(Myth) Once a career is chosen, then the person is stuck with it. Employability Skills Skills, Attitude, and Qualities to Get and Keep a Job. (Myth) Once a career is chosen, then the person is stuck with it.

Universal Employability Skills Communication Skills Teamwork Skills Self-Motivated/Ability to work with little or no supervision Problem-Solving/Decision-Making, Reasoning/Creativity skills Dedication/Hardworking/Work Ethic Planning/Organizing Skills Dependability/Reliability/Responsibility Adaptability Availability/Flexibility Honesty/Integrity/Morality—Character Counts! Computer/Technical Skills Interpersonal Abilities

Universal Employability Skills Self Presentation Skills Multi-Tasking Skills Positive Attitude/Motivation/Energetic Self-Confidence Leadership/Management Skills Multicultural Sensitivity/Awareness Loyalty Professionalism Willingness to Learn Customer Service Skills Common Sense

Employability Having and using your life skills and abilities to be hired and stay hired. (Truth) Most people change careers at least 5-7 times in their lives. Skills developed in one job can be used in different lines of work or industries.

1. Present positive qualities 2. Communicate effectively with ALL employers, co-workers, and consumers (i.e. customers, clients, patients, users, etc.) 3. Meet your responsibilities at work

What are employability skills? Knowledge in a specific career. Examples: An electrician knows wiring An auto mechanic knows engine repair

Includes Life Skills 1. Decision Making - Shows you know how to evaluate options. 2. Problem Solving - Shows leadership role to find a positive solution. 3. Goal Setting - Shows you know how to set up a plan to achieve specific goals.

4. Critical Thinking - Shows you know how to be objective and think logically 5. Communicating Effectively - Shows you know how to work with others.

Employability Characteristics 1. Positive Attitude - Do not criticize others 2. Cooperative - Shows respect for employer 3. Accepting and using Feedback - Shows you want to learn and are willing to improve.

4. Flexibility - Accept change and adapt to new situation 5. Leadership - Able to make decisions and solve problems. Shows others respect and people want to work with you.

How to Build Employability Skills? Conflict Resolution - Look for ways to reduce conflict with siblings and communicate more effectively with parents. Set Academic Goals - Create a plan to achieve. Be Active in a Club - DECA, Cyber Security, Team Sports, 4-H, Student Cabinet, and more. Participate In Some Form of Community Service - Dedicate your time and energy toward improving the community.

When looking at Job Description What are the responsibilities? What kind of education or training is required? What is the pay range? What is the work environment? Where is the job?

Realistic Career-Related Goals 1. One that you can plan for and actually achieve. 2. You have the resources to accomplish. 3. Uses your skills and abilities. 4. Should be specific State exactly what you want to accomplish When you believe you could achieve the goal Where you hope to live and work

Haven’t Chosen a Career? Set goals for academic achievement Set goals for volunteering Set goals for researching different types of careers. Set goals for building skills and abilities Set goals for earning and saying money

A Career Plan A map that can show you a way to reach your goals. First, write a statement describing your ultimate career goal. Example: I will be an Occupational Physical Therapist in Colorado by the time I am 30 years old.

Add Short-Term Career Goals Include a timeline, for example: 1. Get an “A” in health class this semester 2. Volunteer at a physical rehabilitation center 3. Research Colleges and Universities that offer physical therapy degrees by the end of this year.

Plans change over time Goals and/or resources can change so remain flexible and be ready to implement your plan “B.”

Trade Offs Giving up one thing to get something else Focus on things that are most important Create your own opportunities