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Job Strategy Action Plan

Now that you have been through self-assessment and career exploration, you need to plan an approach to getting the career you want.

STEP 1: EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STEP 2: EXPERIENCE
STEP 3: GOING AFTER THE JOB

STEP ONE: EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Do you have the necessary educational background? If not, here are some ways that you might be able to get it.

Upgrading present skills: You may need to learn the newest skills, concepts, or most recent releases of the software in your field. Sometimes you can do it on your own. Other times working with your supervisor to do on the job training may be the solution. The same options apply to learning a new field.

Preparing for a new field of work
General Education Development (G.E.D.): If you did not earn a high school diploma, get the equivalent. Contact the high school you attended to find out what credit you have and to obtain a transcript. Then contact the local high school and ask about their Adult Education Program.

Re-training: Re-training is a way of acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills for a new career. It may involve formal education, seminars, hands on experience or a combination of learning experiences.

Continuing Education Units (CEU) are a way of continuing training. Some professions require this form of continuing education. Again try to check out how good the program's results have been. Some seminars and training programs carry CEUs, which you may have to take an extra step to have formally recorded.

Cross Training Talk with your supervisor and learn if you can take on new responsibilities related to your job. It can be a way of broadening your experience or increasing the level of responsibility you handle, while providing the employer with more staffing flexibility and back-up coverage.

Degrees: You need to be sure the school you select can provide the education you want.
How well have the the school's graduates faired?
Can they find jobs in the field you want?
Is the school accredited?
Does it blend theoretical education and practical experience?

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Local Educational Resources
Washtenaw Community College
Jackson Community College
Henry Ford Community College
Schoolcraft College
Wayne County Community College
Cleary University
Concordia University, Ann Arbor
Madonna University
Eastern Michigan University
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University

How can I afford Formal Education? In addition to your own resources such as savings, loans, and pay as you go, you may be able to qualify for other resources. Persistence in looking for options can prove rewarding.

Tuition Assistance The University of Michigan has a program to assist its staff members, who have a 50% (20 Hr/week) or greater appointment. Take a look at the official word on this great benefit. (SPG 201.69-0)

A select few will qualify for a Special One-Year Tuition Differential Grant for Newly Recruited Faculty and Staff Whose Dependents are Classified as Non-Residents. Yes, that is the official title. Review the information here. (SPG 201.69-1)

(YOU NEED TO HAVE ACROBAT READER. Click here, if you need Acrobat Reader).

Scholarships (this is just a start, there are more out there)

• Financial Aid Information Page - a scholarship search from FinAid.Org
• FastWeb - a scholarship search
• Center for the Education of Women - career counseling and resources for women and men.

STEP 2: EXPERIENCE