Using An Associate Degree To Get The Job You Want

Determining which career you are best suited for is difficult

. Getting your first job in your ideal career can be even harder.

When someone just graduates from high school, they rarely know for sure what it is they want to do with their life. Taking stock of one's personality, strong points, weak points, likes and dislikes can often help in narrowing down the career possibilities for you. Getting the advice of others -- friends, family members and career counselors -- can also help.

There are four basic steps towards choosing a career. The first step is a critical assessment of your values, interests, strengths and weaknesses. Your skills, strengths and weaknesses are important in choosing an appropriate career. Ask yourself about what type of working environment is your personality best suited for, and what are your developmental needs?

The second step involves examining all of the various jobs and careers in the state or region you want to work in and see how these occupations line up with your personal preferences and characteristics that you noted above. Picture yourself actually performing the work. Think about what your work day would be like. Consider the work hours, commuting, and relations with customers and coworkers. Try to find a couple that you think would be ideal for you.

Now in the third step you will take some action. You will start to prepare for the specific career or two that you think would be your best fits. Preparation for most people would involve formal education. Based upon what job you are working for, you may be enrolling at a four-year university, a community college, a technical institute or maybe even an apprentice training program. Many students find that an associate's degree program at a local community college is a great choice to start with.

The final step involves taking your formal education and training and using it to get your first job. You will need to produce a great resume and introductory letter that illustrates what a good candidate you are for the employer's company.

Most positions are filled by networking and knowing someone who can introduce you to the person or persons who will be making the hiring decision. It may not sound fair, but that is the truth. Be sure to be totally prepared for the interview process, because you will only have one chance to make a good impression. Anticipate the questions and rehearse the answers beforehand.

One day, you will have that great job that you worked so hard to get. And, hopefully, you will also like your job once you get it. But just because you have your job, you can't just relax. You should constantly be moving forward, learning new processes, taking more classes and taking the initiative to become more and more valuable to your company. Try to become an employee that your company can't do without.

by: Linda Jensen

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