If you found that perfect job right out of high school, college or vocational training -- and if the skills needed to perform that job never change -- then you can stop reading right now.
But for the rest of us -- most of the working population -- things aren't nearly so simple.
Computers change. Skills change. Jobs change. And, most importantly, people change.
So, whether you're a stay-at-home-mom returning to the work world, a 20-something unhappy with your current job or a 40-year-old looking for a new beginning, an assessment of your options is a good start.
Start by focusing on yourself, your skills and your options.
What are you interested in? What are your strengths and your weaknesses? What basic skills -- both "hard" and "soft" -- do you bring to a job?
Soft skills include proper use of language and a clear speaking voice, positive body language, a friendly attitude, thorough work habits and a neat, professional appearance.
Hard skills are what we usually think of as competencies: experience with computer programs, languages or other demonstrable abilities.
Where should you start? A visit to one of the many Minnesota Workforce Centers would put you on the right track. The Minnesota Workforce Center for the Marshall area is located at the Marshall Street Complex on East College Drive.
There are several Web sites that can help you jump start the process:
Career Planning Process
From Bowling Green State University, this site takes a look at
how you might benefit from working with a career center to plan
your job goals -- and assess where you stand.
Steps to Career/Life Planning
Success -- Self Assessment
This site, from the University of Waterloo, also helps you assess
your attitudes, skills, achievements and learning style.
Test Your Career Skills
This Money magazine interactive self-test will help you
determine your on-the-job strengths and weaknesses.
What Can I Do with a Degree
in . . . ?
Browse job titles and resources for a variety of majors from Washington
University in Saint Louis.
What Color is Your Parachute: The Net Guide
Comprehensive job preparation and electronic job search guide.
The
Riley Guide
The ultimate electronic career development and planning guide.
The face of the world workforce is constantly shifting.
A field that was saturated with workers 10 years ago might be facing a labor shortage today. This means that an important part of choosing a career is knowing the hottest job markets -- both now, and of the future.
These sites will provide a good start:
Minnesota Labor Market and Occupational
Information
Employment and occupational statistics from the Minnesota Department
of Economic Security.
30 Fastest Growing Occupations,
1990-2005
This feature, from Career Magazine, selects highlights
from a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report.
Find Your Career Database
This site, from U.S. News and World Report, contains more
than 230 career descriptions -- including information on job duties,
expected salary levels, educational requirements and employment
outlook. Descriptions also link directly to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Career Outlook: Field by
Field
U.S. News and World Report also rates the job prospects in several
fields: Business,
Education, Engineering,
Health,
Law,
Medicine, Osteopathic
Medicine, Social
Work and Veterinary
Medicine.
Once you've decided that you need to upgrade your skills -- where do you turn?
Four-year Colleges -- Four-year colleges -- and other degree programs -- are best for those who want to enhance their lives as well as their careers; or those who want to enter a field where a degree is required. Marshall is the home of Southwest State University.
Technical Schools -- Technical schools are excellent for improving the opportunities of those in the skilled trades. The Marshall area is serviced by Minnesota West Technical-Community College with campuses in Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestone and Worthington.
Educational Financial Assistance -- For educational financial assistance, visit the following internet sites: Free Application Federal Student Aid, Financial Aid Information Page, FastWeb, CollegeMoney, CollegeScholarships, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, WSU Financial Aid Assistance and U.S Department of Education. Or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-433-3243.
Minnesota
Job Search
Current Employment Opportunities listed with the Minnesota Department
of Economic Security.