Page 697 - Business Principles and Management

Unit 7
Technology tip
If you are interested in a
technology career in busi-
ness, the top four skills busi- The following steps provide an outline for developing your own career plan.
ness recruiters look for in
information technology
applicants are applications
development, information
security, project manage-
ment, and help-desk skills.
A big problem faced by re-
cruiters is finding the right
skills in the right locations.
Well-qualified applicants
willing to move will continue
to have many choices of in-
formation technology jobs.
684
Good business education programs are offered in high schools as well as in
community and junior colleges and career and technical schools. Business is
usually one of the largest degree programs in colleges and universities. You can
complete a general business preparation or specialize in a specific area, such
as accounting, computer science, marketing, or even e-commerce. Many busi-
nesses offer education and training programs for their employees or pay for some
or all of the costs of college coursework. You can also attend conferences and
seminars sponsored by businesses and professional associations.
Experience in business is always an advantage. Experience in working with
people in any way can give you confidence and develop important communication
and interpersonal skills. Even if you have not worked part-time or full-time in a
business, other types of experiences are useful. Working on projects in an organi-
zation, writing for the yearbook or school newspaper, forming a Junior Achieve-
ment company, or helping in a parent’s business are all examples of experiences
that can develop skills important in business.
Most employers value experience when they hire employees. It is relatively
easy to find an entry-level job if you are not particularly concerned about type
of work or working conditions. These entry-level jobs provide the work experi-
ence that will qualify you for the jobs you prefer. Even though the pay may not
be as high as you would like and work schedules are sometimes difficult to man-
age with school and extracurricular activities, it is important to have a good
work record at your first jobs.
Beginning employees who stay with one employer for a length of time
and receive favorable evaluations will find it easier to receive promotions or
be hired by an employer offering a better job. Employees who take advan-
tage of training, opportunities for leadership, or the chance to supervise
other employees or contribute to team activities will have an excellent em-
ployment record to use when applying for promotions or advanced jobs in
other companies.
DEVELOPING AN INDIVIDUAL CAREER PLAN
Many people do little planning, even for the things that are most important to
them. You know from your study of business that planning is an important skill.
Businesses that plan are much more successful than those that do not. Likewise,
people who plan their careers are more likely to achieve their career goals than
those who do not plan. By developing a career plan, you will be able to practice
an important business skill. In addition, you can show your plan to potential
employers to demonstrate your ability to plan.
1. Develop an understanding of business concepts and the different types of
business careers. Study careers in depth to determine the industries, busi-
nesses, and jobs that most interest you and the types of career paths related
to those jobs.
2. Complete a self-assessment of your knowledge, skills, and attitudes that
are related to those needed in business careers. Ask a counselor to assist
you with appropriate interest and aptitude tests that can help you with
your assessment. Get feedback from people who know you well (family,
friends, teachers, and employers) about their perceptions of the impor-
tant skills, knowledge, and attitudes you have identified.
3. Identify the education and experience requirements for business careers
that interest you. Compare those career requirements with your current