Category: Career

Background

The issue of career has been subject to various studies in the recent past. As defined by the oxford dictionary, it is a persons course or progress through life (or a distinct portion of life). (AA, 2008) However, different people have defined it in various ways. Hughes (1937) defines it as the moving perspective in which persons orient themselves with reference to the social order and of the typical sequences and concatenation of office. (Halpin, 1994)

On the other hand, a more contemporary description of career would be that of a course of growth of an employee down a path of experience and employment in one or more firms. From one point of view, careers may be perceived as the property of each individual, but alternatively, for an employed individual, it is designed and administered by the firm they are employed in. Formerly, career was identified as one of the major liabilities of a person. Career was regarded as a developing progression of an individuals work experience in due course of time. Subsequently, the centre of attention on career advancement transferred from being the individuals liability to the organizations responsibility. Nevertheless, by the end of the 20^th century, people had to look after their own careers yet again. (Cordesman, 2008)

Pre- planning occupies an extremely significant position in every facet of life. Planning for career, an objective an individual wants to accomplish in times ahead after obtaining a certain level of qualification has become imperative in this current competitive scenario. In line with the Thorndike dictionary A goal that you desire to achieve in a selected field or occupation with a well-thought out plan, to get you there is called Career Planning. Career Planning is one of the more panoptic features of erudition. In some sense, it has a remote association with ambition. In that context, it supplies the means to achieve success. (Shahid, 2002)

To respond to the fiercely stiff competition in the markets organizations come up with innovations which give them a cutting edge. One of those strategies relate to the development of the employees career. The firms increasingly direct their effort to continue the growth of its employees to ascertain a fruitful workforce. This offers a dual advantage in terms of augmenting the organizations competence to achieve its objectives by enhancing the capacity of employees and retaining them as well as attracting potential productive employees to achieve worthwhile careers with the firm. Proper training and development plans are developed in order to ensure the success of the organization. (Bozionelos, 2009)

In case of individuals, their own perspective about their career is of vital significance. It is true that careers are being made as an effort by organizations. However, achieving a level of competence can help an employee to choose his own career development path. Further, each employee should be aware of ones own strong and weak points, desires and requirements, and should be capable of recognizing relevant opportunities and making career-related judgments to ensure his path to triumph. (Cordesman, 2008)

Research aims

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is essentially an oil-based economy with the government maintaining a strong hold over economic activities. However, the recent past witnessed a state effort in the promotion of the private sector. The government increasingly is encouraging private investment to cater to the economy. Estimates suggest that 25% of the population is engaged in industry-oriented employment whereas 63% of the population caters to the services industry with the rest being agriculture-oriented. Thus, gradually more people are becoming aware and conscious of their career goals and are inclined towards gaining information on their career development pathways. (Syedur, 2000)

Career planning is primarily considered the conscientiousness of the employee in the nation. However, state as well as private industries are gradually taking up the role of assisting the employee towards developing a beneficial career path. This study aims to shed light upon issues such as the extant career planning in the private sector of Saudi Arabia. It also focuses on work force management practitioners perception and practices of career. Further, it intends to build up an appropriate model meant for Career in the private sector in Saudi Arabia. (Said, 2007)

Research Questions

The level of career planning framework in existence in Saudi Arabias private sector is the primary issue, which the research focuses on. In this context, the process of career nurturing in the private sector of Saudi Arabia is of much interest to the study. The survey conducted to collect data intends to gain substantial information on issues such as the amount of information accessible to the employees with regards to their career plans; the efforts of the Human Resources department to coordinate training procedure in light of career development of the employee; the intricacies involved that impede growth in career along with perceptions of various individuals relating to the efforts required to prevail over them; employees contentment; and finally the degree to which HRDF contribute in career growth in the private sector in Saudi Arabia. (Werlin, 2005)

Research Strategy and Methodology

A mixed approach will be adopted in the research design about this study. A mixed approach would be the most feasible option, which would be consistent with the research philosophy in this case. A mixed approach is a combination of quantitative and qualitative research. Each of these methods has its own pros and cons and presents different sets of challenges. On one hand where the quantitative research methodologies deals with numbers and are used to test hypotheses, the qualitative research techniques are useful for portraying complex phenomenon, conducts cross-cases analysis and provides in-depth information on individual cases. (Henderson, 2005)

The research question in this case involves various intricacies, which cannot be elucidated using an independent approach. Thus, the strengths of each approach are used to overcome the weakness of the other. Further, it enhances the reliability and the validity of the research paper in terms of data interpretation and analysis. Career planning and existing frameworks and practices is the topic of focus for this study. An in-depth, holistic case-study approach is adopted in the research with the Private Sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia being the subject of the case study. (Rice, 2006)

A survey is used as the primary data collection instrument for this case and is followed up by an interactive interview session with the respondents. The sample for this research is a mix of fresher and the experienced in the private sector between the age group of 21 to 45. A strategically crafted questionnaire is used as the means to carry out the survey. The questionnaire is divided into sections.

The first section deals with the demographic variables such as age, sex, industry etc. The second part of the questionnaire inquires into the educational background, qualifications and experience in the industry thus far. The third section goes into individual perceptions of career goals and objectives and efforts made by respondent to develop his/her own career path. It also asks about the information accessibility and difficulties experienced by the respondent in view of the context. The final sections takes a look at the organizational aspect of career and asks the respondent to answer questions in relation to the efforts made by the various organizations he/she has been employed in to assist him/her in their career growth. (Calvert, 2003)

References

AA; 2008; Career; Web.

Bozionelos, Nikos; 2009; Expatriation outside the boundaries of the multinational corporation: A study with expatriate nurses in Saudi Arabia; Human Resource Management; 48, 1, 111-134; University of Durham, United Kingdom

Calvert, John R & A. S. Al-Shetaiwi; 2003; Exploring the mismatch between skills and jobs for women in Saudi Arabia in technical and vocational areas: the views of Saudi Arabian private sector business managers; International Journal of Training and Development; 6, 2, 112-124; Blackwell Publishers Ltd; Loughborough University Business School, UK, ; Buraydah College of Technology, Saudi Arabia

Cordesman, Anthony H; 2008; Saudi Arabia Enters the Twenty-first Century; Greenwood Publishing Group Halpin, David & Barry Troyna; 1994; Researching Education Policy: Ethical and Methodological Issues; Routledge; Web.

Henderson, Keith M; 2005; Comparative public administration: The United States view in international perspective; Public Administration and Development; 2, 2, 169-183; State University College at Buffalo, State University of New York, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, N. Y. 14222, U.S.A.

Rice, Gillian & Essam Mahmoud; 2006; Trends in international business thought and literature: The Arabian Gulf countries; The International Executive; 38, 5, 715-730; Wiley Periodicals, Inc, A Wiley Company

Said, S. Al-Gahtani; 2007; Computer technology adoption in Saudi Arabia: Correlates of perceived innovation attributes; Information Technology for Development; 10, 1, 57-69; Administrative Sciences Department, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 1183, Abha, Saudi Arabia

Shahid, N. Bhuian, Eid S. Al-shammari, Omar A. Jefri; 2002; Work-related attitudes and job characteristics of expatriates in Saudi Arabia; Thunderbird International Business Review; 43, 1, 21-32; Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA; King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Syedur, Rahman & Frederick Norling; 2000; Managerial thinking; A study of public managers from developing countries; Public Administration and Development; 11, 2, 111-125; The Pennsylvania State University; Muhlenberg College

Werlin, Herbert; 2005; Linking decentralization and centralization: A critique of the new development administration; Public Administration and Development; 12, 3, 223-235; University of Maryland

Introduction

Saleh preferred engineering as his major course over other disciplines due to the existence of a wide variety of engineering industries in which a graduate professional could work. Engineering could also be linked to social and economic aspects (Hitt, 2010). His decision was voluntary because his main aim was to serve the country in its construction and development projects.

His decision to enroll in the Higher Colleges of Technology (HTC) as an engineer was an appropriate one because the colleges had a rich background of excellence and provided competitive courses. Students in HTC used modern technology and skills in their studies. UAE as a developing country required many engineers to help in its development; therefore engineering was a prestigious career in this country. The hardship of this discipline paid off morally and financially because the graduates acquired highly paying jobs and could fulfil their familial and state responsibilities (Nuseibeh, 2009). One can be more creative and innovative in this discipline than in others because the major actively involves the incorporation of technology.

Technology changes rapidly. Certain majors like Law and Business Administration may not need sophisticated technology. Engineering, unlike other majors also deals with the practical aspects of life. It incorporates both theory and practice. Once an engineer creates a new machine theoretically, he must develop the device into reality.

Presentation of the position of the arguments

According to Ruiz (2013), the Arab Emirates Society of Engineers contributes to UAEs development by manufacturing equipments and machines that contribute to the enhancement of the economic standards of the country. UAE requires engineering professionals because they contribute to the growth of the sectors of technology, construction, mining excavation, and road construction (Ruiz, 2013). In the UAE, engineering professionals are usually in high demand because they provide technical and intellectual solutions to companies that manufacture machines used for road construction and oil excavation. Construction engineers contributed to the production of the machines and technologies that helped in the construction of the tallest building in the world which is located in Dubai, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

The architectural engineers formulated the design of the building and were present throughout its construction offering their knowledge and skills. The government of UAE usually involves engineers in other sectors of the economy in addition to the construction and oil domains. An engineer within the UAE can pursue other fields like medicine, law, communication and business administration. The integration of other fields like business into the knowledge of an engineer can help him design specialized equipments needed in those majors. The engineering sector in the UAE may be the best in the Middle East in terms of financial gains to the professionals. The domain contains limited numbers of professionals. The demand for engineering graduates is usually high because full time employment ranges from 86.2 per cent to 98.7 per cent (Bullen, 2013).

This aspect indicates that engineers within the UAE enjoy professional and financial empowerment. According to the membership statistics of the United Arab Emirates Society of Engineers, the number of local graduates in engineering within the UAE depends on the levels and technicalities of the specializations (Nuseibeh, 2009). Architectural engineering comprises of approximately 9000 local graduates; civil engineering contains 21,000, electrical engineering 5000, mechanical engineering 2000 and other areas like chemical and petroleum engineering, urban planning and other sectors of engineering register relatively small numbers of graduates (Kumar, 2012).

The numbers do not meet the needs of industries within the UAE. Every engineering field in the UAE faces a shortage of engineers. The inadequacy of engineers may affect business and economic growth in the UAE. Universities that offer business administration as a major in the United Arab Emirates include Murdoch University Dubai, College of Business Administration Dubai, American University in Dubai, Emirates College for Management and Information Technology, the University of Strathclyde Business School and Hult International Business School (Kumar, 2012).

