Choosing the Right Career 9788184886054

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CBOOSING TBE RIGBT CAlEER

SAJITHA JAYAPRAKASH

First Edition: 2010

HII Gflimalaya GpgblishingCUouse MUMBAI • NEW DELHI • NAGPUR • BENGALURU • HYDERABAD • CHENNAI • PUNE • LUCKNOW • AHMEDABAD • ERNAKULAM' BHUBANESWAR • INDORE

ISBN : 978-81-84886-05-4 OAuthor

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1 CAREER MYTHS

1-23

1.1 Choosing a Career is a Simple Task ------------------------

2

1.2 You Cannot Mix Hobby and Career ---------------------

3

13 You Can Choose a Career Only Once ---------------------

4

1A Accept the FJJ'St Job otTer You Get ---------------------

5

1.5 If You Change Careers. Your Skills Go Waste ---------------

6

1.6 Changing Careers Is Nearly Impossible ---------------

8

1.7 Others Are Happy. You Will Also Be -------------

8

1.8 Experience Will Give You An Idea About An Occupation --

9

19 Most Students Know Their Career Goals ------------

10

1.10 Your Main Subject Determines Your Career Choices -----

11

1.11 Wait Fer The Right Career - - - - - - - -

13

1.12 Assessments Will Tell You What Career Is Right For You -- 14 1.13 Recruiters Have Your Best Interests at Heart --------------

15

1.14 You Should Choose The Occupation That Is In Demand --

15

1.15 There Is Only One Right Career For You --------------

16

1.16 Money and Status Reflects Success -----------------------

17

1.17 IT Is An Ideal Field - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

18

1.18 Change Jobs Often to Increase Your Value ------------------

J9

1.19 Women Cannot Balance Career and Family ---------------

:J)

1.20 Accomplishments Speak For Themselves ---------------- 21 1.21 It Is Difficult to Get a Job If You Are Overage ----------------- 21

2

MAKING YOUR CHOICE

25-41

2.1 Definitions ------------------------------------------------------- 26 Work -------------------------------------------------------- 26

2.12

Job -------------------------------------------- 27

2.1.3

Career --------------------------------------------------- 28

22

Job Vs. Career --------------------------------------------------- 28

23

What Type Are You? ---------------------------------------------------

2.4

25

3

2.1.1

l)

2.3.1

The Passionate Type ---------------------------------------- 32

2.32

The Focused Type -------------------------------------------- 33

2.3.3

The Practical Type ----------------------------------------- 33

2.3.4

The Confused Type --------------------------------------- 35

Planning Early ----------------------------------------

3S

2.4.1

School Days ----------------------------------------- 36

2.42

Senior High School ---------------------------------------- 36

2.4.3

Graduation ---------------------------------

~

2.4.4

Final Year of Graduation -------------------------------------

~

Making Up Your Mind ------------------------------------------------ 38

CAREER ASSESSMENT

43-60

3.1 Self Assessment ------------------------------------------------------ 44 3.1.1

Value Assessment -------------------------------------------- 46

3.12

Interest Assessment -----------------------------------------

3.1.3

Personality Assessment ------------------------------------ 48

3.1.4

Skills Assessment --------------------------------------------

4)

3.15

Making Your Decision --------------------------------------

~

tf1

3.2 Online Assessment -----------------------------------------:------- 51

33 Career Counsellor ------------------------------------------------ 52 People From the Industry --------------------------------------------

53

35 Define Your Goals --------------------------------------------------

54

3.4

35.1

Determining the Requirements ----------------------------- 54

35.2

Making Your Decision ---------------------------------------

35.3

Understand the Requirement ------------------------------ 57

56

3.6 Be Patient ------------------------------------------------------ 58

4

GENERAL SKILLS SOUGHT BY EMPLOYERS 61-81 4.1

Communications Skills ---------------------------------------- 62

4.2 Writing Skills ----------------------------------- 65

43 Interpersonal Skills -----------------------------------------------

CD

4.4 Adapt Simple Solutions ---------------------------------------------- 68 45

Avoid Assumptions ----------------------------------------------------- (9

4.6 Continuous Learning -------------------------------------------------

'i{)

4.7 Developing New Skills ----------------------------------------

72

4.8 Flexibility --------------------------------------------

72

4.9 Be Willing to Change and Adapt ------------------------------------ 73 4.10 Project Management -------------------------------------------------4.11

73

Time Management ------------------------------------------------ 74

4.12 Planning ---------------------------------------------------------

75

, 4.13 Reasoning and Problem Solving ------------------------------------- 76 4.14 Teamwork ------------------------------------------------------------- 77 4.15 Share Knowledge and Information ---------------------------------- 79

4.16 Self-Management - - - - - - - - - - - - -

8)

4.17 People Management - - - -

8)

4.18 Taking Risks - - - - - - ,

81

5 PLANNING YOUR CAREER

83-92

5.1 Why Plan Your Career--

84

52 Planning Process

8S

53 Job Search Objective

88

5.4 Set Realistic Goals

89

55 Categaize Your Goals

89

5.6 TransfaabIe Skills

91

5.7 Job Search Goal

92

6 CAREER DECISION 6.1 Making a Decision 6.1.1

FarstJob

93-101 9IJ 9IJ

6.12 Change in Job

95

6.13 Change in CaRer

95

62 Are You Sure?

~

6.3 Corporate Culture

CJl

6.3.1

Infmnal \\Uk Culture

CJl

6.32

FoonaI \\Uk Culture

CJl

6.33

In-between Work Culture

98

63.4

OtherFackn

98

6.4 Final Decision

98

7

6.4.1

Decision About the Organization ----------------------- 9)

6.4.2

Decision About the Work ----------------------------- 100

6.43

Decision About the Work Environment ---------------- 101

CAREER CHOICE

103·120

7.1 Identify Your Interests -------------------------------------------- lOt 7.2 Identify Your Skills ----------------------------------- 105 73 Make a List of Occupations ----------------------------------------- 1()) 7.4 Identify Transferable Skills ---------------------------------------- 100 75 Explore the Occupations -------------------------------- 100

7fl Gather Information ------------------------------ 100 7.6.1

Who Should You Interview? ---------------------------- 110

7.6.2

Elimination Methods -------------------------------- 111

7.7 Set Your Goals -------------------------------- 111 7.7.1

Specific ------------------------------ 113

7.7.2

Measurable ----------------------------------- 114

7.73

Attainable -------------------------------- 115

7.7.4

Realistic -------------------------------- 116

7.75

Time Bound ------------------------------- 117

7.7.6

Ethical--- ---------------------- 117

7.8 Write a Career Action Plan ----------------------------------------- 118 7.9 Train for Your New Career -------------------------------------- 119

8

CHANGING JOBS

121·147

8.1 Analyze the Situation -------------------------------------------------- 122 8.2 What Is Upsetting You? -------------------------------------~-------- 124 83 How Long Have You Been Upset? ---------------------------------- 126 8.4 Why Did You Not Get a Good Salary Raise? -------------------- IV 85 Do You Enjoy Your Work? --------------------------------------- 128 8.6 What Do You Enjoy? ------------------------------------------------ 129 8.7 What Do You Not Enjoy? -------------------------------------- 130 8.8 Does It Allow Career Growth? ---------------------------------- 131 8.9 Has The Magic Vanished? ----------------------------------------- 132 8.9.1

