In a competitive global market the soon-to-be college graduate and new professional needs to know their unique talents and abilities in order to stand out from the crowd. Our economy is recovering slowly; a shift in our schools  and colleges can set new expectations to better prepare graduates for workforce realities. Many K-12 schools, whether out of choice or necessity, still teach to standardized tests and curriculums. However, the new professional is anything but standardized. The new professional is self-aware, stands out because of their ability to develop unique strengths, can connect their education to their career, is fully integrated into traditional and digital communication, and understands how to use personal discipline for professional advantage. If there isn’t enough time to emphasize this model in class, teachers can emphasize the importance of this exposure out of class.

If the institutions don’t have the money, time, perspective, or know-how to teach to students unique strengths, students often miss learning the skills they need to thrive in the real-world.  When teachers and parents don’t make specific opportunities available for students to apply their academic skills to real-life job prospects, young minds struggle to make those connections which employers deem imperative. Small change can make a big impact, whether it’s one teacher making a difference in his class, one initiative helping kids work on their skills after school, or parents creating a supportive culture at home. Below are some small ways educators, professionals, and parents can help find and develop students’ gifts and talents to prepare them for success in school and their career.

Robinson believes the waste of talent we see in our schools is not “deliberate”, but rather “systematic”. There will be an education revolution, as Robinson calls it, but how long can you wait for change? If your school curriculum doesn’t offer enough creative outlets, how can you make one change in your lesson that uses students’ critical thinking skills instead of memorization? If you’re a parent, what is one activity, whether a physical one, a video game, board game, etc. that develops critical and creative thinking skills you could encourage kids to play at home?

Create opportunities for students to practice professional skills and find professional role models. For many students, there can be a disconnect between what they’re learning in school and how that knowledge applies to the real world. Many students ask, “Why are we learning this?” and parents and educators don’t always have a better response than “because I said so” – or some variation. Share the true purpose of the learning and connect the value of each idea to career and personal life.

How are you helping students draw the connection between school and life? Would you be willing to coordinate positive role models to come speak to your students? Consider the impact of bringing in a real-life role model to a class that is tapped into the unreal behaviors of many of today’s celebrities. It’s the responsibility of parents, educators, students, and the community to create a stable tomorrow.  Our energy and our imagination can transform current difficulties and frustrations into  a new, vibrant and energizing learning environment.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Sources:

¹ ”How Schools Stifle Creativity,” By Sir Ken Robinson. _{http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/11/03/robinson.schools.stifle.creativity/index.html}

²“How One Principal Recruited Role Models to Motivate His Black Male Students,” by Baruti Kafele. 14 April 2012. Good. Accessed on 20 April 2012. http://www.good.is/post/how-one-principal-recruited-role-models-to-motivate-his-black-male-students/

You’re graduating this semester. Your resume is clean, you have your reference letters in order, your suit is pressed, and you feel confident your school trained you in the skills you need to land an entry-level job and climb up the career ladder. But are you sure you’re not missing anything?

Much of the hiring process and job skills people are familiar with are surface formalities, that definitely play a role in your landing the job, but don’t hold as much weight in retaining your position and advancing in your career. Over the years, I’ve had a number of employees and interns come in and out of LifeBound and observed firsthand where entry-level employees lack professional skills — most of the time in behaviors that aren’t evident on a cover letter or resume.

As you get ready to enter the world of work or think it’s time to advance in your career, consider how you can improve on some of the following qualities:

Uniqueness: During the hiring process, what makes you different than another candidate? Do you have unique experiences that showcase your ability to think outside of the box? If you’re employed, think of one thing you can do this week to show that you have a unique edge that sets you apart from your peers.  If you don’t know yourself well enough to answer these questions, take the time to reflect on who you are. Know what matters to you and what you have to offer before someone asks you these questions during an interview.

Reliability: To retain your position and to advance, you need to show you’re reliable. Emergencies happen, but calling in weekly with new emergencies and misunderstandings tells your employer you aren’t someone who wants to stay-the-course and that you and your schedule aren’t ready for more responsibility. Be sterling with your word and your actions.

Ability to Assess: It’s not only the apathetic employee who can make the wrong impression. Enthusiastic employees can also go overboard, unwittingly. Do you talk over people? Do you interrupt when people are busy? Some people need to fine-tune their radar for assessing a situation. Pause before you dive into your next conversation with your boss or coworker. Read their body language.  Consider if the information you have can wait if the other person is busy. Enthusiasm is great, but check to make sure you are being considerate of other people’s work space so that you can be credible.

