What is the difference between a job and a career?

A job is work that is done in order to bring home a paycheck, it may or may not require special training or experience and it may or may not make one happy.  A job has a start and finish.

How can you start planning for finding a good job and climbing the steps of your career?

• Learn about yourself- Be aware of your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses or limitations, your wants and needs, and your goals.
• Get information-
• For school age kids...It is never too early to start asking about how to do pursue certain career goals.  For example, find out what nurses do and how nurses become nurses.  When you find out that they need to go to college, find out what you need to be doing in order to make sure you can go to college.  Take advantage of opportunities such as Step by Step program that can help you and your family learn more and help you through the process.
• For adults... gain hands on knowledge and experiences. It may come in the form of an informational interview of someone in the field you are interested, or shadowing someone at work, or an internship, etc. Search on line and in books, and ask questions.
• Have a plan A, B, and C- We change as we grow, give yourself some room to make mistakes and change your mind.
• Have both short term and long term goals- Enjoy reaching your short term goals.  It helps you remain focused and determined to reach your long term goals.

A career is the path that you choose to take including your education and series of jobs you may hold in a lifetime.  Usually while pursuing a career, one will obtain an entry level job (or position) and then strive to hold a higher level job with an increasing amount of responsibility, money and prestige.  It is like moving up steps with the end determined by the needs and wants of the individual.

• Get and stay connected to people in your community- You never know when you might want to call on them again for help.  (maybe in the form of a letter of recommendation or a tip on a job)
•  Stay true to yourself- Don’t let others try to convince you that you can’t do something that you want to do.  
• Acknowledge what you are learning- Whenever you learn a new skill or perform a new job, think about how it might apply to your goals in the future.  You might be able to add those skills to a resume. 
• Take advantage of career services in your community- Have someone help you with resume writing, interview skills, job hunt techniques and tips, and dressing for success.  A second pair of eyes is always helpful. 
• Choose to remain positive- The way we feel is a product of how we are thinking and what we are doing.  Basically we can “choose” to feel better by thinking positively and doing things that make us feel better and are good for us.  No one will hire a sour puss.

For more specific tips regarding particular career fields visit our "What can I do with my major?" page.