Career Services at Garrett College
Career Services | Choosing
a Career | Finding a Job
"The only
way to predict the future is to create it!"
Career Services at Garrett College
provides opportunities for students to develop clear career goals
and design action plans to reach those goals, including obtaining
relevant career experience and developing the skills necessary to
conducting an effective job search. Assistance is available through
individual career coaching, group learning experiences including
workshops, computerized career and education planning, access to
a Career Library, connections with employers, and other career services.
Our belief is that students, armed with in-depth personal knowledge
and a realistic and detailed plan, can obtain their work and career
goals and move forward with confidence in any direction they choose.
301-387-3046
Student Services Center, Room 409
career@garrettcollege.edu |
Career
Services Available at Garrett College
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For a Discover ID, please see Judy A. Carbone, Coordinator of
Career Services |
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Choosing a Career
When you are ready to make a decision about
what to major in or what career to pursue, take the following steps:
1. KNOW YOURSELF
This step is a critical first step! Before you can choose a major or
career, you need to take stock of who you are. This entails clarifying
your values, identifying your interests, and assessing your skills,
those you have and those you want to learn. This process helps you
to make informed and satisfying decisions about your life and career.
2. EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
After doing a thorough self-assessment, the next step is to gather information
about majors and occupations that are a good match. The best way to get
this information is through a combination of printed materials, Internet
resources, talking with others, and life experience.
3. CHOOSE ONE OPTION
In order to move forward, you must choose one of your identified options
and commit to it. This requires that you let go of other options, either
temporarily or permanently. This may be hard if you have many options
but it is possible and necessary.
4. DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN
Developing an action plan is an art form and is a critical life skill.
It takes you in the direction of realizing your chosen option and involves
setting goals, identifying actions, and carrying out these actions in
a purposeful manner.
5. EVALUATE YOUR DECISION
Evaluating your decision in the face of new information, personal
changes, and unforeseen obstacles is important. It may be that your initial
self-assessment was incomplete or that your chosen option was not the
most appropriate. Whatever the reason, evaluating your decision is a positive
step and can be a powerful learning experience.
Finding
a Job
When it is time to find a job to support you financially while you are
in school, get some career related experience before you graduate, or
work full-time in your selected career field, follow these steps to finding
the right job:
1. ASSESS YOUR STRENTHS
AND GOALS:
Before you can market yourself to potential employers, you need to be
able to clearly articulate what you have to offer and your goals for the
future. This critical step is often overlooked by job seekers.
2. RESEARCH THE WORLD OF
WORK:
Identify several position titles that match your interests and abilities,
and locate the types of organizations that hire people for these positions.
Use electronic and written sources to identify specific companies in your
target geographic area.
3. CREATE SELF-MARKETING
TOOLS:
Only after identifying what you want and what employers are looking for
should you create a resume, cover letter and other application materials.
Create a “30-second commercial” that lets people know what
you are looking for and what you have to offer. Practice answering interview
questions and be prepared to write follow-up and thank you letters.
4. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK:
Think of everyone who might know about openings that match your career
goals and people who know a lot of people. These network contacts can
help you explore your options, identify jobs, and get you in front of
people who have the authority to hire.
5. CONDUCT YOUR JOB SEARCH:
Only after completing the above steps should you start applying for jobs.
Use reactive, traditional job search methods sparingly; use proactive
methods extensively. An effective job search requires a plan, being committed
to working that plan every day, and being responsible for making the next
move with employers.
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