Choosing a Career

The fields of manufacturing and engineering are evolving rapidly; many of today’s most promising careers paths did not even exist 20 years ago. That fact is creating opportunities for students and for working adults.

This trend is expected to continue, so deciding on a career—or a career change—means planning for flexibility, change, and life-long learning. But first, it requires self-examination.

Questions to ask when considering a career path:

• What are/were my favorite subjects in school?
• Do I want to work in a building or outside?
• Do I want to go to work in the same place every day, or do I want to move around?
• Do I prefer to wear a suit, uniform, or casual clothes?
• Do I want to work in the city or in the country?
• Do I want to work in the United States or overseas?
• How do I want to spend my leisure time?

Working Professionals

For working professionals, the TIME Center offers a wealth of information on engineering and manufacturing careers, as well as worker retraining opportunities.

Students

For students, a good place to begin to research career opportunities is through the Be What I Want to Be website. It features information about careers, interviews with workers in those careers, and games and prizes.

Learn about careers in automation technology by visiting the You and Improved website.

For all

Find jobs and career information through the Employment Training site www.doleta.gov/jobseekers

Visit www.smeef.org and the award-winning website, Manufacturing is Cool!

Interested in a career in welding, visit www.CareersInWelding.com

Interested in a career in the energy industry, visit www.getintoenergy.com