Reduced rates for SIGI3!

I have been able to set up our own CLC SIGI3 site.

With it comes a "special" CLC membership rate with an extended duration of use for that discounted fee.

The standard SIGI individual membership is $17.95 for 90 days ($4.95 for 60 additional days)

Our "new" CLC SIGI individual membership is $12.95 for 1 year ($12.95 for additional year renewable any time in the future)

To sign up go to:

URL address:
www.sigi3.org/login.asp?sq=3255&sk=4573131546

Click on "Get one" to register and get you own ID and Password for use for one year through any computer accessing the SIGI site by "loggin on"  thru the same URL address above

Why should I use SIGI3?

Why should I use SIGI3?  I have found personally that there are four (4) primary advantages of using SIGI3 over other "free" career planning tools found on the internet (like O*Net online).  They are as follows:

1.  Interactive data input - unlike most career assessment tools, SIGI allows you to "refine" data in successive sessions rather than having to print out data and or start over every time you go on a career website.

The data you interactvely input is mapped against an up-to-date job bank of over 800 positions.  By adding or deleting certain skills you can immediately see how what was just changed impacts the job list generated for you as to what is most suitable for you.  This way you have a better window into the "whys" behind the jobs that come up for you that you can then explore via information interviewing.

2.  Personal career profile is created - as you use SIGI, it "saves" the data and allows you to "bookmark" particularly helpful resource material you find for ease in future reference even years down the road.  I have used SIGI referring back to data saved for over 30 years to assist me in the 6 successful and strategic job transitions I have made in my vocational career.  In most cases fine tuning my data as my own passions became clearer and to reflect the development of my professional skills

3.  One source planning tool - SIGI gives you access to the latest information drawn  from multiple internet website with longstanding track records for career decision making.  An example of this in that the "JOB OUTLOOK" dated is drawn from the most currently published long range planning data from the US Department of Labor that is updated annually.  SIGI acts as a "filter" of the vast sea of information that can be found on the internet which may or may not be still accurate or even credible for the significant decisions and next steps you will be planning from the information you receive.

4. Inexpensive, Self-directed career information resource - I will be the first to say that there is benefit to if you can afford to spend anywhere from $500 to $7000 (these are the extremes in the range I am aware of) to invest in getting the counsel from a professional career adviser or coach.  This may be an appropriate investment for those in particular who have wrestled with the issues of career development for years without clarity in direction.  I have found personally though that even with a career professional, at some point it will boil down to steps of faith and risks even that must be taken and "learning how to fish" in the "pool of career" in a self-guided fashion is one of the most important skills to learn in life.

What if I am not sure college is right for me?

Not sure you are ready to go to college  right out of high school?  Do you feel you might need a little more time to determine your post high school training path?  There are short term alternatives to explore prior to jumping into the time and expense of a college curriculum that you are not certain you are ready to wholeheartedly pursue.  

Check out the below article found at http://library.thinkquest.org/C005172/alternatives.htm

Alternatives    Up Alternatives Careers Financial Aid College Real World Student Guides Resources 2 Year Programs Academies Apprenticeships Beginning A Career Independent Learning Internships Military Service Travel for a year Vo-tech Schools Why are you considering alternatives to college?It's too expensive It's not me College is too long Exploring options I dunno [View Results] [See Other Polls] If you don't have a four-year college degree or don't plan on getting one any time soon there are alternatives. Contrary to popular belief, you can find a career that fits your personality, interests, and talents. While you may want to eventually consider getting a four-year college degree, choosing an alternative course of action is something well worth considering. For some people, the flexibility of these alternatives allows them to explore avenues of career development previously impermeable. Most jobs require some higher education. Many require an associates degree; others only require on-the-job training, but all require some sort of specialized training. 2 Year Programs - Usually lead to an associates degree and will launch you into your career in half the time. Academies - This word means more than just the West Point sense of the word. Academies are a different type of institution than college, explore them. Apprenticeships - This centuries old European tradition is alive and kicking in the United States. Learn more about it! Beginning a Career - So you want to plunge into a career after high school? Go into it with your eyes open. Learn what you need to first. Independent Learning - With the onset of the digital revolution, independent learning means much more than correspondence school. Internships - A paid position that is also training for your future career. Sound too good to be true? Learn more... Military Service - The military has a lot to offer. Military service versus college is also not an either/or choice anymore. Many military programs have been designed to assist members of the armed service in continuing their educations. Travel for a Year - Some people decide to delay going to college or exploring another alternative by traveling for a year, usually as an exchange student. Vo-tech Schools - Business, vocational, and tech schools all provide specialized training to enter certain careers.

