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HAMBURG HIGH SCHOOL CAREER HANDBOOK Prepared by the High School Counseling Center
Top Traits EMPLOYERS look for |
Honesty/Integrity Ø Being honest with yourself and with others is undeniably the most important quality you can bring to any organization. Ø Being uncompromising in your values leads to personal success. Motivation/Initiative Ø Being a self-starter demonstrates your desire to contribute. Ø Being willing to take the initiative establishes you as a productive member of the work team. Communication Ø Being willing to continue to expand o the communication skills that you learned prior to college in reading, writing, and speaking will give you an advantage when it comes to career advancement. Ø Being willing to add technology and computer knowledge to your communication skills will enable you to communicate in a global workplace. Self-confidence Ø Being self-confident enables you to grow as you build your own personal skills. Ø Being willing to engage in new learning activities without feeling embarrassed or intimidated will establish you as an independent learner. Flexibility Ø Being able to think outside-the-box means you are open to new ideas that may never have been tried before. Ø Being flexible and receptive to the ideas of others speaks highly of your ability to work as a team member. Interpersonal skills Ø Being friendly and open to others builds trust and confidence within the workplace. Ø Being a good listener sends a signal that the ideas of others are valued. Strong Work Ethic Ø Being well organized and willing to take on added responsibilities will allow you to advance within the organization. Ø Being punctual and dependable will establish you as a loyal employee. Teamwork skills Ø Being willing to contribute as a team member promotes the idea that the whole is greater than any individual part. Ø Being able to see that in business, as in sports, success comes when everyone pulls together. Enthusiasm Ø Being enthusiastic is contagious and motivates others. Exhibit a positive attitude. Ø Being enthusiastic is an outward expression of the inner self. Special Skills Ø Having a specialization (technical or special skills) increases marketability. Ø Having computer skills is almost a necessity in the 21st century Ø Examples of Shortcomings: Negative attitude, poor presentation skills, unrealistic expectations, lack of assertiveness, poor social skills, and poor appearance. |
CAREER FAIR |
QUESTIONS TO ASK CAREER CONSULTANTS |
How much do you really know about career opportunities and occupations? Listed below are some questions you might like to ask career consultants. 1. NATURE OF WORK a. What duties does one perform in this work each day? b. Are the duties involved the same or different each week, month or season? c. What equipment is used in the performance of tasks? d. What materials are handled? e. What is the importance of the work and its relation to society? 2. WORKING CONDITIONS a. Is the work done indoors or outdoors? b. Is the work seasonal, irregular or steady? c. How many hours are worked each day or week? d. Is overtime required? e. Are surroundings safe and pleasant? f. What kind of organizations employ workers in this occupation g. What are the present and probable future demands for workers? h. Are workers organized or unorganized? (unions) 3. EDUCATIONS AND TRAINING a. How much general education is required? b. What specialized or technical training is needed? c. What are the physical demands of the work? d. What, if any, special abilities are needed? e. Is necessary training secured on the job? Off the job? f. How long is the training period? 4. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES (RENUMERATION) a. What is the usual beginning salary or wage? Average annual earnings? Average lifetime earnings? b. What increases in salary may be expected? Under what conditions? c. Is the pay in wages, commissions, bonuses, or as a direct price for a product sold or particular service rendered? d. What provisions are made for sickness benefits, retirement income, unemployment insurance, profit sharing, vacations, discounts on goods purchased from the company? 5. OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT AND ADVANCEMENT a. What are the usual lines of promotion? b. How are higher positions filled? c. Is it possible to obtain training for promotion? d. What opportunities are presented for the worker to develop personally? 6. PERSONAL-SOCIAL QUALIFICATIONS a. What personality traits are most important? b. To what extent is ability to work with others required? c. What previous jobs have you held? d. What are the best and least enjoyable parts of your job? e. What’s your typical day like? |
