2. 1
Making the Transition from School to Career

3. Section 1.1
Importance of Work

4. Objectives After completing this section, you will be able to:
Describe the reasons most people work.
Explain how the career clusters can help you prepare for college and career success.

5. Key Terms
job occupation career associate degree bachelor degree occupational trend career clusters career pathway job shadowing

6. Why Do People Work?
Chances are you will spend more time working than doing any other activity in your lifetime
In addition to earning money, many people work for other reasons
Work helps to define who we are and gives meaning to our lives

7. Why Do People Work? (continued)
Work can help you
Feel good about yourself
Have a positive attitude about life
Make life-long friends
Continue to learn and grow
Work can be either drudgery or a joy
Taking time to explore your career options will help you find a job that you will like and that you do well

8. Exploring the World of Work
A key concern of people entering the workforce is finding a job they enjoy
It is rare for a person to stay at the same job for a lifetime
Work that requires the use of related skills and experience is called an occupation
A career is a progression of related occupations that results in employment and personal growth

9. Education and Training Requirements
Having the education necessary to enter a profession of choice is very important
Jobs that do not require a degree or technical training usually provide on-the-job training
Many jobs require at least an associate degree
About 20 percent of jobs may require at least a bachelor degree

10. Education and Training Requirements
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher

11. Future Occupational Trends
Occupational trends are research-based forecasts about which jobs will most likely be needed
Advances in technology and changes in society shape occupational trends
An aging population
An increased concern for health and fitness
A high interest in recreation and entertainment
New ways of communicating based on new technologies

12. Career Clusters
One of the best ways to learn about careers is by studying the career clusters
Career clusters are groups of occupational and career specialties
Each cluster shows a grouping of occupations and industries and the skills that are required for each
Each cluster includes several career directions, called career pathways

13. Career Exploration
When making career decisions, consider your interests and abilities
Use as many different resources as you can
Attend career events at school and listen to guest speakers
Participate in field trips to different employers in your community
Consider learning more about the world of work through job shadowing or volunteering

14. Preparing for Career Success
Section 1.2
Preparing for Career Success

15. Objectives After completing this section, you will be able to:
Describe the difference between possessing knowledge and having skills.
Explain the importance of transferable skills as you consider college and career opportunities.

16. Key Terms
skill transferable skill

17. Career Knowledge and Skills
Different jobs require different skills and knowledge
Many jobs also require certain similar abilities or skills in all workers
Employers tend to prefer employees with skills that can transfer from one job to another
Preparation for the world of work begins long before you actually have a job or career

18. Career Knowledge and Skills (continued)
Knowledge and skills in these areas are essential for employees
Academic foundations
Communications
Problem solving and critical thinking
Information technology applications
Systems
Safety, health, and environment
Leadership and teamwork
Ethics and legal responsibilities
Employability and career development
Technical skills

19. Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are skills used in one job that can also be used in another job
These skills may be specialized skills or broader skills, such as problem solving
Your future success will depend on developing skills that can be used now and applied to future work opportunities

20. What are two places in your community where you might volunteer your services? What job skills could you learn or improve by volunteering at these places?
What is one transferable skill you have learned in school that could be applied on a job?