Analyzing the Example ------------------------ 132

8.92

Analyzing the Situation --------------------------------- 133

8.10 Have Your Priorities Changed? ------------------------------------ 134 8.10.1 Priorities at Work -------------------------------- 135 8.102 Priorities in Life ---------------------------- 135 8.103 Mixed Priorities ------------------------- 136 8.11 Have You Discussed With Your Boss? ---------------------------- 137 8.12 Is You Boss Supportive? ---------------------------------------- 138 8.13 Nothing Personal About It ------------------------------------------- 139 8.14 Do You Dislike The Boss? -------------------------------------------- 140 8.15 Does the Boss Dislike You? --------------------------------------- 142 8.16 Is the Company Not Doing Well? ---------------------------------- 143 8.17 Still With The Organization? -----------------------------------------144 8.18 The 3-Year Itch ------------------------------------------------- 145

8.19 Making The Final Decision -------------------------------------------- 145 8.20 Concerns About Changing Jobs Frequently --------------------- 146

9

SEARCHING STRATEGIES

149-156

9.1 An Overview -------------------------------------------- ISO 92 Classified Ads ------------------------------------------------- 151 93 Internet ----------------------------------------- 152 9.4 Placement Agency ---------------------------------------------- 153 95 Networking -------------------------------- 154

9.6 Job Fairs ----------------------------------------- 154

10 GUIDELINES

157-169

10.1 Know What You Want ------------------------------------------------ 158 102 Analyze Yourself ------------------------------------ 158 10.3 Have The Passion ------------------------------------------------- 160 10.4 What Suits You? ---------------------------------------------------- 161 105

Identify Two Job Areas --------------------------------------------- 162

10.6 Check The Work Environment ------------------------------------- 163 10.7 Money Is Not Everything -------------------------------------------- 164 10.8 Avoid Choosing Hot Careers ---------------------------------------- 164 10.9 Be 100% Committed ----------------------------------------- 166 10.10 Check Your Interest --------------------------------------------------- 166 10.11 Respect Your Profession ----------------------------------------------- 167 10.12 Gaining Respect ---------------------------------------------------- 168

11

171-176

COPING WITH STRESS 11.1 Be Confident - - - - - -

-----172

11.2 Continue Learning ---------------11.3 TakeDiversions--------

---172 -- 172

11.4 Brush Up Your Existing skills -------------------------- 173 115 Learn From Mistake(s) ---------------------------- 173 11.6 Check Your Achievements ----------------------------------------- 174 11.7 Destress Yourself------------------------------------ 174 11.7.1 Spend Time With Your Dear Ones -------------------- 174 11.7.2 Be With Friends ------------------------------------ 175 11.7.3 Party - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 175 11.8 Be Patient --------------------------

12 CAREER LISTING INDEX

175

177-194 195-200

Career Myths

Choosing a career is not an easy job as you may think it to be. Many people think they know the right way to go about selecting an occupation, but they often wind up choosing a career that is unsatisfying.

Job security is gone. It is now a myth. The driving force of a career must come from the individual. - Home Bahrami

This chapter discusses some career related myths along with some information that can help 'you in making an informed decision.

2

Choosing the Right Career

MYTH 1: Choosing a Career is a Simple Task Choosing a career is a great start, but there is a lot more to do after that. You need to take into account your interests, values, and skills when choosing a career. Just because the feedback of an occupation is good, it doesn't mean that occupation is right for you. You need to be focused and have a career action plan in place.

Choosing an Occupation

STAGEl

Being Prepared

STAGE 2 Attending Interview

STAGE 3 Getting a Job

STAGE 4

Career planning process has six stages and eventually ends in retirement. Choosing a career usually happens once in our lifetimes. But since priorities and interests may change over the period of time, it can also happen several times as you redefine yourself and your career goals. Career planning is a process, which requires a lot of involvement from your side. You should give it the time it deserves.

3

Career Myths

Planning your career will help you in the following ways: •

It is a process that involves understanding more about yourself and the occupations which you are considering.

•

It will help you make a well-thought about and wellinformed decision.

•

It will help you in achieving your long-term career goals.

MYTH 2: You Cannot Mix Hobby and Career Hobby is supposed to be some activities that you enjoy doing in your spare time. Webster's Dictionary defines a hobby as a pursuit outside one's regular occupation. The definition suggests that hobby and occupation are two separate entities. When choosing a career, choose one that is related to what you enjoy doing, even in your spare time.

Dancer

Detective

Trainer

Cricketer

4

Choosing the Right Career

Even though most of the hobby skills are gained informally, without formal education or training, you naturally become skilled in your hobbies. Then why do people not even think about their hobbies or interests when taking a decision about their career. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you could spend more time on your hobby (like gardening, dancing, writing, acting, painting, or pottery) and get paid for it? People are usually interested and very skilled at their hobbies. The combination of interests and skills are very compelling reasons to choose a career. These days, many people are innovative and experimental. They believe in mixing pleasure with business. They try to make their hobbies, their career and are doing well in it. Many a times what you think you enjoy doing may not translate to a career. There may be some aspects of it that is not for you. In such cases, do your job and save your hobby for your free time.

Example: Even if you may have enjoyed training your dog a few tricks and to obey commands, it doesn't mean you can become an animal trainer or a veterinary doctor.

Have you ever thought why the tailor who stitches well fitting clothes for you does not open a boutique? That is because he probably sees it as his job not as his passion. It is also possible that he lacks the passion and the drive to do something more. When you attempt to turn your hobby into a career, you should have passion, patience, motivation, drive, and preserverance to follow-up with your interests. You should also do your home work and research your career choice thoroughly .

. MYTH 3: You Can Choose a Career Only Once Gone are the good old days when people entered one company and then retired from there probably after 30-35 years. Now-adays it is taken for granted that change is inevitable. If anything is constant, it is change.

Career Myths

5

While you can never know 100% that you are making the right choice at any given point, your goal should be to make the best, choice. Then, continue to evaluate and re-evaluate your choice. Your first choice of career may not be your final decision or your final choice. If you are unsatisfied with your job or the specific career field for any reason, you can always change it. Career planning is an ongoing and never-ending process. People continue to change throughout their life. So, priorities, values, and interests also change with time. In the recent years, so does the job market. Hence, as you evaluate your career plans and priorities, it is natural to change careers to take care of your priorities. In recent years, experts predict people will make an average of four career changes. That is, people will work for atleast 5-6 different companies by the time they retire. Many graduates work for two to three years and then pursue management courses as a way to enhance their skills and change careers. You can compare career to marriage. Earlier people were tolerant and patient. They made efforts to save their marriage by trying to make adjustments and changing priorities and their way of life. Now, they say that they are incompatible and are not made for each other. So they get separated and move on. The luckier ones find better life partners. Similarly, people change jobs without trying to find the root cause of the problems or trying to solve problems. A few are lucky enough to find a good work place.

