◊◊ GCPL Guides - Be Better Informed ◊◊

 Thinking about occupations at all ages ...

Students 

"In the 26 years that the Gallup Youth Survey has been asking children 13 to 17 what they want to do for a living, several choices have made the Top 10 every time.  For boys, these include doctor, lawyer, and professional athlete.  For girls, it's doctor and teacher, although veterinarian also has made the list several times.  In the 2003 survey, the top choice among girls was teaching; among boys it was something in the computer field."
 -- "Today's Kids Get More Choices -- And Chances -- For Their Dreams Job" , Chicago Tribune, October 7, 2003.  accessed from SIRS Discoverer

Linked here are three books which cover fields kids consistently show and interest in pursuing - Computers, Science (particularly for health careers) and Art

Visit careervoyages.gov to view their section on careers for students still in elementary school - no homework, just lots of cool info!

Graduates

There are great careers for job seekers for all levels of educational attainment.  Check out  America's fastest growing jobs : details on the best jobs at all levels of education and training. (2002)

This updated title contains detailed information on the 140 fastest growing jobs in the economy. Besides thorough job descriptions this book includes important industry and job trends for virtually all major occupations in the workforce.

Best jobs for the 21st century for college graduates, by J. Michael Farr. 2003

Compiled from the most recent Department of Labor information as written in the Occupational Outlook Handbook and the O*NET. This is the most up-to-date information, including average earnings, education required, projected growth, annual openings, self-employment, and part-time opportunities.-- Details the best jobs for recent college graduates and those preparing to enter the world of work in the new millennium-- Exceptional information on more than 115 career choices promising terrific growth into the 21st century for college graduates-- A comprehensive listing of more than 40 college degrees and related occupations.

Career Changers

Working adults should expect and plan to change careers, whether unexpectedly or by choice.  The following Career Change Resources can guide career changers through the exciting but scary life event. 
 

Volunteers

Whether you are exploring a new career or want to give back to the local or global community, volunteering is an excellent way to have a fulfilling occupation throughout your life.  Resources for Volunteers


Part - Timers and Retirees

Working part-time by choice offers many benefits, to employers and employee alike, as noted in a recent edition of Entrepreneur magazine. 

...from June to July 2004, there was an increase in workers who were
working part-time because they wanted to, not because they couldn't find full-time work, says BLS economist Marisa DiNatale. "The number of people working part time for economic reasons was actually down for [July 2004]," she says. Increased preference for part-time work isn't short-term, says Don Schackne, president of consulting firm Personnel Management & Associates in Delaware, Ohio. He believes it's due to the appeal that a reduced schedule has for seniors and baby boomers at or near retirement.
- Entrepreneur, Dec2004, Vol. 32 Issue 12, p22, 1/2p, accessed via Business Source Premier

Explore the 25 best part time jobs through 2010, as forecasted by JIST publishing.

 Best Jobs for the Future 

Plan know for a fulfilling career 5, 10, or more years down the road!

Best jobs for the 21st century, by J. Michael Farr.  2000

Based on expert analysis of labor and economic trends, this book rates more than 340 jobs in the fastest growing industries and lists the best jobs in 16 specialized target groups. Perfect for anyone entering the job market for the first time, or for those who want to remain competitive.

Career Voyages. gov - "Skills to build America's Future"  Be sure to check out the Hot Jobs by State"