The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Importance of Having an Alternate Employment Plan
Dear Editor,
Many teenagers go through high school and college without definite plans for their career.
Most academically talented students could work at many occupations and would be happy and productive in a variety of jobs.
They say that the average person changes jobs about seven times in their employment career.
Many students major in a subject which has little relevance to today's job market because they think they like that subject better than others.
Especially in today's tight job market, students should first look at where the jobs will be after graduation.
My experience involved seeking to get into Veterinary School at Missouri U.
There were about 500 applicants for 30 openings in the first year Vet class.
If you did not have approximately an A- average, you were told to look elsewhere for an occupation.
If there was not a back up plan, it was like being up a creek without a paddle.
In meeting the requirements for Vet School, one has a very diversified liberal arts education, including many courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, etc. Unfortunately, this type of background is not very applicable to the job market, so you take whatever job is available in a down economy.
Specialization is the name of the game in today's job market. It reminds me of a story related to one's major in college and the job market.
The Philosophy Major asks, "Why does it work?", the Engineering Major asks, "How does it work?", the Accounting Major asks, "How much does it cost?", and the Liberal Arts Major asks, "Do you want fries with that?".
So where are the good jobs going to be after high school and/or college graduation?
As you know, anything related to specialization in computer work will continue to be in top demand.
An M.B.A. will enable you to branch out in various ways.
A financial planner seems like it would be a very interesting, pertinent occupation in today's job market.
Also, the medical field continues to offer many possible opportunities for employment.
As they say, nurses can basically go to any town in the nation and there will be a definite demand for their services.
Like the teaching profession, nurses' financial rewards have significantly improved.
An example of a very rewarding career (both in providing a very necessary service for others and top income) is physical therapy.
Sometimes students go all the way through college and then there are no job opportunities in their chosen field.
However, if they have a realistic plan, plus good alternate plans, this won't happen.
Weyman George
Macomb