Career Choice Dont Bark Up the Wrong Tree!

Career Choice Dont Bark Up the Wrong Tree! TweetIf youre considering a career change, its important to know not only what you are good at and enjoy, but where the best opportunities are. Understanding both of these factors helps ensure youre not barking up the wrong tree. If youre talented and driven enough to succeed in a glutted occupation like rock star, astronaut or librarian (!), Im not saying you shouldnt give it a shot. But too often Ive seen job seekers struggle because they didnt take these factors into account when they first made their decision or they just didnt know the facts. The Department of Labor is a treasure trove for information on occupations, including statistics on their growth or shrinkage, which is a good indication of the level of demand. Look up occupations youre considering at Americas Career InfoNet or O*NET. Youll also find out about working conditions, skills and education required, and much more. Which occupations have particularly good prospects these days? A recent Careerbuilder survey states that employers are having difficulty filling openings for the following: Sales Representative Machine Operator/Assembler/Production Worker Nurse Truck Driver Software Developer Engineer Marketing Professional Accountant Mechanic IT Manager/Network Administrator Youll also want to know whether your target industry is growing, especially if you have highly portable skills such as IT or accounting. America Career InfoNets top 50 span a wide range, from healthcare and aging-related industries through satellite telecoms, management consultants and even masonry contractors. Other online sources show lists that look very different, probably due to differing ways of interpreting the statistics. Check more than one source. Choosing an occupation shouldnt be based entirely on gut feelings or happenstance. Its worth doing some research! Career Choice Dont Bark Up the Wrong Tree! TweetIf youre considering a career change, its important to know not only what you are good at and enjoy, but where the best opportunities are. Understanding both of these factors helps ensure youre not barking up the wrong tree. If youre talented and driven enough to succeed in a glutted occupation like rock star, astronaut or librarian (!), Im not saying you shouldnt give it a shot. But too often Ive seen job seekers struggle because they didnt take these factors into account when they first made their decision or they just didnt know the facts. The Department of Labor is a treasure trove for information on occupations, including statistics on their growth or shrinkage, which is a good indication of the level of demand. Look up occupations youre considering at Americas Career InfoNet or O*NET. Youll also find out about working conditions, skills and education required, and much more. Which occupations have particularly good prospects these days? A recent Careerbuilder survey states that employers are having difficulty filling openings for the following: Sales Representative Machine Operator/Assembler/Production Worker Nurse Truck Driver Software Developer Engineer Marketing Professional Accountant Mechanic IT Manager/Network Administrator Youll also want to know whether your target industry is growing, especially if you have highly portable skills such as IT or accounting. America Career InfoNets top 50 span a wide range, from healthcare and aging-related industries through satellite telecoms, management consultants and even masonry contractors. Other online sources show lists that look very different, probably due to differing ways of interpreting the statistics. Check more than one source. Choosing an occupation shouldnt be based entirely on gut feelings or happenstance. Its worth doing some research!