Does anyone know anything about career counseling?

[EstimatedProphet]

I would like to find new ways to market my skills. I'm going through a career transition, and I would like to change my focus away from past employment. What I need to do this is someone who can look at my past experience and guide me in the right direction. The job database websites like Monster.com don't really do this-or at least I don't know how to make them do it, anyway.

[XemaSab]

1. Being a biologist not working out for you?

[EstimatedProphet]

2. It would be nice to find a biology job that did work for me

90% of what's out there is micro/medical, and I don't know anything about it

[XemaSab]

4. You want to consult, or work for the man?

[EstimatedProphet]

5. Either

But never again the USFWS!!!!!

[XemaSab]

17. Why not?

'Cause they can't possibly be worse than the California Department of Fish and Game. Everyone I've met from there is an outright moran.

[EstimatedProphet]

18. Cuz they done me wrong

[XemaSab]

19. There are lots of opportunities in consulting

The big names out here are URS, Jones and Stokes, SWCA, HT Harvey, and Tetra Tech.

Then there are a brazillion smaller places.

Do you have a specialty, like fish, or are you a generalist? (I forgot)

[EstimatedProphet]

20. I'll have to look into those

Technically I'm a fishery biologist, but I can easily specialize in invertebrates, parasites, and/or biometrics.

[XemaSab]

21. Do you know a lot about anadromous fish?

'Cause if you do you can get a job out here REALLY EASILY.

[EstimatedProphet]

22. I do know some

I worked a trout hatchery for a year. Salmon are basically the same as far as culture goes. and I know the biology well. I don't want to go back into culturing though, if I don't have to-it's dull IMO.

[XemaSab]

23. Anadromous fish are HUGH out here

Lot of restoration work happening in this neck of the woods. :bounce:

[EstimatedProphet]

24. Cool-worth checking out

[Callalily]

3. Try checking with

your alma mater. Not only do they counsel current students but alums too.

[EstimatedProphet]

6. That department was lame

Does the government still provide services like that?

[Callalily]

9. Sorry to hear about your alma mater!

Is there a local college that you'd feel more comfortable with? Many colleges offer those services to the public too. Not sure about government agencies. Sorry, but wishing you good luck on your quest.

[EstimatedProphet]

13. Well, the local colleges might work

but most of them are undergraduate-level only, which kind of limits things. But it's worth checking.

[no name no slogan]

7. I went to a private career counsellor

when I made my last career transition. I had accumulated barely enough skills to get my foot in the door, but I didn't have a very good resume. She helped me put it all together into a package that got me hired at my first "real" job in my field.

Most of them are relatively affordable-- plus, you may be able to write it off on your taxes, as a business expense.

[EstimatedProphet]

8. Now that's what I'm looking for!

Any information you can give me would be much appreciated!

[ohiosmith]

10. The best way is to use a functional resume or CV as opposed to

chronological. Target companies in your preferred sectors that hire people with skills like yours. Focus on their specific needs changing your resume and cover letter each time they are sent to a different employer. Try to make contacts in your target companies via your network. Ask your friends, associates, relatives, etc. what firms they think could use someone with your background and experience. Do they know anyone in those companies? Can you use them as a reference when you contact the hiring manager?

Questions?

[EstimatedProphet]

12. I'm not at the point where I can do that yet

[ohiosmith]

14. Check out LHH.

http://www.lhh.com/

[Wapsie B]

11. One of the best would be Sarah Edwards

Sarah and her husband Paul specialize in career counseling, life-changing strategies for people. Some of their book have a self-employment slant to them but "Finding Your Perfect Work" is great for anyone.

I highly recommend her.

http://www.workingfromhome.com/pages/book_excerpts/excerpt_finding_your_perfect_work.htm

[Ron Green]

15. Try your local One-Stop workforce development center.

They usually have the state employment department, as well as an administrating agency of the Workforce Investment Act. This agency will give you free career services (resumes, job search skills, interviewing practice) that might be helpful to you. Some centers in lower socio-economic areas provide more basic skills than you might need, but give it a shot, 'cause you just might find the right professional to help you. And there's no cost.

[EstimatedProphet]

16. OK, good idea