tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49877063144681205222024-02-06T23:04:43.551-05:00NAVIGATING A YOUNG CAREERA YOUNG MAN'S JOURNEY OF JOB SEARCHING, NETWORKING, INTERVIEWING, AND SUCCEEDING AS A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-12936624486192891682016-09-29T06:52:00.000-04:002016-09-29T06:53:14.357-04:00Building a Daily Success Plan<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The more that I listen to podcasts and read books of
people that have achieved success, the more I realize that their success doesn’t
come from the things they do. Instead,
it comes from the habits they’ve created.
With this lens of seeing our actions as living out a habit, I have
realized how many things I do throughout the day without even thinking about
them. They are habits that I’ve
developed along the way – some good, some bad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, to work to ensure that I am successful, I have been
working on building habits to improve my life.
The last two months, I worked on developing a habit of getting up early
and spending time following Hal Enrod’s Miracle Morning. I complete his daily life SAVERS (silence,
affirmation, visualization, exercise, reading, and scribing). I still am having to work to make sure that I
do this each day, but after two months, it certainly has become easier. I no longer have such a hard time getting out
of bed and getting moving in the morning.
It truly has helped improve my attitude and provide me with more energy
each day. In addition, it ensures that I
am devoting time each day to improving myself to move toward the best version
of myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Currently, I am working on building a habit of reach out
to at least one person every day to help improve my person and professional
networks. I have connected with old
friends, had deeper conversations with close friends, attended local events, and
reached out to people I’ve never met before to see if I can add value to
them. I am definitely struggling with
this new habit, as networking is not something I do very naturally. However, I believe that if I continue to work
for the next couple of months on making this a daily habit, just like with the
Miracle Mornings, I believe that I will be successful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #2c3e50; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This blog post is in response to <a href="http://suitcaseentrepreneur.com/10-day-blog-challenge/10dbc-day-5" style="color: #0099d2; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 5</a></em></div>
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<a href="http://thefreedomplan.rocks/ten"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXisBREfGTMVobLrws6Jd6rFVw3JWGR1Po2Y27VZH-QO8u8rj9kmro36socYsGBuFV7KAF183YuuM1uaIsvJN5BxBpMNSo2KnJflbGT4J35kUWdZHMTtvw7ckOewe5iYPRnvJlIHS9Wi8J/s320/blog-challenge-banners-21.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-41533266836687343122016-09-27T06:57:00.001-04:002016-09-27T06:57:53.027-04:00What Are Your Super Powers?<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The sweet spot is finding a job that combines what you
are good at, what you enjoy, and what people that are willing to pay for. So, when I think about the things that come
naturally to me, I have found the following to be my core strengths, or
perhaps, my super powers!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Efficiency<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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I am a very analytical person and I’m always looking to
accomplish tasks as efficiently as possible.
When I look back at times when I’ve been the most successful, it almost
always involved working to create or improve processes to help get the job done
faster or more easily. I don’t always
think of this as a super power, because I forget that not everyone thinks in
the same way I do. The more that I can
incorporate improving efficiency into my job, the more successful I will be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Team Building<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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A number of people throughout my life have told me that I
am a natural leader. Whether it was on sports
teams in middle or high school, creating volunteer organizations in college, or
now as a manager in my job, I always am looking to help people around me
improve themselves and their performance.
It also excites me to be a part of a motivated and accountable team that
is working well together. I continually
want to raise the bar by empowering those around me to become the best versions
of themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Focus<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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When I am on top of my game, I am able to focus for long
periods of time with great intensity. I’ve
seen this play out in my life when driving long distances, solving complex problems,
and working toward a goal. I know that
this super power is not always as strong as my other strengths, so I need to need
to be more deliberate in ensuring this is something I work on regularly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, in order for me to become the best version of myself,
I need to look to have a clear goal or mission (focus), to work with a motivated
group (team building), and to improve the way things operate (efficiency). When I can find the intersection of these
three, I may just become … A Super Hero!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #2c3e50; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This blog post is in response to <a href="http://suitcaseentrepreneur.com/10-day-blog-challenge/10dbc-day-4" style="color: #0099d2; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 4</a></em></div>
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<a href="http://thefreedomplan.rocks/ten"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeh8lpWnUISKfwWaSmE1zxYiN_mwDnwU6SEoExiOUadI1IQCJvmzRo3B-STXwM1govYBSB-urH56xLDpGpNepMoErrdzcRI7IiJc9tKSvTna3qj6b2734kIbTwHUTfBR5s7wAD7VJG2Pf/s320/blog-challenge-banners-21.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-85431549322936363572016-09-26T07:03:00.000-04:002016-09-26T07:03:20.772-04:00What is your perfect day?<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When I visualize my perfect day 5-10 years from now, it
starts with an early morning routine of meditation, visualization, reading and writing. Once I have spent time grounding myself and
feeling empowered to accomplish what I want, I begin to take action. I go exercise, whether it be running, biking,
yoga, swimming, or weight lifting. After
my work out, I help my wife get our future children get ready for the day. After they get off to school or day care, I
start on some focused work from my home office.
I have clearly defined goals of what I want to achieve that month, that
quarter, that year, so I know each day the main actions I need to take to
accomplish them. The morning is my time
to produce. I leave email, phone calls,
and social media alone until I’ve spent a few hours building my business.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a productive morning, I see myself setting out to
work with other people. I have a lunch
meeting with a prospective business partner or client. Then, I head to the office to work with my
leadership team. My focus is on helping
them to become the best leaders that they can to help move the business that I’ve
created forward. After helping provide
my team with direction and focus, I head to pick up my kids from school and
take them to sport practice, or musical rehearsal, or some other club activity. While they are busy with practice, I take
care of emails or make phone calls to be able to close out the business day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The evening is filled with quality time with family and
friends. We have dinner as a family each
night, and I spend focused time with each member of my family to know what they
are most excited about from their day.
We are involved in our church and community. Some nights, we will head to community
gatherings, or volunteer our time. Once
we get home and the kids go to bed, I have a drink (wine, beer, or herbal tea)
with my wife and wind down from a balanced day.