Universities that offer engineering in the United Arab Emirates include College of Engineering Abu Dhabi University, the University of Sharjah that offers chemical engineering and the United Arab Emirates College that offers mechanical engineering. The Saint Petersburg State University of Engineering and Economics (ENGECON) offers electrical and civil engineering and business programs (Kumar, 2012).

Graduates of both engineering and business administration have contributed to the development of the UAE by offering their technical and entrepreneurial skills in order to improve the infrastructural and investment status of the country. The oil industry in the UAE is the biggest income earner for the country. The Petroleum Institute usually provides the UAE with graduates that venture into the petroleum sector. The University of Sharjah provides the business sector within the UAE with about 900 graduates every year (Ruiz, 2013). The university also provides the UAE with graduates in the construction field. The graduates are usually in high demand because companies, organizations and government institutions employ them regularly. According to a World Bank report released in 2014, business administration graduates help the UAE to be one of the leading countries in the globe that make it easy to do business. It is ranked 23^rd in the world among countries that provide an enabling environment for investments (Bullen, 2013).

Conclusion and recommendations

The argument that engineering is better than business administration in the UAE is indeed valid according to the research. The UAE mainly depends on the construction and oil industries hence the country depends on engineers more than business graduates. The UAE is a fast moving country that may need to accommodate alternative methods of growth and development. The country needs to accommodate business investors and create new methods of doing business (Ghimire, 2010).

The state may need to invest more in business related courses. This studys evaluation of the issue is that the UAE needs to develop both the engineering and business sectors as the two are interdependent. The oil and construction sectors need business professionals to provide appropriate audits and accountability for cost effectiveness. This paper recommends adequate research to be carried out within the UAE to find appropriate ways of enhancing the oil and construction industries through business projects and technological initiatives. The UAE can integrate all disciplines to benefit adequately from them by creating legislation to balance the number of graduates in universities, in accordance to the needs of the country.

References

Bullen, P. (2013). Risk Management. Management Alternatives for Human Resources. Web.

Ghimire, P. (2010). Nepali workers offered a high salary with higher demands. Republica Business and Economy. Web.

Hitt, M.(2010). Annual Report. Web.

Kumar, G. (2012). Indian workers, lost in a gulf of despair. The Hindu. Web.

Nuseibeh, B. (2009). Migrant workers in Dubai protest against underpayments. Risk and Forecast. Web

Ruiz, R. (2013). Filipino maids shunned in UAE over minimum wage demands. The National. Web.

The rhetorical situations in the Experiences and Goals Letter

Writing and communication are two different distinctions. Writing for most part is intended to communicate a meaning. As such a person has to be aware that the goal of writing a text is to communicate and not to merely write thereby choosing the appropriate writing skills. Flowers and Hayes argue that writing has to have the right diction, sentences structure as well as grammatical design (3).

The purpose of writing to persuade, influence, inform and therefore appropriate diction has to be used (3). Furthermore the choices made in the style as well as the diction are well determined by a writers relationship with the speaker, the content subject and also the intended audience.

Writing is for the purpose of communication and thus becomes a deliberate act of making linguistic choices (4). This means that writer must be aware of the rhetorical situations that do exist in writing. This includes determining the purpose of writing as well as the intended readers. Another rhetorical situations that there are some people, who may want to read a document even though it was not intended for them to read these too become part of the audience.

Traditional workplace writing involved learning the template and format and thus reproducing that front when required to write. However modern writing requires that that the writer acknowledges the communicative aspect of the content thus writing in such a clear way for the audience and the readers to understand (5).

The writer must be aware what kind of a reader is the writing expected to be addressed to as well as the other unintended audience who may read that paper. Therefore goal setting in writing becomes a prerequisite to this activity. The write must have in mind the information the reader is expected to find in that piece of writing, how the reader relates to that information and how well that information is presented. Thus the written document has to be formatted in a very simple design easy to follow, with clear page numbers and/or headers and footers. The documents undertandability is reinforced buy the inclusion of an appendix.

In my writing of a memo of transmittal I had a problems understanding the rhetorical awareness of such piece of writing. I made the usual common mistakes that most memo writers make: summarising the content. Furthermore I did not take time to analyse the kind of audience my memo was intended to and as such didnt take time to choose the most effective way to write this document so as to clearly communicate what I intended to. In writing this memo I also assumed what I learned in class as important for this kind of writing.

These rhetorical assumptions were also replicated in writing cover letters for position in my entry choice companies. In my cover letter I did not understands that I was supposed to know that the reader of such a letter was an employer. As such the letter ought to be a summery of the content of my CV.

Therefore I ought to have written it in clear, short and simple languages well as clearly stating the purpose of writing that letter. I also did not understand that I was supposed to convince the employer that I was the most suitable candidate for those positions. In writing this letter I ought to have considered that it was supposed to make meaning to readers who had no proficiency in the field I was playing for. The purpose of this document was to project a very good image of myself.

This experience presented me with valuable lesson about my writing skills and needs.

Personal Values

What I value most about my self is that I am a more feeling oriented person. My Family is very part of my life and I would not like to be separated from it. Moreover I learn that because I am more feeling oriented I would much appreciate working in a very comforted environment that makes me happy. Personal comfort and not salary or job title gives me careers satisfaction. Despite that fact that I am more sensitive to feelings I discovered that I am not a very articulate communicator as reflected in my writing skills. Thus I always found myself not able to defend ideas using words. However I am an action oriented as well as logical person who prefers to work out ideas in logical manner. This has been reflected in my inclination towards sciences and mathematics all throughout my school life.

Lesson learnt from MBTI test

I have had an interest to know what is my personality type so as to help me in choosing a career that am most suited for. The Kiersey personality test revealed the following scores for my personality type. I am an INFJ type personality. I stand for introverted (33%), N fro intuitive (38%), F for feeling (12%)and J for judgemental (67%). This means that can be briefly described as a practiocally articulated person, who is averagely intuitive. I am also vaguely articulated feeling as well as typically manifested personality.

The description above means that I have a positive approach to life as well as a holistic view of life. I am more of a support person who likes to be part of other peoples support system as they achieve their potential. This means that I also have tendencies to encourage and motivate people to do the best they can. I would also work best in an environment that need more of cognitive and practical skills than affective abilities. This means that I would not perform well in group task as I would deal with individual. Endicott explains that this kind of personality description is also suited for socially active people like actors, media personalities and politicians (34-36).

Career options

The Kiersey test suggests the following as my choice careers. Because I am private person who is also prone to motivate and help people I ma more fitted to serve in the social services. As such I can work as a counsellor. People with this personality type are fitted to be consultant in education health as well as religious figures, professional artists designers or even social workers. Scientist also falls in this personality type.

There is an area of deviations however in this analysis. Being a social person does not seem like me. I have not considered myself as a teacher or a social worker in my entire life. It is also hard to see me as a politician.

Lesson from O-NET test

The O-Net test reveals three possible career options for my personality type. Some of the choices are in a way related to my personal interest.

The first choice is a clerk in accounts and auditing office. As such I can either be an accountant, bookkeeper or an accounts associate. Thus job type involves all aspect of financial recording and reporting. Thus the person in such a career position is involved in classification of financial data recording as well ensuring that all financial records are updated following international rules and regulations. a person suited for this job type is best equipped in logical abilities a well as very string analytical skills. The person is also best gifted in disciplines as mathematics and accounting. This job involves a lot of team working as well as maintaining very good relationship what work colleagues. There are numerous opportunities for this type of job in the retail and technical industries.

The second option suggested is the most unlikely that I have ever thought of. This is being post secondary school business instruction professional such as lecturer, office technology instructor or tutor. This jobs type means that the applicant must have relevant knowledge in office administration as well as also mean preparing instructional materials, monitoring as well as evaluating the performance of others.

The third most likely career choice for me is as in credit authorization. This includes being either a credit officer, manager or credit director. It involves evaluation of clients and making a judgment which are credit worthy and which are not. It also involves making sire that a companys credit is sufficiently invested for good returns. The person must also be able to forces see situation before they happen and institute mitigating measure well in time. These jobs are commonly found in the finance industries: banks, credit companies and public administration.

Lessons learnt from the tests and letter writing

I have gained valuable insights about tie needs for effective workplace communication. This is especially true in constructing workplace related documents. It is also important for employee to determine their personality types before they apply fir the job. This will help tem establish which jobs they are suited for and which ones they are not. Thus employee avoids falling into jobs that do not fit them this guarantee career satisfaction and personal happiness.

It is also important for employer to conduct personality test for their employees. This will help employer establish which type of employers they have and thus allocate career role according to personality type for example employer looking to employ an accountant will use such test to look for a person who is intuitive as well as possessing very good judgement skill as well as levels of honesty and personal integrity (Lock 99; Meyers and Briggs 34). Employers will use the MBTI to establish the weakness and strengths of each of their employees. This will help promote effective and workplace efficiency.

This knowledge would have been very useful to me when writing my memo remittal as well as cover letter for my job application. As I would have been able to realise my weakness in writing skill and sharpen them before writing. Furthermore I would have been able to identify the type of job that I was mostly suited for and apply for it.

A logical evidence-based hypothesis for my best fit career choices

From the above analyst of my personality, skills and abilities I have conclusively arrived at the following tree career options. Accounting and auditing is my most suited carer option for my personality type. This is because being an introvert I would fit in a job that I have limited interaction with other employees as o would be interacting with figure computer and calculators most of the times. I can utilise my arithmetic as well as logic abilities effectively for this type of a job. The only challenge would be to secure the job permanently due to its high level of competition in this field.

Second choice involves being tutor or lecturer in a business related field. This means that my ability to organise information in a clear and logical manner is a plus for me in this type of a job. I also posse the necessary knowledge in arithmetic accounting and economics. I would however have come problems in this type of a job as I a, am introverted person with very little social skills as well as language skills. Thus presenting lectures and lessons will be a big problem.

My third choice job is in a credit office as either as credit manager of director. This job is well supported by my abilities to clear and correct logical judgement as well as strong analysis skills. The greatest challenge for me in this type of a job would be in maintaining socials relations and contacts with clients, a major requirement for the job.

Research-based hypothesis for my best fit career choices

Top choice entry

Raiche & Company CPAs, P.A., Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Analysis of TCC based on correlation one

Raiche & Company CPAs, P.A. provides an excellent opportunity five year goals for me in tits expansive accounts department. I qualify to work as a staff accountant where I will provide accounting, auditing, QuickBooks for individuals well as NGOs.

Analysis of TCC Based on correlation two

The firm still has an opening very close to the teaching professions. As a Certified College Planning Specialist I will be able to assist families and individuals who are not eligible for credit on how to manage their credit worthiness. This position will also involve l teaching these families on how to minimise their college costs for their children.

