The year 2020 was a time of the big paradigm shift.  What is a paradigm shift anyway? We learn from Merriam-Webster that it is . . . “a view or way in which we look at things. The way we use to look at the world has changed. What use to be, is no more.”  

For example, the way we used to look at work and home life. Wake up, get the kids ready for school, pick up a coffee from Kwik trip or McDonald’s as you drive to work, start at 9 a.m., drive to a local restaurant for lunch, finish up the day and by 5pm you are on your way back home. After a quick supper, get the kids to piano lessons, softball or football practice, maybe head to your bowling or trap shooting league.

Perhaps your scenario is a bit different now. Maybe the kids are home, you double as school teacher, and log in to zoom meetings.  Maybe you have no job to go to (either by your choice or forced upon you). A shift in what use to be.

What now?

Time to reflect on what’s next. Ask yourself – Where do I see myself moving forward? A new way to look at your home and work life – a paradigm shift for sure. Take a look from a fresh perspective. Sarah Young, in her devotional book, encourages us to move forward. “Don’t let recent disappointments and failures define you or dampen your expectations. This is the time to make a fresh start!”

A Fresh Start

You have an opportunity to start new. A chance to re-invent yourself. Not sure where to start? Give a call to one of the Careers Instructors at Moraine Park Technical College. Take a “free” Career Assessment. Create a personal growth plan. We are here to listen, encourage, and support you.

Contact a Careers Instructor today.

If you were having heart troubles, would you take advice from a single google search or consult with a local dentist? If your car was broken down, would you buy parts based on a single internet search or ask advice from your local cable company? Of course not. Why then, are we more likely to search google for “the right answer”, ask your high school buddy, or Aunt Marge for advice on what career you should choose or tips on job searching?

Ask an expert!

Many well-intended people may give you really poor advice. I just completed a course I found on LinkedIn. It was on finding your dream job with interviewing and résumé writing tips. Some of the tips I found to be “spot-on”. However, many comments may have been appropriate in Europe for example, but not really relevant for the United States, the Midwest, Wisconsin, or South-Central Wisconsin. Around here for example, we write résumés, not CV’s. As a Wisconsin Technical College student or graduate, you have unique skills that can be marketed to local employers. After all, programs at the Technical College level have been created to satisfy a need in our community. The goal is EMPLOYMENT!

Ask your MPTC Careers Instructor!

Moraine Park’s Careers Instructors are well trained experts in this field.  Let us help you find your fit– prepare a stellar cover letter and résumé– and, ace the interview. Request a meeting to chat face-to-face or virtually at www.morainepark.edu/careers.

Contact a Careers Instructor today.

Picking a program can be as simple as A, B, C. Steve Maraboli is quoted as saying “Life is simple, it’s just not easy”.  The same can be said of deciding on a career path. You put a lot of thought into it. You asked a parent, best buddy, relative, and maybe even the family dog – “what career should I chose?” But. . . how do you really know which career is right for you? The MPTC Careers Instructors are here to help you find an answer to that questions. Just follow your A, B, C’s. . .

Assess.

Take career assessments to figure out who you really are. What do you like? What are you good at? What is truly important to you? What problems of the world would you like to solve? What are your natural gifts? Answers to these questions can get you on the road to identifying and utilizing your true gifts. We all have unique gifts. Take the time find out what they are.  A great investment in YOU.

Brainstorm careers.

Once you have an idea of “who you are”, now it’s time to brainstorm career options. What careers are out there in the world anyway? Unprecedented times will bring unprecedented opportunities.

Clarify fit.

Now that you know what’s out there, it’s time to clarify what fit’s YOU. Is salary important to you? How about location? Are you looking for a career with short training requirements? Whatever your “hot points”, clarify before jumping into a career. It could save you the frustration of a never-ending cycle of unsatisfying jobs.

If you are interested in checking out career opportunities that might be out there for YOU, contact one of the MPTC Careers Instructors. We would be happy to walk this journey with you. It’s as simple as A, B, C.

Contact a Careers Instructor today. – Yes, we can meet with you virtually!
Beaver Dam Fond du Lac West Bend
Wendy Herrmann, M.A.                    Dr. Rhonda Roehrig                  Lisa Ferguson, M.S.
wherrmann1@morainepark.edu   rroehrig2@morainepark.edu  lferguson@morainepark.edu
920-887-4437                                       920-924-3244                                262-335-5773

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In this strange and uncertain situation, you might find yourself with less structure to your days and more adjustment for life at home. During these times, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Instead, see this as an opportunity to improve yourself and make progress toward your career goals.
Here are six ways you can make the most of this time and maximize your career development:

1. Update your resume. 
It is essential that you make your resume the best it can be—and now is a great time to do it. Identify your personal brand and strongest selling points. Highlight your unique accomplishments and transferrable skills. Optimize your resume with keywords and customize it each time you apply to a different position.

2. Create a professional online presence. 
Many employers check a candidate’s online presence to learn more about them. This may be even more prevalent in the COVID-19 climate with employers having limited access to candidates in person. Google yourself and clean up any inappropriate or questionable content. Create a LinkedIn profile, if you don’t already have one.

3. Build new skills. 
In today’s digital age, it’s possible to learn almost anything through the internet. Use your time at home to build new skills. Learn a new technical skill. Read a book or listen to a podcast related to your industry. Join a professional organization. This is your chance to take advantage of your time.

4. Practice virtual interviewing. 
In response to COVID-19, many companies have changed recruiting strategies to reduce/eliminate in-person interactions. For job seekers, this means virtual interviews—so be prepared to take your next interview digitally. Choose an at-home interview space and check your technology. Reach out to the MPTC Careers Instructors to set up a practice virtual mock interview.

5. Cultivate your professional network. 
Social distancing doesn’t mean that you have to put networking on hold. Use email or LinkedIn to reach out to professionals in industries and positions of interest. Embrace the sense of community. Participate in an online forum or join in a chat during a webinar. COVID-19 is a shared global experience. This is your chance to check in with the people you know and re-establish old connections.

6. Get help from the MPTC Careers Instructors. 
You don’t have to do this alone! Although not physically on campus, Careers Instructors are available to support you remotely. Take advantage of online resources through Canvas, Zoom and/or phone appointments. We are here to help and can provide guidance specific to your goals. With the uncertain economic state, it is important that you use this time to maximize your career readiness and make yourself as marketable as possible.

So stay hopeful, wash your hands, and try out these six ways to make progress toward your career goals.

Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers. (Adapted)

Contact a Careers Instructor today:

Beaver Dam

West Bend

Fond du Lac

Careers instructors from Moraine Park recently attended The National Résumé Writers’ Conference to learn leading-edge methods to better position job seekers for gaining a competitive advantage in today’s tumultuous employment environment.
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