Understanding the Workplace Module 2 Career & Education Planning Course

Why do people Work?  Earn a living  Make a Contribution  Meet people  Use skills and talents  Help others  Personal Satisfaction

The United States Economy  Free enterprise system- individuals or businesses may buy, sell, and set prices with little government control.

Key Factors of a Free Enterprise System  Producers- firms that produce a product or crop  Consumers-people who use a product  Supply- quantity of product available at given time  Demand-the amount of a product wanted at a specific time and price  Profits- proceeds from a transaction  Prices- amount received for an item sold  Competition- similar items vying for attention  Government Regulations- rules in place to protect consumers

Define a Global Economy  The production, purchase and sale of goods in a world-wide market. Example American Agricultural goods sold world wide or Foreign imports to the American Economy.

Compare the effects of a Global economy PROS Cheap Workforce Use of many Raw Materials Technology moves goods quickly CONS Child Labor Laws infringed upon Lower environmental Standards Countries are no longer self sufficient

List influences that impact employment trends and training  Technology- has created new career and business opportunities while making others obsolete.  Economic-Products may be cheaper to make in other countries.  Societal-higher paying jobs are less likely to be in manufacturing and production.

Types of Workforce  Placement-work for some one or large corporation Employee gets paid for work No real financial risk to employee Employee must abide decisions of upper management Entrepreneurship- self employed Full financial & business responsibility May not always receive a full pay check Makes all business decisions

Why do we need to plan for a career?  It is the basis for a successful career We just can not wish for a career, it takes planning. Less likely to change careers multiple times. “The purpose of life is a life of purpose” Robert Byrne, Poet

Benefits of a career plan  To direct the focus of training and education.  Choose activities and classes that help me prepare.  Take advantage of opportunities to gain skills.