MYTH 4: Accept the First Job Offer You Get Most of the time, job hunting is not very easy. You just can't predict what is going to happen. •

You may get a job at the very first attempt.

•

You may not get an interview even after sending out numerous resumes.

6

Choosing the Right Career

•

You may have to attend a number of interviews for one job.

•

Sometimes you may be so sure that you will get the job but don't.

•

You may get interviews for many positions and you are sure you will get an at least offer and no offer ever comes.

•

There will be times when you get mUltiple interviews and get mUltiple offers as well.

There are times when you may be in dire need of a job. Under such circumstances, the tendency is to take up the first offer you get even if that is not what you want to do. However, stupid it may sound to be, if you are strong enough to wait for the right job, wait and do not grab the very first offer that comes through. As long as you are not going to lose your house or suer a financial or emotional consequences, wait for the job offer that best fits the direction you want to move in. Take up the job offer only if you are sure that the job profile and job choice is right for you. Don't base your decision on compensation as it may not always be the right criteria. Chances are you may regret such decisions.

MYTH 5: If You Change Careers, Your Skills Go Waste You may be concerned about changing careers after 2-3 years (or more) of work experience in a particular field because of many reasons; ·your skills go wasted, or not wanting to join in a junio~ position, or because of the fear of loosing your seniority. If these are the reasons, don't change careers. As simple as that. But remember that these days the age-old concept of equating the number of years of experience to seniority is no .longer valid.

•

Your skills and experience will be wasted. The fact is, your skills are yours to keep. Though you may not use them in the exact same way, they won't go

Career Myths

7

waste. You can take them from one job to another. Any previous experience will be valid in terms of the soft skills (communication, team spirit, leadership qualities, maturity in making decisions, etc.), which will help you to get faster promotions if you are good at work. You don't have to be close to the top of the ladder when you enter the profession. It is up to you to positively use the non-related work experience to quickly climb up the professional ladder.

•

You don't want to join as a trainee or at a junior position. Most of the time you have to, for the very simple reason that you will be learning the basics of the job just as the others. The same amount of time and effort will have to be dedicated to you for training (the concepts, process, procedures, tools, etc.). This is even more evident if the work experience you have is in no way related to the job you have applied for.

•

You feel that you will loose your seniority at work. In a senior position, you are expected to make important decisions about the project, which can make or break a project. Making wrong decisions, when you consciously think that you are right may cause a critical situation. Relevant experience, having the skills required for the job, and the work-related knowledge helps in making the right decision at critical stages of the project. These days, seniority is decided based on the knowledge, relevant experience, and skills you have. Seniority also depends on other personal skills like being a team player, mentor, leader, and a good performer to name a few.

8

Choosing the Right Career

MYTH 6: Changing Careers is Nearly Impossible You may currently be working in one particular field, wanting to change your career. If you have decided to make a switch only because of some minor problems you are facing in your current job, you have made a wrong decision. You should invest your time trying to look for the solutions to the problems you are facing. Else, you may have time only to run away from problems. Change careers only if you feel that you are not happy with your career choice and you don't want to continue with it. Changing careers is not easy, but it is not difficult either. As the workplace continues to change and evolve, more and more people have started changing careers. In most of the cases, the people realise that they don't like what they are doing only after getting into the job. If they get a chance, they move on to the careers of their choice. Nothing wrong in doing that. As long as you have a plan and do your best to stick with it, you should try and switch careers. It takes much effort to related certification or new career field, and possess transfer to the

switch careers and you may need to get training, get relevant experience in the focus on how the skills you currently new career field.

MYTH 7: Others Are Happy, You Will Also Be Everyone is different-they have different tastes, different likings, different dislikes, different attitudes, and different personalities, among other things. What works for one person will not necessarily work for another, even if that other person is someone with whom you have a lot in common. If someone you know has a career that seems interesting to you, first understand it, read about it, research it, and analyze it. Then, check if it suits your interests. You may like it, but there are chances that it may not necessarily be a good fit for you.

Example: Ravi's close friends work in IT field-software development, software testing, usability testing, and web development. They all enjoy their work. Ravi

Career Myths

9

has done his graduation in commerce and has always wanted to become a chartered accountant. After · hearing the various things his friends had to say about their work, seeing the kind of salary they get, noticing that they did not mind working late hours, and the frequent overseas trips they made, Ravi decided to try his hand in the IT industry. He enrolled himself for a course in software testing. After completing the course, he spend about a year looking for suitable jobs. Finally he got a job in a well known organization . Now, it has been more than a year, but Ravi is not at all happy with his work, the job profile, the work culture, and the work pressure. He now hates all that he earlier liked about the IT profession. He feels that he took the wrong decision and worse still, he feels that his friends did not give him the right picture about the work and the job profile. Though they all were good friends, it was not necessary that Ravi would like what the others liked doing. This is an universal problem. There are many rewarding and satisfying careers. Evaluating potential careers can be an exciting process. Try to fully explore all the possibilities and make a decision based on what would offer you the most satisfaction.

MYTH 8: Experience Will Give You An Idea About An Occupation Gathering career related information is an important part of the career planning process. This information includes educational background, training, job profile, salary, and career prospects, etc . While first hand experience is great, it is definitely not necessary to have hands-on experience to form an idea about an occupation. There are other ways to explore an occupation.

10

Choosing the Right Career

•

You can read about the job. You may read about it on the internet or buy some good books on the subject.

•

You can talk'to people who work in that field.

•

You may join an online forum where you can post concerns and queries if any .

•

You will get suitable answers. You can also read the already existing information.

Y0ul '

MYTH 9: Most Students Know Their Career Goals Contused

Sholdd I do this?

Being undecided is normal. Most of the college students do not to have a clear idea of what to major in or do for a career. Studies indicate that 30% of the students are unsure about their intended major and 65-70% will change their major at least once during their college career. Some students know what they getting into (engineering, medicine, etc.), and so they have a reasonably clear career goal in front of them. •

Those who take engineering will become engineers and those who take medicine will become doctors. But they will probably make-up their mind about specialization only after a couple years in the college.

•

A few students may actually stick with their original goals they had before entering the college.

Career Myths

11

•

Majority of college students change their minds about their main subjects and careers several times before they graduate.

•

As you study the subject and gain more knowledge about the careers and the subject you have taken, you may feel there is a mismatch between your aspiration and your educational background.

Exploring options will help you make an informed decision. Hence, it is very necessary to have career counsellors in school level so that the children are aware of the various career options they have instead of thinking only in terms of becoming a doctor, engineer, scientist, lecturer, or a pilot. Early counselling will also help the students (and even the parents) in taking a proper decision and a focused direction to work towards.

