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Changing Perception of Careers
The many young adults just graduating from high school or
college are entering a different work world from their parents
and grandparents. How would you answer the following true
or false statements about the future of the workplace? (answers
at the bottom)
1. Most people will stay with the same employer for at
least 10 years. T F
2. The company will provide you with the skills you need
to move ahead. T F
3. Once you graduate, you won't need to take more classes.
T F
4. Computer skills are optional. T F
Currently, there is a fundamental shift in the way career
is viewed, and for many of us, we may want to adjust the way
we think about the world of work. The prospect of finding
and obtaining secure, long-term employment will be challenging.
Most people will change employers more frequently due to a
myriad of reasons such as: mergers, new company strategies
and technological changes. Career professionals now recommend
a self-directed focus on the development of personal talents
and skills combined with a more entrepreneurial approach to
work, because the traditional career path may no longer be
available. According to workplace expert, William Bridges
(1995), organizations are eliminating many full-time permanent
employees and creating a workplace of part-time and contingent
workers that meet specific project requirements.
As a result of these changes, young adults, as well as seasoned
professionals, need to be opportunistic and flexible as they
create self-directed goals to upgrade their skills. Highly
valued skills in technology, communication, and project management
can bolster a workers' opportunities and place their varied
skill sets apart from others. Today's new worker may frighten
those who still operate from the previous perspective that
the organization provides stable employment for a lifetime
and takes responsibility for our professional development.
However, the changes in today's workplace aren't something
to be afraid of! These changes offer us varied possibilities,
including the independence to chart our own course, arrange
flexible work schedules to meet lifestyle interests, increase
self-directed learning opportunities, and often, an increase
in income compared to colleagues waiting in traditional roles
for someone to direct their development.
To be prepared, "individuals should consider themselves
a collection of attributes and skills, not job titles"
(Kerka, 1997). Having a clearer awareness and understanding
of yourself can greatly enhance your ability to articulate
personal vision and your value to employers. Are YOU ready
for this more self-directed, entrepreneurial work environment?
(All answers are false)
Resources:
Bridges, William (1995). Job Shift: How to Prosper in a
World Without Jobs
Kerka, Sandra (1997). Will We All Be Portfolio Workers?
Educational Resources Information Center, Trends and Issues
Alert http://ericacve.org/doc
© Copyright 2001, Career Vision. Article may be reprinted
with permission.
Direction.
Decisions. Satisfaction.
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