Career Suggestions for 2011

My wife had a reunion with her family last Christmas. I met most of her relatives, and I was surprised to know that in their family almost all have the same professions. Most of them are nurses, engineers, or teachers; less than ten percent dared to be different.

When asked, almost everybody pointed out that their choice of profession was influenced by their parents. Some are satisfied with their current status, but some said that if they were given the option, they would have preferred a different career.

Our conversation focused on the new nursing graduates who are finding it hard to look for jobs. Currently, there are a lot of “new” registered nurses in the Philippines who are jobless. Some of them are already seeking different careers, only find work.

The profession was a hit a few years ago, thus a lot dreamt of joining the bandwagon. In fact, I know some doctors, who studied to become nurses to get jobs abroad. Unfortunately, the supply of nurses now far exceeds the demand.

To some, nursing is the hope to alleviate poverty. But what would you do, if after several years of studying, you find out that your career turned out to be a bad choice?

If you are a new nurse or any graduate who cannot find a job, you may seriously consider my career suggestions below. None of them require a new college degree although you may need a few months training for some jobs:

• Web Designer. Nowadays, there is increased demand for websites. Business profiles are placed in the websites, besides the usual printed portfolio. If you know how to design one, you can charge a generous sum.

• Writer. You get a nice pay for being a good writer. Polish your writing skills (either in Filipino or English) and get a career as a content writer in websites. You may also rake in dollars by being a seasoned blogger, or a copywriter. Also, even if there is an increase in data searches in the web, there is still a high demand for book writers. For all you know, you may be the next Stephenie Meyer or J.K. Rowling.

• SEO Specialist. Search Engine Optimization is a process of improving the visibility of a website in search engines. SEO specialists earn as much as Php 50,000 to Php 150,000 a month. This is a highly specialized skill, but can be learned.

• Licensed Massage Therapist. With the advent of spas as a booming business, there is an increase in demand for licensed massage therapists. A spa needs at least one licensed massage therapist in order to operate. Usually, they are the ones in charge of teaching the spa therapist how to massage. Learn the different massage techniques, and soon you will find yourself employed in a soothing, relaxed environment, such as the spas.

• Salesperson. Almost all businesses with products and services are in need of salespersons. Make a list of contacts, network, and develop a positive interpersonal skills and you are on the go to making a career in sales. Salespersons not only get good salaries, but also earn big commissions. They also get extra perks such as travel incentives and car plans.

• Coffee Barista. Coffee shops significantly increased in number. In effect, there has been a tremendous increase in the demand of coffee baristas not only locally, but also globally. Aside from getting a high pay, the tips they get from customers is also noteworthy.

• Online seller. Some earn big bucks just by selling products online. All you need is a product (or service), a computer, a good internet connection, and a telephone. Now that connectivity is no longer a problem, a lot of people are already purchasing items through the internet.

• Customer Service Representative. Polish your English, and maybe learn some other languages (Spanish or Mandarin), and you will find it easy to land a job in a call center. Aside from communication techniques, learn also the proper telephone techniques, to get an advantage in your application.

You may be a graduate of a different course, but all these career suggestions you may learn by enrolling in any reputable training schools. Get the needed certifications to make you qualified for the job.

There may be no demand now for the course you finished but with a little resourcefulness you can pursue other options. Perhaps this may be your opportunity to go into a career that is your heart’s desire.

*Originally published by the Manila Bulletin. Written by Ruben Anlacan, Jr. (President, BusinessCoach, Inc.) All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or copied without express written permission of the copyright holders.