7 Steps to Developing a Career Vision Statement
By Kris Powers | February 17th 2015
What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you still searching for the answer? Are you where you want to be in your professional life or is something missing?
Developing a career vision statement will help bring your ideal career into focus. Unlike a career “mission statement”, which puts the focus on where you are currently; a career “vision statement” helps you to create a mental image of yourself in the career you really want – the career that will bring you fulfillment and joy. Your vision is a “picture” of what you aspire to, and what inspires you, in your work life.
The following steps, adapted from Randall S. Hansen of Quintessential Careers, will put you well on your way to creating a career vision statement that will inspire and motivate you.
Ed4Career – Taking Career Programs to a Whole New Level!
By Kris Powers | January 27th 2015
When planning and preparing for a new career, it’s important to consider all of the skills and knowledge you will need to be the most successful.
Employers look for two different skill sets in applicants: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are teachable abilities or easily quantified: a degree or certificate, computer skills, writing ability, etc. Soft skills are more difficult to quantify. These are also known as “interpersonal skills” and relate to the way you present yourself as well as how you interact with others. Examples might include: communication, workplace professionalism, and time management. Techtarget.com offers the following definition of soft skills, “Soft skills …are also defined by abilities that can be practiced, such as leadership, empathy, communication and sociability.”
The Human-Animal Connection
By Kris Powers | January 20th 2015
In 2012, 62 percent of American households included at least one pet. Studies have shown that health benefits for those living or working with pets include emotional, psychological and physical benefits. These benefits may translate to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and better mental health. In addition, research has also shown that humans respond in a unique way to animals in a wide variety of therapy and care settings.
According to the AVMA, “The veterinarian’s role in the human-animal bond is to maximize the potential of this relationship between people and animals and specifically to promote the health and well-being of both.” We feel that this role is also the responsbility of all members of the veterinary staff, from the front desk to those working side by side with the doctors.
Ten Steps Closer to a Career Change
By Kris Powers | October 7th 2014
Monster.com states “The right career is a positive, productive and natural extension of you, your value system and your natural talents.”
People who work in careers that are well suited to them and their values are happier and healthier! If you’ve been experiencing discontent in your current position or feel like maybe it’s time for a change; take these steps to help discover if a career change is right for you.
1. Take a career assessment quiz – there are many free options online. Consider your strengths, talents, and skills that perhaps aren’t being utilized to their fullest extent in your current position.
The Need for Skilled Trades Training
By Kris Powers | September 2nd 2014
Many businesses that rely on skilled workers report difficulty finding qualified individuals to fill open jobs. In fact, skilled trades have been the hardest segment of the workforce for employers to staff for the last three years, according to Manpower Group.
Top 4 Careers for Transitioning Military by Angela Caban
By Guest Blogger | August 12th 2014
When businesses hire military veterans, the workforce gains invaluable skills because of military training. As a veteran transitioning out of the military, you may have doubts about the type of jobs out there and whether or not you may qualify for it. Employers take on the job training such as military experience, but if you are looking in another field you have no experience in - there are options for you to obtain the training in that field in as little as 60 days and use your GI bill and tuition assistance in the process. Here are the top 4 in demand jobs for transitioning military and how you can obtain training and certification in these fields.
The Need for Skilled Workers in America
By Kris Powers | July 8th 2014
In many high schools across the nation, shop class is non-existent. Consequently, so are the potential trades-people that are born out of that early exposure to tools and machinery. What is America going to do without skilled workers who can build and fix things?
The Power of Just One Word
By Kris Powers | January 14th 2014
I recently came across a post by Jon Gordon who was sharing the concept of “Just One Word.” This concept is explained fully in the book entitled Wisdom Walks, co-authored by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page.
American Education Week
By Kris Powers | November 18th 2013
“If we want America to lead in the 21st century, nothing is more important than giving everyone the best education possible — from the day they start preschool to the day they start their career.”
—President Barack Obama
In 1919, the NEA and the American Legion sought ways to generate public support for education. Their efforts resulted in a national effort to raise public awareness of the importance of education. In 1921, the NEA called for: "An educational week ... observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs."
What do You Want to be When You Grow Up?
By Kris Powers | October 29th 2013
What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a common question often asked of small children and answered by many aspiring ballerinas and astronauts.
As the mother of two college-age sons, I see them struggling with the same question. Only this time, their answers count. High schools are asking Freshman to declare their major; and of course, colleges demand the same.
What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a tough question for many of us to answer at any age. However, I truly believe we can all benefit by asking ourselves this question over and over again at various periods throughout our lives. Our interests are always evolving and new technologies open up job opportunities that may not have been available to us previously.