FACS 56 life management planning your education

some people seem to decide on their career very early in life… others struggle with the choice two examples: Melissa & Edward there is nothing wrong with being uncertain or slow to make a decision

clarifying your vision it is VERY important to make a commitment to the process of career decision making clarifying desires researching the topic

determining what you want to do now is the time to take advantage of services offered by MPC: assessment center counseling department career center job placement center make an appointment to meet with a counselor to discuss the options available to you

determining what you want to do print copy last updated in 1991—listed over 20,000 occupations

determining what you want to do most of us recognize fields—law, healthcare, art or business—helps to narrow focus function also narrows focus sales marketing creative production finance administration there are jobs of every function in every field

assessing field and functions write a paragraph describing the ideal job for you purpose is to help you dream & let ideas soar

assessing fields and functions list ten tasks that are commonly part of the ideal job that you have selected The if you cannot do this you will have learned something valuable—you need more information

assessing fields and functions next, brainstorm all the reasons your ideal job appeals to you: don’t worry if the picture is a little fuzzy— concrete issues can come later

assessing fields and functions its time to analyze your job & begin to see other job alternatives:

assessing fields and functions reorganize— field should stay consistent search your memory banks for appropriate job titles for each of the different functions within your chosen field—make them up if necessary consider how appealing each job title is—rank

assessing fields and functions reorganize again— preferred function? should be consistent minimum of 4 fields in which you could perform duties related to preferred function

assessing fields and functions review all your lists— is a specific function or a particular field more interesting to you? if a function is more interesting you have a wide variety of fields to chose from if a field interests you the most—need to match skills & aptitudes to particular function within field

gathering more information 1.Make a list of anyone you know who does the job—set up interviews to hear about their tasks 2.Watch a documentary or read a biography of someone who has done this job 3.Read at least one book or watch a documentary about your preferred field 4.Read several articles in professional or trade journals and business publications about people that are doing the job you want 5.Read several articles in professional or trade journals and business publications about the field and function that you prefer 6.Look through the want ads to identify job titles that fit your field and function—make a career ladder for the field

gathering more information 7.Take an introductory class that focuses on your chosen field or function 8.Volunteer at a local business or nonprofit organization that relates to the job that interests you 9.Visit your transfer or career placement office to learn about the future demand for your proposed job 10.Interview a recent graduate from your current school who has a career goal similar to yours after this research you should be able to select a major based on your preferences for field and function

once you have completed at least two of the activities suggested for gathering more information, read pages to know what further steps to take making an education plan where to transfer? finalizing your action plan REMEMBER: talking to an actual human being is always preferable to depending upon the internet for all of your answers…talk to them and get what they say down in writing