The Value of Post High School Education

An article in the February 23, 2014, edition of The Dallas Morning News, “$10,000 degree is $64,000 Question” on page 1D by Mitchell Schnurman, discusses the pay back provided by a college degree.  The article’s title refers to Governor Perry’s challenge to school leaders to provide a bachelor degree for $10,000.

The article states that two-thirds of future jobs will require post-secondary education.  In 1973, almost 75 percent of jobs required no more that a high school diploma, but by 2020 the share will decrease to 36 percent of jobs.  Also stated is that the average lifetime earnings for a holder of a bachelor’s degree is almost $1 million more than a holder of only a high school diploma.

So given, the value of post high school education, what advice is relevant for high school graduates?  Van Davis, director of Innovation at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of Texas says “For too long, we’re had one-size-fits-all in education.” 

I think that post high school education should meet the aptitude, goals and objectives of the student.  For example, if one is very technically oriented, perhaps schools for auto and aircraft mechanics, electricians, plumbers, truck drivers are appropriate.  For individuals strong in mathematics and sciences, perhaps engineering and medicine is the right track.  Financial and people oriented folks might consider business or law.  Those who enjoy helping others might consider education or human resources as a career.  Others like me may choose marketing and sales.

Bottom line, education and training beyond high school will yield greater life-time compensation, and I think, a more productive and satisfying career.  What do you think?  Please share your opinions with others by commenting in this blog or by emailing me: glynjordan@gmail.com. 

Thanks!   Glyn

 

 

 

Training for the Olympics

As I watch the 2014 Olympics from Sochi, I am amazed to see and hear about the hours and years of training the participants have devoted to their sport.  I wonder if job seekers devoted even a tenth of the effort that these athletics have, if the job seekers would be working today.

Training for a sport takes discipline and regimen to practice and participate in competitive events.  Disappointment is a frequent occurrence for these athletics; however, they immediately return to practice and pay attention to the corrective advice from coaches.  They are resilient and return prepared for the next competitive event.

I encourage all job seekers to consider the dedication to the task at hand just as the Olympians have.  I suggest that they review their objectives and develop a strategy to find meaningful employment. 

Further, you should remember to focus on the task and not be discouraged by minor set-backs.  Please remember, if an Olympian had quit after the first failure, he/she would never be standing on a podium receiving a medal.   

Readers of this blog who have successfully found employment are encouraged to share suggestions for job seekers by commenting in this blog or emailing me: glynjordan@gmail.com. 

Thanks!   Glyn

Construction Workers in Demand

An article in The Dallas Morning News, February 7, 2014, edition, “Construction laborers lost”, on page 1D by Steve Brown discusses the fact that many construction workers left the industry during the last construction downturn. 

With the construction rebound, there is a shortage of skilled construction workers such as carpenters, framers, welders, plumbers, and stonemasons. Many of the previously displaced workers have found other higher paying jobs and may be slow to return.  In addition, a large number of craftsmen are approaching retirement age.

It appears to me that this demand is a great opportunity for individuals seeking employment.  “The shortage is especially acute in markets such as Dallas and Houston.”  Job seekers could use the Internet to identify builders in their area.  Here are some suggested search arguments:

Builders in your location, e.g.:

 “home builders in Dallas”

“apartment  builders in Texas”

“commercial builders in Texas”

I suggest that Individuals with limited experience in building skills use the Internet to search for construction training programs and apprenticeships.

Readers of this blog are encouraged to share suggestions for individuals seeking employment in the construction industry with comments or by emailing me at glynjordan@gmail.com. 

Thanks!   Glyn

Interviewing Techniques

This past weekend I had the opportunity to listen to the president of my granddaughter’s university discuss some differences between successful individuals and others.  One point that he made was the importance of making a good first impression.  

This speech got me thinking again about how essential it is to make a positive impression during a job interview.  As I was thinking about remarks, I returned to my book Getting Jobs by Glyn Jordan, and reread Section V – Interviewing Techniques.

 

Below are key topics for job seekers to review as they prepare for a job interview:

1.   Research the hiring organization and its advertised job openings

2.   Dress appropriately making and pay attention to proper hygiene

3.   Always remain positive in all your communications

4.   Be truthful in responses to questions while avoiding confessions of shortcomings

5.   Develop and practice a 30 second elevator speech summarizing who you are and the benefits you can provide the hiring organization

6.   Maintain qualified work and personal references

7.   Practice responses to typical interviewer questions including:

What are your greatest strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and failures?  Describe your best and worst boss.

I recognize that the first critical task is to land a job interview.  I encourage readers of this blog to share your advice with job seekers in getting the interview with your comments or by emailing me at glynjordan@gmail.com.

 

Thanks!   Glyn