Horizon Point Consulting

Category: Career Development

Beyond Work is our line of resources for people and community leaders looking for something new and innovative, be it a new job, career change, or personal development outside of work. Read this category specifically for Career Development.

  • Career Change Ahead! Could Engineering be the Right Fit for You?

    Career Change Ahead! Could Engineering be the Right Fit for You?

    Engineering is a “hot field” right now. Whether you are considering changing your college major or are currently in the workforce and looking for a career change, engineering may be one option you should consider.

    Do you enjoy science and math? Maybe lab work and analyzing data is something you do in your current career that you like and want to continue to do. Or maybe you enjoy working with blueprints and designing. If so, a career in an engineering discipline might be a good fit for you.

    According to Wikipedia:

    Engineering is the application of scientific, economic, social, and practical knowledge in order to invent, design, build, maintain, research, and improve structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes.

    The discipline of engineering is extremely broad, and encompasses a range of more specialized fields of engineering, each with a more specific emphasis on particular areas of applied science, technology and types of application.

    As referenced in the above definition, there are several types of engineering. Check out the links below to read about a few of the options:

    Chemical Engineer

    Civil Engineer

    Mechanical Engineer

    Environmental Engineer

    If you are currently in the education field and are working as a science or math teacher, and are looking for a more lucrative career that allows you to incorporate your math or science expertise, chemical or environmental engineering may be for you.

    Read The 10 Worst Mistakes Career Changers Can Make before taking the leap to a new career.

    What education is required?

    In general, engineering jobs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If you currently possess a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can check with your local university to find out what additional courses are required. Check outEducation Portal for information on engineering courses.

    What is the pay like?

    Chemical Engineer

     

    pay

     

    Civil Engineer

    CE

     

    Mechanical Engineer

    ME

     

    Environmental Engineer

    EE

     

    What is the Holland Code* for Chemical Engineers?

    Interest code: 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.

    Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2041.00

    (*Holland codes for other types of engineering can be found on ONET)

     

    students

    On the other hand, maybe you are an engineer. You earn a great salary, but work long hours. You loved your career as a young college gradate, but now you have different priorities. What are your options?

    Again, since there are many enigneering disciplines, you should consider a career change that incorporates what you love(d) about engineering to begin with. That may be science, math, designing, etc. Maybe a high school teacher would be a good choice for you. If time with family is a priority and salary is not an issue, consider the education field.

    Check out Three Simple Questions That Will Change Your Engineering Career for more insight.

    Regardless of what career you currently have, if you are itching to make a change, examine the following as you begin:

    What is missing from what I do now that I want to be able to do on a regular basis? What skills do I need to use on a regular basis to bring satisfaction?

    What is it that I do now that I want to continue to be able to do? What skills that I want to continue to use are transferrable to other careers?

    What type of environment do I enjoy working in?

    What careers match with the skills and abilities I want to use and are also in line with my work values?

    A career assessment may help you with these questions. We can help you with an in-depth assessment that examines your personality and desired skills and abilities or you can take a free one here.

  • 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 Change for Athletes

    Career Change for Athletes

    A career as an athlete is something many dream about, but only a small percentage of those who dream of playing a sport actually make that dream come true.

    After your “glory days” or maybe after you begin a family, you may consider a career change. Regardless of whether you have an injury that forces you to consider a new career or if you are just ready to get out of the game, where do you begin? What’s your next move?

    There are several careers that allow you to be in the sports arena, just in a different capacity. If you are a motivator and love kids, you can consider being a teacher/coach. A career as a high school teacher allows you to motivate and teach kids and you can consider coaching as a supplemental income. Check out Career Spotlight: High School Teacher to learn more. According to ONET, coaches and scouts are in demand.

    High School Basketball Team Having Team Talk With Coach
    High School Basketball Team Having Team Talk With Coach

     

    Do you enjoy writing? Sports journalists who are former athletes are always a favorite among readers. What a great way to share your love of the game and personal experience with others. Check out Best. Job. EVER.: Sports Journalist to read about this cool career. Sports broadcasting is another option in the journalism area. Check out Education Portal to learn more.

    LOS ANGELES, CA - June 13, 2014. NBC Sports announcers sitting outside the LA Staples Center before Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
    LOS ANGELES, CA – June 13, 2014. NBC Sports announcers sitting outside the LA Staples Center before Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

    A career as an athletic trainer is another option for former athletes. Check out the following sites for salary information and more details:

    ONET

    ExploreHealthCareers

    Education Portal

    Regardless of what career you currently have, if you are itching to make a change, examine the following as you begin:

    What is missing from what I do now that I want to be able to do on a regular basis? What skills do I need to use on a regular basis to bring satisfaction?

    What is it that I do now that I want to continue to be able to do? What skills that I want to continue to use are transferrable to other careers?

    What type of environment do I enjoy working in?

    What careers match with the skills and abilities I want to use and are also in line with my work values?

    A career assessment may help you with these questions. We can help you with an in-depth assessment that examines your personality and desired skills and abilities or you can take a free one here.

  • 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.

  • Career Spotlight: Geneticist

    Career Spotlight: Geneticist

    Do you enjoy biology? Do you also like chemistry and mathematics? Do you think working in a lab conducting experiments and doing research is fun?

    If any of these things describe you, then a career as a Geneticist might be for you!

    What do you need to be a Geneticist?

    Education:

    Becoming a geneticist requires at least a Bachelor’s degree and most likely a Master’s degree or beyond.

    If you are a high school student, make sure you are focused on taking biology, chemistry and mathematics.

    Skills:

    Geneticists know how to:

    • Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems
    • Be active listeners and successfully communicate orally and in writing
    • Be critical thinkers and complex problem solvers

    Is the field growing?

    The projected growth is approximately 2%.

    What is the pay like?

    Graph Geneticist

     

    What’s the Holland Code* for a Geneticist?

    Interest code: IAR- Investigative, Artistic and Realistic

    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.
    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.
    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.

    Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1029.03

     

    If you are interested in learning more about Geneticists, check out ONET.

    Would you want to be a Geneticist? 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.