Analysis of TCC on correlation three

Being an exclusively public accounting company the company does not have any opening for a credit officer as it does not offer any credit. However, as a Certified College Planning Specialist I will be able to help clients handle their credit issues.

Second Choice Entry

Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH.

Analysis of SCC based on correlation one

The school provide me with an opportunity to work as part of the administration in the accounting department. This will be an entry level job. My job will involve balancing the schools accounts, account record keeping especially regarding payments of school fees, preparing student school fees statements among other duties

Analysis of SCC based on correlation two

The school has numerous opportunities in its teaching staff. This will be an entry level job where I will work as an undergraduate accounts and economics lecturer. This position will involve lecturing course units such as intermediate accounting, economics, taxation law and other related course units. My administrative skills will be useful in helping me prepare, coordinate classes, examinations while my analytical skills will be useful in conducting evaluation of students performance. However my weakness in communication will be put to test.

Analysis of SCC based on correlation three

Being an education institution with no links to the credit industry the firm does not have any opening fit for any one suited to work as a credit manager.

Third Choice Company

Consumer Credit Counselling Service of New Hampshire, New Hampshire.

Analysis of ThCC based on correlation one

This firm offers an entry level job as in administration as an accountant. My logical abilities will enable me to work well in basic accounting, bookkeeping financial reporting as well as doing basic accounting duties. However there are very limited vacancies for an accountant in this company.

Analysis of ThCC based on correlation two

Being a non-profit making institution the company is involved in a lot of civic education of matters concerning credit, debit and budgeting management. As such I could enter in a entry level job as a credit and budgeting expert who will be involved in offering advice and credit management lesson to client. However due to my introversion this will be a challenge job for me

Analysis of ThCC based on correlation three

The firm does offer me an opportunity to work as a credit manger in its credit management department. My strong logical analysis skill as well as sense of judgement will be crucial for this role.

Overall analysis of TCC

Raiche & Company CPAs, P.A.

Financial outlook

The company has had an encouraging financials outlook. The company which employees five permanent employee has an average annuals net turnover of about 400000/= sterling pounds. This is an encouraging profit for a company with such a small work force.

Demographics

The Company has a small employee base of just five professionals. The employee are lead by Lawrence R. Raiche, CPA the President, P. Mark Boulanger, CPA,, senior Partner, McKenzie A. Shepard, Senior Accountant, Tracy A. Burnett, Staff Accountant and Melanie Dupuis, CPA, CCPS. Each of these have specific described roles.

Ethics

The company has esteemed its self on establishing its business on quality services at an affordable prices. It also values integrity in its work. Its work is also marked by utmost professional ethics, which demand that the company provide efficient service.

Policies

The firm being a fully registered public accounting company operates under the American Institutes of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) rules and regulations. It is also a fully registered member with this professional body.

Career option preference

From three options mentioned above I would realistically like to work as an accountant in Raiche & Company CPAs, P.A. the position primarily exist to provides tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services for all the comp0anies client whom include individual and organization. The position also provides accounting consulting as well as auditing advisory services.

Most of the activities are spent in the office working on financial documents and talking to clients. Sometimes the accountant has to take short trips to meet clients. In most of these trips, the accountant uses either personal car while sometimes the clients can use the company car. Clients include individuals, families as well as corporate organizations

This position affects a number of individuals. The company is management depends on the accountant to provide fine accounting details and reports. Client such as families and cooperate bosses depend on the accountant for accounting consultancy.

Communication issues in the accounting profession generate some probable rhetoric situations. Three of them are described as follows. The first and most probable rhetorical situation is that goal centered communication. The goal of communication becomes to relay precise information. The audience for this situation is the company senior accountant and partners (accounting reports) as well as the clients (accounting consultancy). The context of communication in this case is to achieving the goals of communication, which is to disseminate a lot of financial information.

The second most probable rhetorical situation is clarity of information. The purpose of communication is to present clear and concise information that can be understood by all the readers and audience regardless of their background knowledge in accounting. The context of communication would be through financials figures, statistical data as well as clearly constructed financial reports. For this situation stakeholders include the clients, business writers, accounting partners as well as clients.

The third most probable situation is what information does the audience. The purpose of communication is to relay the right kind of information that the audience is looking for. The context of this situation is to relay to the reader factual accounting information. As such accounting documents for the accounting partners will have correct very factual information about the company financial situation while clients get factual information about their finical status. The audience thus is mostly the clients and that firms accounting partner.

The experiences identified above presents a series of communication situation for me. Inn this type off job I will be writing a lot of financial reports as well as having a one on one verbal interaction. This will either involve clients or an accounting partner. The goals of communication id to be precise and clear as well as to relay factual information to all the audiences and readers.

What I values about this job is that it does not have a lot of group work as well as socialization. There is lot of one on one communication and though it would suit my personality type well

According to Kiersey description of my personality, I am vaguely articulated feeling person. This personality suits this job well as it requires somebody who is factual than feeling oriented. Furthermore I am rated highly in judging capabilities and as such in will be able to make logically concluded judgment when preparing reports to the readers.

Conclusion

To be successful I have to utilize my strengths in communication skills. To begin with I m a logical thinker and as such I will prepare my information in a logical ways. This includes writing financial reports in a logical way from introductions to conclusion. This type of writing will also be very useful while presenting document to individuals rather than groups. I am a factual communicator who is les align to feelings and as such I will be able to give real facts to the readers of my messages.

However, the job presents then following communication challenges. Because I am introverted I will not be able defend myself verbally. As such I will need to always to thoroughly go through my reports and prepped very short and understandable diagram aided notes fro my readers. I will also not be able to focus so much on group presentation and as such I will need to take classes on public speaking skill. I will also need to go out often to social gathering to gain such skills.

Works Cited

Endicott, William. An Insiders Guide to Political Jobs in Washington. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons. 2003. Print.

Flowers, Linda and Hayes, John. A Cognitive Theory of Writing. College composition and communication. 1981. Web.

Lock, Robert. Taking Charge of Your Career Direction. Thompson Brooks/Cole: Belmont, CA. 2005. Print.

Raiche & Company CPAs. Background. 2011. Web.

The writing skills are developed by persons along with developing the reading and counting skills. However, it is important to determine effective writing skills as a special category. To write effectively does not mean to avoid mistakes and proofread the papers and messages carefully. Effective writing skills are important to present the definite idea or information clearly and in relation to the concrete purpose of writing.

That is why, effective writing skills are important for any specialist, and they can be used within all the career fields. From this point, the developed skills and abilities in effective writing can contribute even to the security career because of the necessity to write many reports, memos, internal messages, and some types of business correspondence.

There are many differences between writing as a usual skill to present the ideas in the written form and effective writing as the complex of skills. Those persons who intend to become the real professionals in the security field are usually critical thinkers. They can focus on the most important information and avoid the secondary facts or pay attention to each detail in relation to the context and aspects of the definite situation.

Thus, the mentioned skills are important for writing effectively, and these skills can be improved with references to the regular writing. That is why, these processes can be discussed as interdependent. Writing a to-do list, it is unnecessary to use some critical thinking.

However, writing a report or an internal memo, it is important to present the information clearly, provide the specific details, analyze the facts, and be persuasive in the analysis. Effective writing skills can be developed as any other skills, and their development is beneficial for specialists because these skills can accentuate the persons professional competence in the chosen sphere.

The work in the security field is full of challenges. Some of these challenges can be successfully resolved if the person knows the principles of effective writing. There are few professions which are not connected with any kinds of writing that is why it is important to learn how to present the ideas and facts clearly and concisely, avoiding wordiness.

The business written communication is based on presenting facts and their analysis, and the developed skills in effective writing help people cope with a lot of the associated tasks. Thus, it is unnecessary for the professional in the security field to become an expert in the sphere of effective writing because these skills cannot be discussed as the basic ones in relation to his specialization.

Nevertheless, it is significant for this person to be an experienced writer who has the developed effective writing skills in order to perform within the position successfully and cope with various everyday tasks.

As a result, effective writing skills are based on the developed critical thinking. The specialists who work in the security field can gain many benefits developing their effective writing skills.

The development of any skills is a lifelong process, but the abilities to plan the work, to outline the important items, to summarize the information, to analyze the facts, and to present the persuasive conclusions can be used regularly because security specialists write much.

Moreover, using the effective writing skills, it is possible to increase the general professional competence in spite of the professional field or career. Many persons begin to use their writing skills while working out their effective resumes.

Introduction

The Emirati is a very interesting group of people of Arab ethnicity. They actually constitute the families that rule in the dynasties in the United Arab Emirates. These groups of people can be traced to have originated from the Bani Yas clan. Nonetheless, there are some other groups from outside that have been integrated into the Emirati community. The first institute of higher learning in the United Arab Emirates was the establishment of the UAE University in 1977. This university has been very significant in this fast-growing nation. The university was set to allow the young Emirati to be able to attain better and higher education needs as well as enhance the culture of the Emirati Community and the entire Arab society at large. While making an effort to prepare future leaders and workers, higher education in the country still faces problems of cultural, ethical, professional, and societal origin that seem to be very complex. These have actually slowed the pursuit of education by many of the young Emirati men. This paper shall address the factors that have affected career choices among young Emirati men. Specific focus will be on the educational and environmental aspects. The focus group is young men in the university; the second year to fourth who fall below the age of 25 years.

Educational and Environmental Factors That Influence Emirati Young Men Career Choices

The unemployment rate in the United Arab Emirates is about 12 percent and this is suspected to be even higher among the Emirati Young people (Holland, 1997). This is a very big deal since it may affect the future policymakers when addressing the communitys social problems. A research conducted by the international security revealed that council many young people are not actively involved in employment while the few that are in some form of employment prefer doing business (Fox, 2007). By assessing the social links between the unemployment rates, it very important for the study to highlight ion the educational factors that could be behind the trend while also addressing the impact that environment has had on the same ( Archer, et al 2003). Problems of unemployment due to societal ills often cause public and international security anxieties (Findlow, 2005).

Research on career choices is supposed to address a number of questions that are of interest with regard to the young Emirati men. Education and environment is very critical in that kind of study (Forstenlechner, 2010). Basically there is also need to address the issues of governance as well. Labor market and the role of culture, role of government and what individual felt about education and getting employment (Holland, 1997). On the social and expressive factors, many young men, about 58% are actually frustrated; feel insecure or depressed by the unemployment situation. Similar results have been the same for university student who say they would feel resentful if they ended up unemployed. Young men are increasingly facing pressure from the society to try sand find employment while at the same time the feel that there are very limited choices in the labor market (Holland, 1997).

