Planning an Education-Based on Career Selection

Career Research Occupation 1: Journalist Information Citation: Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. (2014). 5123 Journalists. Retrieved April 8, 2014 from tcu.gov website: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/labourmarket/ojf/pdf/5123_e.pdf Work Environment: Varies. Typical Work Tasks: Research, investigate, and report news and public affairs and publish via newspapers, television, radio, and other media. Degree of Independence: Varies. Some journalists are freelance and have total independence. Physical Demands: Varies. On-scene reporters may face some physical challenges, others may be sedentary.

Typical Workplaces: Radio and television network stations, newspapers, magazines, and websites. Salary Range: Average at $59,576, lower than average occupational wage Possibility for Advancement/Movement: Editorial or production Employment Outlook: Better for journalists than others employed in art/culture and are overall average Occupation 2: Software Engineer Information Citation: Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. (2014). 2173 Software engineers and designers. Retrieved April 8, 2014 from tcu.gov website: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/labourmarket/ojf/pdf/2173_e.pdf Work Environment: Varies. Can be employed as consults, with firms, or as independent consultants.

Can work in private and public sectors. Typical Work Tasks: Research, design, evaluate, integrate and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses and telecommunications software. Degree of Independence: Varies Physical Demands: Low Typical Workplaces: Varies Salary Range: Average is $92,713, which is higher than average Possibility for Advancement/Movement: Depends on educational background Employment Outlook: Average Education Research Occupation: Journalist School 1: Carleton University (4-year program) School 2: Concordia University (3-year program Citation: Carleton University. (2006). Journalism education in Canada.

Retrieved April 8, 2014 from: http://http-server.carleton.ca/~mmcguire/J-Ed/j-prog/u-programs.shtml Admission Requirements: for Carleton 85-55% in English with 5 additional credits Cost of the Program: $3,500 per semester Start Dates: Programs being in the fall, date TBA for 2014 fall term Graduate Placements: Information was available for the placement of graduate students, not undergraduate students.

Occupation: Software Engineer School 1: Carleton University School 2: Concordia University Admission Requirements: For Carleton 78-82% in Advanced Functions or Calculus and Vectors plus 5 additional credits Cost of the Program: $4,360 per semester at 5 courses per semester Start Dates: Programs being in the fall, date TBA for 2014 fall term Graduate Placements: Information was available for the placement of graduate students, not undergraduate students. Analysis The two careers that I found interesting are journalism and software engineer.

Although the careers may seem to be very different, I think that both of them could be very applicable in a world that is increasingly turning towards the internet and computing possibilities for both educational and entertainment purposes. I think that journalism would be fascinating because I could research critical information and then share that information with people in order to help them make more informed decisions.

I think that software engineering would be fascinating because I could help broaden the ways that people interact with computers, which, ultimately, lowers the access barriers for knowledge. I do have concerns about the two careers that interest me. Although the job market for journalists is currently average, I know that there has been a decline in jobs for traditional journalists. This does not limit overall job opportunities, as non-traditional careers that involve freelance work have developed as more traditional jobs in print journalism have declined.

However, I do think that it eliminates many of the mentoring opportunities that traditionally existed in that field, which might make it more difficult for someone entering into the field to become successful. My concerns about the software engineering field are more practical; I worry that my math and science skills may not be sufficient to tackle the foundational coursework for the degree program. One of the most appealing things about both of the chosen careers is that they are flexible.

Therefore, I am not overly concerned with whether each occupation, as a whole, matches up with my personality type, values, or current skills. I will obtain the necessary skills for the careers through my education, and, because the degrees are specific to the careers, I am not concerned about not possessing those skills. Both of the careers will allow me to work within my value system. For example, both a journalist and a software engineer could work for a religious newspaper or a pornography producer.

In fact, the ability to be largely self-directed appeals to my personality and makes me believe that I will be able to assert my values in those careers to a greater degree than I would in more rigid fields. Both occupations require a bachelor's degree as a minimum level of education. In order to pursue those fields, I will need to attend and finish a four-year college in an appropriate field. However, both fields allow for a certain degree of self-directed behavior.

For example, a person can become a successful journalist without.