Counselor advises on careers
by Misti McNeese, Reporter

    Students recently learned several ways to discover what career is right for them.
    Amos McCluney, counselor, and Sandra Walker, coordinator of career and employment services, conducted the Careers and Majors workshop in February on NE Campus.
    McCluney said he did not know what career path he wanted to take until he was a junior in college. At that time, he choose sociology.
    "Your occupation should be not only your job, but your hobby," he said.
    The Careers and Majors workshop stressed the importance of being happy with a job.
    Most of the students in attendance were looking for a new career path.
    Veronica Rodriguez, a TCC student, moved to Texas without a job and opened her own business.
    "Owning my own business was no longer a challenge. I wanted a new challenge. That is why I'm here," she said.
    McCluney strongly advised students to take the interest inventory evaluation. The evaluation can be performed in 45 minutes, and it takes roughly two weeks for the results.
    Walker provided information for online sources that can provide specific information about jobs. Search engines such as http://www.mybookmarks.com/public/Job_Seeker and http://online. onetcenter.org supply information on jobs, salaries, availability and much more.
    The Planful Process, developed by Stephen Forrer, is designed to help individuals choose a career path.
    The seven-step process works, McCluney said. "It is simple but effective," he said.
    First, identification of the decision must be made. Gathering as much information on an occupation is the next step.
    Once the information has been gathered, one should identify alternative interest. While weighing the evidence, a person should choose one interest among the alternatives.
    The sixth step is to take action. Networking is the key to this step, McCluney said. Speaking with people in the field of interest, McCluney said, will help determine the positive and negative attributes of that career.
    The final step is to make a decision. "You know what is best for you as an individual," he said. When in the interview room, job seekers must let the employer know that this is the job for them, and that they have the desire to do that job, McCluney said.
    "The desire to do a job is important," he said.
    Walker offered suggestions
    "Before leaving the interview ask for his/her card. Do not wait to be contacted. Always call the employer to follow up with them.
    "Be patient when looking for a job. It takes ten nos to get a yes," she said.
    After high school, Kathleen Preston attended one semester of at the University of North Texas before entering the workforce.
    "I went as far as possible in my career. I worked for 14 years," she said.