When we head to bed, I feel fulfilled in mind, body, and spirit, and I
am ready to get a good night of sleep and begin again the next day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, it's time for me to go achieve it!</div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #2c3e50; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This blog post is in response to <a href="http://suitcaseentrepreneur.com/10-day-blog-challenge/10dbc-day-3" style="color: #0099d2; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 3</a></em></div>
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Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-25631602409777531102016-09-21T21:16:00.000-04:002016-09-21T21:17:11.029-04:00Discovering Your Why<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<u>Why do I want to live the freedom lifestyle?</u><o:p></o:p></div>
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When I think about why I am on this planet, I continually
come back to a mission of “helping people to become the best version of
themselves”. I am a very analytical
person and focus a lot on data, details, and processes. However, I really feel as though the character
traits that set me apart from other people that have a similar framework is how
much I enjoy working with people and helping them to learn and grow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I spent two years as a middle school teacher, and I very
much enjoyed working with my students to learn mathematics as well as grow in
their study habits and feel confident in their abilities. Prior to that, I was very involved in college with
individuals with intellectual disabilities and helping them to build a social
structure that made them feel more connected to those around them. Now, as a manager of a consulting team, I
enjoy the one-on-one conversations talking about struggles that my team members
are facing and asking them focused questions about how they think it would be
best to solve the problem and how I can help them in the journey. </div>
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To me, freedom will be when I am able to focus my efforts
on helping people being the best that they can and leveraging my analytical
mindset to create structures to get to their goals in the most effective
way. I look forward to being able to
remove the negative influences in my way, to have clarity around the group that
I am meant to help, and feeling confident that I am truly showing up in the
world to the best of my ability. This
will allow me to be free to be the best person I can be! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #2c3e50; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This blog post is in response to <a href="http://suitcaseentrepreneur.com/10-day-blog-challenge/10dbc-day-2" style="color: #0099d2; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 2</a></em></div>
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<a href="http://thefreedomplan.rocks/ten"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EoRXjvVWL-JfmpP2jcBTQjLYmWY-sUUi_iKiiXqCY0C5_unWvVWcp2V0Y3lSXAZ3lP54CkdXB3mjRnzQEWJENtYuuwMUWwWy6jcyOgv9Q-QoAdGRxjD3f_nBeYnLTpVTaYO0vPvcBdRe/s320/blog-challenge-banners-21.png" width="320" /></a><span id="goog_1873160798"></span><span id="goog_1873160799"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-29308807902269707312016-09-20T21:18:00.000-04:002016-09-20T21:20:19.024-04:00Finding Your Focus<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello! It’s me
again. I know I have been away from
posting blog posts for quite some time.
This site was an amazing resource for me as I researched and identified
where I wanted to go next in my career.
Now, 5 years later, I am still searching for what is right for me. Perhaps, I should have been posting all
along. Looking back at these posts,
there are a number of insights that I’ve had to re-learn. Who knows, maybe I could have kept them front
of mind had I kept up the habit of posting and saved myself some time. Recently, I was pointed to a challenge by Natalie
Sisson, The Suitcase Entrepreneur, for a 10-day blog challenge. So, I’m going to be posting some more
reflections here to share my thoughts. I
don’t yet know where I’m headed, but just like before, I’m excited for the
journey. This time, I feel as though I
have a number of great resources like Natalie guiding me on my path. I hope you enjoy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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What are the things that are your biggest challenges from
living your ideal lifestyle?<br />
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<u>Negative Influences</u><br />
I tend to get a good portion of my energy from
the people surrounding me. When I am
with people that are positive and optimistic, I truly am at my best. However, when I am surrounded by people that
are negative, I begin to feel negative myself.
Right now, I do not feel all of the people around me personally and
especially professionally are helping me become the person I want to be. I need to upgrade my network.<br />
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<u>Unclear Focus</u><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I know that I have been struggling in finding fulfillment
lately, and I have been taking a number of steps to gaining momentum to move
forward. For example, I have gotten up
early each day for the last 2 ½ months to complete Hal Enrod’s <a href="http://www.miraclemorning.com/">MiracleMorning</a>. Similarly, I’ve been listening
to podcasts regularly, which has lead me to join Geoff Wood’s master mind, The
Inner Circle, after listening to <a href="http://geoffwoods.com/">The Mentee</a> continuously. Also, I’ve read more books
in the last 3 months than I probably have in the last 3 years! The problem with building all this momentum
is that I don’t have clarity around where I want to go. I know that I need a change; I am ready to
take action; but I don’t know where to go.</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Limiting Beliefs</u></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Growing up, my dad was a successful business
man. I always admired how well he did in
his career and how much he seemed to enjoy his work. I have a lot of similar traits as my father,
so I’ve always seen myself following in a similar career path. Now that I am experiencing some success as a
manager within a growing business, I don’t feel the fulfillment that I
expected. A number of my reflections
point me toward starting a business.