Educational Factors

The education system in UAE which these young men go through has been accused of not preparing them well enough to face the challenges in the fast developing world. Many people feel that more Arab and English should be taught in universities and high school levels (Findlow, 2005). Communication can be a problems considering that Emirati young men hold their culture in high regard as it is the norm of the society of which they are part, to focus on religion, learn and master Arab culture. This means that they do not pay enough attention to English or consider it less important. However a greater percentage of young men have noted that their insufficient prowess in English language would greatly influence they employability (Findlow, 2005). Its evident that in the current world, English has become a de facto language for official use whether its in office employment, business, or scientific research; most of the operations are conducted in English (Rees, et al 2007). There is often a problem for f foreigners to master English and even the native English speakers to struggle and achieve fluent English.

With greater advancement in technology and research investments, There is a concern that the non-English speaking people in Asia and Gulf could be discriminated from scientific knowledge and cannot therefore competitively participate and enjoy the shared knowledge made available by science. English more convenient for use in science support its use with basis of its practicality and efficiency (Holland, 1997).

Another important educational factor is the job market. Over the past 10 to 5 years, there has been a very strong campaign by employment advisors and employers for graduate jobs. This was stimulated by the fact that the choices for university were totally mismatched with the labor market available (Archer, et al 2003). For instance, its been observed that from the year 2000 to the year 2003, there was a big increase in the number of student who studied education, arts and religion (Holland, 1997). This in fact was a bout two thirds of the entire student population in the higher education. The remaining fraction chose to study other career lines like medicine, engineering and other technical sciences. Over the past decade or so, the students have not been making good choices since they considered higher education as a factor of social class rather than to earn economic worth, regardless of the fact that the income thereafter was a very crucial motivator for switching jobs. Some few Emirati young men even regard it as a way of escaping boredom at home (Archer, et al 2003).

Its very important to increase the scope of studies in the universities so that the student can have the relevant skills for the job market. This has however been defended on grounds that the new job demands were not in existence ten years ago so educators could not invest in such skills at higher levels (Toledo, 2006). Since the inception of the first university in 1977, many universities have proliferated across UAE. There has been an increase in the number of people with post-high school education. A Variety of fields to study have also been introduced in the recent past (Archer, et al 2003). This means that the choice or career will depend on the skills acquired and the market availability. The choices are so diverse since many fields are available. However, many young Emirati men when asked why they attended university colleges, an overwhelming 43 percent responded that they just wanted to learn something new while a 26 percent went to college in anticipation of better employment. 0ne percent said they just needed something do so as to be busy (Godwin, 2006).

Attaining practical skills is as very important factor in education. This is also related to career advice from employers. Many young men feel that after college they need to be employed in the public sector. They also express a lot of criticism for many factors concerned in the private industry (Rees, et al 2007). The private sector is perceived to be offering lower wages and that there was very low job security with extended working hours (Archer, et al 2003). This means that many young men studied coursed they closely associated with public ventures and this in turn would affect their career choices in future (Godwin, 2006). Few of the people would opt to go to the private sector only when the working conditions are improved  salaries were high, flexible or shorter hour of work and provision of training programs. Its also important to note that greater motivation would come from government when in emphasizes on education, training programs and creation of more job opportunities (Pines, 2003).

Environmental Factors

There are several factors that influence career choices fro Emirati young men. Basically the Emirati society was not very enthusiastic in advancement of education (Forstenlechner, 2010). This is attributed to the type of lifestyles that they have been leading. Some grow up and attend school with family responsibilities on their shoulders and hence focus on the careers that would be less demanding of their time. However there are several ways in which people have been observed to transform from college education into employment (Findlow, 2005). The Emirati young men are considered to be very conventional people. As a result, they make their career choices based on four basic characteristics: self efficiency  this is questioning whether they will be able to handle the tasks; outcome expectation  this is assessment of what would be the consequences of entering such a job; goals  these are questions like what do I want to achieve in life and contextual support and Drawbacks  these are actually the societal effects that one would have to deal with (Archer, et al 2003).

Self efficacy aspect can be linked to self-concept which can further be narrowed to career choice. Some people believe that they cannot do certain careers since they are very demanding. The contextual drawbacks and supports can be described as factors of cognitive career choice  preconditioning. Many young men are unable to venture into careers that they have not information about. This also relates to the consequences expected (Pines, 2003). This means that few people would want to venture into new field otherwise the majority will prefer studying the courses that have existed for so long and proceed directly to careers very familiar.

Career counseling is a strong factor that influences young people in their choices. Currently UAE lacks a sound system that is market  oriented to assist young people from universities. This has made the transition from universities to job market very complicated for the young men to cope up with. The lack of proper guidance can aggravate the problem more if not corrected in time (Crabtree, 2007). Essentially many young men make their choices for degree programs because of the influence from peers and family. Students are hence limited in their capacity to follow dreams and make independent decisions. Basically advices from non qualified individuals tend to incline towards what they hear in regular (Pines, 2003). Currently everybody is talking about Information technology and hence the number young people enrolling for IT are overwhelmingly high. Many young men have impracticable expectations of the career market.

The jobs market as its be identified is a great factor in career choice since its also common sense that one cannot choice venturing into a career that is non-existent and expect to be employed. The commerce sector in the United Arab Emirates attracts many young men; this is because many of the young people have ambition of entering entrepreneurship or getting employed on family business (Crabtree, 2007). Many of the young as cited prefer government jobs rather that from private firms. This could be a problem of unrealistic expectations that the young men have acquired to enter the job market (Godwin, 2006).

Misinformation leading to preconditioning is also a major environmental problem. Many people are currently investing degrees that would lead them to IT and e-commerce sectors because they think that these industries have very strong demands. They fail to realize that in a short while, these fields will be totally saturated. This means that many young people are not considering what they do as career selection but rather as work just for convenience (Pines, 2003).

Culturally, UAE is still young, modern and a fast developing nation. The country has embraced the latest technology and its advancement is evident in almost every aspect. However being an Islamic country, incorporating the western influence has often been a setback since Islam and the west do not mix. Furthermore the Emirati society is deeply rooted in their culture and the heritage from their founding fathers (Crabtree, 2007). They also hold strong stance on religion regarding Islam as a strong faith. These beliefs are very critical to the daily lives of the Emirati young men. This is because Islam is somehow patriarchal and the men will hold strong stands in religion. This can affect their choices in life like work. However, many the go through university education think more critically. Currently the cultural factors have very little impact on the decision individuals make regarding work (Vanheule & Verhaeghe, 2005).

Their General Life and Their Way of Defining Priorities

There have been reports that Emirati people in the Arab peninsula are very contradictory people. There are moments when the nation experience great events and incidences and times when they are hard hit (Rees, et al 2007). UAE is a not much of a victim of squandered government finances and poor policies like many developing nations. Yet, the country is making an effort to better the living standards of its residents. The effort the nation has made is great having grown from seven small impecunious regions in the desert to a modern state (Pines, 2000). With improving governance, the UAE was able to develop a diverse economy that is getting to the top of the world as one of the highest living standards. The nation depends on oil and the money generated has been used to construct very good infrastructure and to widen the scope of the nations economy. About half a century ago, there was not electrical grid, telephone systems, modern education centers, Indoor plumbing and public health facilities, the literacy level was only 20 percent. Very few women attended school (Pines, 2000). Currently the city of Dubai is characterized by skyscrapers. Abu Dhabi is becoming a very strong tourism and business center with great airport construction going on.

Emirati seem to have mastered the concept of self-reliant very fast and are working tirelessly towards it. Investing and venturing into new areas is becoming their way of life. The vision of the UAE leaders is to make Dubai a leader in world business. Looking at the trend at which the nation is growing, and then achieving that vision can be made possible (Pines, 2000). The society which used to be patriarchal with total oppression of women is completely transforming. Men are encouraged to spend more time with their families and engage in social and community activities (Pines, 2003). Many of the men have taken the initiative to help in house hold duties and encourage women to attend school, college and enter the job market (Toledo, 2006). The domestic duties can be shared since the conventional way of life in which only the man was a sole bread winner is fading away. Many women are getting degrees and increasing competitiveness of the country.

Women are no longer appreciated just as wives and mothers but also as prospective leaders. As the country moves forwards, so should the women. Emirati leaders believe that in the modern economy, men and women should be equal partners. However there is a very big challenge considering the fact that even in the western nations where women empowerment begun long ago has not been able to attain the perfect compromise (El-Sanabary, 2002).

The Emirati young men have in the past lacked motivation to study or work harder get employment. Many young men still do not see the need for college education. Some individuals in fact simple aspire to be silent partners to the foreign business that are being set up in UAE (Knight, 2006). Its very difficult to inspire the need for education and improvement of ones credentials in a nation that is increasingly being seduced by subsidies. Currently, young Emirati men are presented with better study and working conditions; free education, better pay, short and flexible working hours and healthcare. Regardless of the government effort  Emiratization  to infuse the young Emirati into the market, very few people are seen to rise up to the challenge. In terms of technology, as much as the government is encouraging its use, many people still do not have the skills for competitive venture. Family has been a priority for the Emirati men though recently that has changed to a more balanced lifestyle (Pines & Yanai, 2001).

Men set their priorities differently. Some put their business first while others have been observed to extend more to family. This at times affects their work or studies. Family businesses are very common and are always passed on the next generation as they grow to form very large business empires. The major facto the influence priorities is friends and family (Crabtree, 2007). Its been noted that families that believe strongly in business usually tend to get their children study business oriented degrees so that they can be back in business more productive. This limits choices for the said children. The families that still oppress women will see men not participate in the bringing up of the family. Family structure of Emirati is mostly extended though nuclear ones are often complete (Pines & Yanai, 2001). Children are only expected to leave their household when marrying. Housing is within a compound surrounded by walls. Their staple food is rice.

The Reason of Choosing Their Major

A critical moment in university education is when it comes to choosing a major. There are several researchers that have been carried out in UAE to investigate how the university students selected their major (Burt, 2007). As it has already been highlighted in the preceding text that the nation does not have proper system of career advisory body, student face tough moment in finding relevant majors for what they hope to do I future career wise. In one such research carried out by Gallacher and other asked students to create a list of four majors they would like to pursue: They were also asked to list some of the factors that lead to their choices of the majors. Surprisingly enough, about half of the students who participated in the research gave only one choicer of a major. They explained that they would have known the major they wanted before joining the university (Gallacher, et al 2010).

Personal interest was a major factor that was listed to influence the choices compared to family which is believed to be very influential (El-Sanabary, 2002). Previous researchers had indicated that job availability, wage level, social status of the job and family were more influential that personal interest. On the assessment of who had the greatest control over their choices about 75 percent of the participants indicated that a member of their family, though many of the student had attended career presentations before. Parent had greater influence especially the fathers (Gallacher, et al 2010). Friends were least on the ranking. The dependence on family on critical decision is seen to be even across a number of culture but more consistent among the Emirati community.