MYTH 10: Your Main Subject Determines Your Career Choices Many employers look for qualities and skills that are not directly related to your main subject. Interpersonal skills, motivation, planning skills, critical thinking, organizational skills, problemsolving skills, positive attitude and the ability to work in groups are a few examples of what employers value. Most people find themselves working in fields that are only remotely related to their main subject. •

Unless you are planning to enter an area that requires specific technical skills, such as engineering, architecture, medicine, or nursing, to name a few, your major subject does not determine your career. These subjects are more career focused, whereas the other majors prepare you for a number of career options. Example: Many computer specialist positions are filled by candidates who do not have degree in computer engineering. They have chosen subjects in graduation (B. Com., B.A., B.Sc., etc.) that is not related to computers.

12

Choosing the Right Career

•

One major subject can lead to many different careers.

QAEngineer Programmer Design Engineer Pilot Documentation Engineer

One Subject - - - . . . Different Careers

•

I.

A particular career can be reached through having a major in many different subjects.

B.Com Journalism Pharmacy Engineering M.Sc (any branch)

Different Subjects

---..

One Subject

Career Myths

•

13

Even after getting a degree in a particular subject, students opt for business. management in the areas that do not necessarily correlate with their major subject in graduation.

Example: John has done his graduation in physics, but chose to do MBA in business communication. Similarly, Mary, chose to do MBA in human resources after completing her graduation in engineering (computer). So, in reality, it is possible to work in almost any career after graduating from a particular area. Most employers care more about your work-related experience and the skills that you have obtained than they do about your main subject at college.

MYTH 11: Wait For The Right Career If you wait, you will probably find yourself waiting. You -need to put in effort and try to get into a job. You will benefit from a career plan-it is a careful and well thought about process after thorough consideration of different occupations. It is unlikely that you will just come across the occupation that will perfectly match your skills an~ interests. The more information you gather about the occupations you are considering, the more likely it is you will make a wise career decision. Though some things beyond your control will influence your life, you must take an active role to determine your own fate. If you look around you and check those people who are unhappy in their careers, you will find that most of them just fell into something without careful planning. Many occupations have the potential to satisfy your career goals. Once you clearly define what you are looking for in a career, you will find a number of areas that match these criteria.

14

Choosing the Right Career

After selecting the field of your choice, you have to select a suitable job. Example: You may narrow down your search to IT sector or software field and then you can choose among dozens of occupations in this field-software developer, system analyst, user interface expert, quality testing, usability testing, database controller, data warehousing, network administration, etc.

As you explore each option further, you can compare what they offer in terms of advantages and disadvantages. For instance, if you choose to be a software developer, you should choose an area of specific interest-embedded software engineering, C++ programing, etc.

MYTH 12:" Assessments Will Tell You What Career Is Right For You Assessments take a sample of certain kinds of attitudes and draw conclusions based on the sample. Test results can be confounded by many things; cultural differences, unrepresentative samples, and unintentionally biased items, to name a few. The truth is, no career assessment can tell you what careers are best for you. •

They can give you an insight about how the interests and values that you already have are related to different types of careers, and where people with similar likes and dislikes can work.

•

Assessment can provide you with additional information that may help you in the career planning process. Then, it is up you to explore careers further and decide if they are a good match for you.

•

No counsellor can tell you what career is best for you or what to do with your life.

•

They can only help you identify your interests, skills, personality, work values, and show you the possible paths

Career Myths

15

you can choose from. Then, they provide you with guidance and assist you in deciding your career direction and help facilitate your decision. You know yourself the best. Use assessments with caution and get the test results examined by a career counsellor, keeping in mind your experience, skills, interests, and knowledge. For details, see Chapter 3, Career Assessment.

MYTH 13: Recruiters Have Your Best Interests At Heart Head-hunters and recruiters get paid by the companies that hire them to fill their open positions. So, recruiters are not interested in getting you a job. •

They are only interested in getting the money from the organization. So, they will not market you to companies (for their open positions).

•

They only try to someone into a position with the companies that employ their services.

•

They are not really concerned if you will get a good job in the given organization.

It is also not necessary that their loyalties are with their client companies. They may not be interested that the organizations they deal with, should get good employees.

MYTH 14: You Should Choose The Occupation That Is In Demand Occupations are in demand because of the market requirement at a given point of time. You should not blindly follow the occupation that is in demand if you don't enjoy doing it. What you enjoy and what is important to you about life and work should also be taken into consideration. Remember the dot.com boom in the late 90s that led to a bust just a few years later, leaving thousands of people jobless?

16

Choosing the Right Career

Predictions about jobs are usually made regarding the most wanted jobs based on the information collected from various dependable resources but then, things can change, There is a time lag between the demand for certain kinds of occupations and the response to this demand. Example: These days, there is a need for nurses in the US and in UK. The demand outstrips the supply with a resulting increase in salary, fringe benefits, and opportunity as employers compete for the limited supply of trained nurses. The studeflts feel that there is an increased opportunity for them if they go abroad. They can make money in this field and hence opt for nursing. By the time they graduate, the job market may become flooded, and the supply may exceed the demand. So, the bubble will burst and many will become disappointed because they will be competing with thousands of nurses who came into the field with the same idea as they did. Those who opted for nursing because of interest will be happy working in the local hospitals.

This kind of changing demand and supply situation can happen with any occupation. Remember the kind of frenzy created by medical transcription about a decade back? Nonetheless, job outlook trends can be useful information if used cautiously and not as the only factor in your career choice. The job market fluctuates constantly and employment opportunities can change dramatically as a function of economic conditions, advances in technology, and the labour supply changes. Most often what is in demand now may not be 5 years from now or the vice-versa.

MYTH 15: There Is Only One Right Career For You Most people are capable of performing well in at least two to three different professional fields. The trick is to develop a good understanding of your values, skills, interests and personality.

Career Myths

17

Then, explore those careers to find that one which best fits in your profile and interests. Career satisfaction can be found in many different careers. There are a number of options based on your interests, personality type and abilities. Example: In general, if you are artistic and creative, you may enjoy being an art teacher, or a writer, or a painter, or an actor, or a dancer.

Being specific, you may be artistic and creative. You may love painting and dress designing, but you may just hate dancing and writing. As you acquire more experience, your values, interests, and ideas about career may change. A career doesn't always follow a logical progression so avoid thinking that the road you choose to take at this point in your life will remain lifelong.

MY1H 16: Money And Status Renects Success Money and status are very appealing and there is nothing wrong in wanting to achieve these goals. However, be careful not to compromise your values as you consider potential careers. While salary is important, it is not the only factor you should take into account when choosing a career. Surveys have shown that money does not necessarily lead to job satisfaction. For some people making a contribution to society is more attractive than earning a large income. Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer •

Contrary to what you may think, high salary doesn't necessarily equate to a high level of job satisfaction and personal happiness.

•

There are people who get a low salary in comparison to their friends or peers in the same field, but have highly satisfying job.

18

Choosing the Right Career

For such people enjoying what they do at work is much more important. So, they opt for a better job profile that gives them responsibility and flexibility at work. Not commanding a high salary does not mean that they are not successful. •

Try to balance your salary requirements with a career that you feel confident will utilize your skills and abilities. As you evaluate career choices, think carefully about what success means to you.

