"A successful life is one that is lived through understanding and pursuing one's own path, not chasing after the dreams of others." - Chin-Ning Chu
"Launching a career", sounds kind of melodramatic and it is in a way. The age old question - "What do you want to be when you grow up?" has to be answered to really launch a career. Most of us don't actually know where we want the journey to take us other than we want it to be challenging, rewarding and enjoyable. And, contrary to what some may say, these are not always mutually exclusive, but they can be elusive. So maybe you just got out of college, are starting your first job, don't like the job you're in or decided to change your life. It doesn't really matter, the best place to start is always the beginning (whether or not it is a re-do).
Launching Your Career:
- Essentials For Launching Your Career - Do you know the essentials for launching your career? Monster.com provides some advice and a number of links for the essentials - Choosing a Career Path, Getting in the Door, Surviving and Thriving and Prepare for the Interview. There is also a link to a four step process if you are simply interested in everything. Each of the links provide comprehensive information and many provide additional links to relevant material.
- The 30 Best Careers for 2009 - By now you know that there is a list for everything, and knowing the best careers is no exception. US News & World Report offers this article, which is not only for those first starting out but will also help those "re-starting" (whatever the reason). There are links for a number of related articles as well as some embedded links throughout the article. The list starts at the bottom of the article, and each career listed has a link to a comprehensive article on that career (like Ghostwriter, which is not to be confused with writing about ghosts). While you are here, also take a look at the link for "11 Best Kept Secret Careers".
- How To Find Your Dream Career - It should be so easy (and the writer is quick to point that out). A good article with some tips (5 to be exact) on finding the career for you. Some are basic (like "know what you want") and some are not, but all are good advice from Career Success for Newbies. There are embedded links within the article as well as a long list of links on the left hand side of the page.
- Verizon Wireless - I've reviewed Verizon recently, but have not focused on their College Site. There are links at the top for "Why Verizon", careers/profiles, internships and campus events. The Careers/Profiles (once clicked) provides background on a number of career choices, while clicking internships provides an overview of that program. You can submit a resume or click "search jobs" at the top of the page.
- Ernst & Young - E&Y has an excellent site for college students. There is an overview to start, followed by a number of links for additional information (like working at E&Y and applying for a job). The best one is the link to their Student programs, which include Internships and their Summer Leadership Program.
- Top Entry Level Employers - This is the list you really need to leverage. An amazing amount of work went into this site by Collegegrad.com. There are 100's of companies listed, with links to their college sites and key statistics which will help you in your search. If you only have time for one site, this is the one to leverage.
- Top Twelve Things To Do While Unemployed - First, thanks to Steven for letting me know about this post. This is a great read with an interesting view on some good ideas (unemployed or not). Sell junk on Ebay is my favorite, but I do like the
- Worst Companies To Work For: Glassdoor.com's List - Okay, we've listed the best, why not the worst? Take a look and make your own decision.
