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Career Counselor
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For appointments please call 458-4589

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Professional associations offer a wealth of benefits. Basically, they provide excellent opportunities for networking - particularly with others that are interested in the same career or industry fields as you are. In addition, they keep you in touch with recent trends and new developments in your field, provide opportunities for professional development, often offer job listings and product discounts, and provide opportunities for mentoringl. If you have not joined a professional association in your field it is strongly recommended.

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Professional associations are a wonderful resource for keeping abreast of new and recent developments in the field. If you are not a member of a professional association in your field, you are strongly encouraged to join one and get involved. In addition, professional associations provide valuable networking opportunities which could help you land your next position. Check out the ASAE Center for a Gateway to Associations Directory.

Professional journals and magazines are another good source of information. A list of free magazines is available at Quintessential Careers Web site.

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The Texas Workforce Commission should be able to assist you in terms of unemployment insurances, as well as providing one component of your job search assistance.

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At this point in time, another graduate degree may not be the answer. At least not until you engage in a formal process of self-assessment, career exploration and career decision-making. Individuals often turn to graduate school when they have difficulty finding employment but it may not improve the situation. It requires thoughtful consideration and a plan of action before enrolling in another degree program.

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Take some time to look at job postings and descriptions for the type of position you'll be seeking. Make note of the technology skills the employer is looking for (and expects) for that type of position. Then identify what skills you're missing, as well as what skills you need to freshen up on. Local community colleges and other training organizations typically offer courses in a variety of updated technologies. This transition time would be an ideal time to acquire and refine these skills.

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It's important for you to develop a career plan, something that will provide guidance and direction for the future. You should consider incorporating the following steps into your career change plan:

• Assess your Skills. If you have not already done this, it's a critical first step. What skills have you gathered through various jobs, volunteer work, education and training or other life experiences that can be used in your new career?
• Market your Transferable Skills. Now you have to convince an employer that, even though you don't have direct experience, you are qualified for the job.
• Seek Further Education and Training, if needed. Some careers require very specific types of degrees and/or training.
• Develop and Use Your Network. Networking is the most effective technique to use when searching for a job. Essentially, this means developing a large and comprehensive list of contacts from your personal and professional life, and then using these contacts to help you find meaningful employment.
• Gain Experience in Your New Field. This could be part-time work, paid or unpaid internships, as well as simply volunteering your time. The more direct experience you gain the more attactive you become to a potential employer.
• Sharpen Your Job Search Skills. Learn how to focus your job search and move it forward.
• Use Your Support System. With any major life change, confusion and frustration can creep into your life. Expect setbacks and challenges but don't try to handle them alone.