Abstract As distance learning becomes more prevalent in society and, as a result, makes accessibility to education easier for the population, it is increasingly more important to understand learning styles. It is also important to understand how people make career decisions. The paper explains that research shows that the way people learn influences the rate of success they have in their chosen careers. The confidence found in learning also allows people to know him or herself better so that their goals fit their personalities. To better understand the types of students who graduate from distance education programs, this paper looks at the learning styles of David Kolb. It also looks at John Holland's research on self-directed search to comprehend how personality plays an enormous factor in careerchoices.
From the Paper "For years, organizations have applied the Self-Directed Search model to career seekers as a way to determine personality. This model can also help determine the type of personality represented in the distance learner. The Self-Directed Search is founded out of Dr. John Holland's theory that both people and environments can be classified according to six basic types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional or (RIASEC). Markers presented from the results can also help a person understand how they fit in the workforce and this results in better career matches."
Abstract The paper shows that in today's fast changing world, where a secure life long career or job can no more be guaranteed or taken for granted, career and life planning at an early age has become crucially important for ones success and well-being in life. It explains how one has to be proactive and take charge of one's life instead of reacting to the circumstances. The author of the paper explains the reasons he chose Business Administration (Management/ International Business) as a career. He discusses the importance of business administration and describes his career and personal objectives and the labor market trends in this field.
From the Paper "The next important process in career planning is setting up your long-term and short-term goals. In practical terms, this would mean deciding about what work you would like to do, now, in 2 years from now and 5 years from now. In my case, I have decided to make my career in Business Administration and Management. As far as my short-term and long-term goals are concerned, I am quite certain about them. My short-term goal is to find an entry-level Management position in a corporation engaged in International business. My long-term career goal is to become the best in the business. I realize that the long-term goal that I have set for myself is ambitious but I believe that if the aim is not high enough, a person does not challenge him/herself to the limits of his/her capabilities."
Abstract In this article the writer notes that career counseling is becoming increasingly sophisticated in terms of the methods of study and the implications gained from research and case studies in the field of counseling. The writer points out that one of the more recent developments in career counseling is in the area of inter-personal relationships that exist outside of the work environment and looks at how these can impact both the job candidate's professional aspirations and the likely outcomes for job performance. This paper examines how relationships among and between work, family, and associated factors that are involved in relationships can affect job performance. Further the writer discusses how it is the career counselor's responsibility to identify these aspects and contextualize then in respect to potential job openings and career decision-making.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature on Careers and Inter-personal Relationships
Summary
From the Paper "Recently, author Barbara Ehrenreich called attention to the problems that many older professionals face when they lose their existing position and need to move into another. In her book, Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream, Ehrenreich pretended to be a woman in her mid-fifties who had been downsized from a competitive white-collar job and was seeking to enter the workplace. Initially, the book was intended to document her experiences as an older woman in the modern workforce, but after more than six months of actively seeking a job through various placement services, the book instead focuses on the challenges that older persons encounter when they look for new employment opportunities. She cautions against the use of career "coaches," who appear to take on the role of career counselors but are more likely to upsell their services and guarantee placement in jobs of the client's choice, as opposed to working with the client to help make appropriate decisions and build an effective career-oriented strategy."
Abstract This essay examines possible careerchoices in the medical field, specifically recreational therapy, speech-language pathology, and radiation therapy, the careerchoice of the author. In particular, the writer discusses the job duties that each profession entails, the educational requirements of each profession, the general advantages and disadvantages of those careers and the salary ranges of those occupations.
From the Paper "Since I plan on applying to OUHSC, I have researched their educational requirements a great deal and have found them to be in line with other institutions requirements. Therefore, I will base my educational information off of the University of Oklahoma Health and Science Center's requirements. "OUHSC requires that you complete or be in the process of completing the minimum of 64 prerequisite hours, prior to admittance into the programs. They also want you to be in good standing with the college or university that you last attended or are currently attending. OUHSC entails you to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on all college work you have attempted. There are also tests that you need to take if English is not your first language." (College of Allied Health. Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Radiation Therapy BSMIRS.)"
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that for the woman who chooses to pursue a career, managing that career means making choices not only about which path to follow at work, but also how to structure one's life and relate to one's goals of family, children, marriage and home. The writer points out that highly talented, ambitious women face enormous hurdles when attempting to achieve success in a traditionally male field of employment. The writer further notes that work as career, and achievement defined as climbing to the top of the corporate pyramid are viewed as attributes of a quintessentially male world. The writer concludes that career development for a woman presents issues that are absent from the same kinds of careerchoices made by most men. Further, the writer notes that a woman's choices are often determined by powerful social and cultural forces that shape her decisions.