MYTH 17: IT Is An Ideal Field We all are different individuals with different tastes, perspectives, values, personalities, and ideas. So, we perceive things differentlywhat may be fun to you may be boring to me. Many come into IT industry because of the stimulating opportunities and monitory rewards. Considering the different kinds of opportunities in the IT field, there is certainly room for everyone with some interest or the other. Some areas will obviously appear more challenging and exciting to you than others. This again reinforces the view that knowing what the job entails is key to making wise career moves. One or more of the following reasons may make IT interesting to different people: •

It pays well.

•

It provides an opportunity to visit many countries without spending money yourself.

•

Gives you an oppourtanity to make a niche for yourself in a short time.

•

Allow you to work on the cutting edge technology with the latest products and programs.

•

For individuals who are fascinated by certain technologies and like being a part of the organization, spending the

Career Myths

19

whole day in front of a computer and working with such intellectual technology, isn't work but play. •

Constant change and the unpredictability of IT is major attraction. People with this frame of mind see lifelong learning as lifelong excitement.

But are the first three reasons compelling enough to take up a career in IT? A career in the IT field gives you various opportunities, but it also brings in a lot of stress and pressure in your life. Now-a-days we hear about young IT professionals committing suicide because they are not able to perform well at work or because of stress at work. Is it worthwhile? You work to live, not live to work. So, why take away your life for work?

MYTH 18: Change Jobs Often to Increase Your Value Gone are the days when people entered an organization and took pride in retiring from there after 30-35 years of service. Now, it is the era of job-hoppers, those who hop, skip, and jump from one job to another. It is common to and candidates who had mUltiple jobs with short stays one year or even less. Ever since the invasion of multinational companies started in India, employees feel that there is no logical progression within anyone company anymore. To get ahead .in the rat race, gain newer skill sets, and get a better compensation, people often make multiple moves in jobs or careers. The million dollar question is, does it help increase your worth and/or value? No! It does not. Try to avoid short stints under three years. The reason is, by the time you settle yourseif, get the required skills, and make a name for yourself, you decide to move on. So, you do not add much value to the team and to the organization. With downsizing in the parent companies, increasing costs in India, the parent companies are more concerned about attrition. They have begin to wonder if it is really worth hiring candidates in India to spend time and money on their training, only to be geared to recruit a replacement.

20

Choosing the Right Career

MYTH 19: Women Cannot Balance Career and Family Wrong! Women can find time for both a great career and maintain a happy family. Balancing a career and a family is difficult and is a never-ending process, but it is not impossible. Women can carve out more family time by balancing time, being organized, and streamlining the household tasks. In short, planning and organizing helps.

Prioritization, organization, and delegation are key to achieving the balance that allows a woman to enjoy a rich family life while also gaining fulfillment from her career. - Laura Betterly, CEO of In Touch Media Group, Inc. As far as the women balance both perfectly, people at work and at home are happy, with her respective roles. Problem arises when: •

Women decide to escape from the household duties because they feel they are a class apart by being working women.

•

The husbands refuse to help and support them because they feel that house hold work is not for the men-it's a woman's job.

•

Women find that they are not getting any help and support and try to do lesser activities (specially at home) to make their life easier.

•

They start carrying their problems to work and don't focus on their roles and responsibilities.

If the husbands want a working wife, they have to lend a helping hand. They have to be considerate of the fact that their wives also have work pressures and work-related tensions as they have. Childcare centres, tele-commuting, and flexible work hours help, but most women depend on some creative mechanism for organizing and planning their time that works. for them.

Career Myths

21

You just need to know how to do the balancing act. Do not give undue importance to one over the other. In any case a balancing act requires careful planning, setting priorities, time management, and flexibility.

MYTH 20: Accomplishments Speak For Themselves The saying that your accomplishments speak for themselves and that you will be rewarded accordingly is almost a myth. You need to work hard to accomplish something and stand out from the others. But don't depend on just your work to speak out your accomplishments. You have to communicate and make sure . your boss knows what you have accomplished. They should be aware of the problems you faced and how you overcame them to contribute towards the project and the team. Only then will you be rewarded for your true worth. Else you will be taken for granted. Self promotion is actually the art of branding and bragging. This is how you stand out from the crowd and keep your accomplishments in your boss's mind when it comes to raises, promotions, and succession planning, or when your company is trying to decide who stays and who goes during mergers, management shifts, and down-sizing. It doesn't matter whether you're seeking advancement in your current position, ready to change an established career, or just starting out-you have to be ever mindful of cultivating your own personal brand and promoting it. If your boss does not take the effort to motivate your or appreciate your performance in public, you have to speak out and blow your own trumpet. Only take care not to blow it too hard.

MYTH 21: It is Difficult to Get a Job If You Are Overage It is and it is not! When hiring experienced candidates, age is definitely not considered. When hIring someone without relevant experience, age sometimes becomes a selection criteria.

22

Choosing the Right Career

The reasons are: •

After other experience, the expectations of the candidate is much more than a person who is relatively younger and inexperienced. Most of the times, organizations are ready to take in people with no related experience in junior positions and might offer a salary relative to their relevant experience and skills. Those seeking a job may not be able to accept the fact that after being experienced, they are considered to be on the same level as the trainees. In such a situation, ask yourself if you possess the skills required for this job? Do you have the relevant experience? Why should the organization pay you for the skills and the experience you don't possess? This will give you an answer why you are recruited at an entry level.

•

Most of the time candidates beyond 45-50 years of age find it difficult to get a change in career because they probably lack the skills, education, and experience that the employer seek. If you are looking for employment in an industry or an area that focuses more on youth, then will surely be difficult for you to and a new job.

You need to be flexible and mature in terms of understanding and accepting your limitations. If you are comfortable working with youngsters, in a junior position, for a lesser salary (probably), and if you are confident of using the skills of your prior working experience to your advantage, age doesn't Ieally matter. On a personal perspective, age limit is more of a mental state than physical. If you are eager to learn and grow in the team starting from the basics, age is not a constraint. For that matter, age is not a barrier in any field if you have the right attitude and if you are mentally and physically fit for the job/ work.

23

Career Myths

Points to Remember •

Choosing a career is NOT a simple or easy task.

• •

You can mix hobby and career. You can make a career choice as many times as you want, but changing jobs, specially career frequently will only show how uncertain you are.

•

Your skills will definitely not go waste if you change your career. You may use the transferable skills to your advantage. If your friends are satisfied and happy with their job, it is not necessary that you also will feel the same in similar types of job. It is not necessary that only experience will give you an idea about an occupation. Most students do not know their career goals. Your main subject at college does not determine your career choices. Don't wait for the right career. Try to figure it out yourself and work for getting a good job. Assessments will tell you what career options will suit you. In the end, it is up to you to make the decision.

•

•

• • • • •

You should choose the occupation that interests you and that is right for you, not the one which is in demand.

• • • • •

There is nothing like only one right career. Money and status DO NOT reflect success. IT is NOT an ideal field as m'any think it to be. Changing jobs often will not increase your market value. Women can very well balance career and family with a little support from the members of their family. Accomplishments cannot speak for themselves. There is nothing called overage. You can be 40 and yet start your career in a new field. You just need to be flexible, accomodotive, and mature in terms of understanding and accepting your limitations.

