What to Look For In Career Fields

Several factors may be considered in choosing or planning a career. Job satisfaction depends on how well the various characteristics of a job satisfy employees’ interests and values. In exploring an occupation, the following ten (10) job characteristic factors are considered by most people.

1.       The Nature of the Work:
Some jobs chiefly involve working with things, and others mainly require dealing with people or information. Most jobs combine a variety of work activities. You should therefore look for an occupation that involves activities you enjoy and can do well.

2.       Working Conditions:
This refers to the environment in which a particular job is done. A work environment might be indoors or outdoors. Some jobs involve high level of dust, noise, physical hazards, or mental stress. Other conditions to consider include the number of hours employees work each week and whether employees work as individuals or as groups.

3.       Special Abilities Required:
Some jobs call for more mechanical aptitude, artistic talent or other abilities than most people possess. You should therefore be aware of any special requirements of the jobs you are considering.

4.       Physical Demands:
Some occupations make special physical demands on workers. For example, jobs that involve carrying and lifting heavy objects may require strength. Some occupations require workers to perform repetitive tasks. Other occupations may require workers to stand for long hours example, working in a production line. Other occupations may yet require workers to have keen vision. When you consider a job, be sure you can meet the physical demands the work might make on you before settling for it.

5.       Preparation Needed:
The amount of preparation required to enter an occupation varies from occupation to occupation. It can range from a few hours of training to more than ten years of education beyond high school level. In addition, workers in many occupations or professions must continue their education to keep their jobs or to advance in them. Some occupations require several years of experience and preparation at the lower-level jobs. You should thus consider how much time and finances you might have to invest in that career that interests you.

6.       Chances of Employment:
Before you choose a career field, you should consider your chances of getting jobs in that field. In businesses and industries with steady or decreasing employment, workers are hired only to replace employees who have left their jobs or have gone on retirement. In growing businesses and industries however, additional workers are needed to fill the growing and expansionary needs of such companies. The introduction of new products and advanced technologies affect employment opportunities. Government spending and economic conditions also alter job opportunities. All these factors must therefore be considered carefully before choosing a career field.

7.       Probable Earning:
In exploring careers, you will want to know how much money you can expert to earn. Government, professional and trade publications supply information on probable earnings for occupations. Pay scales may however, vary with location and employers. Trade union agreements and the amount of education and experience required also affect salaries and wages. Many employers provide insurance coverage, paid vacations, and other such fringe benefits, which you should consider in addition to probable earnings.

8.       Chances for Advancement:
Another thing you should consider in a career choice decision is that you should examine possible patterns of promotion, known as career ladders or career paths. In some occupations, workers are promoted to higher positions based on their ability and experience. However, some employers employ people from outside the company to fill high-level openings. If employers consistently do this, workers can advance only by changing jobs. Some occupations also allow only limited advancement. Workers in such fields must obtain additional education or training or change occupation if they want to advance.

9.       Social Status:
Social status refers to a person’s rank or position in society. Many people believe that certain jobs have higher social status than others do. Some people who value status seek it through choosing highly regarded occupations. You must decide for yourself how important social status is to you in making career choices.

10.        Elements of the Job Market:
The job market is made up of the following;
The public sector
The private sector and
The popular/voluntary sector

The private sector is that part of the economy which is both run for private profit and is not controlled by the state. By contrast, enterprises that are part of the state are part of the public sector; private, non-profit organizations are regarded as part of the popular or voluntary sector. Each of these sectors has their advantages and disadvantages. In choosing a career in any of these sectors requires a thorough study of how each of them operates and the benefits in working for each of them.