Steps to Choosing a Career

When the time comes for you to pick a career, you will discover that you have a multitude of options. It can be difficult to pick one, especially if you have no idea what you want to do ... or if many things appeal to you. 

This is not an insurmountable task. You will have to put some effort into making your decision, but your effort will be well worth it in the end. There is a method and by following these steps, you can successfully choose a suitable career. 

See eight steps here to structure your investigation.

Tips on Landing an Internship

If you are in college and hoping to use an internship to get your foot in the door of any industry, you are not alone. The competition can be intense, but there are certain things that you can do to enhance your chances of landing a position 

This article highlights some of the important considerations to check off the proverbial list before going after that internship. If you know the career path you want to take, get started as quickly as possible with an internship

Find some pointers from the financial industry that are also useful for other industry internships here.

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