Brought to you by Career and Employment Services Schenectady County Community College 222 Elston Hall (518)381-1365 [email protected].

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Brought to you by Career and Employment Services Schenectady County Community College 222 Elston Hall (518)381-1365 [email protected] Slide 2 Table of Contents 1) Career Development Theories and its Impact on Education and Career Choices Career Development Theories and its Impact on Education and Career Choices 2) Getting to Know Yourself Getting to Know Yourself 3) Career Exploration Career Exploration 4) Getting to Your Destination Getting to Your Destination 5) Becoming a Professional Becoming a Professional 6) Networking Networking 7) Written Communication Written Communication 8) Searching for Opportunities Searching for Opportunities 9) The Interview The Interview 10) Keeping the Job Keeping the Job Slide 3 The road to success is always under construction ~Lily Tomlin Slide 4 Career Development: A lifelong process Although there are many theories on Career Development and how different factors impact our decisions regarding career and education, most will agree that the overall goal of career counseling and planning is to work toward a career goal that you will get some sort of satisfaction from. At this point in life, most of us have some idea of the things we are good at, the things we enjoy, and the type of environment we like to be in. We seek these out and continue to develop not only our personal identities, but our work identities as well. The work environments that will suit us the best are those that intertwine the two and allow us to develop personally and professionally. Therefore, it is important for us to know how our identities will impact our reaction to our environments. Slide 5 Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom ~Aristotle Slide 6 It is important to gain a personal understanding of yourself and how you respond to the world around you. Take time to uncover your personal traits, strengths, motivators, values, needs, skills and wants. Click on topics below for worksheets and links to help you get to know yourself. What do you like to do? What are your skills? How do they relate to one another? http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html A fun link to help you determine your personality and how it relates to different careers. Slide 7 Learning About Yourself-Part 1 Make a list of 10 memorable experiences that have made a difference in your life. What did you learn from those experiences? How were you involved; what impact did you have on the experiences? How did those experiences influence future decisions? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Slide 8 Learning About Yourself-Part 2 Now make a list of your personal talents, knowledge, and experience. Specialized Training/Education? Knowledge gained from personal experiences or self teachings? Expectations others have for you or that you place on yourself? Skills you enjoy using during employment or community service? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Slide 9 Learning About Yourself-Part 3 Now write down your thoughts about how the experiences youve encountered, along with the talents you possess could relate to new opportunities you would like to explore. For example, youve always enjoyed and excelled in sports. You also notice that family and friends tend to come to you to help resolve conflicts. How could these two talents be combined and applied in the future? Slide 10 Formal Assessment If you are still unclear about which career path is for you, a formal assessment may help. The following assessment tools are available in Career and Employment Services: DISCOVER- A computerized program which will help you to assess your interests, values and skills. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator- An assessment which will help you to learn how your personality type relates to different careers. StrengthsQuest-An assessment to help determine your strengths and how they relate to building your career. To make an appointment for Career Counseling call(518) 381-1365 Slide 11 If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking ~Buddhist Proverb Slide 12 Research Now that you have identified your core talents, values, skills and motivations, you can begin to gather information on career paths that fit with your qualities. Onet Occupational Outlook handbook Bureau of Labor Statistics SCCC Career GuidesCareer Guides Network with professionals in the fields that interest you Identify Alumni and Professionals through Career Office Perform informational interviews and attend career related events Slide 13 You cant cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water ~Rabindranath Tagore Slide 14 Do you need additional education or training? Talk to a Transfer CounselorTransfer Counselor Do you need additional experience? Internships and volunteer work can help to provide you with relevant experience and training that many employers are looking for. Internships and volunteer work Do you need access to additional resources for special circumstances and diverse populations. Information for persons with disabilities Information on nontraditional careers Information for veterans Information for diverse populations Information for ex-offenders Want to meet with a Career Professional? Stop by Elston Hall, Room 223 or Call 518.381-1365 for an appointment. Slide 15 Additional Resources