[ Up ] [ 2 Year Programs ] [ Academies ] [ Apprenticeships ] [ Beginning A Career ] [ Independent Learning ] [ Internships ][ Military Service ] [ Travel for a year ] [ Vo-tech Schools ] Home | U.S. Students | International Students | Parents | Teachers    Search | Site Map | Activities | Contact Us ©2000 ThinkQuest Team C005172 - All rights reserved.

Unemployment Rate of College Graduates vs High School Graduates

With the 2010 unemployment rate for college graduates at 4.4 percent and the rate for high school graduates at 10 percent, the message is clear: As tough as it may seem, this is the time for young people to find the means to become prepared for the new knowledge economy. 


Read on for more insights at http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2010/07/28/high-unemployment-and-the-education-deficit/ which is posted below:

High unemployment and the education deficit

JUL 28, 2010 11:17 EDT

 
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ECONOMY | EDUCATION | JOBS | UNEMPLOYMENT

The following is a guest post by Bruce Yandle, distinguished adjunct professor of economics with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and dean emeritus of the College of Business & Behavioral Science at Clemson University.The opinions expressed here are his own.

Last month’s report on U.S. employment growth brought no cheer to job-seekers with a high school education.

In June 2010, the unemployment rate for adults 25 or older with a high school diploma was 10 percent. Whereas unemployment among college educated adults was 4.4 percent. (Overall unemployment was 9.5 percent.)

Part of what’s making the unemployment number so high, aside from a dismal economy, is an education deficit. The idea of lining up shovel-ready jobs with stimulus money may sound good, but our economy is not a shoveling one. Instead, our economy is calling for a more educated workforce.

The gap between the U.S. unemployment rate for Americans with high school diplomas and those with college degrees shot through the roof with the Great Recession (See figure 1). Because of this education deficit, the overall unemployment rate will not sink anytime soon.

Of course, a four-year degree is not the only route to improving employment prospects. Adults with a two-year technical education do far better than those with just a high school education. The June unemployment rate for that group of adults was 8.2 percent.

Since December 2009, some 593,000 jobs have been filled in the nation’s economy, including 163,000 in manufacturing. While each job is important, the numbers look pale against the 7.9 million jobs that have disappeared since December 2007, when the recession started.

A quick inspection of Bureau of Labor Statistics data tells us where the action is. Employment gains have occurred in professional and business services, partly accounted for by firms that supply temporary workers, and in education and health services. The last two sectors have been recipients of stimulus money. They also generally require knowledge that goes beyond a high school education.

But the churning of labor markets revealed by the unemployment gap between holders of a bachelor degree and those with a high school diploma reflects more than a stimulus. Hard times bring a sharper definition of the U.S. comparative advantage. As we observe the shuttering of some businesses and the stability or expansion of others, we are seeing U.S. economic muscle laid bare. And, what we see is a knowledge-based economy.

America’s economic edge has come partly from having a competitive education system with the freedom of choice at the post-secondary level. Young people can shift fields of study and go for more education, depending on the employment and earnings prospects available to them. Right now, the higher payoffs for staying in school and building human capital are sending a strong signal to young people to get more education. At the same time, wages forgone are the largest element of cost adults face for continuing in school. When there are no wages to lose, education is on sale.

With the unemployment rate for college graduates at 4.4 percent and the rate for high school graduates at 10 percent, the message is clear: As tough as it may seem, this is the time for young people to find the means to become prepared for the new knowledge economy.

Book Recommendation - Major In Success

I am reading an exceptional  secular book entitled, "Major in Success - make college easier, fire up your dreams, and get a great job, 5th edition, by Patrick Combs.  It is a New York Public Library "Best Book" and answers questions like:

• How do I pick the best major for me?
• How do I get past the fears that hold me back?
• How do I get motivated and stay that way?
• How do I figure out what career I'd truly love?
• What will give me a competitive edge?

With so much at stake during the years immediately following high school, the inspiring ideas in this book will stir you to excel and most of the years from age 18 to 25.  It has been said that these years are arguably some of the most critical training  years of your life.  What you do right after high school sets the  trajectory you will take the rest of your life as a learner.