From the Paper "Yet it is not only the women at the top end of the career spectrum who are faced with these pressures to conform to traditional stereotypes. Those pursuing career paths that require less education and training are just as much the victims of societal attitudes that may cause them to accept less-than-fulfilling positions, at lesser rates of pay, and with fewer chances for advancement. Married women, or women with living with men, regularly find their own career choices limited by those of the men with whom they live. These limitations are not directly the result of any discriminatory practices, or indicative of a pattern of giving preferential treatment to the husband, rather they are the result of the fact that the man still tends to be the higher earner in the household. It is for this reason that a couple, or a couple with children, will more easily decide to relocate for the sake of the man's career, rather than for the sake of the woman's."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at careerchoices and achievements as they relate to gender. The writer discusses that women's career development presents issues absent from the same kinds of strictly careerchoices made by most men. The writer maintains that a woman's choices are often determined by powerful social and cultural forces that shape her decisions in accordance with frequently false assumptions in regard to women's needs, abilities and aspirations. The writer concludes that a woman's career path is more often interrupted - and ultimately destroyed - as she sacrifices for the benefit of her husband or partner's career. The writer also notes that the prejudices that operate against almost all women are far worse for members of many minority groups.
From the Paper "Yet it is not only the women at the top end of the career spectrum who are faced with these pressures to conform to traditional stereotypes. Those pursuing career paths that require less education and training are just as much the victims of societal attitudes that may cause them to accept less-than-fulfilling positions, at lesser rates of pay, and with fewer chances for advancement. Married women, or women with living with men, regularly find their own career choices limited by those of the men with whom they live. These limitations are not directly the result of any discriminatory practices, or indicative of a pattern of giving preferential treatment to the husband, rather they are the result of the fact that the man still tends to be the higher earner in the household. It is for this reason that a couple, or a couple with children, will more easily decide to relocate for the sake of the man's career, rather than for the sake of the woman's. Necessarily this choice makes the woman's career secondary. Her achievement is placed on hold not merely by this one interruption, but potentially, by a pattern of interruptions that ultimately results in a vastly reduced opportunity for advancement and success. In these instances, a woman is continually starting over while making sacrifices so her husband or partner can advance."
Abstract This paper investigates the influence of gender on subject choices of post-16 students, looking particularly at A-level students who tend to select stereotypical subjects according to their gender. Subject choices have an impact on the job market, making certain careers dominated by a particular sex and this is a vital area to research as disproportionate subject choices in schools could prevent equality in the workplace. It determines whether this influence of gender on subject choice is a national trend and also if it has any consequence in the career market. The study is based on secondary data, consisting of official U.C.A.S. statistics and national A-level results. The paper includes various charts and graphs.
From the Paper "Although the 1944 Education Act made secondary education accessible to all children, boys and girls did not pursue the same curriculum, as the dominant ideology was they should study subjects which would best prepare them for their natural roles. Introducing a national curriculum in 1988 attempted to legislate gender equality in education. In an effort to eradicate the traditions of children taking subjects in accordance to their sex, girls were required to study previously male dominated subjects, and vice versa. Students were allowed to choose some subjects, in which gender differences can be noted, but this choice was only permitted outside the "core" areas of English, Science, Mathematics, Technology and a foreign language. However by A level, when students are given a complete choice of subjects to study the gender differences re-emerge despite pupils studying mostly the same subjects up until the age of 16."
Abstract This paper is a personal account detailing the author's choice to become an educator for elementary level children. The author explains that the decision to pursue a career track in elementary education was based on identifying the avenue that provides the greatest opportunity to influence young students positively, and identifying her greatest relative strengths.
Outline:
Introduction
The Elementary Education Career Track
The Secondary Education Career Track
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "When students first enter primary school, many do so with trepidation; thereafter, as many others fear embarrassment in front of their peers. Their susceptibility to establishing positive early general experiences or distinctly negative general experiences is very high at this point. Instructors have a clear opportunity to respond to students individually, challenging naturally high performers and gently encouraging slower learners and poorer performers. For this reason, a career in elementary school education emphasizes the ability to read overt behaviors and more subtle signals of grade school-age children."
An examination into the social factors that influence the professional choices made by "Upward Bound" students - a program designed to improve the academic performance of students who needed enrichment in their educational process.
Abstract This paper provides a definition of this program and explains that it was designed to improve current academic performance as well as set the stage for students to attend postsecondary institutions and succeed there. It explains that the research on the effectiveness of the program in general has shown mixed results. There are other influences operating on Upward Bound students and some of these are explored in terms of occupational choices. It looks at the background of the Upward Bound program, achievements of the program, and social influences on participants, along with research on occupational choice-making.
