-
What is career readiness?
Career readiness means that a student has the skills they need to find, acquire, maintain, and grow within a job. To support career readiness, we offer a variety of opportunities to help students explore career options. We also offer options for students to gain real work experience and earn credentials to help them go straight into the workforce after high school graduation.
-
Career Readiness
Do you have the marketable skills that prepare a person to transition from being a student (high school or college) to being an employee, employer, or entrepreneur?
There are two basic skills that are needed:
Hard Skills - A hard skill is a technical skill that you have learned to do that certain job. It is being able to apply the skill to what you love doing. A hard skill is specific and measurable. You can learn it from a manual, taking a school course, or on-the-job training.
Examples of hard skills are being able to use a ten-key machine, welding, and taking a blood pressure measurement.
Soft Skills - Soft skills are transferrable skills that you learn and can take with you from job to job. Some transferable skills that are valued are organizational skills, communication, attention to detail, and building relationships.
Examples of soft skills are being able to organize, communicate effectively, and build working relationships.
What should you know before starting a career?
According to indeed.com, there are three things you need to know to start your career. First, you need a strong resume that includes your skills, experience, education, and accomplishments. Second, you need transferable skills. Soft skills can be transferred from job to job. Make sure you update those skills. And lastly, teachability. Many employers want to be able to train you in their ways of doing things. Remain open-minded to help your career grow.
How to start your career? Indeed.com has 8 steps that can help you navigate this process. You need to have a strategic plan to be able to be successful.
These are the 8 steps from indeed.com:
1. Make a list of your interests and talents
Create a list of your hobbies, skills, and passions. Consider anything you enjoy doing—even if it doesn't seem related to a traditional career. For example, if you like spending time outside, cooking, or helping other people, list what you find fulfilling about each of these activities. Note any themes or patterns on your lists to help you find a suitable career match. Identifying your talents and hobbies can help you uncover what you're passionate about and which career may suit you.
2. Consider your career preferences
Determine the type of job you want and what you want out of your career. Knowing your career aspirations can help you determine the type of education you need and the types of positions to apply for.
In addition, consider your preferences in terms of a job's commute time, its location, its average salary, and its typical work schedule. Identifying these criteria can help you to prioritize your preferences and help narrow down your research.
3. Review your qualifications
Every job in the workforce requires specific skills and qualifications. Before you pursue a career, consider your education level and your abilities. Assessing your skills and qualifications can help you determine the next steps for your professional development and future career. It can also help you identify what jobs may align with your current credentials.
4. Research industries and careers
Research different jobs and industries that align with your qualifications and interests. For example, if you love science and helping people, consider a job in the healthcare industry. Use an online search engine to research industries and jobs across different sectors. Read job descriptions to learn more about each of the positions' responsibilities and required skills to help you to determine if you're qualified for the position.
5. Consider volunteering or interning
Consider becoming a volunteer or intern to provide you with further insight into a career or industry. Research opportunities online or talk to your college's career center to learn about various intern or volunteer positions you might find interesting. Keep in mind that most internships or volunteer opportunities don't offer you monetary compensation. However, they may provide you with valuable experience to help with your future endeavors. In addition, interning or volunteering gives you the opportunity to shadow working professionals and ask them about their jobs. Hearing about their experiences can help you make a well-informed career decision.
6. Find a mentor
Connect with a working professional in the industry you're interested in. Establishing a professional relationship with someone in your prospective field can help you gain valuable insight and advice based on their personal experiences. Consider researching industry professionals whose work you admire or whose jobs you find interesting. Then, connect with them via email. A mentor may even connect you with other industry professionals who can help you establish your career even further.
7. Pursue the right qualifications
Once you make a career choice, research the common requirements for the job you're interested in. Some jobs require certain degrees or certifications. After your research, spend time pursuing the common qualifications for the job you want if you don't already have them.
8. Apply for positions
After pursuing the common qualifications for the job you're interested in, research open positions. Once you find jobs that align with your qualifications, submit an application online or in person. Keep in mind that different companies may have different requirements for the same job title. Therefore, carefully review the description of the job you're interested in to ensure you meet the specific requirements for that role.