However, I have a limiting belief that I can’t start my own
business. Entrepreneurs have something “built”
inside of them; I don’t have that – I’m a business man.</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #2c3e50; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 0px;">This blog post is in response to <a href="http://suitcaseentrepreneur.com/10-day-blog-challenge/10dbc-day-1" style="color: #0099d2; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 1</a></em></span></div>
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Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-48292467445285014822011-10-20T14:28:00.000-04:002011-10-21T09:22:50.538-04:00Elevator SpeechesI want to take some time to discuss elevator speeches (a.k.a. elevator pitches, 30-second resume, etc.) and their importance as a young professional. First, lets talk about why it's called an elevator speech. Because, let's be honest, the elevator is probably the most awkward place to have a conversation with a complete stranger. I would argue that 99% of elevator speeches never happen in elevators at all. So, what gives?<br />
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Well the way I've best heard it explained is as follows: You bump into a business executive in the lobby of your office building. You say hello and mention that you have this project idea you want to discuss. They are a busy person, so they tell you that you have until the elevator gets to their floor, and then they need to get to a meeting. Ready ... Set ... Go!<br />
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So, let's take a closer look at what an elevator speech is and how it can be used outside of this example. <a href="http://thenetsetter.com/blog/writing/elevator-speech-tips/">Usha Krishnan Sliva</a> describes an elevator speech as a statement that clearly illustrates <b>who you are, what you do, and makes the person you're talking to interested in hearing more.</b> Usha highlights that this speech need not be given only to the top executive in the elevator. Rather, this speech can be delivered when meeting any new person - at a conference, during a networking meeting, at a local bar, and so much more. <br />
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With this, it becomes apparent that not one elevator speech will get all the jobs done. You wouldn't want to go to a first grade career day and talk to the 6 year-olds about TPS reports, Fortune 500 companies, or SAP software solutions. Also, you don't want to stutter over your words when someone at a networking event asks you to explain what it is that you do. So to be successful in both of these situations, you should make sure that you Practice, Practice, Practice! Practice so much that you can give your speech without thought and adapt to your current audience instantaneously.<br />
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Now, I'm sure you are on the edge of your seat with excitement about all the great people you're going to meet and give your "speech" to, but you ask, "Jason, what exactly should I say?" Well, great question. Each person's speech should be different and reflect not only what you do, but also your personality. <a href="http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/how-to-write-your-60-second-elevator-pitch/">Heather Huhman</a> highlights that elevator speeches should generally have these components:<br />
<ul>
<li>Who you are - your name and position</li>
<li>What you are seeking - job, client, network contact</li>
<li>What you can offer - you need to be of value to your audience</li>
<li>Request action - explain your expectation moving forward</li>
</ul>
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Finally, your speech should be short - under a minute for sure, and within 30 seconds if you can. Any longer than that, you start to seem self-centered and lose your audience's interest. Like I mentioned above, your goal is to get to the end of your pitch and have your audience interested in hearing more.<br />
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I've found some <a href="http://jobsearch.about.com/u/ua/careerdevelopment/elevator-speech-examples.htm">examples</a> of elevator speeches, but its hard to find great examples that will fit you. You are different than everyone else. You have different job roles, different experiences, and a different personality. Examples may help, but you should focus on your own way of delivering a speech.<br />
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Well, there you have it ... Get out there and work on your speeches. If you ever find me standing in an elevator next to you, feel free to give me your speech. I'll be sure to give you mine right back. (I just hope we have a tall building ...)<br />
<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-58428339143739751632011-09-21T18:38:00.000-04:002011-09-21T18:38:58.896-04:00Use Social Media EffectivelyI don't know about you, but I sometimes feel like it can be so hard to keep up with social media. Even if I login everyday, I have 300+ Facebook news feeds and 50+ tweets to look at. And that's not it. Then, I have to keep track of Linkedin, Google+, YouTube, Google Reader, Foursquare, Yelp, and so much more. On top of this, I have e-mails, text messages, and phone calls to deal with too. Then, once I feel like I get a handle on everything, Facebook goes and changes their home screen, and I have to relearn how to use it effectively! Come on! Sometimes, I just feel like giving up and throwing in the towel!<br />
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Recently, PricewaterhouseCoopers (now <a href="http://www.pwc.com/us/en/index.jhtml">PwC</a>) highlighted the need for young professionals to embrace social media in order to effectively <a href="http://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/pwctv/joining/what-we-look-for-in-a-candidate/personal-brand-development/index.jhtml#">build their networks</a>. I found two parts of their presentation particularly interesting: making over your online image and developing your personal brand. Take a look at the thoughts they have to share:<br />
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<a href="http://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/pwctv/pbw/pbw-wednesday-worksheet.pdf">Online Image Make-Over</a><br />
<ul>
<li>Study profiles of people you admire in order to understand what, where, and how they post</li>
<li>Beef up your Linkedin profile with a headline, specialties, experience, apps, and recommendations</li>
<li>Make Facebook more professional by adding work experience, incorporate professional pages and events into your account, and remove inappropriate material</li>
<li>Use Twitter appropriately and connect it with Linkedin or add it to your e-mail signature</li>
<ul>
<li>Follow companies and people you admire in the professional world</li>
<li>Tweet professional events you are attending and books you are reading</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/pwctv/pbw/pbw-monday-article.pdf">Develop Your Personal Brand</a><br />
The people in your personal and professional networks can have a large impact on the way other people see you (especially potential clients and employers).<br />
<ul>
<li>Spend as much effort (if not more) on building relationships than skills</li>
<ul>
<li>Don't just look toward your network when you need something; make sure you develop genuine relationships</li>
</ul>
<li>Make sure you have an accurate, up-to-date database of people in your network</li>
<ul>
<li>Keep track of important information about the people (birthdays, hobbies, connections, etc.)</li>
</ul>
<li>Connect with your network on multiple social media sites</li>
<ul>
<li>Share short hellos and interesting articles to show interest in your network</li>
</ul>
<li>Join groups in addition to connecting with people</li>
<ul>
<li>Groups show dedication and interest in your field</li>
</ul>
<li>Go the extra mile and be thoughtful</li>
<ul>
<li>Send "happy birthday" and holiday messages with a personal touch</li>
<li>Reach out to connections to ask if there is something you can do for them</li>
</ul>
<li>Share what you are doing in your life</li>
<ul>
<li>Update at least once a week about books you're reading and events you're attending</li>
<li>Invite people to support events and organizations your involved with</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
Well, there you go. A quick summary of why we can't just through in the towel and give up on social media. Networking is becoming more important in succeeding as a young professional, and social media is a component of networking that isn't going anywhere. I'd like to finish with an experiment, and I could use you're help...<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>This is where you come in (ACTION REQUIRED)</u></b></span><br />
If you have come across this blog post via a social media sites, <b>add a comment</b> below by clicking where it says "comments" and let me know how you got here(Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Linkedin, etc.).<br />
