What’s the Deal with Career Indicator Tests?

career-test

We all know what career indicator tests are—or, at least, I hope we do. Most of us have taken one at some time or another. Although, what significance do these examinations hold? How seriously should we consider the results? Are all analyses created equal? It is important to remember that test results are only an indicator. It should not be the complete measurement of which job or career is best for you. … [Read more...]

Ten Learning Resources You Might Not Have Thought Of

Education

Most of us have now recognized how important it is to develop your skills after graduation, so that you continue to keep up with advances in your field.  This is something that's mandatory for a healthy career, whether or not you get reimbursed by your employer. … [Read more...]

The New Movement Towards an American Gap Year

Delayed enrollment is a common feature at many colleges and universities, allowing accepted students to put off becoming freshmen until a year or more has elapsed since they chose to attend. This offers many the opportunity to travel or work in a field that interests them before they set foot in a college classroom. Once you reach your senior year at university, however, your thoughts may shift to finding that perfect job within your field or the graduate program that will allow you to reach … [Read more...]

Online Degrees

Many people are finding it harder to further their education in today's society. Some people have families and work full-time. With our busy schedules, we barely have time for ourselves much less travel back and forth to school. Thus, online education makes it easier for people to pursue their education at a time that is convenient for them. Finding the right online degree program is a tedious process that requires much research. Fortunately, the internet has most of the information you need … [Read more...]

Why You Want a Mentor

Life is about learning. When you stop learning, you're on the downward path. But we have this outdated notion of learning: That you spend the first 18-25 years of your life getting educated, and then the rest of your life you merely USE what you learned. Fortunately, most people now recognize that this is entirely unrealistic. And may lead you to some bad decisions. … [Read more...]

Running in Place & Career Plateaus

Running Shoes

Running in place doesn’t get a lot of respect.  Many athletes think of it as what you do when you’re waiting for a light to change, or when you have absolutely no alternative.  It’s virtually the fitness equivalent of spinning your wheels, and nobody wants to do that. Especially when it comes to their careers. … [Read more...]

New Learners for the New Economy

While things are looking a little brighter, the economy still seems to be in a bit of free fall. (Except if you're at Goldman Sachs.) If you aren't looking for work yourself, you know someone who is searching for a job, who just graduated, or is tuning up their skills so they don't get permanently furloughed or downsized. What qualities do you need as a learner to adapt to our new economy? What learning attributes do employers seek in the flatter, fragmented, and constantly changing workplace? … [Read more...]

Big Picture Skills & Training

In today’s complex work environment, certain jobs require very specific skills.  Marketers need to know their Diggs from their Tweets, rocket scientists need to know rocket science and IT support staff have to be comfortable handling dumb questions from confused people. In all seriousness, many important job skills are usually acquired through specialized training or on-the-job experience, such as how medical students gradually become brain surgeons. … [Read more...]

Training for Trainers: A Clear Voice to Open the Path

Teaching

The first leaders in any child's life are his parents, then come his teachers. I fondly recall my English teacher standing in front of the class, straight, with a clear and confident voice teaching us the rudiments of the language.  In my mind, she will always have a special place - because she taught me something new, something so essential, and with such grace and dedication.  … [Read more...]

Should You Undertake Graduate Studies if You Cannot Find a Job?

graduate-studies-1

Jason wrote: I recently graduated from university and have not found a job yet.  With the recession, should I think about going back to do graduate studies this fall if I don't have any interviews lined up for next month? Looking for a job during a recession is already difficult.  It can be made even more difficult if you are a new graduate and don't have work experience.  Give yourself some time and try to figure out why your job search is not producing results.  It may be that you approach … [Read more...]