Introduction
This essay will be about my career and major development process/ decision and how I was able to synthesize all the classroom lectures, readings, and assignments in order to reach such conclusion. I will mention the “exploration,” “ discovery,” and “ decision making” stages I have faced in my career of interest. As well as why such profession fits my personna, and both the positive or negative aspects of such career or major.
Component 1
Exploration
FOCUS 2 Self- Assessment
The self-assessment was very helpful to me in my career development because it helped me see the types of careers I would be successful in and it helped me realize my skills and work interests. It showed me that I am a problem solver, I like using math, and prefer to work with physical things or hands on. Knowing this helped me narrow down my career choices and helped me understand my strengths.
Getting insights from family member or friends who know my interests and the type of person I am.
Talking with my family and close friends helped me visualize myself doing a certain career because of how they described me. Since they know me well, they know what I am good at and what interests me. I was able to gather ideas from their point of views of what career would be ideal for me. Due to this, I believe that seeing yourself through someone else's eyes can be very resourceful because it can help you reinforce your decisions.
Determine my priorities in my career choice.
Being able to determine my priorities is important because it will help me narrow down what type of job I want to work in. Knowing my needs is essential because it will help me make effective choices based on my motivations or values. Choosing a career or major based on this will lead me to a career path that I enjoy and motivate me to do my best.
Discovery
Informational Interview
Interviewing a professional is extremely resourceful, since I am gathering information from a reliable source. It helped me acquire knowledge that is sometimes not found online or in school. I was able to learn a lot from it, and it gave me reassurance about my profession options. I feel more informed about my major and I can think more critically about the development process behind it.
Awareness in the different routes my career option has.
Learning about the different routes my career choice has is important because it allows more flexibility and it will help me become more experienced or well rounded in multiple areas. Also, it is good to be aware of this because there may be a “route” I am more interested in and prefer to work in.
Analyze if my characteristics and values fit with my career choice.
In my career development process, I have discovered which majors or occupations fit best with my traits. This is important to recognize because majoring in a career which does not suit me will probably not motivate me to do my best in school or I will not learn effectively. I have to realize what I am good at and which profession will help me grow while still enjoying it. Thus, knowing what interests me and my strengths will help me think wisely about my options and future.
Decision Making
I want to focus on a major or career that is based on math or science related principles. Where I will have to find an actual answer and have to use technology. Thus my potential careers are engineering, business, and computer science. Such occupations would be ideal for me and my skills.
Component 2
Introduction of a specific major or career- Electrical Engineering
Reasoning- I chose this major because I believe to have many characteristics that are suited for people in this profession. Such as problem solving, creativity, and operating machines ( FOCUS 2). I also enjoy working with math/ science principles which are key for this career. I am also very good at using technology and I am curious to learn how such modern devices operate.
Pros of major or career
Wide Range of Career Possibilities.
Engineering emcompasses many areas, thus it would allow me to become knowledgeable and well rounded. Which would allow me to progress in my career even more, since I could work in many different industries. I would also be able to specialize in such industry. The wide opportunities this career has would help me realize what I truly love doing and I could use my abilities to the maximum.
High Salary.
Engineering is considered one of the highest paying careers in our modern world. This is due to the high demand for technology, innovation, and modern energy systems. With such salary I would be able to live a comfortable life with my loved ones and I could help those dear to me. I would have the opportunity to travel or experience things I couldn’t afford before.
Job Flexibility.
As an electrical engineer, I would acquire many skills and intelligence. Which would allow me to easily switch into a different field within my major. I wouldn’t need extra education to work in something different and try new things. I look forward to this because I want to master many areas and be an experienced employee. The job flexibility electrical engineering permits would help me grow as a professional but also as an individual.
Cons of major or career
Ongoing Education
Due to the demand for innovation, engineers must always be up to date with technology or newer systems, thus ongoing education is necessary. In order to progress as an engineer, one must take multiple exams or gain licenses in many areas. When being an engineer you have to constantly surpass yourself to be able to work effectively.
Limited Employment Growth or Promotion.
In the engineering world, the competition is always increasing. Due to this, the U.S. has a small job growth mostly because of oversea rivals. Also, being promoted can be difficult since it depends on how the superior views the employee's performance or abilities. It is a very competitive field.
There is the risk of being physically injured with either the tools or the electrical devices.
Since electrical engineering is a hands on or a physical job, there is a chance of being injured. While some injuries can be very minor, some can possibly be being electrically shocked. Being alert and precautions is very important in this career since you always risk getting hurt.
Conclusion
This course has helped me realize and develop my career or major process because of the material presented. I had to combine the readings, lectures, and assignments to really understand the importance of what I have learned and how it has affected my decision regarding my potential profession. Being able to engage in the various stages such as “exploration,” “ discovery,” and “ decision making” really helped me learn more about myself like my interests and values. Which then helped me visualize myself doing certain careers. Additionally, I was able to make my “career decision” and reinforce why it would be a potential fit for me along with some of its pros or cons.