Introduction
Background
Upward-Bound Students
Achievements and Orientations
Social Influences and Occupational Choice-Making
References
From the Paper "The story of Upward Bound begins with the War on Poverty and legislation signed by Lyndon Johnson in 1964. The Economic Opportunity Act established an office of Economic Opportunity and special Programs for Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds (often known as the TRIO programs). The first TRIO program was actually Upward Bound, followed by Talent Search. These were followed by Student Support Services program and Educational Opportunity Centers. Following that, The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program was established in 1986, with the final piece of the program being the Upward Bound Math/Science Program, administered with the rest of the Upward Bound programs (McElroy and Armesto, 1998). Eligibility for participation in these programs was established firmly by the reauthorization of the HEA in 1980 and emphasized two concepts. First, students were anticipated to be the first in their families to pursue higher education. Second, the student's previous performance was considered in allowing for admission. Wolanin (1996) noted that the first-generation-college criterion was particularly important because it included non-financial barriers to college access. In other words, it was not an eligibility criteria based solely on financial qualifications, but on the status of the individual's family and the history of that family, which could have been impacted by many factors."
Abstract The paper explores how the financial responsibilities of women have changed over the years. It looks at the factors responsible for these changes, namely the high incidence of divorce, current no fault divorce, and inadequate child support laws. It also looks at prudent educational and careerchoices for women of today.
From the Paper "Today's young women must be prepared to take on the traditionally male financial responsibilities of raising a family. The high incidence of divorce, current no fault divorce, and inadequate child support laws have resulted in an increasing number of young women assuming the position of sole breadwinner for their children. Prudent educational and career choices can help young women prepare for the very real possibility that they will assume sole financial support for their children. "
This paper describes the careerchoices in computer science (IT), the study of computers and the programs that run on computers and architecture, the blend of art and science in the design of environments for people.
Abstract This paper explains that employment demand for IT professionals in this fastest growing industry creates excellent job opportunities especially in the professional and technical occupations. The author points out that in the computer field professional education does not stop with the college degree but must continue long-term with seminars, conferences and advanced courses and training to keep up with the rapid changes in the field. The paper state that architects must be licensed in the state in they work; most states require an NAAB-accredited first-professional degree with an internship period of typically three years in an architecture firm.
Table of Contents
Computer Science
Importance and Benefit of Computer Science
Education
Professional Benefits and Job Security
Architecture
Importance and Benefit of Architecture
Education
Professional Benefits and Job Security
From the Paper "When in high school, plan a college preparatory program strong in English, history, social studies, mathematics, physics, and foreign languages. If you can, add courses in business and computer science. It may surprise you to know that freehand drawing skills will be more useful to you than drafting ability. Because most state architectural licensing boards require a professional degree, you should pursue the first professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The most common first-professional degree programs are the five-year (undergraduate) Bachelor of Architecture and the six-year (undergraduate/graduate) Master of Architecture. Many students also prepare for a career in architecture with a four-year (undergraduate) liberal arts degree followed by a three- to four-year (graduate) Master of Architecture. An architecture curriculum is intensive and demanding, often requiring many hours of late-night effort."
Abstract This paper discusses factors that need to be taken into account when deciding between public and private accounting as a careerchoice. It looks into the five areas of work that an accountant will be involved in, namely auditing, budget analysis, financial, management accounting and taxes. It then goes on to describe some of the differences between working in a private or a public accounting job.
From the Paper "The path of an accountant in a private firm is a bit different. Most new accountants starting in private firms work in the controller's office. Similar to public accountants, new accountants working in private firms will start off assisting senior employees with tasks while they work on developing skills, experience and professional certification. Subsequently, veteran accountants in private firms tend to do work analyzing the financial status of the company for which they are working. This type of work can include budget analysis and asset and cost management ("Occupational Outlook")."
Abstract The paper reviews the literature concerning the impact of gender on occupations in the past and today. The paper concludes that many of the same trends that have affected the gender of a given occupation in the past can be expected to come into play in the future as well. The paper points out, however, that the impact of technology will likely have more of an effect on these strict gender-divisions than in the 19th and even the 20th centuries. The paper explains that things are changing faster as more people seek out alternative work arrangements such as telecommuting, where an individual's gender will likely be of less significance. The paper includes a table, graphs and extensive source material.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Some men and women may simply disregard certain career fields because of stereotypical perceptions of either the work involved or of the types of people that seek out such professions. In the not-so-distant past, people's career choices were related in many ways to their gender, with many fields being regarded as the sole domain of either men or women. Today, though, women enjoy many of the same opportunities as their male counterparts in almost every field of endeavor, and while the so-called glass ceiling may remain firmly in place in some regions of the country, enormous progress has been made in recent years to help level the playing field for everyone in the United States in terms of employment."
Abstract This paper shows the advantages and disadvantages of making investigative reporting a career. It discusses ways one could break into this field, the monetary gains, the risks involved, as well as a typical day in the life of an investigative reporter.
From the Paper "Being an investigative reporter has both its benefits and drawbacks. In my opinion the biggest benefit of this career is that each day is different. On any given day, an investigative reporter can be doing any of the following things: doing undercover work in the field, editing tape, writing script, interviewing sources, attending local meetings, or doing research on the internet or at the courthouse. Unfortunately, the advantage of getting to do something different each day also causes the biggest drawback in the field of journalism. The long hours and unsteady lifestyle of being a journalist are the drawbacks of this career."