<br />
Also, if you liked what PwC and I have to say, share it with your own social media network.<br />
<br />
Let's see how many people we can get to comment!!!<br />
<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-26042107941126529542011-09-19T18:20:00.000-04:002011-09-19T18:20:59.318-04:00Business ConsultingWhen you first look at the list of the top three careers highlighted in my last post, you may think to yourself. "Jason, these are all over the place. This process didn't help at all." My friend, I respectfully disagree. If we look closer at the three careers, I see some very common threads. Lets start from the bottom and work our way up.<br />
<br />
First, we have "Sales Engineer". I've been saying all along that I am an analytical, problem-solver that likes to work with people. Boom! Sales - working with people. Engineer - analytical. Enough said?<br />
<br />
Next, we find "Human Resources Manager". I have to be honest. I mostly just like the "Manager" part. In fact, I like the manager part a lot! Don't get me wrong - human resources is a wonderful profession. You get to work with people constantly and develop structures to allow them to do their job. But, the real reason this career ended number 2 is because of the "Manager".<br />
<br />
Finally, we get to the big dog on the list - Management Consultant. Let's see. "Management" is the first word, so it's instantly on par with number 2 on the list. Next we come to "Consultant", which is someone that works with people to analyze their problems and come up with a solution. Doesn't that sound familiar? It should. It's exactly the explanation of why Sales Engineer was so great.<br />
<br />
In summary, a Management Consultant does the same job as a Sales Engineer, but he focuses on management structures instead of engineering products and services. There we have it. Connections between the top three careers as I see them, and a number one spot that appears to be the clear leader. Winner. Winner. Chicken dinner!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDl1FqPrjLhwHHVTCnkA60rg3Rin-RP4HGNVJXNsjFhBR9829mxAZSeQA8C3EYMb8qpVQMNv3aYxyLQplQzcw0VI6g9nn85No3I77a469xKfS2JizhuvuV8GRdQ1T1stcOQqgrxCJfKqXn/s320/winner+winner+chicken+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDl1FqPrjLhwHHVTCnkA60rg3Rin-RP4HGNVJXNsjFhBR9829mxAZSeQA8C3EYMb8qpVQMNv3aYxyLQplQzcw0VI6g9nn85No3I77a469xKfS2JizhuvuV8GRdQ1T1stcOQqgrxCJfKqXn/s320/winner+winner+chicken+dinner.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With this said, I've put some more thought into getting into the Management Consulting industry. I know that it is projected to be one of the fastest growing industry in the next 10 years, but I don't have much experience. However, I have found that there are more <a href="http://consulting.co.uk/business-consulting/">business consulting</a> areas that may be useful.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>IT Consulting</li>
<li>Strategy Consulting</li>
<li>Technology Consulting</li>
</ul>
I am excited about what Management Consulting has to offer, but the industries listed above may have a very valuable role in getting me to that point. Next, I need to take what I have learned from this reflection and apply it to my job searching efforts. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-16130945478297955922011-08-31T11:14:00.000-04:002011-08-31T11:14:47.205-04:00Finding Your Dream CareerHere I sit. Thirty-some odd careers that have been researched. A number of blog posts. Several different categories of careers (finance, sales, engineering, education, management). What do I do from here?<br />
<br />
I'm going back to the beginning. Before I looked at any of these careers, I highlighted, my skills, interests, and the importance of money. To help me narrow down this list to something that I can work with, I'm going to use these components.<br />
<br />
First, the skills that I highlighted as being my strongest are that I am a good problem solver and I like working with (or leading) a team. Second, I expressed an interest in finding a career that will allow me to make a difference by helping people and working as an analyzer and/or planner. Finally, I highlighted that money is not my main concern, but I do need to account for it.<br />
<br />
In addition to these areas, I felt it was important to find a career with a few other characteristics. With the economy not being incredibly strong, finding a career that will have some growth despite the poor industry will be worthwhile. In addition, I want to be sure that I can get into the career. Lastly, I need to feel good about what I am going to do. I need to feel a passion for the career in my "gut".<br />
<br />
So, here is the list of things that I want my next career to have:<br />
<ul><li>Problem solving</li>
<li>Working with a team</li>
<li>Making a difference</li>
<li>Analyzing and/or planning</li>
<li>A good salary</li>
<li>Growth in the field</li>
<li>Ability to enter the career</li>
<li>The "gut check" factor</li>
</ul><br />
From this, I made a table. The columns were made of the 8 criteria listed above. The rows were all of the careers that I had a positive reflection on in my blog posts. In each of the cells (where my rows meet my columns), I assigned a numerical value of 1 to 5. "1" being a very poor representation and "5" being the best I could hope for.<br />
<br />
I went through the whole table assigning values. For example, Top Executives make $167,280 (higher than any other I found), so where Top Executives met Good Salary, I gave a 5. I feel that being an Education or Career Counselor would allow me to make a big difference in people's lives. For the Make a Difference column, I assigned another 5.<br />
<br />
After totaling the top 15 careers from my reflection, the top three scoring careers are below:<br />
<ol><li><b>Management Consultant</b></li>
<li><b>Human Resources Manager</b></li>
<li><b>Sales Engineer</b></li>
</ol><br />
At first glance, these three seem quite different, but I have a feeling they are more similar than you may thing. Next, I'm going to dissect these careers a little further to find why each ranked in the top three, and I hope this will show me where I truly want to work. As always, I'd appreciate any comments you have! Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-38047701741674525882011-08-30T11:17:00.000-04:002011-08-30T11:17:07.124-04:00More Management CareersHere are the last of the management careers that I've chosen to highlight. I hope you enjoy - there are some great careers!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/106674.html">Lodging Manager</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Oversee day-to-day operations of hotels or motels</li>
<li>Make sure customers are provided with their desired experiences</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Able to communicate with a variety of people</li>
<li>Problem solver</li>
<li>Ability to remember details</li>
<li>Calm under pressure</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Usually work with employees instead of only directing</li>
<li>Expected to have little growth in the next 10 years</li>
<li>Average salary: $53,500</li>
<ul><li>Opportunity for big bonuses with good performance</li>
</ul></ul><br />
<i>It's outstanding that lodging managers work closely with their employees instead of sitting in their office and "barking out" orders. I've always liked to lead by example and give instructions only when needed. I also like the idea of working to make people more comfortable during their stay. I think this would be something that I would really enjoy. My only concern is that I have expressed an interest in planning projects or events. I feel this career might end up being more of implementation of the same plan, instead of making new plans to accommodate changing needs. I still think it's a great career, but I don't know if it is at the very top of my list.</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/106579.html">Management Consultant</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Think of ways to increase company's profit and productivity</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Strong communication skills</li>
<li>Works well with others</li>
<li>Problem solver</li>
<li>Able to juggle projects on tight deadlines</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>About one quarter are self-employed</li>
<li>A lot of growth in the next 10 years</li>
<li>Competitive job hunt</li>
<ul><li>Graduate degree and sales skills are helpful</li>
</ul><li>Average salary: $85,000</li>
</ul><br />
<i>What a great career! As a consultant, I would constantly be working on new projects. I would be analyzing and problem solving all the time. I would work with a lot of people, and I would make a difference in the companies that I consult. On top of this, there is expected to be a lot of growth in the career, and the average salary is pretty notable. I realize that it will likely be a lot of work and very competitive, but I feel that I want to learn the industry well enough to put forth the effort needed. Very cool!</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/106741.html">Top Executive</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Run a business or organization</li>
