Archive for 'career counselor'

6 Ways to Stay Invigorated While Adjusting to Your New Job

Friday, April 27th, 2012 at 1:28 AM  
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As a new hire, your days may feel like you’re putting out one fire after another, barely making it through the day without third degree burns. Not only are you learning about your new role, your colleagues, your company, and office politics, you are also trying very hard to seem like you know what you’re doing – at least most of the time. Despite the biggest and most sincere can-do attitude, there may be days that just zap your energy, leaving you feeling low, grouchy, exhausted, or even physically ill.

Off days are just a part of being human, so refrain from punishing yourself for not being able to always bring your A game in the way that you’d hoped.  I heard this analogy recently that seemed very appropriate. Imagine you’re carrying bags of groceries from your vehicle into your house, not realizing that the bags have holes in them. As you’re walking along, you’re merrily leaving a trail of items behind unknowingly. When you reach your pantry, ready to unpack your bags, you can’t help but wonder, “Didn’t I have more than this?”

Both at work and at home, you’re constantly giving parts of yourself away. You share your energy, drive, excitement, emotions, stamina, and even your patience. I don’t need to tell you that you can’t keep giving away what you don’t have, and can’t spend energy that you’ve already spent. You owe it to yourself (and arguably also those around you, including your boss) to reinvigorate yourself so that you can be your best self. Read the rest of this entry

5 Transferable Skill Sets to Mention in Your Job Application

Monday, April 9th, 2012 at 10:27 PM  
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Today’s competitive market forces many job seekers to pursue positions outside of the field that they are most qualified for. If you find yourself in this situation, the good news is that you likely possess transferable skills that are marketable across industries. For instance, Research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) recently revealed that above all else, “employers are looking for team players and candidates who have strong verbal communication skills.” Other transferable skills and characteristics most sought after by employers include:

  1. Team focus
  2. Strong verbal communication
  3. Decision-making and problem solving
  4. Obtaining and processing information
  5. Planning, organizing, and prioritizing work
  6. Analyze quantitative data
  7. Possessing technical knowledge
  8. Being computer proficient
  9. Creating and/or editing written reports
  10. Selling or influencing others

If you are hoping to break into a new industry, or even just want your application to stand out from the crowd, it is therefore essential that you carefully incorporate these and other transferable skills into your resume and cover letter. Transferable skills can be categorized into five broad areas: 1) Communication skills, 2) Research and Planning, 3) Interpersonal skills, 4) Organization, Management and Leadership, and 5) Work Survival Skills. Read the rest of this entry

Career v. Life

Thursday, March 8th, 2012 at 9:27 PM  
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Work is part of life; it is healthy and constructive. It pays the bills. It gives the reward of real accomplishment and useful participation in community and society. It doesn’t matter if you are a Career Counselor like I am, a pizza delivery girl, a corporate executive, or an aspiring rocket scientist. Work can be wonderful and fulfilling if the fit is just right. However, as you might have learned, if not managed correctly, a job can also take a toll on your relationships, health, and overall sense of well-being.

The harsh reality of the current economic climate is that most of us are forced to do more with much, much less – both at work and at home. In today’s chaotic world, it is a safe bet that there just isn’t enough time in the average day to meet the responsibilities of work, family and friends. And, since our bosses hold a tight rein on our paychecks, it is likely that our family and friends are the ones who suffer. If you’re anything like me, you probably can’t find the time to return phone calls or remember to send a birthday card to your Aunt Betty. Thank goodness for Facebook! That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
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Author

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012 at 8:52 PM  
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Dr. Vera V. Chapman is a Licensed Professional Counselor currently practicing as a Career Planning Specialist at a large 4-year institution in the Southeastern United States while teaching both graduate and undergraduate students. Before the age of 30, she held a Ph.D. in the field of Higher Education Administration, a Masters degree in Counseling, and a triple major Bachelor of Science in Physiology, Genetics, and Psychology. With more than a decade as an enthusiastic college student and educator, Dr. Vera is a strong proponent of lifelong learning.  She finds great purpose in empowering others by sharing the knowledge that she has gained so far in life. Having lived on three continents and studied internationally, she brings open-mindedness, enthusiasm, and genuineness to her classrooms and counseling sessions.

Her life’s mission is to guide others towards becoming the most extraordinary version of themselves – something she likes to call, “chasing your fire.” In the capacities of Career and Mental Health Counselor, Student Affairs Administrator, Educational Consultant, and Adjunct Professor, Dr. Vera’s clients have ranged in age from 3 to 61 years old, spanning across the globe. Her research on college student development has been recognized at a national level and she continues her exploration of the topic. Most recently she has authored the new media based  Real World Ready!  career development series. In her spare time Vera likes to make Pinterest inspired crafts, cuddle with her babies (Lucy and Littlebit), and dream of foreign adventures with her husband, David. Whether she is working, playing or traveling, one thing is for sure:

 She is always chasing her fire.