The Union Education Trust is a union-led program for members only.

 TOPIC 
EDUCATION:
Career planning and the Union Education Trust

The union's online Q & A section explores topics such as health care benefits, contract rights, career planning, education and training, bargaining, consumer discounts for members only and more.

 QUESTION: 
Irene W. wants to learn more about career planning:

"I'm in my 30s and have had the same job in the same state agency for nearly 10 years, but I've come to the conclusion that I'm going nowhere in my job. What do you suggest?"

 ANSWER: 

Time to drop a dime, Irene. There are a number of career counselors for hire and schools that claim they will help you look at employment decisions, but the best, fastest, and least expensive (free!) step you can take is to make a call to the career counseling service you get at no cost as a state employee represented by OCSEA.

The Career Counseling Hotline (800-980-6973) offers confidential and easy-to-use services that are available regardless of where you work or live.

More importantly, the feedback we’ve received about the counseling’s effectiveness has been extremely positive.

In brief here’s how the career counseling system works. Despite the “Hotline” reference, you can call as many times as you need to.

The services are available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, and messages left during other times will be replied to during the next weekday.

The counselors have two main tasks when working with someone like you. The first is to help you clarify your goals. Do you want more pay? Looking for more employment security? Want something less physical? Your counselor will want to make sure that you have a clear idea about what you need. Even if you just need help tuning up an old résumé, knowing this will help move the process along.

The counselor’s second task is to help you figure out how you can reach your goal. Counselors are equipped to help assess your current interests and skills, and, eventually, design a roadmap for the changes you want.

The counselors will also be there to review job application materials, coach you on job interviews and provide valuable tips.

And, because the hotline is part of the Union Education Trust array of programs, counselors can easily help you link up with the right schools, funding assistance, credentialing programs, etc.

Career changes can’t happen overnight, but developing a partnership with one of the UET’s career counselors is the best place to start. Good luck.

See Related

Q & A Archive

Website of the Union Education Trust (UET)

UET - Career Counseling Contact Information and Services