Having the awareness of the various majors is very important in decision making since with limited knowledge the decision is definitely limited. Its interesting that the best known major that one can pursue is business. Over 70 percent of students can confidently mention it. Many students only know of few majors while some knew only one (Gallacher, et al 2010). The majors that indicate lower awareness among the student in UAE include international studies and Medical fields (Health sciences). Its also worth noting that those students who knew about such uncommon majors were likely to specialize in these categories like pursuing political science of nutrition. Some specializations like education, law and engineering were hardly considered. Information technology is currently increasing in awareness (Crabtree, 2007). This means that the choice of majors could be limited by awareness problem since many students only know of business and art.

Perception of the majors is also an important influence. Basically the choice would be based on the perceived ease of finding a job, salary expectations and the social position such a career holds in the society (Burt, 2007). Business is usually preferred by the young Emirati men due to t he ease of finding a job after college and the salary expectation (Vanheule & Verhaeghe, 2005). Second to it, is the international studies, this however receive most selection due to its social ranking. Despite the students following their interests, its evident that this is swayed by discernment that business offered a broader category for the preferred job (Gallacher, et al 2010).

1. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivational Factors That Affect Choices
2. The motivation towards choices of careers among the young Emirati men is also categorized under the major disciplines of motivation that have been developed by motivation theorists (Crabtree, 2007). The internal and external factors of motivation are the categories. Intrinsic motivation comes from within and its inspired by enjoyment to face challenge, interest in certain field, job satisfaction and competition. Extrinsic factors include the social status consideration by society, the pay, family and influence from friends, availability of jobs and appreciation from other people (Ali, 2008).
3. The intrinsic motivation Emirati young men experience personal interest which includes the enjoyment they will experience in a certain area of specialization, zeal to face challenges in the modern world, the job satisfaction and being valuable in competitive world (Crabtree, 2007). The intrinsic motivation has been the perceived job market (ease to get employment), family influence, salary, social rank and praises from other people.

Conclusion

Career choice for young individual is a very important decision in life since of the choices made end up being a lifetime investment. This therefore means that before a choice is made, the young individual should be well informed about it and should be able to integrate other related factors. The decision should basically meet the personal needs and interest because career is something that one has to live with the rest of his life. However id based on other people opinion, it could end up being very frustrating. Its proper to listen to advice from family and friends even consider what the whole society says but the ultimate decision should be based on individual assessment of all the factors that are related to the career choice. Interest, ability to do the job and satisfaction should guide such decisions.

Reference

Al Ali, J. (2008). Emiratisation: Drawing UAE Nationals into Their Surging Economy, International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 28 No.9/10, Pp.365-79.

Archer, L., Hutchings, M., & Ross, A. (2003). Higher Education and Social Class. Issues of Exclusion and Inclusion. London: Routledgefalmer

Burt, J. (2007). Impact of Active Learning on Performance and Motivation in Female Student. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: Gulf Perspectives. Vol 1. Zayed University.

Crabtree, S. A. (2007). Culture, Gender and the Influence of Social Change amongst Emirati Families in the United Arab Emirates. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 38(4)

El-Sanabary, N. (2002). Education in the Arab Gulf States and the Arab World: An Annotated Bibliographic Guide. Taylor & Francis.

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Forstenlechner, I. (2010). Workforce Localization In Emerging Gulf Economies: The Need To Fine-Tune HRM. Personnel Review. Vol. 39: Issue: 1: Pp 135  152

Fox, W.H (2007). The United Arab Emirates: Policy Choices Shaping the Future of Public Higher Education. CSHE Research and Occasional Paper Series. University Of California

Gallacher, D., Skuba, A. & Al-Bahri, R. (2010). Awareness and Perceptions of Available Major Programs by First Year Zayed University Students. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: Gulf Perspectives, 7 (1).

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Holland, J. (1997). Making Vocational Choices: A Theory Of Vocational Personalities And Work Environments (3 Ed.). Lutz, Florida: Psychological Assessment Resources Journal of Career Assessment, Vol. 10, No. 2, 233-257

Knight, J. (2006). Internationalization of Higher Education: New Directions, New Challenges, the International Association of Universities, October, 2006

Pines, A. M. (2000). Treating Career Burnout: A Psychodynamic Existential Perspective. Journal of Clinical Psychology. In Session: Psychotherapy In Practice, 56, 1-10.

Pines, A.M. & Yanai, Y.O. (2001). Unconscious Determinants Of Career Choice And Burnout: Theoretical Model and Counseling Strategy, Journal of Employment Counseling, Vol. 38 Pp.170-848

Pines, A.M. (2003). Occupational Burnout: A Cross-Cultural Israeli Jewish-Arab Perspective and Its Implications for Career Counseling. Career Development International. Vol. 8, Issue 2, Pp 97  106

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Toledo, H. (2006). The Problems and Prospects of Emiratization: Immigration in an Imperfect Labor Market, Dubai Economic Research Awards, Dubai.

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Goal

The banking and finance industry in the Middle East and especially in Saudi Arabia still has not considered women as viable investment partners, a fact that has contributed to the inequalities that are inherent in the incomes of the different genders, (Madura, 2009). My goal is to start a non-profit organization that advocates for financial equality as well as advancing cheap finance to women in the Middle East who most of the time find it hard to access credit. The institution which will also have diversified investments is supposed to be solid enough to advance long-term as well as short-term loans to women.

Current Education

Bachelors degree in finance.

Required Education

• Masters in Strategic Management.
• Ph.D. in Financial Engineering.
• Certification from the Certified Financial Analysts institute.

Current Skills

• Knowledge of basic financial statements analysis.
• Excellent program management skills.
• Excellent leadership and delegation skills.
• Sufficient knowledge of business plan construction.

Required Skills

• Advanced knowledge of strategic management.
• Advanced knowledge in Islamic finance and insurance systems.
• Advanced knowledge in portfolio management.

Step 1: complete college and intern in an Islamic financial institution

Im currently concentrating on my studies with the sole aim of completing my bachelors degree on time. This requires a commitment to strict assignment and project submission dates, as well as preparing well for my exams for the remaining two years of college. Upon graduation, I plan to take up an internship since this should open the door for me to explore the job market and since I still have very few commitments, I feel that interning for six months in an Islamic financial institution will help me to not only break into the job market but also to gain my first experience of working in a financial institution, where I can put my education into practice. I will also learn firsthand the basic operations of an Islamic financial institution as well as get as much knowledge as possible from all the experienced professionals around me.

• Target Completion Date: October 2013.

Step 2: complete the first CFA exam

While still interning in a suitable organization, I plan to apply to the Certification from the certified financial analysts institute, which is an institute of the global association of investment professionals. Since this is quite a prestigious accreditation, it would boost my viability in the finance job market as well as boosting both my knowledge in finance and my analytical skills. Since I will still be working as an intern, I plan to apply online through the institutes website as well as order books on the coursework. With my background and my bachelors degree, I believe that it will not be so much challenging to study without an instructor. This will also help me in effectively achieving my other planned educational milestones.

• Target Completion Date: December 2013.

Step 3: Three and a half years of permanent employment

While still working as an intern, I will apply for permanent employment in Islamic financial institutions in Saudi Arabia starting with my place of internship. Once I receive an offer, I will utilize my time by attending all seminars and training programs provided, which will boost my knowledge base and consequently, my CV. This will also help me in forming professional networks with other people in the financial sector as I realize that to succeed with my long-term plans I will have to gain contacts that I can utilize in the future while breaking into the financial market.

• Target Completion Date: July 2015.

Step 4: pursue a masters degree in strategic management.

In my three and a half years of employment, I will try as much as possible to live within my means and try to save some money for my higher education. My savings, coupled with funding from my employer should be sufficient to cater to my post-graduate degree which I will take on an external learning program in a university in Saudi Arabia. This would allow me to continue with employment while still undertaking my studies which will take about three years.

This will help me in gaining the much-needed knowledge in better management of the project that I plan to later pursue. It will also place me in a better position to make informed decisions on how to establish a financial institution. This time will also be spent on soliciting the opinion and advice of professors on the banking and finance industry in the Middle East and especially womens financial empowerment.

• Target Completion Date: October 2017.

Step 5: Complete the second CFA examination

As soon as I finish my postgraduate degree in strategic management I plan to sit for the second CFA exam which should take me a step nearer to full certification and with the experience I will have gained in the job market as well as with my studies in strategic management I believe that I will be in a better position to effectively pass the exam. This will help me in securing a better position at work since it boosts my CV, which I plan to use as a bargaining tool.

• Target Completion Date: December 2020.

Step 6: Four years of experience as a portfolio manager at a financial institution

After Im done with the second CFA exam, I plan to apply for the position of portfolio manager in a financial institution in Saudi Arabia, which would expose me to portfolio management practices such as re-balancing portfolio techniques, educating clients about their portfolios, using different instruments, capturing clients risk tolerance level, matching clients needs with the portfolio risk and return levels, and other skills that come with the day to day challenges related to the job and handling clients. This will hopefully give me the much-needed experience in designing, procuring, and advancing financial instruments which I will apply when I later start my project. This will also boost my contacts as I will still keep on fostering relationships with people in the financial sector.

• Target Completion Date: December of 2022.

Step 7: Pursue a doctorate in financial engineering

Later, I plan to pursue a doctorate in financial engineering probably in a university in Britain to widen my scope on financial institutions. I believe that pursuing my studies in Britain will expose me to a variety of cultures, which will not only broaden my experience but will also break the monotony of Islamic environments. Financial engineering is one of the new studies in finance that will help me with the effective management of a financial institution.

• Target Completion Date: July 2024.

Step 8: Complete the third CFA exam

After completing my doctorate, I plan to finally sit my last CFA exam which upon my success I will be a certified financial analyst. This period will also be spent scouting for other like minds among the other CFA students and the contacts I will have gathered so far, who will help in the furthering of my goals of the establishment of a financial institution.

• Target Completion Date: December 2024.

Step 9: building my business idea as well as undertaking feasibility studies and writing a business plan

Since by the time Im done with my doctorate I will have already gained the basic knowledge on the establishment and running of a financial institution, this step should not take too long, and hopefully, it will be completed soon after I have sat for my last CFA exam. I will incorporate my experience in the financial sector in the Middle East and especially in Saudi Arabia for the successful completion of this stage. According to Madura, (2009), the feasibility studies will help in understanding the market to come up with a strategic plan that will be tailored for the particular female Saudi Arabian market.

• Target Completion Date: January of 2025.

Step 10: sourcing funds from investors and applying for government licenses

This is one of the most challenging parts of my venture and it will need the utilization of not only my education but also my experiences in the financial sector as well as the contacts I will have gathered throughout my career. I will be open to any partnerships so long as the aspiring partners have the same vision and goals as mine. This is supposed to make the process of establishing the institution fairly easier.

