Career Planning & Placement

Simon Hall Room 134| 931-393-1612

Looking at Skills Director: Ken Preiser, 393-1610

In choosing a career or changing careers, you need to discover your interests, goals, aptitudes, knowledge, experience, etc. Then you need to match those things with specific careers and jobs.

Would you prefer to work with people?
Would you like to make a lot of money?
Do you like to make decisions?
Do you like a hectic environment?

You have to find yourself and that often takes a little patience. It also takes a plan. It never fails to amaze me how careful folks try to be in buying a used car but they will pick a career in half the time with a lot less research. Talk to people in careers and in jobs. Ask them what they like about their job and what they don't like about it.

Do the research!
Know Yourself
Be patient and have a plan
Talk to lots of people about their careers or the job that they have
Do not procrastinate (no one will do this for you)
Realize that every job relates to your career

Career Rather Than Job

A lot of you out there are working or, in fact, are preparing to work. You will call this work a job. Please stop by the Placement Office here at Motlow and let us help you to find some of those "jobs". However, what I want you to think about is this. Every job that you take at any age is just another step up the career ladder. You should always be looking in long run terms for a career and not just a job. A job may be a source of income. A career, however, is much more than a source of income. A career is the major factor in your overall happiness and lifestyle. A career is something that lasts over time. A career defines, directs, and influences your entire life. It is for these reasons that you must be a very selective shopper when it comes to both jobs and to your career. You must use each job no matter how small to learn something else about yourself and your interests. Sometimes a job that doesn't seem the right fit also seems like a waste of time. That doesn't have to be. You can learn from your surroundings. Look at the job that you have assess your feelings. What do you like about this job and what don't you like. For example, do you like dealing with the people who check out at your cash register or would you rather be stocking shelves. It is also true that while you are looking for small part time jobs to supplement your income, you should pick ones that will help you answer career questions. Let us say that you are interested in photography as a career. Try to pick a part time job having something to do with photography.

Please email me with any questions you have: kpreiser@mscc.edu

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