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Check out the career
After considering your job preferences list, you have made a tentative selection of a career that seems to interest you. Next you must investigate that career. Here is a prioritized list of contacts to put your selection to the real test.

First, employers
Go to a representative employer of the sort of worker you want to be. And then fill put another set of numbers based on on how an employer feels about the job characteristics. They may be pleased to take a few moments to work with you to help you find your job goals relative to your preference items.

A contact with an employer could change your outlook about an occupation. Yet this is usually made last: the day you interview for the job. You must admit that the very best person to ask about the requirements for getting a job is the person who ultimately may be your employer. Who else will pay for the skills you master? So begin with a prospective or representative employer for the job you have in mind. Let that employer tell you which skills are necessary for the job today. Also listen closely when he or she projects for you on the new job skills that may be essential when you are ready to apply for a job. Through the comments of a person like this, you will have the best information on which to base a decision. If you are able to talk to more than one employer, fantastic. Don't be reluctant. Do it. That's where the action is located. Career counselors may have names of people in your local business community who are willing to spend a few moments with you. An employer is the person who will give you the chance to prove you have the necessary job skills. Why not pay close attention to what an employer suggests?

Questions to ask a representative or prospective employer:
What seems to be the need for more workers in the future?
What skills are essential at what skill level?
Can you suggest the location of training programs for this occupation?
What sort of training would be helpful but not required?
Would you recommend that a person like me go into this business?
How much upgrading will I need to keep current with the occupation?
Are the chances for advancement typically good?
How do the salary levels seem to be right now?
What trends do you see in the business/industry?
What would be the normal next step from this job?
How long does it take for a person to move up in responsibility and pay?
What other related occupations do you feel have excellent futures?

Second, employees
People who already have a job doing what you want to do may be an excellent source for inside information. After all, any information about the job will be helpful. With this help of a person now working on the job, run down your preference list. Ask the worker if these preference items of yours will fit the job. The responses might surprise you. And if you can, ask even more than one person so your results will be more valid. Take notes on what each worker says. Record the skills they see as useful in the future. Although an employer is the person who has the best information to help you get a job, the person who is currently doing the work to which you aspire will have information that will help you keep the job.

Questions to ask a person who has your job now
How long did it take you to get good at your job?
What is the most useful information you know?
What seems to be the trend for your job?
If you had a choice, would you change vocations? To what?
Do you know of training programs for people like me?
Where and how often do you upgrade your skills?
If you had time, what other things would be useful to know?
What are the titles of books that you use in your work?
Who are the leading authors in your field?
What are the chances for a new worker like me to get a job in a few years?
How would you get into the business again?
Do you have tools or books you want to sell?

Third, ask family and friends
After talking with an employer and employee about job possibilities, the time is right to ask your family and friends how they feel. 
Without the support of your people, getting through a program of study or even one course might be impossible. Ask them if they can see you in this chosen occupation. Listen closely. They want the best for you.

Questions to ask family and friends
Do you know anyone who ever worked as a(n) _______________.
Where can I set up a lab bench at home to practice my skills?
Where can I set up a study area so my books and papers will not be lost?
Will you buy me a book case?
Do you have magazines or books about ______ that you can loan me?
do you know where I might get a four drawer file cabinet?
Will you help me study when I have to memorize material?
Will you read over my papers before I turn them in?
When can you help me drill facts for this course?
Do you think I have what it takes to become a(n) ______.
Are you willing to not have me around as often while I'm seeking the training?
Do you think I am aiming too high or too low?
As you meet people will you ask them about information for me about ______?

Fourth Faculty
Consult the faculty to match job requirements as stipulated by employers and current employees in your future job with existing course offerings. Faculty are at their best when advising you about courses to take to meet job skill needs. They also may be able to offer names of contacts in the business.

Questions to ask faculty
Do you have inside contacts in the occupational area that I might consult?
What do you see as the future for this career field?
How important will math be to me and to what level of difficulty?
What is the method of reserving office hour appointments with you?
Have any of your previous students become ______?
Do you know of schools with similar programs that are near by?
Where might this course transfer to a higher level degree program?

Fifth Counselors
Another group of people who can help in setting up a program of study are college counselors. Once you have determined which courses to take, a counselor can match you up with the educational system. Let this person help you fit in. But don't expect counselors to tell you which courses to take or what to do for your occupation. However, they may have contacts in the community for you to also discuss your career plan. Don't leave out this important group.

Questions to ask a counselor
Do you know of an employer who would discuss my plans with me?
How can I resolve the problem of poor grades which I stioll have on my record?
Which credits will normally transfer to this school?
Can you direct me to the faculty advisor for my area?
Do you expect a person with my background will have difficulty?
What services are available at your college to improve my reading ability?
Have you found many students interested in this program?
Is there a placement office which will assist me in finding a job when I graduate?

Sixth, other students
Other students may have the newest rumor free for the asking. Don't put them down. They are operating under the same system as you are.  Remember to confirm all rumors before making graduation plans on rumors.

Questions to ask other students
Who seems to be the best lab instructor for you?
Who seems to be the best theory instructor?
Who is usually available to help after class?
Who can you go to with a problem?
Where is the library?
When will the next big test be given?
Do you know of study guides that have helped you?
Have you knowledge of any part time jobs in this field?
Do you have any books to sell that I might need?
Will you review before the exam with me?
Do you know of other schools where a person might transfer after this program for a higher level of education?

Career Tools SOURCE

Here is a collection of quite useful links to sources of tools to help you as you make your career selection and preparation. Follow a few links to see what you'll find.

Use this link rack to go to the next step you would like to make at technicianeducation.com.

Use this Google Search box to further refine your information needs.

Follow these hyperlinks to investigate details about each of the technologies mentioned.

Prepared 2005-Revised 2007
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