Your career compass - Careers 2004 - Brief Article

Careers and Colleges, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Paul McKeefry

Recently, the editor of Careers & Colleges and I visited East Orange Campus High School in East Orange, New Jersey, to experience all they do for their students in the area of career exploration and development. We were truly amazed. Not just at the variety and depth of classes, programs, and resources available to the students, but at the focus of the students themselves on getting an early jump in their field of choice. The school offered classes in animation for those with an interest in becoming cartoonists, animators or video game developers. There were also classes on computer repair and networking. And classes in graphic design and business that had an entrepreneurial aspect to them.

These students in East Orange were already preparing for their future careers and excited about the process because their school has given them the right tools--including Careers & Colleges. Our magazine is the ideal tool for helping you find career direction. Think of us as a "career compass." The majority of the issue is devoted to career profiles so you can learn about what people do in their jobs and decide whether that seems interesting to you. We also provide a fun self-assessment quiz to help you discover what you're good at and how your personality intersects with various career options. Although the magazine will get you off to a great start, our Web site at www.CareerandColleges.com will help you to explore even more careers that match your interests.

As you talk to people about their careers or what career might be suitable to you, remember that a career path is not always a straight line. It usually has many twists and turns as the economy, your interests and the skill demands of the workplace change. So, whether you have a firm idea about what you want to do or have no idea at all, we hope this issue helps you discover things about yourself and what careers might be of interest to you.