The book can be found at

http://www.amazon.com/Major-Success-College-Easier-Dreams/dp/1580088651/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323804623&sr=8-1

with endoursements and a portion of the book posted at: :

http://www.amazon.com/Major-Success-College-Easier-Dreams/dp/1580088651/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323804623&sr=8-1#reader_1580088651

It is not too early to begin thinking about getting a summer job for your teen if you prayerfully and mutually discern that this would be good for him or her. Starting early in a summer job search is critical.  The number one reason teens don't secure summer jobs is they (and their parentsin support) start the search and application process way to late.  Because of our current economic condition as country, summer jobs for teens are not as abundant. 

If you don't begin to make contacts early (like starting in January)...but rather wait until May or June to start...well the picking at that point can be slim. 

Read on below in an article (copied in full) written by Denise Witner that can be found at http://parentingteens.about.com/od/summerjobsforteens/ht/summer_job.htm for her helpful hints on:

How To Help Your Teen Get a Summer Job

By Denise Witmer,

A summer job can teach a teenager about responsibility, money management and give him/her real-life experiences. You can help your teen find a summer job that he/she will enjoy by following these steps.

Here's How:

1. Establish that your teenager wants to get a summer job. While some teens are hesitant, and you may have to give them a little push, do not force your teen into the working world.
2. Go over any work experience and qualities your teenager has and write up a resume. Teens have a hard time talking about themselves. They see this as ‘bragging’. So, remind your teen of their good qualities and give them the words to use on the resume.
3. Look around your local area for companies that need added help in the summer and have your teen make a list. Amusement parks, community pools, ice cream shops and golf courses all fit the bill.
4. Take your teen to the different companies to drop off a resume or fill out an application. Bring all necessary information, including your teen’s social security card. Be prepared to wait in the car while your teen talks to perspective employers by bringing a good book or crossword puzzle.
5. Role-play an interview with your teen. Be the employer and ask some tough questions like what would your teen do if all of their friends called out sick to go to a concert? Explain to your teenager that employers are looking for hard working teens who are motivated, not teens who would look for any excuse to get out of a day’s work.

Tips:

1. If you are your teen’s means of transportation to and from a job, set some limits right away. Times you can take and pick up and how far you’re willing to drive should be discussed before your teen looks for employment.
2. Is your teen interested in a job that requires training? Teens as young as 15-years-old can apply to be a lifeguard as long as they have been certified. Check with your local American Red Cross Chapter.
3. Is your teen getting a summer job?
   • Yes, a full time job.
   • Yes, a part time job.
   • No.
   • I'm not sure.

Is my teen ready to get a job?

Go to http://parentingteens.about.com/od/teensandjobs/f/readyforjob.htm for the helpful article copied in full below for tips on answering the question:
  
How do I know if my teen is ready to get a real job?

By Denise Witmer, About.com

Question: How do I know if my teen is ready to get a real job?

Answer: Work experience is a healthy way for teenagers to learn responsibility and important life skills. Having a job leads to many positive benefits for a teen. Parents often wonder, however, if their teen is ready to start working. Most 16-year-olds are capable of working a part time job at a local movie theater or fast-food restaurant. The responsibility of working a couple of hours a week generally helps teens who need a push toward being more mature and dependable. So, if you’re teetering on the fence because you just aren’t sure if your teen is ready, you should allow your teen to try. You can get more of a feeling of if your teen is ready by taking our screening quiz.
If, however, your 16-year-old is fighting the thought of getting a job, then don’t push it. While you don’t want to give into any fears of real world experiences, waiting one more year may give your teen the confidence he needs. A firm but gentle push when a teenager is 17-years-old is appropriate.
Many 15-year-olds would love to work a job and make some money. However, jobs for 15-year-olds are few and far between. There are summer job opportunities for this younger age group and there is still the opportunity to babysitting, lawn mowing and paper route jobs.
As for preteens, working at odd jobs like lawn mowing, babysitting and having a newspaper route is a wonderful way to begin taking on a job responsibility. If your preteen is showing an interest, allow him/her to try it out. You’ll need to take an active role and monitor him/her to be sure that the job is getting completed.
The ultimate telling of whether your teen will be able to handle working a job will be in the action itself. Give the experience some time and keep talking to your teen about it, offering your positive feedback.