Category: Choosing a Career

Beyond Ready is Horizon Point’s line of resources for students preparing for college and/or career. This category archive specifically features blogs about Choosing a Career.

  • Career Spotlight: Front Line Leaders of Administrative Personnel

    Career Spotlight: Front Line Leaders of Administrative Personnel

    Do you like organization and working with a team? Are you interested in customer and personal service? If so, then a career as a Front Line Leader of Administrative Personnel may be perfect for you.

    On the other hand, if you don’t enjoy working with others, critical thinking, planning and administration, becoming a front line leader may not be a good fit for you.

    Front line leaders of Administrative personnel directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.(ONET)

    What do you need to be a Front Line Leader of Administrative Personnel?

     

    Education:

    Front Line Leaders of Administrative Personnel have varying educational backgrounds. While some have a high school diploma, others have a bachelor’s degree. Regardless of educational background, individuals in this role typically have some time of management training and business/administrative background.

    If you are a high school student and would like to become a front line leader of administrative personnel, consider taking business education classes while in high school.

    Front Line Leaders of Administrative Personnel may be a good career change option for individuals who are currently in clerical or administrative roles and are interested in a leadership position. If you are currently considering a change to a leadership role, check out Get a Leadership Professional Development Game for insight.

    Skills:

    Front Line Leaders of Administrative Personnel know about:

    • Customer Service
    • Administration and Management
    • Critical Thinking
    • Planning
    • Coordination

    Is the field growing?

    ONET reports that careers for Front Line Leaders of Administrative Personnel are expected to increase by approximately 14% over the next 10 years.

     

    What is the pay like?

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    What’s the Holland Code* for a Front Line Leader?

    Interest code: ECS –Enterprising, Conventional, Social

     

    Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

     

    Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

     

    Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

     

    Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-1011.00

     

    If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Front Line Leader of Administrative Personnel, go toONET. You should also check out collegegrad.com.

     

    Would you want to be a Front Line Leader? Why or why not?

     

    If you are interested in becoming a leader, regardless of the industry you are in, check out 10 Books Leaders need to be Reading.

     

    *Holland Codes are a way to classify a person based on their skills and interests as well as jobs based on the nature of the work. If you have an interest in knowing what your Holland Code is in order to match yourself to careers to pursue, you can read more about our assessment process.

  • Career Sportlight: STEM Careers

    Career Sportlight: STEM Careers

    Do you like science or math? Does engineering or technology interest you? If so, this career spotlight is a must read. STEM Careers are “in-demand” and offer several options for cool jobs, and according to Stemcareer.com, during the next decade, the U.S. demand for scientists and engineers is expected to increase four times the rate for all other occupations.

     

    STEM is an acronym referring to the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The term is typically used when addressing education policy and curriculum choices in schools to improve competitiveness in technology development. It has implications for workforce development, national security concerns and immigration policy.

    Wikipedia

    Change the Equation is one organization that has developed a variety of resources around STEM learning, from data and research to philanthropic best practices. Read more about STEMworks and other resources.

    What do you need to pursue a career in a STEM field?

     

    Education:

    Varying levels of education are required for STEM careers. ONET provides a comprehensive list of all STEM Careers. Search ONET for specific information on each occupation.

    If you are a high school student and are interested in a STEM career, consider taking various math and science courses, pre-engineering or computer science in high school.

    Is the field growing?

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    What is the pay like? (A selection of STEM careers salaries are included below.)

     

    Chemical Engineer

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    Software Developer

     

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    Statisticians

     

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    What’s the Holland Code* for STEM Careers? (The same STEM Career selection as above is represented below.)

    Interest code for Chemical Engineers: IR

    Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive   amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and   figuring out problems mentally.
    Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems   and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials   like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working   outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

    Interest Code for Software Developer: ICR

    Investigative — Investigative   occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
    Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
    Realistic — Realistic occupations   frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with  others.

    Interest code for Statisticians: CI

    Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These   occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas.   Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
    Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive   amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and   figuring out problems mentally.

    Source: www.onetonline.org

     

    If you are interested in learning more about STEM Careers, check out these articles and resources:

    6 Things You Need to Know About STEM

    The Top Paying STEM Jobs for Recent Grads

    STEM Career

    Change the Equation

    Are you interested in a STEM Career? Why or why not?

    *Holland Codes are a way to classify a person based on their skills and interests as well as jobs based on the nature of the work. If you have an interest in knowing what your Holland Code is in order to match yourself to careers to pursue, you can read more about our assessment process.

  • Career Spotlight: Market Research Analyst

    Career Spotlight: Market Research Analyst

    Do you like analyzing data? Are you interested in sales forecasting? If so, then a career as a Market Research Analystmay be perfect for you.

    On the other hand, if you don’t enjoy gathering data, preparing reports, critical thinking and problem solving, becoming a market research analyst may not be a good fit for you.

    Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.

    Bureau of Labor Statistics

    What do you need to be a Market Research Analyst?

