Tag Archive
Is There A Difference Between A Job And A Career?
I encourage teens to do what they love. I believe that teens should do what they love when it comes to hobbies, community services, and employment. So, when asked the question is there a difference between a job and a career my answer is a resounding yes.
A job is what you do to earn money but a career is a series of connected employment endeavors. Let me use myself as an example. Since graduating from college many years ago I have been employed in various organizations working with various populations – families, pre-school and elementary school, pre-teens, teens and teen parents. I have also volunteered in many different capacities, and just like my employment opportunities, they all fit perfectly in my social work career path. All of my jobs have led me further down the same career track.
Creating A Portfolio Build’s Winner Habits
The process of developing a portfolio in our Packaged For Success™ Portfolio Development Program builds winner habits. Success is within our reach.
A habit is a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition. Winner and losers do things differently. They not only think differently but they also act differently. Winners have habits that are valuable and move them forward.
Winner Habits:
- Get Clear– You cannot achieve success or reach your goals without a clear vision. You will not know if you are making progress is you do not know what you are working toward. Clarity allows you to focus on what you want to accomplish.
- Strategize and Plan – Winners create strategies and plans before they take action. They do not waste time and energy by taking action without careful consideration.
- Self-Motivation and Enthusiasm – Winners are proactive. Winners do not wait for someone to tell them what to do. Winners are go-getters who are enthusiastic about their goals. When you are not passionate about something the work is like drudgery. The excitement and enthusiasm that winners exhibit about their purpose and goals is often contagious.
Teens Practice at College and Career Fairs
Deciding whether or not to attend college after high school and what institution to attend is one of the most important decisions young adults make. Every fall students from high school to college have the opportunity to attend college and career fairs in their local area. Local school systems organize them. College preparatory agencies organize them. Youth development agencies organize them. Congressional leaders organize them. But are they worth the time and preparation? Of course they are. And for more reasons than any of you might think.
I recommend students begin attending college and career fairs as early as 9th grade. I even recommend students who don’t think they want to go to college attend at least one college fair. I recommend students attend so that they not only become familiar with various academic institutions and potential professions but also so that they are knowledgeable about how to represent themselves when they become high school seniors.
Why Do You Recommend Internships?
Experience is a great teacher. On the job training is a bonus and not a rule in many places of employment and that is the main reason that I highly recommend that all high school and college students complete an internship. Many students who are seeking employment aren’t hired because they lack experience. They are unable to gain experience because no one will hire them. An internship has many short and long-term benefits. I have listed some of them below.
Intern – any official or formal program to provide practical experience for beginners in an occupation or profession
Career Exploration
- Apply classroom knowledge to the field
- Try different career paths/comparison shop careers
- Decide if the industry is the right field for you
Skill Building
- Gain relevant work experience
- Develop marketable skills
- Enhance existing professional skills
- Gain confidence in your skills
- Build your resume
Employment
- Entry into a company you want to work in
