Putting it All Together

Getting into a flow and rhythm in our work, connecting to a career we enjoy, and growing along that path is the essence of what this module has been about. There are great resources to connect us to improving our skills and tools in the area of Career Path Development like www.careeronestop.org

Let’s review the different days and lessons in this module.

Day 1 – Introduction to Career Path Development

• Here, we introduced the importance of having sustaining and satisfying work.

• We reviewed the benefits of knowing your rights regarding disclosure of a criminal record.

• Understanding the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and what they look for regarding criminal history.

• We looked at Ban the Box legislation. This prevents employers from requiring those with a criminal record from disclosing that information on an initial job application. You may still have to disclose that to your employer but better to do it face to face in an interview than before they get a chance to know the great employee you can be.

• The Day 1 material identified the difference between a job and a career. A job is work that will probably be temporary and may be focused on a paycheck and not on your personal goals with work. A career path is a combination of work and education to help accomplish your areas of passion and life goals.

• The various internship avenues that exist out there are only limited to your imagination and willingness to make calls. Who knows, an internship could lead to amazing job opportunities.

Day 2 – Career Assessment – Knowing Your Skill Set

• There is a rising demand for technical careers and other skilled jobs including those in:

1. The scientific community
2. The service industry
3. Healthcare
4. Transportation
5. Skilled construction trades
6. Education, and much more…

• We learned about the differences between hard skills - which include technical skills, software and application knowledge, and ability to use various types of equipment and soft skills which are communication abilities, collaborative experience, teamwork, and an openness about your strengths and weaknesses.
• You had the chance to click and connect with a great career assessment tool called the Myers-Briggs Type (Personalilty) Inventory (MBTI). This  personality assessment can be directly linked to specific career fields, allowing you to best utilize your strengths!

Day 3 – The Truth About Smoking and Vaping

• Smoking has been around since the beginning of civilization.

• Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet.

• There was the video on the destructive impact of smoking on the body.
• We learned about the bodies amazing ability to heal after quitting cigarettes.

1. Heartrate goes down after one hour of quitting.
2. Blood pressure goes down after 1 week.
3. Sense of smell returns and food tastes better.
4. Lung function improves after about 1 month.
5. After 1 year of quitting cigarettes, the risk for coronary heart disease is cut in half compared with an active smoker and will continue to go down.

• Suggested Action Step to get grounded by walking/standing in the grass and connecting to the earth where the body’s inflammation can go down, helping to calm anxiety and promote overall health. Simple solutions!

• Then we discussed vaping and E-cigarettes and how those industries are trying to set themselves up as the healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes.

• Presented the video on the dangers of vaping and identified the main toxic chemicals in vape like formaldehyde (used in embalming fluid for dead bodies), diacetyl, and benzene.

• The idea that vaping is the far healthier alternative to cigarettes needs further research. Here is another video on the dangers of vaping for today’s video content as shown on ABC News.

Watch Video Now

• Make your own decision about smoking and vaping and your vibrant health. Do not be deceived by the advertising industry or your peer group.

Day 4 – Making a Resume, Utilizing Social Media, and Your Professional Profile.

• This lesson was about compiling, integrating, and presenting both your work history and skills (soft and hard) and your passion and goals for the next job on your career path.

• The lesson discussed elements of a good resume including:

1. A professional profile section at the beginning.
2. Employment history and key words to help connect your resume with recruiters and employers.
3. Skill section that matches up, bullet for bullet, with job responsibilities in the job posting.

• The lesson explored media profiles and the importance of a great profile picture! Don’t forget to smile! Let your confidence shine through and use good lighting.

• There was the video on how to build a good Linked In page.

• Suggested Action step is to print out your current resume and edit to include these resume building tips. Have someone you trust review and help you edit!

• Personal branding focuses you on identifying your unique strengths. Be consistent in your message across various platforms and profiles.

• Keep your professional and social media profiles clean and clear of things that could distract employers from focusing on your strengths!

Day 5 – 5 Keys to a Successful Interview

After restructuring/updating your resume and profile building skills you are ready for the interview! 5 Keys in interviewing are:

• Know the Job – Be clear on the job responsibilities from the first few bullet points down to the last one.
• Look the Part – Dress your best! Know what is appropriate for that specific job/work environment.
• Be Honest – Honesty about your work experience and any issues you need to disclose. Be honest and transparent in the interview.
• Prepare a few Questions – Write down a few questions to ask your future employer like: What is the company’s management style? and How would you describe a typical day in this position?
• Ready to Learn – Make good eye contact. Be prepared for a learning curve and plenty of challenges along the way. Hopefully you will be inspired to grow into your new job

Search careeronestop.org for all things career related.

Day 6 – High School Equivalency, Taking a College Class, Finding Good Childcare.

The importance of education! Definition.

Education – the knowledge and development resulting from the process of being educated or the field of study that deals mainly with methods of teaching and learning in schools.

High School Equivalency – So you haven’t finished high school yet? It’s not too late! Receiving your High School equivalency has never been easier!

• Look at GED programs like the one we saw in the video through the Salvation Army in Tucson, AZ.
• Beautiful testimonies from those that completed the course.
• If you want to get you high-school equivalency, research now at careeronestop.org

Take a college class. Many people get off track with higher education. Going back into a degree program or even taking one class has many benefits. Knowledge is power! Find a course at a local Community College or online program.

Start where you are and keep going. Whatever your education level, you can take the next step!

Finding Good Childcare. Restructuring for education may mean needing to utilize good childcare. As a parent or potentially future parent, good childcare comes in at the top of the list.

The video pointed out important observations to make when you visit a Daycare Center.

• Are there caring teachers and care providers?
• Is it a clean environment? Toys?
• Are the children happy?

Good childcare apps like Urban Sitter andcom App can make finding childcare much easier.

Conclusion

Each of us desires to have fulfilling work and a sense of purpose to what we do.

Gaining the skills and education needed to find the right career path and grow in it

takes considerable effort and the help of others. These tools you have been

engaging in are designed to build your confidence through knowledge and

skills. Putting these things into practice will help you prepare for the next step in

your life. Your future is bright!

Question for Reflection: What sort of disciplines will you need to strengthen and develop to become a life-long learner both in school and along your career path?

Helpful Links

www.careeronestop.org