for Persons With Disabilities ADA Transition Services at Schenectady County Community College ADA Transition Services at Schenectady County Community College TRIO 55b and c New York State and Local Civil Service Employment Information 55b and c New York State and Local Civil Service Employment Information Workforce Recruitment Program (for students with disabilities) Workforce Recruitment Program Americans with Disabilities Act VESID Slide 16 Nontraditional Careers Information Reasons to Consider A Nontraditional Career Nontraditional Programs at SCCC Links for Nontraditional Careers Slide 17 What is a Nontraditional Career? A nontraditional career is one in which there is a gender imbalance (where less than 25% of the workers are either males or females). For example, in New York State, men are less than 25% of registered nurses; women are less than 25% of police. Career choice is significantly influenced by tradition and the way we have been socialized; therefore, men and women are often unaware of the variety of alternatives that are available to them. The purpose of identifying nontraditional options is to foster interest in and access to these careers with the goal of opening up these professions to the under-represented gender. Slide 18 Why Consider a Nontraditional Career? Interesting and rewarding employment opportunities Higher wages and better benefits Opportunities for advancement Increased job satisfaction For additional information or to schedule an appointment to speak with Nontraditional Staff, please contact: Margaret Anne Williams, Nontraditional Student Counselor Student Development Center-Elston 223 (518) 381-1337 [email protected] Dawn Jones, Nontraditional Career Specialist Student Development Center, Elston 223 (518) 381-1334 [email protected] Slide 19 Programs That Lead to Nontraditional Careers Women Men Aviation Science Business Administration Computer Support Technology Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Nanoscale Materials Technology Emergency Management Fire Protection Music Business Accounting Early Childhood Education Nursing* Paralegal *In conjunction with Ellis Hospital Slide 20 Links for Nontraditional Careers National Alliance for Partnership in Equity-http://www.napequity.org/http://www.napequity.org/ National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology, & Science (policing included)- http://www.iwitts.com/ http://www.iwitts.com/ Nontraditional Careers for Women-http://www.iseek.org/sv/10112.jsphttp://www.iseek.org/sv/10112.jsp US Department of Labor, Womens Bureau-http://www.dol.gov/wb/http://www.dol.gov/wb/ New York State Project for Nontraditional Employment and Training- http://www.albany.edu/nontraditionalcareers http://www.albany.edu/nontraditionalcareers Women Tech World e-mentoring-http://www.womentechworld.org/ementoring.htmhttp://www.womentechworld.org/ementoring.htm Women Work!-http://www.womenwork.orghttp://www.womenwork.org The American Assembly for Men in Nursing-http://www.aamn.org/http://www.aamn.org/ iseek-Nontraditional Careers for Men-http://www.iseek.org/sv/10114.jsphttp://www.iseek.org/sv/10114.jsp Slide 21 Resources for Diverse Populations Quintessential Careers Riley Guide Slide 22 Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Slide 23 Become Involved The best way to begin establishing a professional history is to become actively involved in activities that connect you to other individuals who are working in or interested in the field you wish to pursue. Join campus clubs, professional organizations, social groups, charities, on-line groups, and attend regional networking events.campus clubsorganizations, This includes becoming actively involved in your courses by going to class, completing assignments on time, being prepared, engaging in class discussions, and following up with teachers when absent. Slide 24 Character is much easier kept than recovered. ~Thomas Paine Slide 25 Your Digital Footprint: What it Says About You What is a digital footprint you ask? Simply put, it is the information that you post on the internet and is stored by others in databases that can be accessed by the public or selected authorities. Those pictures or comments from you or your friends on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Linkedin, etc. Blogging, text messaging, emailing, downloads, videos and picture uploads Your credit history Your driving record Previous convictions or public arrest notices Letters to the editor, newsletters, any published work Traffic and security cameras Most employers are now conducting internet searches and/or background checks on prospective employees before making a decision to hire. Consider making your pages private and leave the discussion about last nights game of beer pong for your private email. Develop a professional blog where you can discuss industry trends or comment on others articles or blogs in the industry. Join online groups associated with your industry and participate in online discussions. Work toward improving your credit rating, driving record and public relations. Slide 26 Background Checks In addition to informal background checks, many employers conduct formal background checks or require clearance to be employed by them such as helping professions, professions in direct contact with disabled, elderly or child populations, and many government jobs. Be honest about anything that comes up. An arrest or conviction does not necessarily exclude you from employment in many