<li>Combine knowledge of industry with business intelligence</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Able to analyze lots of information</li>
<li>Strong leadership, communication skills, and ability to motivate</li>
<li>Balance of being flexible and decisive</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Lots of travel</li>
<li>Average salary: $167,280</li>
</ul><br />
<i>The skill set for this career really speaks to me. I feel that I would be able to fit a role like that quite well. However, I feel that being a top executive would be a hard career to go for as a twenty-something young man just getting into the working world. I hope that I can move into management positions throughout my career and maybe become a top executive at some point, but I don't see it as being my career path at this point in time. Check back with me in 30 years, and you might hear something different ...</i><br />
<br />
Well, I hope you've enjoyed the ride. That concludes the list of careers that I wanted to explore. I've enjoyed a lot of what I've seen. Now, I'm going to take a look back at the careers and try to narrow down this list to a top three. Tune in to find out my "dream career"!<br />
<br />
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-78835701988965093682011-08-29T13:53:00.000-04:002011-08-29T13:53:29.636-04:00Management CareersAs I was researching careers in the management realm, I came across many that seemed appealing at first glance. I explored a large number of careers, and I don't feel it would be very worthwhile to highlight all of them here. Instead, I'm going to highlight some of the ones that I was most found of. I hope it will still give a good overview of what management careers have to offer and highlight some of my decision-making process. If you're curious at all about the careers I'm skipping over, feel free to contact me!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105306.html">Education Administrator</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Provide direction for day-to-day management of child-care centers and schools</li>
<li>Oversee education program at other businesses and institutions</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Strong leadership and communication skills</li>
<li>Organized and efficient</li>
<li>Able to handle day-to-day operations and long-term planning</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>There is expect to be little to now growth in higher education administration</li>
<li>Average salary:</li>
<ul><li>Child-care: $48,170</li>
<li>Elementary & Secondary: $87,390</li>
<li>Higher Education: $95,340</li>
</ul></ul><br />
<i>Having spent the last two years teaching in a school, I have considered the possibility of getting into education administration somewhat. A few of my former roommates were working on their master's degree in order to be a principal in the future. In talking with them, I haven't always felt that being a principal is exactly what I would like to do. I have considered, however, working in higher education as an admissions counselor, and I've also reflected on the possibility of leading education programs in a business capacity. I think that education administration is a possibility for me, but I see it playing out in ways besides being a school principal.</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105735.html">Engineering and Science Manager</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Engineering managers oversee engineers, scientists, or technicians</li>
<li>Science managers direct research and development divisions</li>
<li>Both work to translate complicated concepts to the consumer</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Good at math and science</li>
<li>Work well with people from various backgrounds</li>
<li>Able to manage a team</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Most begin as an engineer or a scientist</li>
<li>Science managers are expected to have some growth, but engineering managers will see very little growth in the next 10 years</li>
<ul><li>This can vary depending on the specific industry</li>
</ul><li>Average salary:</li>
<ul><li>Engineering: $122,810</li>
<li>Science: $127,000</li>
</ul></ul><br />
<i>I feel that this is another career that seems to allow me to utilize my engineering background. I like the fact that I would work in both the engineering world and the world of the consumer. I feel that I am able to communicate with a variety of people, and this could make me a great asset to this type of position. The average salary for this career is much higher than the others I've found so far, which is definitely exciting. Although, I'm curious as to how qualified I would be for this position; I may need more work experience in an engineering field to qualify.</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105926.html">Financial Manager</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Oversee monetary concerns of businesses or organizations</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Problem solver</li>
<li>Clear communicator</li>
<li>Likes to work with numbers</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Many work for insurance companies or banks</li>
<li>This field requires continued education to be effective</li>
<li>Job market can be very competitive</li>
<ul><li>Having a master's degree or certification is helpful</li>
</ul><li>Average salary: $113,730</li>
</ul><br />
<i>This career seemed very appealing at first glance. I enjoyed many of the finance careers that I looked at earlier. Plus, I've expressed interest in managing and leading teams. It appeared this might be a great blend of the two. Upon a closer look, I feel the "management" part of this career is overseeing the money - not the people. While it is still attractive, I am not overly excited about this position.</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105738.html">Human Resources Manager</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Answer questions about health care</li>
<li>Work out disagreements among employees</li>
<li>Ensure employees are being treated fairly</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Clear communicator</li>
<li>Likes to meet new people</li>
<li>Able to work on many projects at once</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>There is expected to be a lot of growth in this field over the next 10 years</li>
<li>Average salary: $105,000</li>
</ul><br />
<i>Although my source didn't mention anything about teaching/training employees, I envision there is definitely some possibility to utilize my education background in this area. I know that this career doesn't seem to have as much of the technical components as some of my recent searches, but I see plenty of opportunity for problem solving and critical thinking. I also would definitely get plenty of opportunity to work with a lot of people to help them in their job responsibilities. I didn't necessarily have high hopes for this career at first, but I'm very pleasantly surprised!</i><br />
<br />
So, there is a little taste of some of the management careers that I was drawn toward. Tune in tomorrow, because I have a few more careers that I think are worth mentioning!<br />
<br />
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-54597893426452154112011-08-23T15:16:00.000-04:002011-08-23T15:16:11.468-04:00More Sales CareersWell, yesterday, I explored some of what the world of sales has to offer. Take a look at a few other options that I missed!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/104714.html">Sales Representative (Wholesale and Manufacturing)</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Sell products from manufacturers to wholesalers</li>
<li>Sell products from wholesalers to retailers</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Like to interact and form relationships with people</li>
<li>Persuasive communicator</li>
<li>Works well with a team, but can work well alone</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Sales reps may work with an engineer for complex products</li>
<li>Salaries are usually based on commission</li>
<li>Average salary:</li>
<ul><li>Technical or scientific products - $81,370</li>
<li>Other products - $61,400</li>
</ul></ul><br />
<i>I like to work with people and build relationships with them. This field seems as though it would allow me to do that both with my clients as well as with a team of sales reps. Also, I come from an engineering background which could make me more marketable in selling the technical products. I might be mistaken in that assumption, but I figure it couldn't hurt too much!</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/102570.html">Sales Worker Supervisor</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Heads a sales team</li>
