9/12/14 – Today’s Do Now (3 minutes)

Reflect on your career goals that we have discussed this week.

Is there a difference between the following terms: job, occupation, and career. Why or why not?

Job: tasks or duties a person performs at the workplace. (ex. English teacher)

Occupation: group of similar jobs found in various organizations. (teacher)

Career: roles you play in your life, the settings in which they occur, and the major events of your life.

Workplace skills:

Many employers have been asked over the years to list the most important skills and characteristics they look for when hiring new employees. Among the more common answers are good communication skills, positive attitude, and the ability to be dependable, punctual, and responsible. Personal characteristics which are important include dressing properly, being polite, and displaying self-confidence. Employers have identified the personal qualities and skills that are needed to be successful in the workplace. These qualities and skills include:

8 skills looked for by employers:1. Self awareness – in relation to interests, abilities, values, and skills

2. Career awareness – knowing what career opportunities exist and what is required to pursue them

3. Career decision-making skills

4. Teamwork

5. Problem-solving skills

6. Presentation skills

7. Ability to learn new ways of doing things

8. Job search skills including resume writing, preparing job applications, and interviewing

SELF AWARENESS: Ability - the power to do something, either intellectual or physical.

Aptitude - person's natural ability or potential to learn in areas such as technology, music, athletics, art, communications, science, etc.; potential, or knack, for learning certain skills.

Career cluster - a group of jobs that require similar abilities and skills.

Interests - the likes and dislikes of a person that affect the choices he/she makes.

Lifestyle - the beliefs, attitudes, and behavior associated with a person or group; a way of life.

Attitude: It is the way you think, feel, and do

Personality traits - the qualities and characteristics that shape a person's unique character and identity.

Skill - the ability to do something as a result of training, practice, or knowledge.

Values - the ideas, relationships, and other matters that a person believes to be important.

Work Ethic: Usually associated with people who work hard and do a good job.

Characteristics:

Interpersonal skills: how you get along with others. (example: how you respond to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations.

Conflict Resolution: Actions that include confronting the conflict, communicate with the other person/group, and deciding an acceptable outcome.

Time Management: choosing how to spend one’s time and creating a schedule for one’s choices.

Taking Initiative: ability to assess things independently.