jobs. Know your rights.Know your rights Slide 27 Relationships of trust depend on our willingness to look not only to our own interests, but also the interests of others. ~ Peter Farquharson Slide 28 Networking Ask not what others can do for you, but what you can do for others. Think of networking as more of an investment in others and less of who you know and how they can help you get the job you want. Those connections will come naturally as you develop relationships based on true interest and willingness to be involved in meaningful ways. Slide 29 Sources for Networking Family and Relatives and their friends/family Professors/Teachers and their contacts Friends and their friends/family Classmates and their friends/family Participate in Volunteer/Internship or Apprenticeship programs Membership in community organizations, churches, athletic teams, associations, lodges, private clubs, adult education classes and anything else that brings you in contact with others Applying in person Mailing a targeted cover letter to a company that you researched in advance Reviewing business news to see who is moving, expanding, or opening Introduce yourself at establishments that you visit frequently Schedule informational interviews with businesses you are interested in Visit public libraries and book stores and view the literature in their career section Click here for a networking worksheethere Slide 30 Networking Sheet List 10 people you know 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. List people they know 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. List 10 businesses 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Slide 31 A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. ~Baltasar Gracin Slide 32 Before you Begin Be sure the information you are including is honest and accurate. You must be able to discuss the information you put on your resume. Consequences for including false or misleading information on your resume can be serious and if you are hired based on that information you can lose your job even years down the road. What you will need: Paper Pen or pencil Names of past employers and dates of employment. Slide 33 Taking Inventory Start with 6 pieces of blank paper. Title each with the headings: education, work, activities, honors and awards, interests and miscellaneous. Education: List colleges and universities attended, exchange programs, and off-campus study. Work: List all jobs held-full or part time, paid or unpaid. Activities: List everything you have done now and in high school, in terms of organized groups, teams, clubs, community involvements, etc. Honors and Awards: List scholarships, class standing, special recognitions and academic achievements. Interests: List hobbies, travel experiences, special talents. Miscellaneous: List everything you have left out thus far. Slide 34 Now its time to start editing. Under each section ask yourself the following questions: Are there things on this list that I feel a sense of pride about? Can I make these things relate to what a prospective employer might be looking for? For example, being a member of a fraternity may not be important to an employer, however, the fact that you organized philanthropic functions to help the community may be. And although your job flipping hamburgers may not seem relevant to you, the fact that you were a conscientious worker during that job may be very important to the employer. Which things on my list show my strengths and other aspects of my personality. Which activities have been superseded by more recent involvements. Slide 35 Putting it all Together Contact Information or Heading Contact Information Objective Education Honors and Awards Experience Skills/Certifications/Qualifications References Slide 36 Contact Information Example Arnold Smith 184 Baldwin Road, Williamston, MA 04276 Home: (413) 423-4432 ~ Work: (413) 662-4200 Internet: [email protected]@jobwanted.com Every resume must include your name and the address where you can be reached. Telephone numbers are very important to include since most employers prefer this means of communication. Make sure that the number you leave will be answered appropriately or has a professional sounding voicemail. Email addresses are optional, but be sure the address you list reflects positively on your character. It is best to set up an email account that you use only for work related correspondence. Slide 37 Job Objective For some, this is the most difficult part of writing a resume. Remember that most employers prefer a carefully worded, targeted objective as opposed to a vague statement. You may want to have a few versions of your resume with objectives that are geared toward each type of job you are applying for. Click here for examples. Slide 38 Examples of Targeted Objective Statements: To secure a position as a computer programmer, analyzer, or designer. Because of past involvement in environmental research and land use policy, I am seeking a market research position with a firm managing natural resources. Slide 39 Education It is common for students or recent grads to start their resumes with an Education section. However, there is no rule that says it has to be first. It just works out best for many students to highlight academic accomplishments in the beginning to catch an employers eye. An EDUCATION section can include extremely relevant courses, G.P.A., High School (particularly if you were active in clubs or charitable causes), honors and