36 Chapter 2 Skills for Career Success
Professionals uphold the standards of the company and set positive
goals for themselves. They avoid doing anything that disrupts the
work environment. They focus on doing their jobs well and helping the
company succeed.
Technology in the Workplace
Advances in technology have changed many aspects of life.
Computer technology is used in every industry and in most classrooms
and homes to make time-consuming and demanding tasks easier. As
technology continues to change our world, people must adjust to new
roles and responsibilities.
All jobs are affected by innovative technology. In factories, computerized
robots perform the most dangerous and monotonous jobs effi ciently. Sales
teams receive records of purchases as soon as they are made anywhere
in the company and can readily determine future inventory needs. In the
workplace, people can use e-mail and video conferencing to stay in touch
with coworkers and clients. See 2-3. People can also use these devices to
work out of their homes. This is called telecommuting.
With every technological device comes a need for specialists who
can operate and service it. In some businesses, new job positions are
created to fulfi ll these needs. In other cases, job roles are expanded to
Living
Green
If you work with computers,
set computers to energy-
saving settings and shut
them down when you are
fi nished working. “Standby”
settings will continue to
draw power even when
not in use. The U.S.
Department of Energy
recommends turning off
a computer if it will not be
used for 2 hours.
2-2
A well-groomed
appearance and a
pleasant smile are two
clues that this person is a
professional.