A formal education and paperwork are only part of the employment process. Many things you will discover about yourself and about your field will only come to light through real-world experience. Show that you are someone who is willing to grow, learn, risk, and adapt in your job by working on the above qualities. Also, every once in a while, take a step back and self-assess. Are you happy in your job? Is there something you could do to make it better?  How can your unique skills make a real contribution in your job, the community, the world?  LifeBound’s career blog features insights from a young professional as well as someone who is a career success in mid life. Reading their insights will help open your eyes as you cross the next career threshold.

America’s unemployed youth each take $40,000 a year from the economy and cost the government $14,000 in taxes, according to the article “What Does One Jobless Youth Cost Taxpayers? $14,000 a Year.” The “lost generation” is projected to cost taxpayers $437 billion over the next five years, and possibly $1.15 trillion in their lifetime.

However hard is to look into the future and still see unemployment hurting the economy and the American dream, there are even deeper concerns than dollar amounts. In a few years, America’s youth will be America’s adults. When high school students, college students, and college grads are out of work, some aren’t learning the skills they need to have a future career, create stable finances, and build back our economy.

The employment gap between young and old is the largest it has ever been, with only 56 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 currently holding jobs. As this gap widens, many young adults will go another year without employment and new ones will fall victim. Does calling this generation “lost” require them to stay in school, follow their passions, and dream about careers? How can a young adult who is told they are part of the “lost generation” have drive, motivation, stamina, or the self-confidence to defy the label they’ve been given?

The longer youth are out of work the more likely they are to earn less in life, miss out on real-world chances to build skills, commit crimes, and need government support, according to the article. But each member of the “lost generation” can take control of their lives and set a healthy path for their futures.

Jeremy Estrada grew up in LA. He was in a gang, he was assaulted, he assaulted others and he was institutionalized and put on probation a number of times as a juvenile. After running from the police for two weeks from his last offense, he turned himself in and was sent to Rite of Passage. There, Estrada was encouraged to learn and redirect his anger. He became a straight A student who was accepted to Pepperdine University. Today, he is a graduate from Georgetown University School of Medicine. (https://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/2000_5_1/pag3.html)

We might not have the jobs to employ all of America’s youth, but how can they be directed to keep learning, experiencing, and dreaming? How can the “lost generation” take back power?  How can each person, challenged by our current economy, still make a difference, remain hopeful and contribute to the best of their abilities?  How can our personal and professional lives be a model for these young people?

The recession has changed the way many Americans live, causing some to file for unemployment, go back to school, relocate, or downsize. The economic downturn is also showing effects of changing how the next generation of young adults will adapt to the changed economy they are inheriting. According to the NPR article “US Jobs Between Young And Old Is Widest Ever,” a new study by the Pew Research Center shows, in record numbers, young adults are choosing to live with their parents longer and delaying marriage to raise kids out of wedlock, if they choose to have them at all.

Many young adults and new graduates are struggling to take their first steps in a new economy where a slew of seasoned workers have been displaced. In fact, only 54 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 are currently employed, which is the lowest employment rate for the age group since the government began gathering data in 1948. Those who are employed are also being hit by the recession by earning about 6 percent less than in 2007.

No matter the numbers, young adults remain optimistic that their chances of employment will improve, with only 9 percent believing they won’t reach their future financial goals, which is the same as it was before the recession.  For those who are creative, ingenuous, willing to work hard, and persevere, there will be opportunity.

“I’m surprised young adults remain so optimistic,” said Mark Mather, an associate vice president at the Population Reference Bureau in the article. “The research points to long-term economic problems for young adults. But many of the trends we are seeing among young people — postponing marriage, living at home, staying in school longer — can be viewed more as short-term ways to cope until the economy picks up.”  I see these young adults as wisely sizing up their options and looking in new and different ways to create opportunity for themselves.

As our society adapts to more frugal lifestyles and employment insecurities, we will probably continue to change tradition, re-evaluate our values, and find creative ways to say afloat. The positive reading of this new study is that young adults are still powered by their optimism to look for work, continue their educations, and make sacrifices. How can you support a young adult to keep their optimism? What are some long-term adjustments you can help a young adult make?   How can coaching a young person help them to see the options they can create?  Who are the best examples of this in your world?  How can you showcase those people for other young people?