<li>Keeps track of inventory</li>
<li>Makes sure customers are happy</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>A self-starter who can make quick decisions</li>
<li>Able to get along with a variety of people</li>
<li>Organize and communicate with staff efficiently</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Expected to have very slow growth in the next 10 years</li>
<li>Supervisors usually work long hours and weekends</li>
<li>Having sales experience helps to get in the field</li>
<li>Average salary: $39,130</li>
</ul><br />
<i>I definitely think of myself as a self-starter, and I get along very well with many different people. I have had some leadership positions, and have very much enjoyed managing a team of people. These make me excited about this career. However, I'm worried about the slow growth that is expected. Also, the average salary is a little lower that I would have thought. A lot of work with not much reward - I'm not so sure.</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/101107.html">Travel Agent</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Help people plan trips all over the world</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Loves to travel and explore new things</li>
<li>Problem solver</li>
<li>Enjoys helping others</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Many travel agents specialize in one area or type of travel</li>
<li>There is expected to be little or no growth in the field over the next 10 years</li>
<ul><li>Receiving training and becoming specialized helps</li>
</ul><li>Average salary: $32,450</li>
</ul><br />
<i>I do enjoy traveling, but I don't know if I would say that I love it. I am interested in finding a career that helps people, and I want to do some sort of problem solving. All good things! Again, I'm worried about the growth in the field. The fact that there is expected to be no growth means that the only spot I would be able to fill is the spot of someone that leaves. Not too promising, if you ask me. Plus, the average salary is not incredibly exciting.</i><br />
<br />
That's what I found on some of the interesting fields in sales. When I was looking at the sales worker supervisor, I was reminded of how much I enjoyed holding leadership positions while I was in college. I seemed to have a great ability there too. Perhaps, my next venture into the world of business should be centered on management positions. I have a feeling this could get exciting!<br />
<br />
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-56769546592453933192011-08-22T18:15:00.000-04:002011-08-22T18:15:01.590-04:00Sales CareersWhen I was in high school, I worked for a local bakery. As part of my job, I took our bread to a flea market and sold it to people. I would stand there with samples of bread on the table ready to be sliced and yell out, "Free bread samples! Come and get 'em!" Now, this wasn't some marketing genius that I came up with. I was just doing what my boss told me. On my second day at the flea market, the woman in the booth next to me said, "I've been here for 30 years, and I've never seen anyone sell like you. How long you been doing this?" I answered, "I just started yesterday!" Well, I've had a few other "sales" experiences since then, and I have seemed to have an ability to sell. Now, I'm not saying I'm the best sales person around, but I figured this might be a good place to look after the wonderful world of finance.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105576.html">Insurance Sales Agent</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Help people select policies for life, health, and property</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Outgoing and confident</li>
<li>Good communication of technical information</li>
<li>Flexible</li>
<li>Interested in continued education</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Online companies have slightly reduced the need for agents</li>
<li>Beginners can have trouble getting enough clients to earn a living</li>
<li>Pay may be on commission alone or a combination of commission and base salary</li>
<li>Average salary: $61,330</li>
</ul><br />
<i>I haven't always thought of insurance as an exciting place to make a career. I can't come up with a reason why I shouldn't consider this career, but there doesn't seem to be much about the career that gets me really excited. I will definitely keep it in mind, but I'm betting there is something out there that I will feel more passionate about!</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/106528.html">Real Estate Broker and Sales Agent</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Sell people's properties</li>
<li>Help buyers to find the right property for them</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Aggressive personality</li>
<li>Strong math skill</li>
<li>Interest in the economy</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Brokers and agents typically work evenings and weekends</li>
<li>Need a license to work in the field</li>
<li>Typically easy to start, but can be hard to earn a living with a poor economy</li>
<li>Average salary:</li>
<ul><li>Broker - $78,360</li>
<li>Agent - $53,100</li>
</ul></ul><br />
<i>I've always thought that being a real estate agent would be exciting - taking people around to houses; showing all the great things that properties have to offer; working with people to try to help them find their "dream home". That seems great! I'm worried about the skill set of this field, though. I wouldn't necessarily call myself an aggressive personality. Also, I like to stay informed of what is going on in the economy, but I don't particularly have a high interest in it. For these reasons, I'm not sure real estate agent is the career for me.</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/104901.html">Sales Engineer</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Sell complex products and services</li>
<li>Help clients choose, customize, and troubleshoot products</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Being a math fan that likes to persuade people</li>
<li>Likes knowing how things work</li>
<li>Likes to travel and talk with people</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Many sales engineers start as engineers</li>
<li>Hours are usually set by each person</li>
<li>Average salary: $90,540</li>
<ul><li>Incentives are often given for good performance</li>
</ul></ul><br />
<i>I come from an engineering background. As I mentioned, I seem to have an ability to sell. So far so good. I like the idea of traveling to meet with people and help them find which products or services will fit their business the best. I definitely like understanding how things work. I think I've found a definite career possibility. Stick around to see!</i><br />
<br />
Well, there you have it. Selling insurance, real estate, and complex engineering products. I think I like what I've seen so far, so tune in next time as I look at other careers in the sales world. See you then!<br />
<br />
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-18314607624538255392011-08-19T12:00:00.001-04:002011-08-22T17:42:01.813-04:00More Finance CareersAs promised, I've looked at some more careers in the world of finance. Enjoy!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/202692.html">Meeting and Convention Planner</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Organize events for businesses and organizations</li>
<li>Travel to many places</li>
<li>Meet and work with a lot of people</li>
<li>Juggle a large number of details related to planning events</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Personable, organized communication</li>
<li>Attention to detail</li>
<li>Work well under pressure and at a fast pace</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Long hours are usually worked immediately before and during events</li>
<li>This field can be sensitive to the economy</li>
<li>Average salary: $48,060</li>
</ul><i><br />
</i><br />
<i>I definitely have an interest in planning events. Also, I'm very detail focused and work well under pressure. I am also drawn to the fact that I could work with a number of people in this field and act as a leader to help the events run smoothly. I'm also not opposed to traveling. I wouldn't say I want to be on the road all the time, but I do enjoy going to new places! (Sorry this career doesn't fit as well in the finance category, but a nice career none-the-less!)</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/101000.html">Personal Financial Planner</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Help people manage their money (short term and long term)</li>
<li>Decide on investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Good listener and clear communicator</li>
<li>Problem solver who likes to work with numbers</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Expected to be one of the fastest growing fields in the next 10 years</li>