• Target Completion Date: January 2026.

Reference

Madura, J. (2009). International Financial Management. Upper Saddle River: Cengage Learning.

Introduction

Peter Robert Jackson is one of the most famous, successful, and highly influential people in the global film industry. He works as a film producer, director, and screenwriter, who came to global recognition through his films The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (Sibley, 2013). Peter Jackson was born in 1961, in a small town in New Zealand called Pukerua Bay.

He does not have any siblings and has English roots. His mother Joan and his father Bill Jackson migrated to New Zealand from England. His mother was a homemaker and a factory worker, while his father worked as a wages clerk, and participated in World War II (Thompson, 2006). Jackson has been married to Fran Walsh since 1987, and the couple has two children.

Fran Walsh has been influential in the successful career of her husband, as she has always helped to write scripts and provide managerial support. Peter Jackson owns a film production company called Wingnut Films (Prigge, 2005). Various factors have influenced and inspired Jackson on his journey towards becoming a global icon in the film industry.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and nominations for his success and influence towards the growth of the industry. Peter Jackson has proved to be a real trendsetter in the film industry, and a consistent performer who seeks to inspire others and meet market demands (Sibley, 2013).

How he started his career

Peter Jackson started his career as a young boy when his family was living near Wellington, a coastal town in New Zealand. He first encountered the world of movies at a tender age of five, when his family purchased a television set (Jackson, 2005). He was highly thrilled by a program that aired from 1965 to 1966, known as the Thunderbirds.

This show helped Jackson to develop a sentimental attachment to films. He later watched a movie called King Kong that Jackson says is his favorite movie that influenced his career in many ways (Stratford, 2009).

A major event in his career happened at age nine, when a close friend of his parents handed him a super 8-movie camera as a motivation for his visible passion for film and photography. Using this camera, Jackson began making short, simple, and cheap films from the comfort of his parents home. His friends contributed by taking different set roles on a voluntary basis (Thompson, 2006).

After gaining some experience, Jackson believed he was ready to make real films. He carried on with his production trademark used in the short films of incorporating unique effects, and low production costs. The most notable film he made during his teenage years was World War II.

The film was good and the effects used to simulate a firing gun were highly notable to viewers (Prigge, 2005). Jackson produced a number of other amateur movies such as The Valley, Bad Taste, The Dwarf Patrol, and Cold Finger among others. Jackson created The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, after reading the work of renowned author J.R.R. Tolkien (Morton, 2005).

The movie Bad Taste, started as a usual amateur movie for Jackson. However, he did not know that it would present a good opportunity for a breakthrough in the industry. Peter Jackson did almost everything in this movie using his savings from a job he had in a photography shop, and a sizeable grant from the film commission of New Zealand (Morton, 2005).

Through a friend, the film premiered during the Cannes film festival. The movie received many positive remarks and an award for its unique effects, a good script, its comic nature, and top class production (Sibley, 2013). This fame and recognition motivated Jackson to produce his first professional movie in 1992 that he called Brain Dead. Since then, Peter Jackson continued to develop his passion for films.

Education and training

Peter Jackson went to Kapiti College, which was run by the government (Prigge, 2005). His school life was dull and boring, because he did not show any interest in sporting events. Jackson was very eager to finish school and get a job that would enable him to make money for film production. At age sixteen, Jackson dropped out of school and got a job at a photography shop (Jackson, 2005).

Despite his huge success as a film producer, director, and screenwriter, Jackson did not have any formal or professional training in film production. He learnt about special effects and movie editing through trial and error in his amateur films (Morton, 2005). This demonstrates his real passion for films and intellectual ability for developing a successful career by learning through practice.

Professional career

The biggest breakthrough for Jackson in the film industry came in 1987, when he produced a short film called Bad Taste. The movie became a hit in the industry and managed to sell distribution rights to at least twelve countries. One individual that contributed to this breakthrough was Jim Booth (Sibley, 2010). Booth was the executive director of the New Zealand Film Commission at the time.

Peter Jackson needed a lot of money to complete the movie, and decided to approach the film commission for a grant. Jackson managed to convince Jim Booth to give him a grant to complete the movie with his talent and ambition for the film industry (Butler, 2013). Later, Jim Booth quit his position at the New Zealand film commission and became part of the production team for the movie.

Through his vast experience and numerous connections in the industry, Jim convinced Jackson to have his short film showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. The efforts paid off, and Jackson had a landmark start on his professional career from the festival (Thompson, 2006).

A number of films followed this successful entry into the industry for Jackson. These films include the Brain Dead, Heavenly Creatures, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Rings, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King among others (Butler, 2013). Jackson produced The Lord of the Rings as a test project for his skills as a director.

Heavenly Creatures was among the most successful films that Jackson released at the time. The film applied a different style from his earlier movies, as it developed its story line based on real life experiences. The success of this film opened more avenues for Jackson in Hollywood.

In 1996, he managed to produce a high budget film called The Frighteners that starred Michael Fox (Stratford, 2009). Jackson received a lot of support and mentorship from an American producer called Robert.

Throughout his career in the film industry, Peter Jackson has been known for his strict work policy that entails attention to the finest details (Sibley, 2010). The most notable features about movies produced by Jackson include incorporation of humor, playful scenes, and shooting a single scene from a variety of angles.

This has made his movies to have some of the longest production periods in Hollywood, as he can take several days shooting a single scene to make sure that it meets the required standards (Butler, 2013). Although most of Jacksons films premier in Hollywood, he is among the few influential and successful directors who produce their films outside the United States.

Jackson has been a huge technology enthusiast and ardent defender, whenever people feel it has a negative influence on the industry (Woods, 2004). Jackson was among the first film directors and producers to incorporate computer technology in making movies, especially in putting digital effects. Technology has helped to improve the value of films and movies because of improved efficiency and quality.

Modern films apply 3D technology, which gives viewers a better viewing experience compared to the technology used in the past (Woods, 2004). However, the adoption of modern technology has not been easy, especially among the older generation that constantly complains of the high speed and definition of the movies.

Producers like Peter Jackson have tried to defend the influence of technology in the film industry, by arguing that people complaining have a fear factor for change (Thompson, 2006). Jackson argues that there is no need to stick to old technology. He says there is a need to improve the experiences that people have in cinemas and make them more impressive and extravagant.

Awards and achievements

Peter Jackson has a very successful career in the film industry. He has received numerous awards and nominations. He is one of the most decorated film directors, producers, and screenwriters in the Hollywood (Savorelli, 2010). Jackson has so far received a total of 39-academy award nominations throughout his career that begun in 1987.

Out of the 39 nominations he has won 20 0f them, with The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Winning the most with 11. Peter Jackson has also received 13 golden globe nominations, which he has won 4 times (Savorelli, 2010).

Jacksons success in the film industry goes beyond the United States of America. Peter Jackson has received 43 nominations for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts award. Out of the nominations, Jackson has won 14 times, with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King has won the most awards with each having 5 (Savorelli, 2010).

Conclusion

The story of Peter Jackson is very inspiring and motivating, especially to upcoming movie directors, producers, and screenwriters who want to make a breakthrough in the industry. The biggest lesson that one can learn from Jacksons story is the need for perseverance, passion, and self-belief in order to succeed in the industry.

Jackson believed in his abilities and followed his passion that enabled him to achieve astounding success in the films industry. Another important lesson is the need to give people value for their money by producing quality films that entertain and educate them at the same time. Success in the film business requires one to have good knowledge of the market, and use the latest technology in order to give viewers amazing experiences.

References

Butler, J. (2013). Peter Jackson: A Combination of Passion, Determination, and Ingenuity. New York: Routledge.

Jackson, P. (2005). Peter Jacksons King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Morton, R. (2005). King Kong: The History of a Movie Icon from Fay Wray to Peter Jackson. California: Hal Leonard Corporation.

Prigge, S. (2005). Created By: Inside the Minds of Top Film Creators. New York: Silman-James Press.

Savorelli, A. (2010). Beyond Sitcom: New Directions in the American Film and Entertainment Industries. Chicago: McFarland.

Stratford, S. (2009). Film and Television. New Jersey: Info Base Publishing.

Sibley, B. (2013). Peter Jackson: the Journey of a Film Maker Who Went Against all Odds. New Jersey: Cengage Learning.

Sibley, B. (2010). Peter Jackson: A Film Makers Journey. New York: CENGAGE.

Thompson, K. (2006). Tolkien On Film: Essays on Peter Jacksons The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien Studies, 3(2), 222-228.

Woods, P. (2004). Peter Jackson: From Gore to Mordor. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Electronic File

An electronic filing system is one where correspondence and other documents are kept on computers instead of using paper-based storage systems, such as filing cabinets and files. We need different equipment. Computers create different kinds of files for filing purposes according to the software used. Different software is required for different jobs. Electronic filing allows us to arrange files in a number of different ways without having to file them in different places (Mand, 2009).

Types of categories

Alternative Assessment ideas

An alternative assessment idea is, in many cases, the most appropriate means for determining whether students have indeed mastered these complex skills. A number of assessment ideas for teachers have emerged from all this. These ideas, or activities, are thought to be useful for measuring and enhancing critical thinking skills and the application of knowledge. Examples of alternative assessment include:

• Products: These are tangible, concrete items that students create through either the written, visual, or auditory media. In this method, students are to make drawings of themselves performing physical activity. Students created brochures advertising the benefits of physical activity for parents and friends, or colleges of pictures and photos showing healthy habits.
• Process-focused tasks: these show the thinking process and learning strategies students use as they work. For example, students might write down and explain how or why they designed a game or movement sequence.
• A portfolio: is a collection of student work and additional information gathered over a period of time that demonstrates learning progress. Portfolios may include results from the traditional assessment, product tasks, process-oriented tasks, and other information.
• Performances: these are observable affective or psychomotor behaviors put into action. For example, students may demonstrate their abilities to throw by stepping off with the opposite foot and their cooperation with others during an activity. Therefore, alternative assessment ideas determine students knowledge, skills, and attitudes in ways that are enriching, motivating, and more instructional than a written test (Mand, 2009).

I used this method of alternative assessment ideas during my service learning hours, and it was amazing because students were motivated to work on and improve their sequences. They easily evaluated their own performances according to a simple rule, and they were tougher on themselves. They developed skills relating to analyzing and critiquing their own work, not to mention their own physical skills as they worked on the assessment task. The class taught was of the fifth-grade students.

Articles

Articles are reading materials that help students improve their reading abilities as well as their vocabulary, thus gaining confidence when speaking. Examples of articles include magazines, journals, short stories, and newspapers. All these materials are available in my school area.

A written journal kept by students over the semester provides a cumulative, anecdotal record of activities done, student self-observation, and milestones accomplished. This material makes the student understand who will read the journal or the magazine and how it will be used as an assessment.

