A job versus a career: Why it is important to know the difference.

Believe it or not there is a difference between a job and a career! It's possible to choose a job quickly (though it may be hard to land one in this economic climate) but to find a career that's right for you, you need to take some time to think about what it is you truly love to do! It requires that you think carefully and do the research so that you can make the right choice.

The process of identifying a career that suits you is called Career Exploration. This is not the same as job searching. Job searching is a short-term pursuit of a position that temporary fits into your financial and/or career goals. Career exploration is a longer, progressive process of deliberately choosing the education and training required, and going after jobs that fit your interests and skills.

This process involves:

Choosing an occupation that is related to your discipline of study. Be sure that what you have chosen is an occupation and not a discipline. For example, Advertising is a discipline, Copywriter and Account Executive are occupations within that discipline.

Please note:

Gather as much information as possible about your options.

What are the primary work tasks?         
What are typical work hours?
What education is required?
What skills are required to do the job well?

Learn about potential employers (companies) who hire people in your chosen occupation.

Identify three specific employers who would hire someone in your occupation and research them.

How do I get this information?

The Internet
Use Search Engines such as Google, Ask and Yahoo search to find out about your options.

Employer websites- These provides lots of information about companies and their job vacancies.

O*NET-Gives you a wide range of information about careers. This is an American based website but its information is relevant in some areas of the Jamaican job market.

Websites such as Splash Jamaica, Caribbean Jobs, go-jamaica/jobsmart, Career Focus Jamaica (http://jamcareerfocus.blogspot.com supplies you with relevant career tips that can assist you in career/job search and job listings,

The Newspapers

Publish many career related articles that can be helpful in career planning.

Publish job vacancies.

The Career and Placement Department at your college or university

Provides career guidance.           

Helps with Resume and Cover Letter writing.

Provides full-time and part-time job placements as requested by companies.

Provides information on job opportunities.

Hosts developmental programmes such as Employment Empowerment Sessions, Mentoring Program and Job Fair.


Ministry of Labour and Social Security

Provides information on public sector job opportunities.

Deals with recruitment for overseas job placements.

Has information on Jamaican labour laws.

Check out their website: www.mlss.gov.jm/

Professional Organization

 Find one that is in your career field.
Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF)----Jamaica Youth Employment Network
Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ)

These companies provide networking opportunities that could aid in making the right career decisions.

Thanks again for reading this interesting article, be sure to share it on social media sites and follow our blog for more articles like these!

References: http://www.utechjamaica.edu.jm/offices/Career/careerexploration.html


Revised May 15, 2020.