THE FISH PHILOSOPHY Make Work FUN |
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” Confucius |
PLAY A capacity for childlike wonder carried into adult life typifies the creative person BE THERE The present time has one advantage over every other… it is our own. MAKE THEIR DAY Here is a simple rule… “Always give people more than they expect” CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE A smile is a curve that sets everyone straight. |
PERFORMANCE RATINGS |
PERFORMANCE FACTORS | EXCELLENT Far Exceeds Job Requirements | VERY GOOD Exceeds Job Requirements | GOOD Meets Job Requirements | FAIR Needs Some Improvement | UNSATISFACTORY Does Not Meet Minimum Req. |
QUALITY | Leaps tall buildings with a single bound | Must take running start to leap over tall buildings | Can only leap over a short building, or medium with no spikes | Crashes into buildings when attempting to jump over them | Cannot recognize building at all, let alone jump it |
TIMELINES | Is faster than a speeding bullet | Is as fast as a speeding bullet | Not quite as fast as a speeding bullet | Would you believe a slow bullet? | Wounds self with bullets when attempting to shoot gun |
INITIATIVE | Is stronger than a locomotive | Is stronger than a bull elephant | Is stronger than a bull | Shoots the bull | Smells like a bull |
ADAPTABILITY | Walks on water consistently | Walks on water in emergencies | Walks with water | Drinks water | Passes water in emergencies |
COMMUNICATION | Talks with God | Talks with the Angels | Talks to himself | Argues with himself | Loses arguments with himself |
CAREER SKILLS PORTFOLIO |
Foundation Skills Which I possess (with examples) I read Dean Koontz’s Lone Survivor last month. I’m working on improving my reading speed and comprehension WRITING Developed volunteer application form for service club SPEAKING Communicated and facilitated a focus group of students developing a student court system LISTENING Took the notes on feedback from the focus group on student court, wrote report and distributed. ARITHMETIC MATHEMATICS Analyzed the figures and managed the budget for the soccer team. Created a Lotus spreadsheet to maintain records. CREATIVE THINKING Developed and created the concept of student court in my school. Developed manual, training and presented plan to the Board of Education with 4 other students. DECISION MAKING I make good decisions because I always seek feedback and involvement of those effected (i.e.: the soccer club and the student court) PROBLEM SOLVING Recruited a panel of students to review the school newspaper editing guidelines for determining what should be included and what is considered vulgar. SEEING THINGS IN THE MIIND’S EYE I envisioned a student court and created a plan KNOWING HOW TO LEARN I learn through trial and error and real life experiences RESPONSIBILITY Responsible for my little sister on Saturday. I help the student newspaper meet our deadlines. SELF-ESTEEM I find it easy to discuss my student, community and work involvement. I can express my beliefs freely and believe that I make others feel comfortable doing this. I’m not afraid to have someone disagree with my beliefs. SELF-MANAGEMENT I manage my time wisely and always keep a calendar with me INTEGRITY/HONESTY I believe that my reputation is the only thing that makes me different from those who cheat and lie. I always keep my promise or I don’t make commitments. |
INTERVIEWING REPORT |
Typical interview questions that you may have to answer (Try answering them now!) |
| Tell me about yourself .. What is your greatest strength? What are your three most important career accomplishments? Why should I hire you? Or ask yourself this one…If you were an employer, would you hire a person with your behavior patterns and your attitude? How would your supervisor describe you? What is the most difficult situation you have ever faced? What would you like to improve about yourself? What are your career goals? What have you learned from your past mistakes? What were some of them? Can you work well under stress? Are you a team player? What are the things that motivate you? What is the most important thing to you in a job? |
CAREER GOALS |
No matter what your occupation, you’ll need G.O.A.L.S. Use this acronym to prescribe success. |
G - Go for the gold. Don't settle for anything less O - Quality work. A - Attitude. Be focused; surround yourself with positive thinkers like yourself. And learn from your mistakes. L - Leader. Be a leader. Lead by example. S - Stay with it. Don’t give up the ship. Stick to it. |
With your career, pick your passion. “Choose a career where you can have fun and have career growth” |
CHECK YOURSELF OUT… |
