Includes bibliographical references (p. 275-277) and index.
Contents:
When one career door closes, look for others to open -- Doug Hardy -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- The Take a look around, a real look around! -- [1A]. Introduction : Discover what is really out there -- [1B]. Look inside -- First know thyself - now, not later -- This is a test; this is only a test -- What are you good at? Ask someone else! -- Career choice goes beyond what you are good at -- Abilities and skills [not equal to] interests and passions -- You have to live with your values -- Don't know what you want? Then start with the opposite! -- [1C]. Look outside -- Career information is just a page or two anyway -- Talk to people - that's "people,: not "person" -- You do not need to talk to people in person -- Lurk and learn : Internet listservs open your eyes to new possibilities -- use professional associations to explore careers -- The hidden treasures in career center placement statistics -- Your school's alums will probably help you - but only if you ask! -- [1D]. Look with patience and an open mind Speed kills - this won't be fast -- You can make a career out of almost anything -- The healthiest attitude : "I'm not lost; I'm exploring!" -- Treat career exploration like a trip to the toy store . Look around! Browse! -- When one career door closes, look for others to open -- [2D]. Eliminate an option only if you have thoroughly investigated it -- [2A]. Introduction : Think about how you think -- [2B]. Confront your internal beliefs -- Think "what will I do first?" instead of "what will I do with my life?" -- Questions your sources as you explore career options -- Do not let old assumptions keep you from newfound happiness -- Beware of either/or thinking -- Career decision-making traps to avoid -- [2C]. Confront your external influences -- Geography matters in your career decision making -- Labor market forecasts - handle with care -- Money, status, and power are not the only forms of pay -- It is hard to make career decisions when you are dealing with other serious issues -- [2D]. Confront your conclusions -- You are not the only one who is struggling to decide -- Eliminate an option only if you have thoroughly investigated it -- [3C]. Do not take your technology skills for granted -- [3A]. Introduction : Experience leads to skills; skills lead to jobs -- [3B]. Focus on action -- At some point, you have to stop planning and start doing -- Experience is not optional; it is essential -- Internship is just one name for valuable experience -- Internships and co-ops give you a competitive edge -- You can get paid for an unpaid internship -- Starting at the bottom is not a sadistic hazing ritual -- [3C]. Focus on skills -- Develop the soft skills employers demand -- Your moneymaking jobs matter more than you think -- Campus activities build essential skills that you may overlook -- Your classroom experiences matter to employers -- Volunteer for your career -- Identify the skills you have gained from hobbies and avocations -- Do not take your technology skills for granted -- [4C]. Introverts can network too -- [4A]. Introduction : Think like an employer, win the job -- [4B]. Perfect your attitude -- Entitlement kills -- :Give me a chance" will give you no chance -- Yes, you do have contacts to network with! -- It's not what you know or who you know - it's both -- This test is graded on a curve -- Focus is critical to job search success -- [4C]. Perfect your approach -- It is never too early to start your job search -- When in doubt, apply! -- You can beat the low GPA blues -- Customized, carefully crafted documents win interviews - and jobs -- Use numbers to give contest to your accomplishments -- On-campus recruiters are not the only ones with job openings -- Get involved in a professional organization to make yourself known -- Why is networking so effective? The reasons have little to do with you -- Introverts can network too -- The Index. Presentation is everything - make sure you look good on paper and in person -- Examples beat mere words in your job search -- Portfolios : proof of your claims -- Practice makes perfect where interviewing is concerned -- Out-research your competitors, win the job -- Interviewing is a two way street -- The power of a simple thank-you note -- All sorts of factors impact your job search success (or lack thereof) -- Epilogue : There is no need to go it alone : 10 reasons to visit your campus career center -- Additional help -- About the author -- Index.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.