• •

+ + +

"This page is Intentionally Left Blank"

Making Your Choice

This chapter describes some tips that can help you identify what you want to do and plan your career. It discusses the topics which will help you in making the right choice of career: •

Section 2.1: Definitions

•

Section 2.2: Job Vs. Career

•

Section 2.3: What Type Are You?

•

Section 2.4: Planning Early

•

Section 2.5: Making Up Your Mind

26

Choosing the Right Career

My mother wanted me to be a lawyer and I wanted to become an actor. So, I went to school, majored in theatre, and said, "Mom I have to chose my own destiny. I want to be an actor." A couple of weeks after I graduated collage, I called my mother up and said, "Can I borrow $200?" She replied, "Why don't you act like you have got $200?"

2.1 Definitions Work, job, and career! To many, there is barely any difference between these three words and usually they are used interchangeably.

Here we define work, job, and career and find out the difference between the three. Never regard study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which your later work belongs. - Albert Einstein

2.1.1 Work According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, work is something produced or accomplished by effort, exertion, or exercise of skill.

Making Your Choice

27

Example: Renu just completed her graduation. She did her M.A. (English Literature). Her aim was to complete B.Ed. and become an English teacher. But Renu now works in a BPO to help support herself and her family. Renu was smart enough to understand that this was the best possible option to finance her further studies. Though she does not really enjoy working in a BPO, she was sure the training she received will surely help her in her future-it will not go wasted. Renu was working in the BPO so that she could have a job of her choice (English teacher) and make a career that she dreamt to have.

.

2.1.2 Job According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, job is a small miscellaneous piece of work undertaken on order at a stated rate. •

Job is a regular activity performed in exchange for payment, especially as an occupation, trade, or profession.

•

A job is that which we all aspire (or should) to have one day.

•

Job provides you with financial support and gives you other benefits.

•

A job is something you enjoy so much that you would do it for free, but you some how try to find a way to get paid for it. Hence, many jobs are not financially or spiritually fulfilling.

Example: Soumya loves dancing and she aspired to become a well-known dancer some day. Due to peer pressure, she completed her postgraduation in Physics, went on to do M.Phil and became a lecturer. After college hours, she began to take dance classes which she enjoyed very much.

28

Choosing the Right Career

Over a period of time, she stopped teaching. Now, she runs a dance school. She enjoys her job more than anything else. Soumya could probably spend her whole life doing nothing but dance and be very satisfied.

2.1.3 Career According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, career is a field for or 'pursuit of consecutive progressive achievement especially in public, professional, or business life. •

It is an occupation, a way of making a living, especially with opportunities for advancement or promotion, and progress through life. Hence, it is like a journey-a career pathway.

•

It is something you do as a source of income and to sustain your style of living.

•

Importantly, a career has a path of advancement, something to look forward to.

2.2 Job Vs. Career You can compare job and career with a jigsaw puzzle. The jigsaw puzzle as a whole is the career and job is a piece in the jigsaw puzzle. Just as scattering of random jigsaw pieces do not mean anything, random jobs that do not connect to each other is directionless and useless. If the pieces of the jigsaw fit well with each other, you get a complete picture. Similarly, a series of jobs that connect to each other (like the jigsaw fit) can lead to a longterm and rewarding career. In short, a career is something you build throughout your lifetime. Hence, it is necessary to look ahead to plan your career. •

Decide what you want to do in your life.

•

How you plan to do it.

29

Making Your Choice

•

Are there any other alternative ways of achieving it?

•

What timeframe do you have in mind?

Though focused people will definitely opt for a career, It IS wrong to say that one is better, important, or valid than the other. Your choice depends upon your career focus, objectives in life, and the personal priorities you have set for yourself. There are times when you may feel that your career is an integral part of your life-you may see it as a big part of your identity and life. In such cases, despite the stability, security, and material comfort that the job might provide you, it is difficult for you to feel excited or passionate about your work, if you don't like it.

JOBS i, 2, aM S ~tri!Hdwto

C:atHr

Joe .. it jut II jolt.

A job is often uninspmng and mundane, whereas a career is often something that uses your talents in a way that is with your personal aspirations which makes it exciting. So which should you choose? Do you want to opt for a series of unrelated jobs that fulfil your financial needs or do you want a series of linked career moves that become building blocks towards a career in doing something you like.

30

Choosing the Right Career

.._1; ........ J01l': ~\tI."'" ~cwIIwo

Joas: e.o.c.......... ·

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In this example, though the job areas and profiles are entirely different, there are many transferable soft skills that will come in use. To get an answer to the job vs. career Auestion, consider your philosophy on work. If you are looking for a longer term career journey, start planning by asking yourself questions about where you want to be, do some research, make a decision, and work towards getting experience required to achieve your career goals.

2.3 What Type Are Yon? Each one of you may have something special that you want to accomplish in this lifetime. You may want to be a doctor, software professional, lawyer, model, actor, writer, singer, airhostess, choreographer, music director, anchor, teacher, engineer (robotic, mechanical, petrochemical, electronics, computer, automobile, aeronautic, chemical, production, etc.), pilot, chef, news reader, disc jockey (DJ), or radio jockey (RJ). The list is endless. In terms of career, you can place yourself in one of the four distinct groups based on your level of interest (or disinterest). See Table 2.1

Making Your Choice

31

There are a few of you who may want to covert your passion, hobby, and interest into a career.

2.

Focused

A few of you may have focused direction what you want to do and know how you are going to do it. Along with this focus on career, you may also have a passionate hobby that you may want to follow along with your career.

3.

Practical

4.

Confused

There are a few of you, who don't mind working in any field as long as it satisfies some of the criteria you may have set for yourself. Any job with a resonably good salary, flexibility, and/or work culture is all that matters. This is a compromising situation. There are many of you who do not know what you want to do. You are probably open to all possible options and are ready to take up any kind of job (whether you like it or not). Table 2.1: What Type Are You?

You have to figure out iI' which of these categories you fall into.

32

Choosing the Right Career

2.3.1 The Passionate Type People who want to make a career out of their passion are usually extremely talented in a particular field. They are so obsessed about it that they virtually follow their passion and try to make a career out of it. So hobby becomes a passion, passion becomes an obsession, and obsession becomes a source of an extra income, and eventually, it may become their career. These people think from their hearts rather than their minds and follow their hearts. Dancers, actors, singers, painters, etc., are perfect examples of such people.