As the price tag of a college education soars and families continue to adapt their lifestyles to the recession, students approaching college might be considering putting off college or looking for cheaper alternatives.

Last year, one of the PayPal cofounders started a $2 million fund to get students under 20 to drop out of school and each start their own business with $100,000 in startup money. Stanford also launched open source classes available to anyone, from anywhere in the world who wanted to take a free course and receive a grade. In the last few years, people’s lifestyles have become more integrated with technology, playing with educational apps, searching the Internet for information from a handheld device, and sharing information via social media.

Education is no longer confined to a one-size fits all model or even a single definition. Education is adaptable and customizable for the student depending on their location, interests, and socioeconomic standing. There may be many choices, however, a common goal for those searching for higher education in an unstable economy is to find an affordable form of education that can help them get a job and that won’t bury them in debt. Open-source classes are affordable, but they don’t come with the same job outlooks as the $40,000 – $50,000 master’s degree from Stanford.

What options do students have who desire a top education without paying top dollar? Go overseas, says Charles Kenny in his article “Foreign Policy: Outsource Your Kid.” He says, tuition at some of the best universities in Asia, Europe, and Africa can be as low as $4,000, well below the median cost of a college degree in the United States. Of the top ten universities ranked by Time, seven of them are in the U.S. However, 99 percent of U.S. college applicants won’t be attending top schools like Harvard or MIT. Many could benefit culturally, academically and financially by going to college overseas.

Did you know, South Africa’s University of Cape Town beats out Georgetown University on the QS rankings, but Georgetown students pay upwards of $40,000 for their education, while foreign students at Cape Town pay $8,000?

Not only are there colleges around the world that will save the cost-conscious family money on a quality education, students will gain more global knowledge than they ever could attending an in-state school. Students will be immersed in a new culture, possibly learn a foreign language, and get first-hand experience that will prepare them for the global world of work.

Would you consider a college education abroad for you or a family member? Why or why not? What are the benefits of staying in your own country and paying more? What are the benefits of studying abroad and paying less?

Amidst the slow economic recovery, business start-ups are on the rise. Graduates facing a bleak job market as well as downsized seasoned professionals are finding fulfilling work in entrepreneurship. The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that a staggering 9 out of 10 businesses fail within the first year. Following are five suggestions to help aspiring entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls on the road to business success.

1. Develop emotional intelligence. Even the smartest entrepreneurs may be unaware of their strengths and weaknesses. Yet self-awareness is key to operating a successful business. You need high levels of emotional intelligence to keep yourself—and your business—moving forward.

2. Distinguish your products or services from the competition. One of the biggest fallacies in business is obsessing over trends and in the process losing sight of what makes your business unique. Carefully assess how you differ from the competition and what you can do better.

3. Invest in yourself. Many entrepreneurs expend tremendous energy and inspiration at the start of their venture. But maintaining that same fervor becomes more difficult over time. Determine what can keep you motivated to achieve your goals. Consider hiring a career coach or a counselor to help you discover whether your passions and values are compatible with running a business.

4. Find resources. Don’t try to figure everything out yourself. Continue to network with mentors and with community and professional organizations, such as your local chamber of commerce, to help your business succeed. For instance, the U.S. Small Business Administration provides a full range of services to small business owners, from getting a loan to developing a business plan, at www.sba.gov.

5. Learn business management skills. If you aren’t experienced in business, upgrade your skills. Many colleges now offer academic majors in entrepreneurship. If you don’t have the time or money to pursue a business degree, attend business seminars or purchase a reputable business video course. With the right tools, your new business can succeed.

At Skyline High School in Oakland, California, there is a program that provides students with a focus on careers in the education field. The program, called Skyline education academy, provides students with classes that focus on the education field. It includes a college-prep style learning system, and field trips to elementary schools, where students have the opportunity to act as student-teachers for the day.

Skyline is one of a growing number of schools in California that is working to increase high school graduation rates through an initiative called Linked Learning. Linked Learning merges high school courses with work experience based on the career subject of the program. It has been found that students are more engaged in their coursework when they can apply it to real life. The career-based academy gives the students an in-depth view of various industries to study, such as education, architecture, and graphic design.

