Careers: Graduation vs Job Availability

The odds are that you will change careers several times during your working years. It then makes sense in career planning to gain skills that are transferable and select education targets that meet future opportunities. Do the research necessary to keep you career flexible and responsive to the job market.

For a discussion of the current career – opportunity picture, see the article here.

Top Career Opportunities by Degrees

Whether in school or in any stage of employment, looking forward in time is a good idea. A time horizon of several years is useful for making mid course adjustments in your career, or course of study. Being aware of the likely-hood of a demand for your skills and talents is a realistic objective.

The article here presents projections of employment demand in various fields and for varying levels of  educational programs.

Careers: What is Your Plan B? Plan C?

Whether you are a youth preparing to attend college or a working adult, the odds are your career path will change a few times both during your education and working years. It is a good idea to plan to gain skills that are transferable and select education targets that match future opportunities. Be aware of the trends and keep you career flexible and responsive to the job market which will certainly change during your college / employment years.

Here's a look at the current changing career – opportunity picture in Colorado which is the first-part of a four-part career planning series.  See the article here.

Example Career Changes after 50

Reinventing your career; it’s not easy but it’s never too late. That’s the message from people who made life-altering career changes in their 40s, 50s, 60s or even older.

Some second acts aren’t by choice, some have described being forced into midlife career changes after losing their jobs and failing to find similar work because of the economy, their age, a disability or discrimination.  Some people start a second or third career because they can’t afford to stop working after retirement. Some discover they’re happier working, even if they can afford to retire.

See six examples of later-in-life changes here.

Advance Within Your Company

In today’s tumultuous economy it is more important than ever to understand the fundamentals of how to manage your career. 

With the rapid rate of technological change and the effects of globalization, jobs are changing or even disappearing altogether. By applying time-tested principles you will be in a better position to help yourself and your company be successful.
See 9 areas of career management here.

Attend the Denver Professional Workshop

The Professional Placement Program assists professionals, managers, and executives in finding or upgrading their employment. The program includes the Career Workshop for professionals, networking opportunities, one-on-one coaching, professional-level job leads, and a place to conduct your job search.

1. Find the detailed description here
2. Find the workshop schedule here

Note:  there are no charges!

Turn around Workplace boredom

Time is a resource with high monetary value, and any boredom is a symptom of wasting time you should be putting to good use. Take advantage of the situation and do something you wouldn't ordinarily be able to do. 

Start a new initiative, develop your professional skillset, or reorganize your current strategies; you'll make yourself more valuable and ultimately, you'll position yourself for a respectable salary increase at your next formal review.

The next time you find yourself bored at work, try the ideas here.

Upgrade Your Skills

Is your career up for the challenges of a tough job market and the rapid pace of technology? Experts agree that ongoing professional development should be part of your career plans no matter what stage you’re at. Keeping your skills current can help you stay competitive and make sure you’ll be an asset to any employer.

Review some practical ways to stay sharp here

Tomorrow's College Education Options Today at a Bargain!

Western Governors University (WGU) is a one of a kind university for working people needing a degree (bachelors or masters) covering over 70 degree offerings.   For a detailed list of degree programs, click here.  WGU is a completely virtual, competency-based university founded by 19 governors of western states.  The governors of Utah and Colorado spear-headed it and the main HQ was originally located in Denver.  Now it is located in Salt Lake City.  Dirt cheap and fully certified and accredited nationally without any questions or reservations.  And also is the largest on-line college in the country.

WGU is a serious alternative for those who need to upgrade their careers and not interfere with their families and their present employment.  And affordable all at the same time.  My son earned 90+ semester credits in 3 semesters at a list price of $3,500 per semester but also had a half tuition scholarship because his career was already in place before he became unemployed.  And there are no charges for text books!  And he immediately earned a master's degree from August 1st to April 1st following his B.S. degree last July graduation.  Now his Master's thesis is all that is left and he graduates on July 14th with a master's degree in Internet Security in less than 12 months.  And the college paid for all national certification tests required for the degree such as the Microsoft Networking Certifications, CISCO tests, and many more which are in themselves very expensive.  And again, no charge for any of these national tests that can be taken at local colleges.

Self-Paced instruction may not be everybody, but students can earn unlimited number of credits per semester.  Students enrolled in a 6-month term and can accelerate to take as many courses as possible in that term at no additional cost.  My son finished each course usually in 2 weeks.  Then takes another course on and on to the end of the semester.  And that's how he earned in excess of 30 semester credits every semester.  Plus passing national computer certification courses.   What a no-nonsense approach to upgrading ones profession.   Academic support is provided by academic mentors who specialize in content areas through online learning communities.

Online instruction offers advantages that can help people upgrade their professional skills while not disrupting their lives:

1. Distance learning does not require commuting.
2. You can complete all of the classes at your convenience.
3. You can live anywhere, study from anywhere while pursing the education of your choice.
4. Gain extra knowledge on the subjects of your choice.
5. Self-paced learning is for both slow and quick learners.
6. Accessibility in the confines of your own home
7. Issue of time.  The learner is not confined to a classroom for certain number of hours on a given day.  

It is an amazing story to motivate others to do something besides do little and wish their careers were more competitive. For more information about Western Governors University, click here.