v How’s your attendance and punctuality? v Are you reliable? v Are you respectful? Always? (Remember, your customers, boss, fellow employees may not always be respectful to you!) v How’s your attitude? v If you were hiring an employee – would you hire yourself? |
The COPS Career Clusters |
SCIENCE, Professional CONSUMER ECONOMICS SCIENCE, Skilled OUTDOOR TECHNOLOGY, Professional BUSINESS, Professional TECHNOLOGY, Skilled BUSINESS, Skilled CLERICAL ARTS, Professional COMMUNICATION ARTS, Skilled SERVICE, Professional SERVICE, Skilled |
CAREER FIELDS |
AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES CAREERS Animal Trainer/Breeder Farm Manager Forester/Conservationist Golf Course Management Landscaping Operations and Management ART & COMMUNICATION CAREERS Actor Advertising/Graphic Designer Broadcast Meteorologist Illustrator Interior Decorator Journalist Metal & Jewelry Artist Museum Careers Physician Assistant Podiatrist Music Performer Photographer Photojournalist Producer Director Public relations Specialist Recording Engineer Radio Disk Jockey Television Broadcaster BUSINESS & FINANCIAL SERVICES CAREERS Accountant Bank Manager Financial Planner Human Resource Management Insurance Careers Labor Relations Manager Purchasing Agent Real Estate Broker/Manager CAREER SERVICES Adult & Community Education Government Service/Civil Service NYS Job Service S.A.T. Preparation Workforce Investment consortium US Small Business Administration VESID-Vocational Education Services For Individuals with Disabilities Volunteer Information Youth Court CONSTRUCTION, PRODUUCTION & MECHANICAL CAREERS Carpenter Contractor Electrician Glazier Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technician Interior Designer Machinist Mason & Tile Setter Painter/Paperhanger Plumber & Steamfitter Printing Industries Careers Surveyor Welder EDUCATION CAREERS College/University Administrator Child Care Elementary Teacher Higher Education Marketing & Public Relations Professor Public Librarian School Counselor Student Personnel Services GOVERNMENT CAREERS Elected Official Internal Revenue Service Urban & Regional Planner HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES CAREERS Audiologist Chiropractor Dental Hygienist/Assistant Dental Lab Technician Dentist Dietician/Nutritionist Emergency Medical Technician Gerontologist Health & Medical Administrator Home Healthcare Provider Licensed Veterinary Technician Massage Therapist Medical Assistant Medical Lab Technologist/Technician Occupational Therapist Oncologist Optician Optometrist Orthodontic Lab Technician Pharmacist Physical Therapist Physician Psychiatrist/Psychologist Radiation Therapist Radiological Technologist Registered/Licensed Practical Nurse Respiratory Therapist Social Workers Speech Pathologist Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer Surgeon Surgical Technician Veterinarian Nuclear Medicine Technology Chef/Cook/Caterer Corporate Travel Manager Hotel Manager Recreation Management Restaurant Operation Manager Sports Management Travel & Tourism Careers INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAREERS Computer Installation/Repair Computer Programmer Database Administrator Network Administrator Software/Hardware Engineer Systems Analyst Telecommunications Engineer Web design & Development LEGAL & PROTECTIVE SERVICES CAREERS Corrections Officer Court Reporter FBI Agent Firefighter Immigration Officer Lawyer/Judge Paralegal/Legal Assistant Parole Officer Police Officer Private Investigator Probation Officer State Trouper U.S. Customs Officer LOGISTICS, TRANSPORTATION & DISTRIBUTION SERVICES CAREERS Airlines Industry Air Traffic Controller Aircraft Pilot & Navigator Flight Attendant AUTOMOTIVEAuto/Automotive Body Repair Automotive Technician Automotive Sales Small Engine Mechanic Rail Transportation Occupations Truck Driver MANUFACTURING CAREERS Computer Aided drafter/Designer Robotics Sheet Metal Worker Tool & Die Worker/Machinist MILITARY CAREERS SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES CAREERS Aerospace Engineering Aquatic Biologist Architect Biomedical Science Careers Chemical Engineering Chemist Civil Engineer Electrical/Electronic/Communications Engineer Electrical Technician Environmental Engineer Geologist Industrial Engineer Landscape Architecture Mechanical Engineer Meteorologist Microbiologist Physicist Plant Molecular Biochemist Structural Engineer Zoologist WHOLESALE/RETAIL SALES & SERVICES CAREERS Barber/Hairstylist/Cosmetic services Business Marketing & Marketing Management Florist Funeral Services & Mortuary Science Store Manager |
HOT JOBS v Allied Health Professions v Security v Construction v Computer/Information Technology v Aerospace/Defense v Teachers/Administration v Social Service/Social Worker |
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