We exist in an information-intensive workplace. Build your knowledge of workplace trends, potential career options and career opportunities.
The Internet is called the information highway for good reason; start by navigating the career sites that make up the foundation of career information. The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) features an outlook section project growth for industries and jobs. There are also links to associations, toll free numbers and outside resources that will assist you in your research.
Most military spouses tend to fall into six major categories of careers:
Health Services
This includes nurses, technicians and para-professionals.
Service
The service industry includes teachers, counselors and other service professionals and para-professionals.
Administrative/Clerical
The administrative field includes data entry, customer service, and all levels of secretaries, from receptionist to executive secretary.
Retail/Food Service
Entry-level positions always exist in the retail and food service industry.
Early Childhood Education
These careers often meet the scheduling needs of parents because it lessens the chances of scheduling conflicts and childcare issues.
Other
Additionally, many military spouses entered the religious and scientific job fields. Professional spouses often work as engineers to research scientists.
Regardless of your field of choice, there are important issues to consider when making occupational choices.
- Are you comfortable with the entry level of this field? Often one of the major concerns of military spouses is developing and moving up the ladder of success.
- Regardless of the field you have chosen, it is important to keep in mind the way that technology has or will change the field. Is there an opportunity to develop this occupation as a freelancer or telecommuter?
- Is it a position that can cross industry boundaries? For example, there are certain challenges that teachers face with state certifications, but they do have the flexibility of utilizing their skills and experience with different populations. There are opportunities for teachers to fairly easily change populations and settings. Educators are found in public schools, non-profit agencies, and in industry.
- What is the national trend for the career you are considering? If you've always wanted to be a bank teller but the industry is moving towards centralized call centers, how are you preparing yourself for the shift?
