Introduction
XI
Family Influences
Friends and Mentors
What Are Your Assets and Skills? 262
Assets
Skills
Health, Physical Ability, and Activity Level
Preferences 266
Task Preferences
Life Satisfaction 267
Dreaming About the Future
Personal Essentials
Life Goals
Chapter 15
Looking Outward: Researching Career
Opportunities 273
Making Life and Career Decisions 273
How to Choose a Major 274
Selecting the Right Major
What Do You Enjoy Studying?
Gathering Information and Exploring
Options
Making a Decision and Choosing Your
Major
Taking Action
The Course Planner and Four-Year Plan
What Do You Need to Know When
Choosing a Career? 278
Job Prospects
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Opportunities for Advancement
Educational Requirements
Salary and Benefits
Working Conditions
Sources of Career Information 282
Career Centers
Ask an Expert—Informational Interviews
Career Databases
Gaining Experience 284
Job Shadowing
Volunteering
Service Learning
Internships
Paid Work
Personal Portfolio
Chapter 16
Making Connections 290
Making Career Decisions 290
Career Goals
Action Plan
Career Objective
Personal Objectives
Sources of Job Leads 292
Networking
The Internet and Electronic Bulletin Boards
Company Websites
Career Fairs
Résumés and Cover Letters 296
Résumés
Cover Letters
Job Interviews 302
Preparing for an Interview
During and After an Interview
Laws Affecting Job Applications and
Interview Process
Evaluating Job Offers 305
Evaluating the Position and the
Organization
Evaluating Salary and Benefits
Evaluating Geographical Considerations
Evaluating Your Personal Needs
Accepting or Rejecting Job Offers 309
When You Are Not Offered the Job
Changing Jobs and Careers 310
Chapter 17
Making an Impact 313
Work Habits and Attitudes That Lead to
Career Success 314
Dependability
Responsibility
Respect
Team Player