Career resources available for all ages
When I grow up -oh that's right. I already did. But long ago, in a land far, far away - Berwyn - I had dreams of being a jockey, a veterinarian and finally, a newspaper reporter. In the end, number three worked out until I morphed into public relations. (Too much height for a jockey, too little science in my brain for a vet.)
What about you? Still searching for the perfect career? In college or between jobs? Need resources to help your children make career choices?
Unlike the 1960s world in which I grew up, this one is chock full of career books for all ages. And, many of them are available at the Schaumburg Township District Library. So if you're an accountant with dreams of working outdoors, a college student wondering what to do with a math degree or a seventh-grader aching to work with dolphins, the library can help guide your vocational path.
Skimming through some of these materials has been a real eye opener. For example, say the kid who loves dolphins is already planning a degree in marine biology. Makes sense, right? Wrong, according to "Sea Life Scientist: Have You Got What it Takes to Become a Marine Biologist?"
"Remember that biologists rarely work with large sea mammals, like whales or dolphins - usually zoologists do that. You're more likely to work with the small end of the food chain - bacteria, plankton and algae."
Who knew? And there's plenty more where that came from. Kids interested in anything from aerospace to zinnias can get the scoop on their dream jobs by perusing the 331.129 section in the Youth Services department. Simply look on the end caps in the nonfiction section to see which numbers apply to which bookshelves. End caps also sport the category, so kids and teens can simply look for the "Jobs and Careers" bookshelves.
The selection is impressive, if not mind-blowing. A whole series titled "Career Ideas for Kids Who Like-" covers sports, art, music and dance, animals and nature, math and money, and many more subjects. Another series, "Who Works Here?" explains the positions, responsibilities and experience needed for jobs at hospitals, libraries, airports, firehouses, dental offices and more. Older kids may like looking through the "What Can I Do Now?" series, which covers occupations involving engineering, music, radio and television, health and others. Additional career series for kids include "Careers in Focus" and "On the Job," as well as a set of "Career Discovery Encyclopedias."
Most of the career books in the youth area are appropriate for teens as well, however there are also job books in the Teen Center. These include "America's Top Jobs for College Graduates, The guide to Getting Started in the Arts, The Career Connection for College" and "Jobs and Career Planning."
Now for that accountant who's tired of life in a cubicle, we've got titles like "Jobs in the Sun," an assessment of work opportunities in nine countries. It includes a variety of job categories and basic information on benefits, how to apply for a job, experience needed, housing, etc. Likewise, "Work Your Way Around the World" will take you far from the office to salmon fishing in Alaska and strawberry picking in Denmark or selling ice cream in Cape Town. Just want to get away for the summer and make some money too? "Summer Jobs Around the World" may have just the information you need.
Numerous books by author Blythe Camenson embrace a wide range of subjects for the job-hunter. Careers for plant scientists, mystery buffs, legal eagles, forensic science, nutritionists and adult education are just a few of the topics Camenson has covered.
Perhaps the most helpful career resources are Occupational Guidance books, which contain five units each with eight different volumes. These quick-reads offer snippets of information on just about any legitimate career. They include a description of the job itself, average earnings, working conditions and hours, education and training, advantages and disadvantages, and finally, how to enter the field.
Need help with resume writing, interviewing skills or dealing with job loss? The Schaumburg Township District Library is your source for those areas as well. Simply come to the second floor and visit our new Job and Career Center to find a variety of valuable tools including a computer reserved for job seekers, links to job search sites, career and salary information, company information and job search workshops.
Whether you are still in school, between jobs or considering a career change, you will certainly benefit from a trip to the library. Come and learn about your options, hone your interview skills, sharpen up that resume. And if you don't know where to look for what you need, ask a librarian. We're here to help you.