Experts Tell: Top Jobs And Best Moves For Class Of 2000/2001

Ebony, Jan, 2001 by Kimberly Davies

WITH opportunity seemingly at every turn, experts say choosing the right career will most likely mean a bit of soul-searching for new African-American graduates. Record-low unemployment and a labor force hovering at roughly 140 million mean that the year 2001 is ripe with possibilities for young Black workers. While the top fields continue to be in computer engineering, information sciences and systems (starting salaries range from about $44,000 to $50,000 in some positions), Black organization leaders say money shouldn't be the only concern. Personal fulfillment, going where you're needed and doing something you enjoy should play a large part in what position you take.

To determine the top jobs and best moves for 2000/2001 graduates, EBONY asked United Negro College Fund President William H. Gray and five other experts to respond to the following questions:

1. What advice would you give a young Black man or woman starting a career today?

Dr. William H. Gray, President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund

First, continue your education in the field of your choice. Make sure you get the training that you need for the job. That may mean a bachelor's degree, master's degree, a Ph.D. or a law degree. Get the educational training needed to do well.

Second, be willing to take risks. Life demands that you take risks if you're going to be successful. Be bold and believe in yourself.

Third, understand that failure is just the building block for success. You must be persistent. In a few words, stick with it. No one ever had a perfectly successful career. Some of the most successful people had horrible failures at the beginning, but stuck with it and succeeded on the second or third try ... Always stay involved in your family and community. That Keeps you grounded. Go back, give back, reach back.

Dr. Rodney Hood, President of the National Medical Association

In general, we as African-Americans really need to choose careers that will be beneficial to our communities. If you really take a look at the African-American communities, career options are wide open because we need folks going into all career paths, including economics, law, business, science and medicine. For any career path chosen, individuals should have the passion for it. Such passion becomes evident when you get experience in that field through volunteering. For those who decide they have an interest or passion in medicine, pursue it. I believe medicine is a wonderful career despite the complaints about the field from more seasoned physicians.

Antoinette Malveaux, President and CEO of the National Black MBA Association

If they've chosen the industry that they want to start their career in, I would advise them to try to understand the different career paths within the industry they're interested in pursuing. If they haven't chosen an industry, then they should begin to do some research around that industry [and] look at the career paths and the type of skills and talents needed to be successful in the career paths they've chosen. Do everything to acquire those skills.

Dr. Edward Scott, President of the National Dental Association

The main advice I would give would be to be as prepared as possible. Take as many courses that you can in language, writing, communication, and in speech to give yourself an edge over others. Science and math are also very important. Get some experience, try to shadow a worker in an area you might be interested in, whether it is dental or medical. Prepare yourself as early as possible.

Attorney Evett L. Simmons, President of the National Bar Association

Just because you have the paper credentials, understand that you do not have the experience credentials. Be willing to learn from those who were there before you and be willing to put in the time necessary to learn the job. The journey is the destination. Whatever career you have today, do your best in it. Don't think less of yourself if you choose to change that career down the road. Life is full of different experiences.

Dr. Jane E. Smith, President and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women

Recognize the opportunities that are available in a diverse global society. Seize those opportunities with the survival skills and bicultural sense of awareness that have sustained African-Americans since the beginning of slavery. Be patient and bold. Be clear and focused. Be inclusive and flexible.

2. If you were asked to name the top three fields that offer the best personal fulfillment and financial opportunity for a young Black man or woman, what would they be, and why?

GRAY: There are many different fields today that offer our young people wonderful financial remuneration. The most important thing is to do what you like and what brings you joy. Don't make a choice simply based on money; make [a choice] based on what you want to do with your life and what will make you happy when you get up and go to work. If you do what you like, enjoy your work and do it well, the money part will take care of itself.