and objectives are primary in an international assignment, however many cultures throughout the world considers people, family, and community as the most important aspect and so being too task-oriented may jeopardize productivity. Knowing everything possible about the culture you are possibly going into is a good place to start to identify whether or not you can accept this culture.

Do you welcome changes or are you a flexible person?

Being open to unexpected challenges and situations which may sometimes be uncontrollable, is one of the important qualities a person considering international business careers must possess.

Is the thought of family and friends around you more appealing?

International business careers means a little sacrifice on the family and friends, as it is less likely in the present economic environment that companies will pay for family relocation. Nowadays, international business careers contracts have been shortened to the 12-18 month contracts than the older 2-3 year agreements. This allows companies to get around the expensive relocations. International business careers require your ability to function efficiently and effectively away from home, family, and friends.

Is having your spouse with you a must?

A spouse of a person considering international careers should also be aware of the changes that will be gone through. It is nice for a spouse to be in a foreign assignment, but it is not likely that the spouse can also have work in the foreign country which means that they may be at home all day adjusting to the new environment. In fact, it much more difficult for the spouse to be in a foreign country doing nothing and feeling isolated which may cause problems.

Are you willing to take the risk?

Does the fear of a risky place for certain nationalities bother you? Although the chances of being injured by a terrorist act is very small, some people in countries tend to act differently around foreigners and can make for a psychologically hostile and may result to an unhappy working and social environment.

International Business careers opens a wide range of great opportunities for people, but knowing and understanding what you are getting into is very important, this will determine your success and failure in your chosen field.