<li>Tends to be a large amount of competition</li>
<li>Average salary: $94,180</li>
</ul><br />
<i>I do like problem solving, and I love working with numbers. I've also always been a saver, so although I don't have an expertise in financial advising, I do have a saving mindset. However, just as I commented on the financial analyst career yesterday, I don't find the stock market a compelling component. I definitely like this career better than financial analyst, but I don't know that it really speaks to me.</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/106027.html">Real Estate Appraiser</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Decide how much buildings and lands are worth</li>
<li>Inspect properties, compare to similar properties, and study their locations</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Math fan</li>
<li>Good communicator</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Need a license to work as an appraiser</li>
<li>Once licensed, you can appraise other things (i.e. jewelry)</li>
<li>Expect to have little growth in the next 10 years</li>
<li>Jobs depend on the house market</li>
<li>Average salary: $53,520</li>
</ul><br />
<i>I like the idea of systematically looking at a building or a property and establishing a price. This reminds me a lot of the cost estimator that I talked about yesterday. However, I am a little concerned about how much this career works in a team. In my mind, an appraiser is a lone guy going to a property and giving a report to the client when it's all said and done. If this is the case, I don't know how compelled I'd be to take on this career, but I could quite possibly be mistaken. I'll definitely keep this career in mind, but I will need to research it more before being able to make a decision.</i><br />
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Well, that's what I've come up with for the wonderful world of finance. I have to say, I've been surprised. Perhaps, I had a mental block about this field. I don't know why, but I think it existed. However, my love for math and problem solving seems to fit well in a lot of the careers I've found. Now, I'll look at other aspects of the business world. Sales. Marketing. Management. I don't know! Keep tuning in to see where this journey goes next.<br />
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Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-47422790039625775532011-08-18T12:31:00.002-04:002011-08-18T12:38:47.673-04:00Business and Finance CareersI've decided to put my search in the education realm on the side for the moment. Notice that I didn't say that I'm closing the door, but I thought I would explore some of what the business world has to offer. Below are some of the lovely business and finance careers that I've found.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105045.html">Budget Analyst</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Creates, studies, and oversees budgets of organizations and businesses</li>
<li>About 40% work for federal, state, or local government</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Good with numbers</li>
<li>Clear communicator and effective leader</li>
<li>Problem solver</li>
<li>Able to juggle projects with tight deadlines</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Because the information budget analysts give is so important, they are not often laid off</li>
<li>Average salary: $69,240</li>
</ul><br />
<i>I've heard some good financial benefits for working for the government. The first component that <a href="http://www.loosen.com/what-career-is-right-for-me/#more-42">Ari Chatz</a> discussed in job searching is the value of money. This security may be helpful in providing for that future family I keep mentioning! I don't really have anything negative to say about budget analysts. I like working with numbers and problem-solving. I would definitely get to work with other people. On the contrary, this career doesn't seem to jump out to me as something I would love to do. Perhaps, I should leave it alone for now and come back to see if my feelings change. Any thoughts/advice on this would be greatly appreciated!</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105080.html">Buyer and Purchaser</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Looks for high-quality products or services at low costs</li>
<li>Buyers look for products that can be resold to the public</li>
<li>Purchasers look for supplies/services for organizations to use</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Risk taking</li>
<li>Problem solving</li>
<li>Strong research skills</li>
<li>Clear communication</li>
<li>Leader as well as working well with a team</li>
</ul>Other Information<br />
<ul><li>Typically need work experience</li>
<li>Buyers usually come from engineering, business, economics, or an applied science</li>
<li>Purchasers usually need a master's degree</li>
<li>Average salary:</li>
<ul><li>Buyer - $55,480</li>
<li>Purchaser - $58,550</li>
</ul></ul><br />
<i>I would not really call myself a risk taker. Not that I'm afraid to risk or that I wouldn't risk to some extent. However, the fact that one of the main skills mentioned for this career is taking risks makes me nervous. I think this alone is enough to keep me from going into the career. I know that my engineering experience may be helpful, but I think I'd like a career with perhaps less risk.</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105398.html">Cost Estimator</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Figures out costs of construction projects and manufacturing products</li>
<li>Accounts for price of materials, cost of labor, effects of climate, and more</li>
<li>Experienced analysts can work independently as a consultant</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Being a math fan</li>
<li>Good at planning and organizing</li>
<li>Enjoy comparison shopping</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Having work experience helps getting into the career</li>
<li>Can be a stressful career, which can allow for high turn-over</li>
<li>The industry tends to slow with poor economy</li>
<li>Average salary: $61,190</li>
<ul><li>Engineers tend to start with higher salaries</li>
</ul></ul><br />
<i>Well, I am definitely a big fan of math, and I love "number crunching". Not to mention, I come from an engineering background - which seems to be an advantage in this field. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about comparison shopping, but I guess I'm essentially doing that with this career search. I'm a little concerned that jobs might be hard to find in this struggling economy, but overall, I like what I'm seeing!</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105406.html">Financial Analyst</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Helps organizations come up with investment strategies</li>
<li>Spots stock market trends</li>
<li>Keeps tabs on up-and-coming companies</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Organized</li>
<li>Like to work with numbers</li>
<li>Quick thinking at problem solving</li>
<li>Clear communicator</li>
</ul>Other Information<br />
<ul><li>Days are usually filled with phone calls and meetings, so evenings usually mean time for research</li>
<li>Currently a growing industry</li>
<li>Having a master's degree in business or finance can be a help</li>
<li>Bonus checks are often available for good financial advice</li>
<li>Average salary: $85,240</li>
</ul><br />
<i>Stock market. I've never been a big fan or really understood how it all works. I could definitely learn, but I'm not sure this career would be for me. I definitely am drawn toward the problem solving, working with numbers, and communicating with others aspects of this job. However, this career doesn't seem to fit my skills enough to inspire me to really learn the world of stock market finances. Thanks, financial analysts, but I think I'm going to pass on this one.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Well, I went looking to explore the world of business, but I think I got more of a tour of the finance world. I'm not really disappointed. I guess I was just thinking this step would be a little different. I do love number crunching, so I think I should look more into the world of finance careers. Don't worry, I'm sure I'll look more into the world of business. For right now, my curiosity is not yet fulfilled. Tune in for more to come!<br />
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Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-15103764938293846042011-08-17T16:56:00.002-04:002011-08-18T12:33:32.739-04:00Education ServicesWell, I wasn't entirely sure where to start on exploring the careers that might blend my skills and interests together, so I decided to start with the realm of education. My most recent experience is as a middle school math teacher. Because of this, I decided to make education my starting point, and we shall see where it leads from here.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/104235.html">Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Provide academic and career counseling to students and adults</li>