    Education:

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, market research analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in market research or a related field. Many have degrees in fields such as statistics, math, and computer science. Others have backgrounds in business administration, the social sciences, or communication. Some market research analyst jobs require a master’s degree.

    If you are a high school student and would like to become a market research analyst, consider taking a marketing or business class while in high school.

    Market Research Analyst may be a good career change option for advertising managers, public relations specialists and economists.

    Skills:

    Market Research Analysts know about:

    • Customer Service
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Critical Thinking & Complex Problem Solving
    • Communications & Media
    • Monitoring
    • Coordination

    Is the field growing?

    ONET reports that careers in Market Research are expected to increase by 32% over the next 10 years.

    What is the pay like?

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    What’s the Holland Code* for a Market Research Analyst?

     

    Interest code: IEC – Investigative, Enterprising, Conventional

    Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
    Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
    Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

    Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1161.00

     

    If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Market Research Analyst, go to ONET. You should also check out U.S. News & Work Reports article Market Research Analyst.

     

    Would you want to be a Market Research Analyst? Why or why not?

     

    *Holland Codes are a way to classify a person based on their skills and interests as well as jobs based on the nature of the work. If you have an interest in knowing what your Holland Code is in order to match yourself to careers to pursue, you can read more about our assessment process.

  • Career Spotlight: Urban Planner

    Career Spotlight: Urban Planner

    Do you love planning? Are you a good communicator who has a passion for designing? Are interested in geography? If so, then a career as an Urban Planner may be perfect for you.

    On the other hand, if you don’t enjoy working directly with the public or developing strategies and thinking creatively, becoming an urban planner may not be a good fit for you.

    Urban and regional planners develop plans and programs for the use of land. Their plans help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.Read more at Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Check out American Planning Association to find out more about urban planning.

    What do you need to be an Urban Planner?

    Education:

    A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (typically in civil engineering) is required to become an urban planner and most planners have a Master’s Degree.

    If you are a high school student and would like to become an urban planner, consider taking geography, pre-engineering and economics in high school.

    Urban planning may be an option for Engineers and Project Managers interested in a career change. Find out more at Education Portal.

    Skills:

    Urban Planners know about:

    • Complex Problem Solving
    • Speaking and Active Listening
    • Critical Thinking
    • CAD Software
    • Judgment & Decision Making
    • Social Perceptiveness

    Is the field growing?

    ONET reports that careers in Urban Planning are expected to increase by 10% over the next 10 years.

    What is the pay like?

    Pay-UrbanPlanner

     

    What’s the Holland Code* for an Urban Planner?

    Interest code: IEA – Investigative, Enterprising, Artistic

    Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
    Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
    Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

     

    Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3051.00

     

    If you are interested in learning more about becoming an Urban Planner, check out ONET.

    Would you want to be an Urban Planner? Why or why not?

    *Holland Codes are a way to classify a person based on their skills and interests as well as jobs based on the nature of the work. If you have an interest in knowing what your Holland Code is in order to match yourself to careers to pursue, you can read more about our assessment process.

  • Career Spotlight: High School Teacher

    Career Spotlight: High School Teacher

    Do you love kids? Are you a good communicator who has a passion for coaching and developing others? Is organization one of your strengths? If so, then a career as a High School Teacher may be perfect for you.

    On the other hand, if you don’t enjoy being around children or are interested in an enormous salary, becoming a teacher may not be a good fit for you.

    High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market. Read more at Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Check out this article from The Washington Post to find out the 12 Qualities Great Teachers Share.

    What do you need to be a High School Teacher?

    Education:

    A Bachelor’s Degree is required to become a high school teacher.

    If you are a high school student and would like to become a teacher, focus on taking classes in the subject(s) you plan to teach.

    If you are interested in a career change to the education field and already have a Bachelor’s Degree, you can enroll in an alternative certification program and become a teacher in 1-2 years. Find out more at Education Portal.

    Skills:

    High School Teachers know about:

    • Learning Strategies
    • Speaking and Active Listening
    • Critical Thinking
    • Time Management
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Social Perceptiveness

    Is the field growing?

    ONET reports a “Bright Outlook” for High School Teaching Jobs. Careers in this field are expected to have a large number of job openings over the next 10 years.

    According to Teach.com, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education is a great example of an area where there is a high demand for great teachers. Teaching might be an ideal career change for an individual with a degree in one of the STEM areas.

    students

     

    What is the pay like?

     

    High School Teacher Pay

     

    What’s the Holland Code* for a High School Teacher?

     

    Interest code: SAE- Social, Artistic, Enterprising

    Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
    Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
    Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

     

    Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2141.00

     

    If you are interested in learning more about becoming a High School Teacher, check out ONET.

     

    Would you want to be a High School Teacher? Why or why not?

     

    *Holland Codes are a way to classify a person based on their skills and interests as well as jobs based on the nature of the work.  If you have an interest in knowing what your Holland Code is in order to match yourself to careers to pursue, you can read more about our assessment process.