Of------+{

_HO_bby_ _ _

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Passion

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Obsession

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Source of Pocket Money

1/

Once-up-a-time teaching was also included in this category. Then, the teachers were passionate about teaching and inducing morale values in the children. These days we and very few people coming into this profession for the love of teaching. On the contrary, we get to hear shocking incidents about teachers molesting the children. The respect that teachers used to command till about a decade back is quickly fading. Youngsters look at it as a stop-over profession. As a result, the children suer because the basics of all the subjects, specially maths, and science are laid at school

Making Your Choice

33

level from class 4 onwards. Also, the children get interested in the subjects if they are taught properly. Else, they loose interest and start hating the subject. Check out your interests, hobbies, and passion. Then, ponder if you want a career in that field and more importantly if you can make a suitable career in that area. A word of caution is that some may succeed and many may not. Not all aspiring to become actors, singers, or pilots become one. You all know, there are many talented yet struggling actors, trying to find a foothold in the industry but not all become well-known and established actors like Shah Rukh Khan or Amitabh Bachhan. So, you have to be prepared for stru~gles, hard work, and set backs.

2.3.2 The Focused Type A very few people are fortunate enough to decide the career they want to follow very early in life. People in this category are probably a lot more practical as they know what they are capable of achieving and so live a life that sort of takes care of both, their job and hobby/passion/interests. Engineers, doctors, lAS officers, IPS officers, etc., come under this category. They put an effort and may take external coaching to get into the respective fields. This mode of action is planned as they know what exactly they want to do and achieve. If you fall in this category you might feel satisfied as you have a good job (if it is good) and that you also find time for your passions and hobbies like playing musical instruments, dance, writing, and gardening.

2.3.3 The Practical Type There are people who take up job which is not and will not be the principle love in terms of what they would like to do in life. They probably take it up because it pays them well. When you cannot make a decision about your job or make a distinct separation between your job and your passion, first think about your career. Take up something that you don't mind doing and also follow your passion simultaneously as a hobby. Here you are doing a balancing act.

34

Choosing the Right Career

Example: Let us consider the case of Ram who was interested in teaching. He wanted to become a maths teacher and teach children maths in such a way that they learn to understand, appreciate, and love the subject just as he did. On the other hand, Ram was also very practical and liked to enjoy a good life. He knew that a teachers job does not pay too well. After a lot of deliberation, he perused engineering and started working as a software engineer in a reputed firrm. He was earning a very good salary and was happy with his job. But the teaching bug was still within him. So he started taking maths classes (more commonly known as tuitions) for the children in his society. Soon his reputation as a brilliant maths teacher spread around. Now, Ram is busy over the weekends as he takes many batches of the class. About 50 children come to. him. They want to learn maths from Ram as he makes learning Maths an interesting and enjoyable process. This is an apt example of being practical in life. Ram makes the best of both the worlds. In many cases, people who were focused may soon tum practical.

Example: Consider the case of John who wanted to become an engineer. He was focused about becoming an engineer right from his school days. His aim is to become an engineer in an automotive firm a good engineering college and secured a seat in mechanical engineering. After graduating and working in a firm for about an year, he realized that the job did not earn him a good salary or scope for trips abroad. So he decided to change his focus and get into software designing in an organization where he could make use of his educational background as a mechanical engineer. In this example, John was focused and still is focused about continuing to be in the field of mechanical engineering. The only

Making Your Choice

35

difference is that though the larger focus still remains the same, the detailed focus shifted from automobile industry to software designing in a mechanical industry.

2.3.4 The Confused Type Such people are so confused that they have no idea about what they want to do. They don't have any specific interest or inclination in any particular area. The decisions made by these people mainly depend on the marks they obtain in certain subjects in classes 10 (SSC) or 12 (HSC). Then, they blindly put an effort in that direction. Since they are not passionate about a particular subject, they may not feel depressed about not having the opportunity to follow it. Probably they are the luckier lot because this attitude may help them mould well in any selected area, without any regrets. The problem is, if they continue to be confused even at work.

2.4 Planning Early If you want to land up in a profession that is right for you, you

need to plan your car~er well in advance. A job should ideally be something that you love to do, gives you both, job and monetary satisfaction. In today's world, even if you have a professional degree with excellent marks, it is dicult to the right job, and even more dicult to have a satisfying career. Being on the right job is important as it: •

Allows you to be effective and efficient at work.

•

Assures satisfaction at work.

•

Will help you like your roles and responsibilities.

•

Will help you in your career growth.

Hence, it is important to plan for a right and apt career and not think of it only after graduation. Some people who prepare a career plan early in life. Not everybody do it on their own; they are probably guided by their parents, teachers, elder siblings, or somebody else.

36

Choosing the Right Career

2.4.1 School Days High school is the best time to layout the actual career plan. While the career development process is lifelong, choices made during the early years are particularly significant in setting the foundation for future professional options. Take time to know your liking and the subjects you like and dislike. You can do this by paying attention to the subjects you enjoy and the activities in which you like to participate in. •

Try to understand your tastes and interests and link them to the subjects of your liking.

•

Talk to your teachers, parents, and other elders about career ideas.

•

Read and try to broaden your exposure to potential career paths.

•

Focus the subjects of your choice. Try to master the subject and get good grades.

•

Find out more about how your aptitudes, interests, personality, and values that match with potential career paths.

Unfortunately, students start thinking about career after their performance in the subjects in class twelve. They probably need to have a career focus and then work towards it.

2.4.2 Senior High School Identify what you hope to gain from your education. If your school has a career counsellor or an academic advisor, make use of the advantage. Meet them and ask them about majors, electives, general education requirements, and possible career options. •

Choose your majors (main subjects) based upon your career planning and focus.

•

If you are not very sure about yourself and your success in the chosen field, allow an option to fall back on.

Making Your Choice

37

•

Focus on your major subjects.

•

Try to develop certain skills-(:ommunication, public speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills.

•

Continue career planning with a greater emphasis toward understanding the targeted professions and the needs of potential employers for entry level talent. Plan and prepare to match this profile.

•

Identify at least 3-4 soft skills you already possess for your chosen career, as well 6-7 skills you hope to develop by the time you graduate.

2.4.3 Graduation During the college days, academic and career choices are complex as they integrate two major considerations, the individual development along with ongoing self-discovery, the current and future work environment, and the market requirements. Develop positive professional relationships with the leading professors and department heads in your major. They can contribute to your job search, as source of valid information and as a referral source. Ensure to do the following: •

Focus on excelling in your studies and getting good grades.

•

Contact professionals in your chosen field and talk to them to learn more about the profession.

•

Try to pursue part-time or vacation jobs to get relevant work experience.

•

Attend job fairs to gain exposure to both potential internships as well as potential jobs after graduation.

2.4.4 Final Year of Graduation The final year of Graduation will be your greatest preparation for the world of work.

38

Choosing the Right Career

•

Concentrate on getting good grades, yet shift your focus toward the direct applicability of your coursework toward your chosen profession.

•

Use available electives to further your educational experience within your chosen field, rather than taking non-related courses.

•

Meet with your academic advisor and do a final audit of your requirements to make all requirements will be met by graduation.

•

If going on for further schooling, research the colleges, and apply on time.

•

Sign up for on-campus interviews as early in the year as possil;lk.

•

Obtain at least three letters of reference.

•

Attend job fairs to gain exposure to gain potential jobs after graduation.

•

Activate your personal network, enlisting their support in your job search.

•

Learn how to evaluate job offers and negotiate salary before you receive a job offer so that you can effectively negotiate the best possible terms.

