1. 5/28/2009 Finding Direction: How To Identify Education & Career Goals Presented by: Los Medanos College Career Center

2. 5/28/2009 Some Facts About Selecting A Major National statistics vary but up to 50% of entering college students are undecided about education and career goals. 50-70% will change their majors at least once (on average they will change majors 3 or more times before they graduate).

3. More Facts Majors do not necessarily lead to careers. o The average person will change careers 4.5 times over their lifetime and work for an average of 10 employers. Careers in demand today- may not be 4-5 years down the line o 40-60% of the jobs for the future have yet to be created!

4. Why Plan? The average person will work approximately 1/3 of their lifetime = 10,000 days! The average person will earn approximately $2,000,000 in their lifetime with education beyond high school Individuals often identify themselves with what they do The career that you choose can affect your physical and mental health.

5. Steps To Success Self Assessment: Discovering Who You Are Exploration: Identifying Your Resources Decision Making: Checks & Balances Take Action: Baby Steps or Giant Leaps

6. 5/28/2009 Career Assessment- Discover Who You Are… Pinpoint your interests and match them with your strengths. Take a personality assessment to identify preferred work environments and tasks Clarify your values, specifically what matters to you, e.g. making a lot of money or feeling that what you do makes a difference, working alone or as a part of a team. Document your skills. What are you good at?

7. Exploration- What Are Your Resources The Career Center can provide resources and information to begin your exploration of majors and Careers. Other resources to utilize are: Career Center Webpage Counselors Instructors Library: LMC, City, County Networking: Family, Friends, Classmates, Church, Clubs, Associations Informational Interviewing

8. COUNS-032 Career Development An intense career exploration designed to engage students in their own career development. Topics include how to realistically assess, review, and interpret various areas such as interests, attitudes, values, priorities, skills and strengths, goals, and career options in the current job market. The course includes the opportunity to utilize the campus Career Center. Transfer: CSU

9. 5/28/2009 Decision Making With the information you gather from self assessment and exploration- along with guidance from the Career Center and Counselors, you will be able to make a more informed decision. Major/ Ed Goal Transfer Employment You

10. Take Action Meet with Counselor to put together an Ed Plan o Creating an Ed Plan with a counselor can help you achieve your educational and career goals Tell family and friends about your decision- saying it out loud makes it more real Be flexible- life happens/things change o When things change, let your counselor know so they can help you modify plan.

11. The Career Center Can Help Career Assessments- FREE Exploration Resources- FREE Information Gathering- FREE Resume Writing, Job Search Skills, and Mock Interviewing- FREE Referrals To Other Student Services Programs- As needed

12. For More Information Visit the Career Center in RM 524 (Voc Tec Bldg- Across from Admissions) OR Call (925) 439-2181 ext 3252

13. “To be happy for life, love your work.” Chinese Proverb