Making career decisions can be frustrating but very exciting.
If you are facing a change in careers due to a loss of job,
or perhaps you are just interested in changing your present
career path, here are some suggestions that may assist you
in mapping out a career plan that can lead to your dream
job.
Always begin with reviewing your current personal circumstances,
talents, skills and personal characteristics to determine
your current strengths and needs. We all have limitations
to consider and responsibilities to maintain throughout
any career change.
First, address your personal circumstances.
Family responsibilities, family support, childcare needs,
transportation issues, financial security and housing stability
are all important matters to consider and address in any
effective career plan. Create a list of personal issues
that need to be met in order for you to change careers successfully.
Make meeting these needs your career plan’s first
priority.
Next, identify your personal strengths, talents
and skills to determine ways to use them to fulfill
your career dreams. All these valuable areas of your life
will need to be considered as you undertake the challenge
and excitement of developing your own effective career plan.
Creating a list and understanding your personal strengths
will also assist you in the development of an effective
resume in the future.
Remember to also consider your local labor market.
Is the job of your dreams offered locally? Will you need
to relocate to achieve your dream? Will you need additional
education or training? Are there other comparable jobs offered
in your area that meet your personal career interests? This
information can be readily found by researching your local
want ads, contacting local industries of your interest for
information and your local education institutions. Additionally,
labor market information is available both on-line and through
One-Stop Employment Centers statewide. Do as much homework as
possible beforehand prior to locking yourself into a plan
of action. The research involved is worth the time and effort
and will assist you to define the best paths available to
lead to your career interest objectives.
If you get stuck, remember that many tools exist to assist
you in determining your skill sets, aptitude and career
interests, such as aptitude testing, interest inventories,
and career counseling services. Professional Career Counselors/Planners
can help you review and evaluate your past work history,
the local labor market to identify career growth patterns
and assist you to identify educational resources, including
financial aide opportunities.
The One-Stop Employment Center offers
assistance with processing all of the above issues in making
the tough choices related to career planning. For more information
on career planning services, please contact the One-Stop
Employment Center in your area.
One-Stop Employment Center Locations in Flagler and Volusia
Counties:
Daytona Beach 359 Bill France Boulevard (Behind Volusia
Mall)
DeLand 1382 Woodland Boulevard (In Woodland Plaza)
Flagler 3000 Palm Coast Parkway, S.E. (DBCC Campus)
State and local labor market information can be accessed
on line at:
http://www.labormarketinfo.com/lmi_lib.htm
http://floridawages.labormarketinfo.com