•

Create your resume. To make it perfect, read articles and books on resume writing.

•

Remember, resume writing is an art in itself.

•

Fine tune your interviewing skills as you continue to expand your skills and experience.

2.5 Making Up Your Mind You cannot hand over your future to chance and accident. If you are concerned that the job you are seeking may not be right for you, or if you are not completely sure what job you are seeking, you have a big problem in hand than just writing a great resume.

Making Your Choice

39

The most difficult decision is making up your mind and making a dicult decision about what you want to do. Why talk about someone else or about a hypothetical situation. Let me tell you the story of my professional life. As a school going kid, books were my best friends-I loved the world of books and devoured anything in print. I also used to sketch, paint, and do activities that were creative in nature. As I grew up, I wanted to persue either journalism or architecture. Yes, I know that they are drastically different areas to choose from, but I could relate well to both the areas, as I was reasonably good in maths, language, drawing, and had a strong streak of creativity.

•

Phase of being confused. My dad being an engineer wanted at least one of his daughters to become one and he strongly felt that there was no future for me in journalism or in architecture. I, on the other hand was tom between what I wanted to do and what my dad wanted me to do. My mother advised me to take a decision that I would not repent later in my life. That helped in making my decision-I decided to fulfill my father's dream, else I different would always repent not doing it.

•

Phase of being practical. To cut the long story short, before I could realize what I was doing with my life I found myself with an engineering degree (in Industrial Electronics) in hand. I worked for about an year as a production engineer and I realized that I could never be happy doing a job that did not give me job satisfaction. To satisfy my creative urge, I tried the most practical approach I could think of. I began to write poems, short stories, and articles on various subjects and published over 40 articles in the local newspapers.

•

Phase of being focused. One fine day (it really was a fine day, because it changed my life), I was brooding over what my future

40

Choosing the Right Career

had in store for me. I chanced to see an advertisement in the newspaper. It was a requirement for engineers with air for writing. That was the best combination I could ask for-a combination of both, my educational background and writing, something that I loved doing. I applied for it, was called for the interview, and was offered. the job. Without any other prospects, I accepted it. Along the way, I discovered the world called technical writing and spent the following years as a technical writer. Very few people (like me) have the privilege to love their work. I have the privilege of combining technology, writing, and engineering all into one job.

•

Phase of being passionate. During my working years, the creative part of me took a back seat and I probably never realized it. About four years back, my daughter saw a file containing the paper cuttings of my articles and poems. After asking a lot of questions, she decided that I should start writing creative staff again. She reminded me of the values I try to instill in her-I often tell her that she should never quit doing what she likes to do. A prompting from my little one and I realized what I missed. I started writing again, when ever time and duties at home permitted me to. I went on to complete a book I started writing years ago and thus my first book Technical Writing based on the same subject was published in March 2008. I went on to publish 3 more books in the year 2009. This book is an example of the effort in the right direction.

I have passed through all the phases, but fortunately for me, I started from the state of confusion and ended with a very positive note. This probably happened because, even when I was confused about what I should be doing, I was focused about the decisions I have made. You too need to check where you fit in. It takes a lot of serious thinking to come to a conclusion. Weigh the pros and cons and if you strongly want to follow your heart, go ahead with a lot of determination.

41

Making Your Choice

Points to Remember •

A career is something you build throughout your lifeti::ne.

•

A series of jobs that connect to each other (like the jigsaw pieces) can lead to a long-term and rewarding career.

•

If you want to land up in a profession that is right for you,

you need to plan your career well in advance. •

Those who like their work and have no trouble writing a powerful and sincere resume, are people who have discovered what they are naturally best at.

•

Try to find a way to combine your talents and personality traits in a job that suits you well.

•

Figure out in which type of category you fall into-passionate, focused, practical, or confused.

•

There are some skills (e.g., interacting with strangers) that seem to come easily to you but the others might find it difficult to deal with.

+ + +

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Career Assessment

This chapter will demystify the assessment phase of the career planning process. It discusses the following topics: •

Section 3.1: Self Assessment

•

Section 3.2: Online Assessment

•

Section 3.3: Career Counsellor

•

Section 3.4: People From the Industry

•

Section 3.5: Define Your Goals

•

Section 3.6: Be Patient

44

Choosing the Right Career

Most of the youngsters today are either too focused or too confused about their career. They don't know what they want to do in life or the choices they may want to make. If you are confused and cannot make-up your mind, assessments are available to help guide you towards the right career. The most common question people ask are: "I don't know what I want to do. Is there a test or something that can tell me what career is right for me?" The answer is no. You cannot take a test that will tell you what to do with the rest of your life. It is not a magic wand. You can however use a combination of assessment tools that will aid you in your decision, but it is YOU who has to make the decision.

3.1 Self Assessment Self assessment is the first step of the career planning process. It is the process of gathering information about yourself in order to make an informed career decision. A self assessment should include a look at the following:

Skills Values Interest Motivation Requirement Personality

Hobbies Relationships Health Financial aspects Priorities in life Spirituality

Some of the important work-related factors are: •

Values: These are the factors that are important to you-achievement, status, responsibilities at work, etc.

•

Interests: This is about what you enjoy doing-writing, reading, singing, listening to music, playing cricket, etc.

•

Personality: This is about your overall personalityattitude, traits, believes, motivational drives, and needs.

45

Career Assessment

•

Skills: These are about the activities you are good at, such as teaching, training, writing, computer programming, etc.

While satisfying your work related requirements, ensure that they also take care of your personal priorities and requirements. Else, you will not be able to make a well balanced decision or you may later repent the decision you have made. If relationships (with spouse, parents, siblings, children, friends, partners, etc.) are important to you, ensure that you don't take up a job or follow a career that eats up all your time. When assessing yourself, create two circles; the inner one for work related requirements and the outer for the personal requirements. It can be represented as shown in figure 3.1.

Relationships

Spirituality

Personality

( Health

Skills

Motivation

Self Assessment

\ Values

)

\ Requirements

Interests

~

Priorities in Life

Financial Aspects

-----------

Figure 3.1: Self Assessment

Hobbies

46

Choosing the Right Career

Begin with a honest and thorough inventory of who you are and what you are looking for out of life in general. Self-assessment process is not instantaneous. It takes time to identify careers that match your interests, skills, personalities, and desires. Try to think outside of the box. Though academics is important, many other qualities like communication skills, willingness to be a team player, knowing when and how to take appropriate risks, etc., are also important when planning your career. During the period of late self-assessment, you may often hold jobs that you don't want in the long-term so that you can make money and meet your basic needs. During this phase, you may make some discoveries regarding what you ultimately want to do. Some of you may actually start liking what you are doing and continue with it while a few others may desperately want to move on to doing what you really want to do. So, for the latter, it is extremely important not to get frustrated and to be patient.

3.1.1 Value Assessment When making a self assessment, you also have to consider your values. Examples of these values include autonomy, prestige, security, interpersonal relations, helping others, flexible work schedule, outdoor work, leisure time, and high salary t