Question: As you begin to consider your career goals, it is important to clarify your specific needs and interests. In most instances, you cannot get the job you want if you aren't clear about what you are searching for as well as the types of jobs for which you qualify. In order to identify the types of positions you are most interested in (or most qualified for), conducting industry research is important. The work you put forth now will provide a large return of investment; the more clearly you can identify your goals, the greater your chances of fulfilling them.
Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.
1. Does the private sector have a career for you?
• Action: Research jobs using Web site A or additional Internet sources, and find options that do not involve the most familiar employment avenues.
• Awareness: Most people are familiar with some careers and settings like police officers, courts, and corrections, but what options exist outside of the government?
2. How does the private sector overlap with government jobs?
• Action: Find and list 3 specific jobs that have private and government equivalents, and list 3 skills for each that are the same in both sectors. A compare-and-contrast element can be added to evaluate the jobs' requirements and duties.
• Awareness: Many government jobs have private-sector equivalents with the same titles, benefits, or duties.
3. What are the advantages to working in the private sector?
• Action: Answer the following questions in short answer or essay format:
i. How can the skills and training benefit your marketability for a future career?
ii. Could this job serve as a job that could lead you to a government job later in your career?
• Awareness: Private-sector jobs are abundant and often have less restrictions for employment compared to their government counterparts. They also can be less dependent on unpredictable government changes. They can also serve as a great way to gain needed experience and training for a future job or career.