<li>Most professionals are located in schools</li>
<li>Counselors outside of schools are often called career counselors</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Like to help others</li>
<li>Able to inspire trust in others</li>
<li>Work individually as well as on a team</li>
</ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>This field is expected to grow over the next 10 years</li>
<li>Average salary: $55,030</li>
</ul><i><br />
</i><br />
<i>This career definitely seems to be one that would allow me to make a difference by helping other people. Also, there is an analytical or problem-solving component to helping people navigate their school or career. I'm not sure if my current career search would be a help or a detriment to my ability to give advice. Any thoughts?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/106762.html">Adult Educator</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Teach adults a variety of subjects at community colleges, adult high schools, university extension programs, and prisons.</li>
<li>Adult educators are often part-time employees</li>
</ul>Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Interest in educating adults</li>
<ul><li>Adults are more developed than children, but they can also be less flexible</li>
<li>On the contrary, adults in school usually know what they need to learn and why</li>
</ul></ul>Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Adult Educators that can teach English Second Language (ESL) are in high demand</li>
<li>Average pay: $24.23 per hour</li>
</ul><i><br />
</i><br />
<i>I think it would be very interesting to teach adults instead of children. It would definitely change the dynamics of planning and classroom management. However, I'm concerned about the fact that it is mostly a part-time career - may make it hard to provide for the family I'm planning on having.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105869.html">Instructional Coordinator</a></span><br />
Overview:<br />
<ul><li>Measure student learning</li>
<li>Work with and train teachers</li>
<li>Develop and order educational materials</li>
<li>Instructional Coordinators are often specialized in one subject area</li>
</ul><br />
Skill Set:<br />
<ul><li>Good at making decisions</li>
<li>Well-organized</li>
<li>Able to balance working with people, books, and technology</li>
</ul><br />
Other Information:<br />
<ul><li>Most demand is in reading, math, science, and technology</li>
<li>Average salary: $61,270</li>
</ul><br />
<i>At the school where I taught, I was the only middle school math teacher, which meant that I was in charge of developing the math curriculum and instruction for all of the middle school students. I very much enjoyed this part of my job, and I also enjoyed working with other teachers. These seem like good reasons to look more at this field. (Not to mention my math specialty is a plus!)</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Well, this is the start of my search of careers. I'll keep these in mind, but my next post may be outside of the education realm. Therefore, you should stay tuned to see where this journey may lead me. Thanks for joining, and don't forget to comment on your thoughts!<br />
<br />
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-3684243825653692922011-08-05T17:38:00.002-04:002011-08-18T12:33:23.328-04:00Skills and Interests Inventory (for FREE!)Have you ever taken one of those career inventories? The ones that are supposed to tell you what exactly you are good at and what drives you. Then it's supposed to highlight the path that would be best for you. Well, I have taken many of them, and I have struggled to find the right path for me. I have always been a fairly well-rounded guy, which means that I have no overwhelming group of skills that clearly shows what career path I should be taking. Every time I take one of these inventories, I feel like our friend here - confused.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.loosen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Right-Career.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://www.loosen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Right-Career.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There are numerous sites that offer these inventories, and many of them can be very helpful. I however, have taken a similar opinion to <a href="http://www.loosen.com/what-career-is-right-for-me/#more-42">Ari Chatz</a> - taking a much simpler (and free) approach to this inventory can save you time, money, and maybe even a headache.<br />
<br />
In a blog on loosen.com, Ari highlights the three main things to consider when looking for a career:<br />
<ol><li><b>The value one has for money</b></li>
<li><b>Establishing one's skills</b></li>
<li><b>Establishing one's interests</b></li>
</ol>After some reflection on the three areas above, I have come up with a few thoughts. As far as how I value <b><u>money</u></b>, I know that I want to one day have a family of my own. I know that making a decent wage will be important to fulfill this dream. However, I would hate to make this wage while working at a job that I hate. Because of this, I put the passion for my job over the amount of money that I will make (but money shall ever be present in the back of my mind).<br />
<br />
Secondly, I thought of the many organizations, groups, and jobs that I have been a part of. As I remembered my time with each step of my journey so far, I wrote down the <b><u>skills</u></b> that I felt I used to be successful at that time. After coming up with a fair list, I have highlighted the three "trends" that I noticed:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Analyzing and problem solving</li>
<li>Detail focused (without loosing sight of the big picture)</li>
<li>Working with or leading a team</li>
</ol>Finally, I thought about what I would want out of my next career moving forward. I made note of the <b><u>interests</u></b> that I have had in past endeavors and how they have shaped what I look for in the future. Again, I noticed three "trends":<br />
<ol><li>Making a difference by helping people</li>
<li>Analyzing and planning (events, projects, etc.)</li>
<li>Communicating with people (anywhere from coworkers to public speaking)</li>
</ol>So, there you have it. Summed up in a nutshell, I am analytic and like to work with people. I know that this exercise hasn't yet laid out a clear path to what I should do in my career, but I feel more connected to what I've come up with than most (if not all) of the assessments I've done in the past. <br />
<br />
Tune in for future blogs as I explore careers that I feel will combine my skills and my interests. In addition, I encourage all of you to let me know if you have any ideas of where I might find a career that blends the above together. So, comment away!<br />
<br />
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987706314468120522.post-57839328068663038222011-08-01T22:23:00.003-04:002011-08-18T12:33:09.774-04:00IntroductionGreetings! Welcome to my blog. I am a twenty-something man that is attempting to determine what I would like to do with for my career. Let me explain my situation a little more, so you can understand what is motivating me. <br />
<br />
I have been a student as long as I can remember. Literally! My day care when I was a child was at a university where college students helped to run the day care and teach preschool. My love for being a student has not stopped. (According to the <a href="http://www.strengthsfinder.com/">StrengthsFinder</a> test, one of my top strengths is "Learner") On the contrary, I have struggled to find the same love for the jobs I have had. <br />
<br />
In college I got a Civil Engineering degree and worked for three semesters at engineering firms while still in school. I spent the two years after college doing service. I was a 6th-8th grade math teacher in a small Catholic school. Even though I love math, I have since learned that I am in the vast minority. (I know. Shocker, right?!?!)<br />
<br />
I loved my experience as an engineer; I loved being a teacher; and I have always loved being a student. However, I am still searching for what exactly I should do in my career now that I am no longer a classroom student. Let's be honest, we are all students in a class call life!<br />
<br />
This blog will hopefully communicate my journey in trying to find my "dream job" - the one that requires the unique set of skills that I myself possess. I hope followers can learn from what I have done (or haven't done correctly) as I move through this process. <br />
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Also, I encourage you to comment on posts as much as you can. Learning comes in many ways, and I hope to learn as much from you as you can learn from me. I hope you enjoy the ride!<br />
<br />
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702262847514284551noreply@blogger.com1