Knowing His Role

…I was at a school today, giving a presentation about careers and personalities. Most of these students were underclassmen, like freshmen and sophmores. As a part of my discussion and presentation, I was explaining to these students that it is important to find what you like to do in general and figure how you can attain the skills needed to successfully perform the functions of the job.

Most of the students were understanding and we even went through my color meter to indicate specifically what kinds of personality traits and characteristics they have. Then we matched that up with various careers that I suggested. Well many of them seemed to understand and comprehend what I was talking about. They could actually see what type of personality and character they have, that in turn helps them to choose the kind of work they should look into.

They were getting it!

One of the students, a little freshmen, maybe 4’10 and all of 100 pounds wet. Thomas raised his hand and explained to me that he likes to cook but doesn’t know anything about it. His cooking abilities are not that great, yet. But he knows what he is interested in…as a start.

A start is the biggest step

…that start is all you need. Find and know what you want first. Make a list of everything you like to do. Especially consider the classes you are in, in school. I’m sure there is something you can find that you enjoy in class. Well, what is it about those classes that you like?

Thomas knew his interest in cooking because of his sister’s ability to cook very well. Many of you find persoonal qualities or some connection or link to the career or job you choose to do. This student has that opportunity and is fortunate enough to learn about culinary and cooking through his sister.

However, he’s still pretty far off.

Sure, he’s not skilled in cooking at all, yet. He’ll develop and enhance those skills in school and college. At least he knows where he stands. Now it will be his job to enroll in the culinary program that happens to be here and learn the skills needed and see if its an interest for him in the future.

What about you? Are you in the same boat as Thomas? Many student tell me they don’t know what they want to do. They don’t know what they are good at. Think about everything you do in life to start. Make a list. Look it over. Keep looking at it and what is it about those things that you like. That’s a start. You start realizing the skills that come along with those things you like to do.

What’s next

…so Thomas asked me “what’s next…what do I do now if I know?”

I love this kind of question. The simple fact that he raised his hand to ask a question is a HUGE step. His next step would be to certainly take some courses while in high school in Culinary Arts. There is a career center here in Fort Wayne that he can attend.

Well, this will make it or break it for him. Thomas will know even before he is a HS senior if he’ll like being in culinary as a career choice or not. Instead of waiting until college and spending money on possible unneeded tuition, to find out he’ll know beforehand.

Not a bad idea, but many of you probably don’t feel that way. Many of you may be struggling with just what to do. Following my 3 step approach, knowing your likes, skills/talents and personality, will greatly enhance your abilities and opportunities. Find the sort of CAREER your interested in, and that fits your personality.

Then move forward to research that actual JOBS that are involved within those CAREERS that you choose. You alway want to make 2-3 different career choices. You cann do a Google search on anything. Or Bing.

Check out WWW.BLS.GOV to get more specific information on jobs, and the types of duties and responsibilities, salary expectations, and growth or decline in demand for particular jobs. This site provides you with specific and true insight with the information you need to make the right decisions. Go to Occupational Outlook Handbook within www.bls.gov.

Its important for you to have an interest and passion for what you do on a daily basis. Its a part of natural human development and a blessing for each of you to have.

Your Success is My Success,

Keith Lipke

  

Keith Lipke is a careers and college recruiter, coach, mentor and blogger at     The Hope Chest. His passion is to educate, inspire, and give hope to young people who need it upon their search for the right career and college.