Finances & Career PlanningChapter 2

Choosing a Career (2.1)• Job – work that you mainly do for money

• Career – commitment to work in a field that you find interesting & fulfilling

• Career Trade-offs– Standard of living – measure of quality of life based on the

amounts & kinds of goods & services a person can buy.– Trends – developments that mark changes in a particular area

• Career training & skill development– Potential earning power – amount of money you may earn over

time

Personal factors• Aptitudes – natural abilities that people possess

• Interest inventories – tests that help you identify the activities you enjoy the most.– What do you enjoy?

• The right fit – goal is to find a job or career that gives you the right balance between financial rewards & personal satisfaction.

• Stages of career planning (fig. 2.1)

External factors & opportunities• Social influences (demographic & geographic trends)• Demographic - Tendencies of people grouped by age, gender,

ethnicity, education, or income that change over time.• Geographic – tendencies of people moving from one area of the

country to another as financial centers shift location

• Economic factors – high interest rates, price increases, or decreased demand for certain goods & services can reduce career opportunities.

• Trends in industry & technology – skill set changes & some jobs are no longer needed. Increased competition from other countries as well can be a factor in the job market. • Service industries – service sector jobs have grown. (technology,

health care, education, financial services, etc.)

Employment & career development (2.2)• Employment search strategies– Obtaining employment experience

• Part-time work, volunteer work, internships, cooperative education, class projects or after-school activities

– Career information sources• Libraries• Mass media• Internet• School Guidance Offices• Community Organizations• Professional Organizations• Contacts– Networking– Informational interview

Identifying Job Opportunities• Job advertisements – newspaper & Internet

• Job fairs – recruiters set up tables or boots to discuss job opportunities with them

• Employment agencies – match job hunters with employers

• Other• Visit companies – ask to speak with someone who might be able

to help you• Call businesses – inquire about openings• Network - talk to people with similar interests

Applying for a Job• Steps involved in job application process• Resume (either skills or chronological resume)• Cover letter• Considering a job offer

• What factor would be most important to you when considering a job offer?• The work environment• Factors affecting salary• Measuring employee benefits• Meeting employee needs• Cafeteria-style employee benefits (you get to choose the

benefits that best meet your needs)• Pension plan (retirement)

Your rights as an employee• Why should you know your legal rights as an employer?

• Employer cannot refuse to hire a woman or terminate her employment because she is pregnant

• Employer cannot discriminate against a person for any reason based on age, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, or any mental or physical disabilities

• In some cases, the employer must pay the minimum wage set by the government as well as a certain amount of overtime work.

• An employer must pay for unemployment insurance, contribute to Social Security, and provide for workers’ compensation funds in case of a work-related injury or illness.

Long-term career development• Steps to make your career a success• Make a point of improving your communication skills (written & oral)• Do your best to get along with your co-workers• Remain flexible & open to new ideas• Develop good work habits• Use good time-management techniques• Be aware that problems may arise, and be ready to take action when

they do• Be create and solve problems• Be willing to learn new techniques & technologies• Career paths & advancement

• Mentor – experienced employee who serves as a teacher or counselor for a less-experienced person

• Changing careers – most workers change careers several times over the course of their lives.