Skyline and other schools that use Linked Learning have reported higher attendance and graduation rates as well as better test scores. Programs such as Linked Learning could definitely benefit other states nationwide, because they will enable students to not only apply what they learn to their futures, but also to see just how many possibilities are out there career-wise.

When students are goal-oriented and know that the purpose of their education is to prepare them for success in career and life, they will be more motivated to strive for the best. Books like Sophomore Guide to College and Career are geared towards getting high school students to think about potential careers and what happens after high school ends. To learn more about this book and other LifeBound books and materials, visit www.lifebound.com or e-mail contact@lifebound.com.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Article: Linking courses to careers improves grad rates
James E. Canales
Sunday, July 25, 2010
When Cynthia Gutierrez arrived four years ago at Skyline High School in Oakland, she was neither an academic superstar nor someone who struggled with school. Like most kids, she says, she was “somewhere in the middle.” Bored with her classes, she’d left behind a trail of C’s and D’s, and with some bad luck, she might have even lost interest in school altogether. “I didn’t know what I was doing,” she says.
Instead, Gutierrez had a stroke of good fortune. During her freshman year, a teacher told her about Skyline’s education academy, a small school within the school centered around careers in education. When she heard the program included regular field trips, she signed up. Gutierrez and 25 of her classmates spent the next three years taking classes together on education-related topics like child development and how people learn, combining a rigorous college-prep curriculum with student-teaching trips to local elementary schools. In the close-knit environment of the academy, Gutierrez found new motivation, and she discovered a love of teaching.

To read more: www.sftimes.com

Carol’s Summary:

The Generation Y population (those born in the 1980’s and 1990’s) is entering one of the worst job markets since the Great Depression. Students are graduating from college with Bachelors and Masters degrees with debts ranging anywhere between $15,000 and $100,000 from school loans, and finding a job that pays minimum wage if they are lucky.

Although the recession has affected workers of all ages, the unemployment rate for those aged 20-24 is 15.3 percent, which is more than double the rate of the other age groups not to mention a great deal higher than the overall unemployment rate of 9.5 percent.

Even though the Millennials’ population is seemingly the best-educated generation to date, the recession could in fact cause these people to delay their careers by up to 15 years and in turn lower their lifetime earning potential significantly. With this grim outlook ahead of them, what can the Generation Y population do to more effectively push themselves into the career they had hoped for upon graduation? The following are some suggestions:

1. Work for free. Many companies may not currently have a position available for hire, but a good way to get to know a company and the work they do is to participate in their internship program. If you work hard and get involved with the company, you are more likely to get hired when a position does become available. Even if you don’t get hired at the end of the internship, you are walking away with valuable experience and in most cases a valuable recommendation.

2. Outsource. If a company is unable to hire you full-time, offer your services on a contract or project basis. This will give you the opportunity to get real work experience and to stay connected to the professional world while you are looking for a full-time job.

3. Find a coach or a mentor. A good way to learn more about the career you are seeking is to find a seasoned professional to mentor you or if you can, hire a coach. Connecting with a mentor allows you to learn the “tricks of the trade” as well as get an inside look into your field of interest, while connecting with a coach can help identify as well as work on your weaknesses. A mentor can also help you get in touch with other professionals in which you can network with.

4. Get involved. Joining a professional association related to your field of interest can give you many opportunities to network with working professionals. This kind of networking can help you find jobs that are not listed for the public, as well as give you an inside scoop on how to get hired.

5. Maximize your resources. Many students fail at finding a job because they do not take advantage of the resources available to them. For example, a school’s career center is a great resource that is often underutilized. Many companies will work with career centers to find new hires instead of posting public job announcements because they know what they are getting when a school refers a graduate to them. In addition, a school’s career center is aware of student programs with the government and many other companies.

6. Do not give up. The most important thing to remember when looking for a job is not to give up. One must realize there are many people in their same position and it may take a while to find a job, but it will be worth it when you do.

The Generation Y population may have many obstacles to overcome, but there are just many opportunities for them to take advantage of. In addition to the suggestions above, LifeBound provides professional coaching for those who need some extra help finding their place in the professional world. For more information about LifeBound’s professional coaching, visit www.lifebound.com or email us at contact@lifebound.com.

Article:
Gen Y: No jobs, lots of loans, grim future
Millennials’ delay in starting their careers could wallop long-term finances

They are perhaps the best-educated generation ever, but they can’t find jobs. Many face staggering college loans and have moved back in with their parents. Even worse, their difficulty in getting careers launched could set them back financially for years.