I used this method in teaching with the fifth-grade students, and they really enjoyed all the lessons we shared together by reading various articles, and for sure, their reading confidence was highly improved.

Computer Software programs

Cluefinders Math Adventures

Primary -2^nd and 3^rd Grade

As children learn to find the missing treasures through these games, they get to learn every challenge that exists in math activities. They expand their skill levels in solving the most difficult problems. Therefore, teachers could put this software into practice to help the student learn to develop problem-solving skills such as number computation, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, graphs, and tables.

Typing instructor for kids

This software helps both young kids and even grown-up students to improve their typing skills such as speed and typing methods. Therefore, in the educational environment, teachers use this software to improve the students computer knowledge as they grow up for future use because computer skills are very vital in the current world.

Elementary Advantage

3^rd to 5^th Grades

In this software, students are enlightened with complete resources focusing on fun and creative state, important lessons, and exercises. Thus, through the use of this software, teachers are in a better position to help their learners to assess the mysteries of history and science through fun-filled activities such as reading and writing, phonics and grammar, and even typing.

English vocabulary

Middle-class students

This computer software program is designed in a way that assists students to review their spelling, carry out real-time questions, and search for database words, thus being able to master the right words on all occasions.

Most of this computer software has been used in class, and it all went well with the students as they enjoyed them very much. They improved their spelling abilities and knew some typing knowledge.

Instructional games

Games in education have become a large topic of interest in the field of instructional design. Instructional games focus on the balance between entertainment and education, and such balance is derived by facilitating collaboration between subject matter experts and experts in interactive entertainment and instructional design (Carrol, 2007).

Examples of instructional games

• Crossword puzzles: This game can be printed and completed by students online by plugging their own words into free puzzle creation software. Teachers use this to help students review their exercises, thus improving their vocabulary and expanding their knowledge in various fields.
• Memory card game: students flip the cards placed on the table facing down, and if the cards make a pair, they remove them from the table. If they fail to march, another student gives it a try. Teachers use this to help those students who have the lower memorizing ability.
• Group quiz game: Students join the group from the television as members where the quiz has many correct answers, and the aim of the game is for students to provide as many answers as possible. Therefore, teachers use this game to encourage cooperation and collaboration among students (Carrol, 2007).
• Math video instructional development games: This game helps students with learning difficulties with various chances to react to a specific learning activity. The game is used by teachers to motivate students to perform math skills in a game format.

I have used these instructional games in the class with the fifth-grade students, and they seemed to like the game as I saw them enjoy, especially the group quiz game. These instructional games have improved most of the students vocabulary and performance in mathematics.

Field Trips-Outside of school grounds and In-house Field Trips on school grounds

A trip around the school block

When my students were learning map skills, we would take a walk around the block at school. The students drew maps of the neighborhood, filled in streets and buildings, and made a compass rose. Also, students got to learn parts of plants, and this proved to be an easy, interesting, and relevant way to see the variety of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits that can grow in an area (Blake, 2008).

Field trips on school grounds

This provided students with real-world learning experiences. They got to observe birds, study butterflies, and classify objects. For the field trips to be successful, students made a student-designed field guide of the schoolyard. Took photographs and made drawings of interesting plants, animals, or geological areas and provided information on each.

National parks and museum trips

Taking students to national parks enhances their knowledge in various fields such as science, geography among others. Also, they get to improve their social and behavioral skills. Therefore as a teacher, I advised them to record the important things they saw for future reference after the visit.

Web-based virtual field trips

This is an in-house field trip where students tour various parts of the world, all from their own classroom (Adam, 2005). These web-based virtual field trips bring experience that they might never have without technology. The students can form groups with other students around the world to engage in educational and service-oriented projects.

I used this field trip method in teaching to enhance the students social and cognitive skills and also expose them to life outside the classroom. The students had fun and learned a lot while they were in the field because they got a chance to apply what they had learned in class into practice.

Reference List

Adam, F. (2005). Education outside the classroom. New York: Sage.

Blake, R. (2008). Inside/Out: Environmental Science in the Classroom and the Field, Grades 3-8. New York: Press.

Carrol, K. (2007). A Guide to Great Field Trips. Chicago: Press.

Mand, C. (2009). Outdoor education. USA: Merrill Publication Company.

A professional development plan is a set of guidelines, principles and regulations that are used to improve advance or redirect the career, business or education strategy of a particular study group, organization or school. Plan development generally begins with a detailed outline, characteristically indicating the overall goals to be achieved in the long run. The short plan examines the current status and needs of the particular user, while at the same time looking at the different ways in which the needs can be met and recording the goals and objectives that are expected for the future (Stiles 15). A plan helps one structure and focus on the planning and training needs of all involved where time is one of the most important parameters in achieving these goals. Therefore, the outline, timeline and report will frequently include expected time frames and duties to be performed by those involved. The most addressed questions to help one make effective plans are: where am I at the present? Where do I want to go? And, finally, how do I get to where I want to be? On-going training and guidance have long been a crucial part of any career growth. With the significant administration changes, there are requirements in any industry and the setting of new priorities, in the development of a plan, which has become a crucial need to meet the expected goals.

Multiple programs are there to ensure that the staff/students working on their ambition and targets, since from time to time the zeal in them could be low or even dead at times. The introduction of motivational talks has been one major way to inspire staff members in meeting their objectives (Stiles 18). These motivational sessions are aimed at encouraging the employees/students to perform even better, especially when their potential is way higher than their current output.

Seminars are also other widely used forms in developing careers or improving academic performance. A professional planner will schedule seminars as part of the technique to use in assisting his students learn. This is an academic instruction methodology that is offered to students, workers and other professionals, with a major with the goal of turning these groups into teams and each meeting session into a productive seminar. The major idea behind the seminar arrangement is to acquit and exonerate students (participants) more extensively with the perfect methodology to attain their goals (Wiburg and Brown 25). In this seminar assigned talks and comprehensions are discussed, questions are asked and intensive debates are conducted. It is a relatively informal method of learning, which gives participants debate on topics freely.

Introduction of study groups has been another successful way to equip students well with information, and also give them a chance to learn new skills in their natural settings. This can be helpful while one is trying to learn information and new concepts, while preparing for either tests or class discussions (Stiles 24). As the old saying goes two heads are better than one encouraging your students to form small groups could be the most idea option for better learning after normal classes attendance. The students in an active group discussion act as teachers themselves and as they start explaining a concept to a member of the group they begin to even understand more. By being involved with other study groups and forming teams, the participants have a chance to think out loud, sharing any ideas and thoughts they may have and learn with others about things they might not know.

The need for training and development in a plan while ensuring that skills of the subjects are up-to-date and are ready to face any challenges is even more important. It helps the instructors to identify the valuables that assist and contribute positively in attaining the set goals. A plan will also work to asses the performance of an individual in respect to the goals that are set. This will identify the gap between the ideal and the actual performance. The plan acts an assessor of current progress and, by identifying the gaps, activities and appropriate training programs are chosen to build the necessary skills that will keep the individual focused on the goal.

References

Stiles, Katherine E. Designing Professional Development for Teachers of Science and Mathematics. London: Routledge, 2006.

Wiburg, Karin M. and Brown, Susan W. Lesson study communities: increasing achievement with diverse students. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 2006. Print.

Introduction

In an era when number of people leaving the universities is increasing tremendously, only people with the best techniques will land a place of their dream career. The number of jobs created by different sectors of the economy is not enough to absolve all the graduates that are leaving institutions of higher learning. Having the relevant degree certificate only is not enough as there are many people with the same academic qualifications; and who would want to do the same job that one is looking for, if they were given a chance. The competition is very high and the demand is rising and as the laws of economics have it, the price of getting a job is becoming higher everyday. According to (Orville 4), it is the special skills that the job seeker must have and is willing to share at the opportune time that will enable him/her to have competitive advantage against others in the same field.

To horn these skills it is necessary to use the appropriate techniques. Having the correct academic papers is not in itself enough in securing a job. However, without good papers most of the applicants are disqualified before a chance for interview is accorded. So the first step for living the dream of your life in that career is taking a relevant course in a recognized institution. After attaining the required grades the journey to hunt for a job would now start in earnest. Looking for job is a skill that everybody should have. It is therefore necessary to know how to write a catching resume, have the right contacts and how to present yourself during the interview. These are the tools of marketing for every person who is looking for a job. Networking and establishing contacts with people that would help in getting to know people inside the job career, becomes a vital step in getting the dream job.

According to Krueger (p. 12), every person has a right job lying in wait, but not every job we come across is actually the right job for all us. A career that gives your friend a lot satisfaction may not necessarily provide you with the anticipated comfort. There is therefore need for career choice advice from experts. Career guidance is a service offered to job seekers to identify their strong areas and therefore focus their efforts.

Job selection should be done with specialty in mind as extensivity has no place in the era of specialization.

Job searching techniques

When searching for a job different techniques must be used ranging from websites that advertise jobs, social networks and the newspapers. Also be in contact with people working in the area that you may be wishing to work in. There are different techniques that people can use to select a job. While these techniques are general, the focus should be how best a job seeker can convince their interviewers that he/she is the best and will give best value for their money. This requires writing techniques, oratory prowess with communication skills and strict adherence to dressing etiquette (Hale 6). There are general procedures for searching and selecting a job. But every person must have tailor-made approach because what works for one person may not work for another. Just as people are different in their characters and behaviors, the same should be applied when searching for a job. Searching for a job over a long time also requires change of tactics. One cannot use the same old tricks to achieve new results; when one style does not seem to work it should be the time to change tack. Dynamism is necessary during resume and cover letter preparation. This process of preparing these documents is as important as getting in readiness for the interview. These papers must be continuously updated to ensure that they are current and relevant to a particular job that one is applying for (Edward 26).

There is an old adage that an opportunity knocks once in ones lifetime. However, these days due to scarcity of appropriate opportunities people must be resilient enough to knock at every opportunity to land their dream career. Being able to identify the opportunity becomes the first hurdle that job seeker should overcome (Hale 14).

Identifying the right opportunity

As one prepares to plunge into the sea of seeking employment, not every piece of opportunity that present itself would make ones dream career. Also not every bit of advice shall be relevant to the person looking for a job. However, the job seeker has the prerogative to choose what works for him/her and ignore what does not work for them. Careers are guided by the academic qualifications as well as taste for the job. It is not unlikely to find people who have trained to work in particular area but are actually working in a completely different environment. This scenario becomes inevitable when graduates are left with few choices when joining the job market. However, little experience in a particular area is better than no experience at all. Among the issues that are common among the career platform are issues like teamwork, innovation and creativity. One can test the effectiveness of these areas using the available job as the hunt for the dream job continues (Leslie 20). Searching for a dream job is a lifetime endeavor. There are pertinent questions that one must ask when looking for a job. What is the entry point into the career cycle? What is the irreducible minimum in terms of pay package and the kind of job that one would do? What point would one join and make it easy to scale the career ladder? What satisfaction would one get from the job?

