Career Management Alliance Blog

Stephanie writes: I am a career counselor for an IT training school. I am looking to find some information on assessment tests for locating transferable skills. Our students have already chosen a particular career path; therefore, I don’t need a “self-directed search” type of assessment. I am looking for something more along the lines of identifying their transferable skills from past work experience. Any information will be helpful. Continue Reading »

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Tanya writes: I am looking to change industries. I have been in insurance for 10 years, and I have experience in several areas but I am bored and not very excited about my job. I am thinking of taking a personality test to match me in a job that will hopefully be more fitting. Can you tell me where to start and what services would be best? I really want it to be available online. Continue Reading »

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Glenn writes: I’m in a dead-end job and feel a real need to make a career change. My employer is reorganizing the department and probably going to offer most people a package. I see this as my chance to get out and do something different. So, what should I do — and what should I not do? I already have a tentative job offer from an old boss and am thinking of taking it once I get the package. Your advice? Continue Reading »

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Kimberly writes: I am in the process of going back to school to pursue a career as a nurse. I was hoping that you could give me a web site that offers career assessment tests. It would be nice to see if this is where my true potential lies.

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The Career Doctor responds: I am a big believer in the use of assessment tests — but only as a small part of a much broader self-assessment, self-reflection exercise. So, while there are plenty of self-assessments tests (both online and in print; some free, some fee-based), I think you might be better served by spending some time looking at what made you consider nursing, researching nursing careers that interest you, and then if you still want to, taking an assessment test. Nursing is one of those caring professions, where a big part of who you are must be about helping people — and their families. Besides the technical skills necessary, you must also have strong empathy skills. And even though nurses and other healthcare professionals continue to be in demand, you also need to expect to work long hours in almost any nursing situation. According to the American Nurses Association: “Nursing has many definitions, but the essence of nursing is that nurses combine the art of caring with the science of health care. Nursing places its focus not only on a particular health problem, but on the whole patient and his or her response to treatment. Care of the patient and a firm base of scientific knowledge are indispensable elements.” Read more. Is nursing right for you? Make a list of the activities and interests that excite and motivate you. Then make a list of those things you never want to do again. Then review your aptitude for science and medicine. From these activities, you should have a good picture if nursing is right for you. You also need to decide not only the type of nursing specialty you wish to pursue, but also where you want to practice your nursing. And to help you better understand the specifics of different types of nursing careers, conduct some research. One of the best sources I have found on the many, many facets of a career in nursing is the career section of NurseWeek.com, where you can read details about more than 40 career paths in nursing. These details include things such as career overview, education and certifications needed, job outlook, typical venues, and more. A great resource. Finally, you can review the types of job postings for nurses and other healthcare professionals by following some of the links we have in this section of Quintessential Careers: Jobs in Health Care, Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, and Social Work.

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Chris writes: I just finished reading an article you wrote regarding interview preparation. You briefly mentioned potential employers using assessments, testing for personality and skills, to help in their hiring decisions. I am curious to hear your honest opinion on the subject of assessments which attempt to measure potential — assessments that are supposed to be able to predict a candidate’s job performance and potential for growth and advancement. Continue Reading »

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Denise writes: I’ve been in high-tech sales now for six years. I do enjoy sales and technology; however, I’m honestly looking for a career change — but just don’t know what I’m wanting to do. It seems as if I’m wanting to do so many things, I can’t make up my mind. My question to you is do you know of any good career change web sites — and also some good online learning schools? The Career Doctor responds: Changing careers is a very common occurrence — and many career-changers go through the very same issues you are dealing with right now. Be prepared for many challenges and moments of frustration. These steps will help you with your career change:

• Step 1: Assessment of Likes and Dislikes. Make two lists and focus on careers that relate to your likes.
• Step 2: Researching New Careers. Don’t rush into anything; take the time to gather information.
• Step 3: Transferable Skills. Discover the skills you can take from your sales career and use in your new career.
• Step 4: Training and Education. Determine whether you need more education or training for your new career.
• Step 5: Networking. Establish and grow a new network of contacts in your new career field.
• Step 6: Gaining Experience. Consult, temp, or volunteer to get experience in your new career.
• Step 7: Find a Mentor. Having a trusted person to guide you and be a sounding board will help greatly.
• Step 8: Changing In or Out. Some job-seekers who love their employers are lucky enough to be able to change careers while staying employed by the same company. Most, though, end up changing employers when changing careers.
• Step 9: Job-Hunting Basics. If your job-hunting skills are not current, take the time to refresh them.
• Step 10: Be Flexible. Career-changers face numerous obstacles, so flexibility (in employment status, job title, salary, etc.) is critical.

You can read all the details of these 10 steps — along with key resources and tools — in this article published on Quintessential Careers: The 10-Step Plan to Career Change — as well as other resources in the career change resources section of Quintessential Careers. And for all sorts of resources related to distance learning — including online education providers — go to the Distance Learning Resources section of Quintessential Careers.

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Reena writes: I am 37, an IT consultant and a languages graduate with honors. Can I get into medical school? I think my vocation is to become a doctor and I am concerned I am too old. Continue Reading »

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Blane writes: I’m in search of a profession that I can go to school for in a short period of time with the maximum benefits (within reason). Can you give me some career suggestions? Continue Reading »

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Ken writes: I need your help to prepare for my next career, and I know marketing is the key and the right direction is the answer. Would you help me in this project? Continue Reading »

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