awards, language proficiency and computer skills. B.A. Sociology May 1996 SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, NY Exposure to computer, cartography, surveying One week internship in Quebec City; took aerial photos, conversed in French Minor in French A.S. Human Services June 1993 Schenectady County Community College Schenectady, NY GPA: 3.32/4.0 Slide 40 Honors and Awards G.P.A. 3.4; Deans List five semesters Good Student Scholarship Finalist: One of twenty students to receive the highest scholarship honor award of the College, based on academic achievement, campus leadership and community service. Students who have been the recipients of numerous honors and awards often have a tendency to put everything down on a resume. It is better to select those which present a composite picture of your strengths than to list all of your triumphs. Slide 41 Experience Whether you begin with a position title or the name of the organization is a matter of preference. Group the most relevant experiences on top or create sub categories for types of experience. It is not necessary to list every job youve held. High school jobs, unless particularly relevant, can be left off as long as you have 3-4 more recent jobs. Related volunteer and internship positions can also be listed here. Use short descriptive phrases that include power words to list your major job duties.power words Be sure to write past experiences in the past tense, use present tense for current jobs or activities. Examples Slide 42 Experience Samples P ROGRAMMING E XPERIENCE Senior Project, Colby College, Waterville, ME (Jan. 1993) Analyzed the data flow of the Colleges maintenance department Created a database to handle an inventory of over 2200 items as well as all invoices for a maintenance department (up to 50 daily) C OUNSELING E XPERIENCE Migrant Tutorial Outreach Intern, Boston, MA Tutored junior and senior high school students from migrant farming families Assessed academic subjects that needed to be strengthened Assisted students on an individual basis Coordinated subject matter with students teachers Spring 1993 Slide 43 Power Words When describing your job duties, use words that convey action. For example: AcceleratedAccommodatedAdvancedAchieved AnalyzedBudgetedCoachedCommitted ComposedCounseledCustomizedDedicated DemonstratedDevelopedDraftedEducated EmpoweredEnvisionedEvaluatedExamined ExcelledFacilitatedFulfilledGenerated GrewIdentifiedImplementedIncreased InitiatedInterpretedIntroducedLaunched LedMaintainedMotivatedOperated OrganizedPerformedPlannedPrepared PromotedRecruitedReinforcedRelated ResearchedRepairedSatisfiedShaped StimulatedSupervisedTransformedTrained UpdatedUpgradedValuedVisualized Wrote Slide 44 Qualifications/Skills/Certifications If listing your qualifications, you should list those things that relate to your industry or field such as specific certifications, computer skills, spoken languages, and any other abilities that might make you the ideal candidate. This can be done in one section or separate sections or even in combination with other sections in your resume. resume Slide 45 References In most cases, references are left off of the resume entirely and only submitted after the prospective employer has requested them. Many people choose to include this information on a separate page ready to hand an employer if requested. In this case, it should have the same heading as your resume and be in the same format. References should be past employers or coworkers who can speak about your work ethic and habits as well as your abilities. References should NOT be family members or friends. Slide 46 To see more resume samples or to make an appointment with Career and Employment Services call (518)381-1365. Or stop in during walk in hours every Monday and Tuesday from 1:00-3:00 pm Elston 223 Slide 47 Things to Keep in Mind No matter what you include in your resume, the format should remain the same throughout. Limit your resume to relevant information (adjust accordingly). Be sure to check spelling and grammar. Keep your descriptions crisp and clear. Make sure your resume is visually balanced. Avoid using templates, they are difficult to change later. If you like the look of a template, format your document to look similar by using the tools in your word processor. Use a good quality resume or bond paper, but avoid trendy colors. Have others review your resume for you. Click here for a resume example.resume Slide 48 The Cover Letter A cover letter is written specifically for each resume you send and if at all possible addressed to a particular person. If youre unsure of who it should go to, call the company and ask. Be sure to get the correct spelling. If you have a connection in a company, ask for permission to use their name in your letter. Include it in the first sentence. If you dont have a connection, your first sentence should include how you learned of the position. The purpose of a cover letter is to convince the recipient to read your resume and hopefully request a personal interview with you. Highlight a few main points of your resume but dont rewrite your resume. Use a business style format with single spacing and no indentation on paragraphs. Be sure that the text is centered and balanced and not jammed into the top or bottom of the page. After the last paragraph, leave one line space and then type your closing followed by a comma. Leave five additional line spaces and type your name, then sign your name in blue or black