It is important to note that the entry point in any career will affect the progress made up the ladder of such careers. Every job seeker should have a completely outlined strategy on how to achieve long and short term goals. Short term goal could be to get whichever job that is available for the sake of survival and self-sustenance. The long term goal is how to make use of the available resources to secure a dream job. While candidates walk out of college into the job market, few actually know what to expect and many become frustrated. Once bright future becomes dimmer by day as the jobs becomes elusive and scarce.

While job experience is a necessity, one must always ask himself/herself whether they have performed optimally in whatever they are doing; will find satisfaction in the job they are looking for; if money issue was withdrawn whether they would still work with the same zeal? The money should not be the only motivating factor for looking for a job but generally how to optimally live a life. Techniques of job search must be modified to fit into the career and the person who is applying for a job. None of the techniques available is fit for all people and applicable for all situations. What we have everyday is guide that every job seeker must customize to fit in their situations (Orville 23). However, this should not dampen the spirit of looking for the job that would satisfaction to the job seeker.

Searching for the dream job

Searching for a satisfying job is all time career (Leslie 32). No one should sit on their laurels in terms of working on the dream job. Career choice is sometimes informed by the different advices people get from all quarters. Use your friends where it could have taken you time to actually reach. Do not postpone or procrastinate what could have been done today. Take practical steps in search for the career. Otherwise wishing for a good job everyday will not benefit, but acting on it will benefit a job seeker. The decision to settle on one career must be an informed decision that the career will take care of financial, social and emotional satisfaction that the best job has to offer (Krueger 9). If the career does not satisfy any of these needs then it means the holistic nature of career satisfaction would be lacking. Only those who do not quit actually land a place of the dreams.

Good career seekers should be able know how to tell their story. There episodes in the lives of each one of us that can touch the heart of the interviewer. It is a skill to look for a job. Learning to tell ones story is like marketing a new product in the market. The person selling it must be aware that there are many other competing and substitute products in the market. Therefore the question that every job seeker should grapple with is how best can I sell my talents and skills to potential employers in a market place flooded with equally qualified candidates?

It is only the special skills such as organization, leadership and creativity that will make you stand out of the crowd. Only those who have these skills, besides required academic qualifications, can be able to reap maximum benefits. One of the most frequently asked question is how will you benefit our company? By employing someone the company is making an investment. However, the question is how the returns from the employee can be maximized? It should not be forgotten that new employees will require induction training, besides remunerations agreed on. This is an investment that if the company must take you as their choice they will have the best returns of the money. Therefore the technique is how to catch the eye of the potential employer using the cover letter, comprehensive resume and effective recommendation letters.

Preparing a cover letter

Many applicants take time to prepare compelling resume but pay little attention to the writing of the cover letter. As searching for job gains momentum one should be able to answer the question, how to best present ones case? Let those people who have written such letters before guide you on how to approach the issues. There is only one chance to make the first impression and this chance would determine the future and rules of engagement in the company. This chance would be lost if the cover letter is not done to attract the eyes of the potential employers. A job seeker must take the process through his mind or with help of other colleagues in preparation for the job hunting mission. Anticipate the questions that are likely to be asked in the interview forum. Brainstorm on the appropriate answers that are likely to earn points in the eyes of the employer. Then move to prepare a cover letter.

Effective cover letter has no formula but should be able to capture three major things. First one must express interest in the job being offered and explain where you got the information about the company? What special attributes do you have that make outstanding from the rest? What benefits are you bringing to the company? And the last paragraph should be requesting for an interview and leaving a contact address or phone number in case the person wishes to inform of the selection. Effective cover letter is the first impression the employer is going to have of person applying for the job. The company will be investing their money on you and therefore you must give high returns for their money. Cover letter offers a chance to the employer to evaluate writing skills on the potential applicant. The employer should therefore make a positive impression about you from the cover letter. Cover letter is therefore not a cover for the resume but lone standing document that tests its own attributes from the applicant.

Cover letter is used as directing marketing tool for the job seeker. It becomes the description of the attributes of the products that make it favorite among many choices. This introduction must be precise, unambiguous and be a summary of experience and academic prowess of the applicant. The cover letter will do the work if positive attributes are highlighted precisely and unequivocally. Normally salutation on the cover should appear, preferably by name. However when the name is not available a plain salutation of Dear Sir/Madam will do.

The body of the letter should short; short enough to raise appetite to read the resume and long enough to cover all the essential details. A cover letter should be a warm welcome for the employer to look at other testimonials. A cover letter should end with highlighting the contacts and inviting the person reading the letter to read the resume.

Effective resume

Resume or curriculum vita is the summary of the applicants skills, academic qualifications, experience and aptitude. Every job seeker should be able to know their strengths and their weaknesses. To have a competitive advantage against all the rest applying for the job there must be something special with you. The job market is very crowded and being just another person with the same techniques will not land you a dream job. This is where necessary skills come in handy.

While the cover letter is a summary, the resume should be comprehensive enough to explain to the employer, that you have what it takes to handle the tasks outlined in the job. The contents of the resume must be prepared to mirror a specific job. There is general resume for all the jobs one seeks to apply to. Curriculum vitae therefore become a guide to the academic and experience in the job. In the academic section, start with highest qualifications and in experience area start with latest. However, as Krueger (p. 21) advises caution must be exercised as what is presented in the resume should be factual and can be supported with relevant document when/if the need arises.

Resumes must always have a list of referees. These are people who youve worked under and who can give an account of what kind of person you are. Prospective employers would want to know the truth of your story from a different person (Krueger 19). This person is usually the referee. It is not advisable to have your relatives as your referees. However, the person you choose as your referee must be a person willing to market you and your abilities for the job (Leslie 29). It is advisable that at least one of the referees write a recommendation letter to the prospective which would also be attached to the resume.

The Role of the Recommendation Letter

The search for job is not complete until the recommendation of the referees is also incorporated in the application material. The reference list in the resume must be supported by the recommendation letters from the people quoted as referees. A prospective employer will automatically contact the referees on phone. So the telephone addresses must be properly stated in the list of referees.

The referees that you choose therefore must therefore tell a positive story about you. Make sure you have alerted them in advance so as to prepare them psychologically for the eventuality of the call. However some of the referees, by trying to be honest, would actually open the dark side of you that you would rather have left closed. Having a written recommendation letter helps to stem this shortcoming. Job seekers should therefore arm themselves with recommendation letters from the institutions that they have worked with to support their claims of experience (Orville 21).

After the employer is convinced that you are the person he/she has been looking for, they give you a call to prepare for the interview.

Preparing for Interview

Interview is a formal first meeting between the applicant and the employer or the body doing the recruitment. This could happen through a phone call, letter of invitation or an email message. One must, therefore, have the best phone etiquette when answering calls as one may never know when the prospective employer would be calling. Some of the applications take long to be sorted out. It is therefore necessary to keep track of the jobs and companies that you have applied the jobs.

Learn to remain courteous as this will make the route to first impression. Introduce yourself courteously every time when you receive a call; it will help develop the habit of phone etiquette. After getting that call that books the interview, it is important to rehearse on the possible criterion to be followed during the day and time of interview. Who are the people that are likely to be present during the interview? This helps one to fight fear and anxiety that comes with such eventuality.

The candidates gather the confidence to tackle aptitude test and oratory skills that are very important during the interview. The way an applicant presents herself/himself can say a lot about their suitability for the job even before you utter a word. Lack of confidence in the job interviews becomes the problem from which many job seekers suffer. Being intimidated by other competing job seekers and the panel of interviewers can also shift the focus that should be on job and reduce chances of winning the interview.

However, no applicant is perfect match of what the employer is looking for. This means there the panel carrying out the interview would most probably go for the best compromise. Compromise will only benefit those candidates who show willingness to learn (Edward 33). Considering the fact that there are many other people who have the same qualifications, it is imperative for one to be able to stand out from all the rest in an interview by use of any extra unique feature that presents itself.

Dress code should be in accordance to the job and must be smartly dressed with a tie preferably a matching suit to boost the dressing code. When appearing before the panel of interviewers, applicant should to cut out an image of a person in control of his life. Although it would be difficult for many people who are used to wearing casually, it should be a habit worthy forming to learn to dress smartly for the interview; this may also depend on the position you are applying for.

It happens that if one cannot be able to take care of themselves, then it will not be a miracle for them to be organized in their work place. Places like banks and government institutions dress code is defined and strict and only those people who adhere to it can survive. Interviewers are looking for people who are conscious of their good grooming techniques. The applicant, therefore, should not give the interviewer a reason to disqualify them. One must ensure that they have carried the original certificates that will be required for authentication during the interview. When asked questions speak clearly, convincingly and confidently. Drop things that are irrelevant and are likely to drain your energy.

Conclusion

While we are not in control of what other people tell us, we are however in control of what response we give at all times (Orville 15). The response gives a sneak preview how the person would react when faced with a similar scenario. Control your emotions as you are not in control of the consequences (Edward 16). It is always important when looking for a job ensure your objectives are in line with the objectives outlined for the job advertised.

Planning your career should be an integration of long term goals together with short term goals. What do you want achieve in a specific time. Start with day, week and then months and then set time for the years (Orville 20). Having benchmarks to be achieved at the end of every period of time, helps in self evaluation in the career. Getting the right job is one thing and performing to the best of the ability is completely a different issue. You must always know what you want to become in life as without a plan any route will lead to any destination.

As Martin Luther King once said every person must do his or her work with finality, dedication and without reservation. When we become the best in our areas of specialization, then we stand a better chance to land a job than when we play the second fiddle in preferred applicants ladder or become part of the large crowd that is swelling everyday (Orville 11). Indeed the probability to get the desired job is lowered every time when new groups leave colleges into the job market. It is therefore necessary to plan and execute the plan as fast. When an opportunity presents itself it is necessary to look at the bigger picture of the many people looking for the same job rather than looking at yourself as most favorable. Whether it an area where one has been dreaming of or another career for the sake survival, the bottom line is that do it to the best.

Works Cited

Edward Sarah. Finding Your Perfect Work: the new career guide to making a living, creating life. New York: Putman, 1996.

Hale Judith. Outsourcing Training and Development: Factors of Success. San Francisco: Pfeiffer, 2006.

Krueger Brian. The college Grad Job hunter. Massachusetts: Adams Media, 2001.

Leslie Rae. Effective Planning in Training and Development. London: Kogan Page Limited, 2000.

Orville Pierson. The Unwritten rules of the Highly Effective job search. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2006.