The Millennials, broadly defined as those born in the 1980s and ’90s, are the first generation of American workers since World War II who have cloudier prospects than the generations that preceded them.

To read full article: www.msnbc.com

If you’re looking for work, it’s tempting to inundate the job market with your resume and take the first offer you get. But as a career seeker, you need to think strategically, while keeping your options open. You’ll have more success with landing a job—and being happy once you’re there—when you’ve assessed your needs, as well as the company’s, in advance. Following are ten things to consider before accepting a job offer.

1. Company culture. Does the company’s dress code, leadership style, and overall mission fit your personality and work habits? An interview can confirm your instincts and help you make an informed decision.

2. Salary. Be realistic. For most companies, the slow economic recovery doesn’t permit high starting salaries. However, after you’ve been offered the job, you have the chance to prove your worth.

3. Benefits. Does your employee package include medical and dental benefits? Are other benefits included in the employee package such as profit sharing? Is there a retirement plan or tuition reimbursement?

4. Opportunities for career advancement. What are the projected timetables for promotion? If the job doesn’t lead to advancement, does it offer an opportunity to sharpen your skills or meet people in your field? Think creatively to determine alternative ways that the job can bolster your career.

5. Training program. Will you receive formal training? Who will train you and for how long? Find out what tools the company offers to help you perform optimally.

6. Travel. Many corporate positions, particularly in sales-related fields, require travel. How often must you travel? What is the company’s policy for reimbursements? If travel is local, will you have use of a company car?

7. Commute. How much time will it take to get to and from your job each day? Is this acceptable to you? Is public transportation an option? Is there someone you can carpool with?

8. Evaluations. How often are evaluations given? What skills and qualities are rated on the evaluation? How does the company measure success within your position?

College graduates are facing the worst unemployment market in a decade. Today’s grads find themselves competing for entry-level jobs against laid-off workers with M.B.A.s and years of experience. Plus, war jitters have kept economic recovery from moving into it’s natural next phase. Yet with a little tenacity, college grads can keep their career goals on track and their emotional equilibrium in tact.

1.) Get Help. Whether you pay a personal career coach or you have a role model you admire who is willing to work with you, it is useful to have objective advice as you continue your job search and build your professional skills.

2.) Work as an intern. If there is a company or field in which you ultimately want to work, apply for an internship. Getting your foot in the door and proving what you can do can often land you full time employment after a few months.

3.) Use on-line resources. There are many on-line resources, like Monster.com, which provide job leads and expert advice to help you weigh the pros and cons of job options. If you are interested in working for a specific company, do online research about that company and follow the business decisions being make online and in the newspapers. Continue to look up job opportunities on their web site.

4.) Develop a Supportive Cadre of Friends. Thousands of college graduates are unemployed right now. Take the time to cultivate friendships with people who are positive and up beat despite the challenges in the economy. These people will make the most of this opportunity, and they will give you encouragement when you need it.

5.) Take a Leadership Role in a Volunteer Organization. If you aren’t the leader you have always wanted to be, change that now. Join a volunteer or non-profit organization and volunteer to do something significant to make a difference. You can parlay this experience to your advantage when the economy turns around.

6.) Keep Expenses to a Minimum. While you are working two jobs, one of which may be non-paying, keep your costs down. Be creative with how you can save money. Cook at home and entertain yourself on less.

7.) Network. Meet as many people as you can who may be able to help you in the job search—friends, neighbors, grandparents and anyone else you may meet. Ask crucial questions and enlist their help and advice on the job search.

8.) Interview. Call the company or business where you would like to work and ask if you can interview someone with your dream job. Ask that person relevant questions about how they got started and what are the pros and cons of their job. These people will often be flattered that YOU want to spend time interviewing THEM out of respect, and can therefore be very helpful and perhaps give you some connections or people to contact. Again, this is NETWORKING!

9.) Continue to Learn. Employers value employees who are self-directed learners. So be aware of current events and know your industry by reading trade publications. Be disciplined about keeping your learning alive, especially after you have graduated.

10.) Keep the Faith. The economy will turn around. Until that happens, keep upgrading your skills even if you are not in your dream job. Have a resilient attitude and ask yourself what the lessons are in this time period. If you can answer that in some future interview, your prospective employer will know that you create opportunities no matter how tough the situation.