ink between the closing and your printed name. Be sure to check for errors in spelling and grammar. Use the same stationary used for your resume. Always keep a copy of the letter youve written to a specific company for reference. Click here for examples.examples Slide 49 Slide 50 If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. ~ Milton Berle Slide 51 Searching for Opportunities NETWORKING only 15-20% of jobs are actually advertised. Ask friends, family and associates for information about their companies or jobs. Theyll enjoy telling you about them and will be more forthcoming with contacts and additional information. NETWORKING REGISTER WITH EASE (SCCC Students and Alumnae only) REGISTER WITH EASE Get access to Employer contact information and job opportunities posted specifically for our students and alumnae. Upload your resume for review by professional staff Find information on employment related topics including career guides for each of SCCCs majors. Links to additional online employment websites including the civil service website. Visit company websites to see which jobs they are hiring for. Apply in person to jobs. Many employers will meet with people at the time they apply. Even if they dont have a job at that time, you now have a new contact. Internet job sites such as Indeed will list ads from most other job search sites as well and you can have new results emailed to you daily.Indeed Slide 52 Additional Resources Newspapers/Professional Journals (Times Union- http://www.timesunion.com)Times Union- http://www.timesunion.com) New York State Dept of Labor (http://www.labor.state.ny.us)http://www.labor.state.ny.us US Office of Personnel Management (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov)http://www.usajobs.opm.gov New York State Civil Service (http://www.cs.state.ny.us)http://www.cs.state.ny.us) New York Unified Court System (http://www.courts.state.ny.us/)(http://www.courts.state.ny.us/) County Civil Service Exams/Announcements (Albany, Sch'dy, Saratoga) Federal Job Listings (http://usajobs.opm.gov/)(http://usajobs.opm.gov/) Staffing Services (Adecco, Manpower, etc.) Re-employment Centers (SJTA, Capital District Reemployment Center, VESID) College Career Centers (SCCC, UAlbany, Union College, HVCC, etc.)SCCC Local Job/Career Fair Events Slide 53 One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes. ~Benjamin Disreali Slide 54 The Interview Dress for Success Be Prepared Getting Off to a Good Start The Questions Wrapping it Up Slide 55 Dress for Success Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet, so if in doubt, err on the side of dressing better than you might need to. Even if you are aware that employees of an organization dress casually on the job, dress up for the interview unless you are specifically told otherwise by the employer. Click here for guidelinesguidelines Slide 56 Guidelines Suits: A two piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. If you think the industry in which you're interviewing would frown on a suit, or the interview will involve going to a work site where a suit would be inappropriate, look for advice through professional organizations, your professors who have been employed in that industry, and/or by asking the employer directly and politely. Conservative colors / fabric: Navy, dark gray (and black for women) are safe. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Solids or very subtle weave patterns or plaids (the kind that look solid across a room) are safest. Wool, wool blends, or good quality micro fiber for women only, are generally the best fabrics in all seasons. Avoid acetate / rayon blends. Cost / quality: You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job. One good quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary your shirt/blouse tie/accessories. Details: Everything should be clean and well pressed. Carefully inspect clothes for tags, dangling threads, etc. Click here for more detailed information for Men and WomenMenWomen Slide 57 For Women Suits-Pants should be creased and tailored, not tight or flowing. A skirt that ends at the knee when you're standing also looks chic and professional. Longer narrow skirts are professional too; just make sure they are not so narrow that you can't climb stairs comfortably. Wear a blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit. A fine gauge, good quality knit shell is also appropriate underneath your suit jacket. Don't show cleavage. Jewelry- keep choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Makeup Be conservative. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed with no or subtle color. Avoid wearing strong perfumes. Shoes - Closed-toe pumps are the best choice. You may be taken on a tour of the site so be certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes. No stilettos or chunky platforms. Hosiery- even if you have the perfect tan, wear plain, sheer (not opaque), neutral colors complementing your suit. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color. Purse - Keep it small and simple. Purse color should coordinate with your shoes. You may choose to carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine wovens are also acceptable. Slide 58 For Men A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. Don't combine a suit jacket with pants that don't match. Everything should be clean and well pressed with all tacking stitches and outer labels removed. Choose conservative colors like navy and dark gray. Black for men may still be considered too formal in very conservative industries. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the kind that look solid across a room). Select good quality silk ties and avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews. Long-sleeved dress shirts (button down collar) should be worn, even in summer. Choose white or light blue solid, or conservative stripes. Wear dark socks that match your pants. They should be mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down. Shoes should be leather, lace-up or slip-on business shoes, preferably black or brown. Your belt should be black or brown leather, to match your shoes. If you have facial hair it should be well-groomed. Beards, in general, should not be worn to an interview. Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Removing earrings is safest. Slide 59 Be Prepared Begin your preparation at least a few days in advance if possible. Have all clothing cleaned and pressed. Know who you will be interviewing with and where the interview will take place. Prepare at least three questions to ask prospective employers.questions Have extra copies of your resume, certificates and references. If you are not driving yourself, make sure you know how you will get there and have a back up plan just in case. Slide 60 Getting Off to a Good Start Arrive on time or a few minutes early Greet the receptionist Go alone - If you need to have someone else drive you, have them wait in the car Have all of your information available, including drivers license, Social Security card, employment and reference information, your resume and any other important documentation such as professional licenses Offer the interviewer a firm handshake Establish eye contact Smile, listen attentively and speak clearly If you did not send the interviewer a resume, this is a good time to give it to them -Bring an extra copy just in case Slide 61 The Questions Make sure your answers to questions are clear and concise. Its best to have answers to questions and how you can apply them to variations of those questions well thought out in your head.questions Never answer a question with Thats never happened to me and leave it at that. If you have honestly never dealt with a scenario that the employer presents, tell them how you would handle it if the situation arose. Slide 62 Sample Questions an Employer Might Ask Tell me about yourself. What made you choose your career? Why are you interested in this company? What is your major strength/weakness? What do you know about our company? Describe a problem you encountered and how you dealt with it. Where do you see yourself in three years? Describe an experience where you worked as a team. Describe a difficult person you had to work with and how you dealt with him/her. How would a former employer/instructor describe you? What kind of supervisor do you prefer? Why should I hire you? Slide 63 Sample Questions to Ask an Employer Please describe the duties of the job for me. How often are performance reviews given? Is this a new position or am I replacing someone? What are your growth projections for the next year? What do you like best about your job/company? What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position? What skills are especially important for someone in this position? May I have a tour of the facility? What is the next step? When should I expect to hear from you or should I contact you after a certain amount of time? Slide 64 At the end of the Interview Be sure to thank the interviewer by name. Ask when you might expect to hear about a decision and when is appropriate to call if you havent heard from them. Be sure to write a thank you letter any time an employer takes the time to meet with you. Slide 65 Thank You Letter No matter how well you feel you presented yourself during an interview, its important to thank the interviewer for their time. Its also a good idea to highlight positives from the interview or to reiterate why you feel you would be a good fit for the company. You can find some good examples of thank you lettersgood examples of thank you letters for everything from general interviews to damage control. Slide 66 The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one. ~Oscar Wilde Slide 67 Keeping the Job Now that youve landed the job and begun to settle in, keep in mind that although you are responsible for completing the necessary tasks, the job itself belongs to the company or agency you work for and they can appoint someone else to that position if they choose. Be present both physically and mentally and continually look for ways to improve your skills. Be flexible and offer to complete additional assignments when needed. Complete tasks when they are assigned and avoid shortcuts that may lead to bad habits and incomplete work that piles up. You never know who you may work with in the future, so it is always best to complete your work to the best of your ability and maintain positive working relationships. Slide 68 Intellectual Property Most businesses and agencies now have a policy regarding intellectual property, which is in simple terms any intangible asset that consists of human knowledge and ideas. It is generally accepted that if you develop materials or ideas on work equipment (i.e. computers) and time, Then it is owned by the employer. Employers also reserve the right to monitor your usage of such equipment including the internet, downloads and computer files. Slide 69