Do you want job A, B, or C?

So many times I see people post they want a job, often with a certain amount of pay or in a certain field. While that is one way to search it is really not very effective.

One question I often ask clients is this:
There are three types of jobs -  which level are you willing to accept for now?

Job A -  your first preference job that could be one for your career or one you have a long time. It fits your pay requirements, your interests, your skills sets and your geographical preference.

Job B - not a bad 2nd choice but it will do for a bit. You are either slowing down working toward retirement, not needing that perfect one as you are not the bread winner, or a job you will like for now.

Job C - a job you take because you have to pay the bills. You like to eat and put gas in your car, etc. so you take this job knowing it may not last a long time.

Engineering Choices in South Dakota

Engineering Choices in South Dakota

I had someone ask me recently about choices for engineering in South Dakota and you have quite a few choices for an engineering major: 

1. The University of South Dakota just announced a new Biomedical Engineering degree. This field promises many new opportunities for its graduates. For more info see here - http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biomedical-engineering

2. South Dakota State University has a large Engineering school - https://www.sdstate.edu/jerome-j-lohr-engineering
They offer degrees in:
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Construction and Operations Management
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering

3. School of Mines and Technology offers many Engineering degrees as well  -   http://www.sdsmt.edu/Academics/Degrees-and-Programs/

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Engineering

• Computer Science

• Electrical Engineering

• Geological Engineering

• Industrial Engineering & Engineering Mgmt

• Mechanical Engineering

• Metallurgical Engineering

• Mining Engineering

• Biomedical Engineering  

Always make sure your program is accredited and ask about their placement rate as it should be quite high since Engineers are in great demand in work force. Ask also about internships or working with actual employers to gain practical skills and application. Many times a student will land his or her first job from that internship. 
This info may also prove helpful: 

http://typesofengineeringdegrees.org/

http://www.nacme.org/types-of-engineering

Career Assessments & Information

Will a Career Assessment help me to find me ideal career?  


I get asked this question often. An assessment helps you to learn more information about yourself but there is NO magic test or assessment that will give you THE answer. However, it is helpful to know information such as personality type, values, interests, skills, educational goals, work culture and geographical demands in choosing the perfect career (IF one exists)!  


Here are some sites which are helpful and are free:  


BLS Student Information on finding your career:  http://www.bls.gov/k12/index.htm


Personality type:  http://www.careertest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl


Career Path site:  http://www.careerpath.com/career-planning/

Internet Career Connection:  http://www.iccweb.com/news.htm

Paid assessments:


Interest Inventory: SDS - http://www.self-directed-search.com/default.aspx


Excellent Information:


Choosing a college major based on your personality:  http://www.careerkey.org/pdf/personality_college_major_match_research.pdf

Job Hunting in South Dakota

If one wants to stay in South for a job, how do they find job openings? Here is a list of places to find job openings. Note that each one may or may not have listings in your field, this depends upon the culture of the business where they post jobs and how much they want to pay. 

State jobs:
http://bop.sd.gov/workforus/mainjoblist/default.aspx

Board of Regents jobs in higher education:

BOR

Postings from SD Department of Labor:
SD Works   (you can do a quick search before you register)


Dakota Roots:     geared for those who want to return to SD to work
Dakota Roots


Websites which search all the job boards:
www.indeed.com


www.simplyhired.com


Sioux Falls area jobs:
www.keloland.com


www.argusleader.com

Aberdeen area jobs:
http://www.aberdeennews.com/

http://www.aberdeen.sd.us/jobs.aspx

Job Fairs in SD:
Job Fairs

Career and Life Coaching

I am now updating this blog because I have had many questions lately from clients about job searching and how to go about the process. I will use this blog as a way to keep people posted on job hunting ideas and how to find that special career. Stay tuned as I update this much more frequently. 

Wendy Stubbs
Career and Life Coach

Welcome to Super Career Coach

Need to make a career change or jump start your career? Then you have come to the right place as I will share with you information, success tips and info on how to make a career change! If you have questions or thoughts on this, feel free to check out www.dreamcareercoaching.com to see if I have it answered there!

Let the career search begin!

Wendy Stubbs