The Career Doctor™

by Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez

Looking for a first job? Thinking of changing careers? Facing a lay-off? The Career Doctor™ is a Larchmont psychologist specializing in career counseling. If you'd like to ask a question of your own, use the anonymous form below, and she might answer you here. Read more about the Career Doctor here.

Two questions arrived by email asking about the work I do. The first, from "Anonymous", said, "Do you provide career counseling services? I am looking to seek a career counselor's advice. I truly need someone to talk to about work related issues." The second, from "L" asked "How much money do you make?" Here are my two answers:

Dear Anonymous:

Yes, I do career counseling. I have an office in Larchmont. Here are the kinds of services that I, or any other qualified career counselor provides:

1) Testing : If you think you have chosen the wrong field and wonder whether another might be better, career counselors can give you vocational tests. I think the best is the Strong Interest Inventory, which rates how you might like over 120 different professions.

2) Listening with a good ear: You may be in the right field but in the wrong position or organization. On the other hand, the problem may be a personality conflict with your boss. Every person and organization has a distinct personality and style, so a counselor with experience can help you figure out whether you would benefit from a change of position, employer or approach.

3) Help with defining goals: Even bad jobs usually offer some good benefits, so a person can get stuck accept if they don't know what they really want or deserve. Career counselors can help you sort out what is most meaningful -- and attainable -- for you.

4) Resume writing and interview skills: Writing a resume and answering interview questions are like creating an advertisment for yourself. Since it is very difficult for most people to properly "blow their own horn," counselors routinely coach people to do these effectively.

Here's what we don't do: Find you a job. We give you the skills and knowledge to search for a job, but we do not function as placement agencies. A good counselor can prepare you for your job seach and support you through it, but they can't do it for you.

As for L's question, "How much money do you make?":

If the question is, "How much do you charge?" The answer is $150 per 50 minute session. The process of finding the right direction usually takes 3-4 sessions.

If the question is, "How much do you make per year?" Sorry -- that's one of the few questions I don't answer!

Dear Career Doctor:

How much do doctors earn?

Your question is brief, but the answer isn't, because it depends on when you consider a physician begins to work.

As you probably know, physicians usually go to medical school after completing four years of college. They pay tuition for all four years of medical school. The first two years are coursework in labs and classrooms. The last two years are unpaid work in hospitals and clinics, seeing patients under supervision.

Then, depending on what kind of work physicians want to do, they enter residency programs that are paid on-the job training and can last up to seven years.. Residents typically earn between $35,000 -$45,000 a year.

After residency, the beginning salaries of physicians vary by specialty. The highest starting salaries ($150,000 -$250,000) are paid to neurosurgeons. The lowest ($65,000 - $90,000) are paid to nephrologists.

After all this training, and a few more years on the job, experienced doctors earn among the highest incomes of any occupation. The latest available data shows that the median income for all physicians (after expenses like malpractice insurance) is $160,000. Surgeons earn the highest average net income ($240,000) while pediatricians earn the lowest ($126,000.)

Dear Career Doctor:

I have been out of work for a year. I have contacted people I know in my field, but that hasn't turned up any good jobs. I don't seem to be getting anywhere answering ads. Do you have any other suggestions?

Lauren

Dear Lauren:

Since networking is the best way to find a job, it is discouraging to feel you have run through all your networking opportunities. But sometimes there is a network you have overlooked. Here are two examples that clients of mine used with great success.

One client was an active member of a church. On Sunday during the part of the service where people make announcements, she stood up and said she was looking for a job. She very briefly described what she was looking for and what skills she had. After the service, people provided her with three good job possibilities.

Another person obtained the membership list of the local professional society in his field. Then he sent a letter to all 500 members telling them what kind of job he was looking for and asking for their help. He received several offers through that effort. (Some societies/organizations will let you use their mailing lists or place an ad in their publications even if you are not a member.)

I wonder if there is some creative, assertive networking possibility like these that you can use.

The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor:

I'm feeling like I'm at a career crossroad, and am wondering what to do about it! I am 32 and have been working at a computer company for 5 years. I'm not getting younger, I'm not in love with my job, and yet I work all of the time! I think I need to revisit and reset my priorities.... In other words, I don't want to wake up 5 years from now, in the same position.

So, let me know if you have any ideas on how I might best move forward.

Cathy

Dear Cathy:

One of my favorite questions to ask people is, "If there were no limits on you -- if you didn't have to worry about what your parents or love would say, if you didn't have to worry whether the job would pay enough or whether you were properly trained, etc. etc. etc....if you weren't worried about sounding unrealistic or crazy, what would you do and how would you live?

I've been asking this question for years. Usually people tell me things they think are impossible to achieve, but when we really look at their aspirations, usually we can figure out a way to achieve the dream. Even when I am told things are impossible, we can usually get them somewhat close to their dream job, or at least get them some of their dream benefits they want and are missing.

So, I would advise you to start by writing down the first thing that comes into your head when you think, "If there were no limits on me, what would I do and how would I live?" Then take that answer seriously and figure out what you have to do to get as close as you can to doing just that.

The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor:

Help! When I started my MBA, I expected it would be easy to find a job in advertising or marketing when I graduated. I graduate in May and very few recruiters have come to my school. No one seems to be hiring. I've got big debts, and I need a job. What should I do?

You are not alone. Three prospective MBA's have told me similar problems in the last few weeks. It is a tough job market, but some people are being hired and here are some tips that can help you be one of them.

Network with everyone you know. Be shameless about contacting your parents' friends, your friends' parents, members of your house of worship and anyone else you can think of who may have a connection with marketing or advertising. Most universities will give you a list of alumni to contact in your field. They can be a good source of jobs and leads.

Read the trade papers and magazines in your field. For example, your school library or local library with a good business section should have Advertising Age and Ad Week. These report companies and divisions that are doing well -- and give names of people running the healthy brands and accounts. Contact them. Furthermore, by reading and acquiring current information about your field, you will be able to write a personalized cover letter, and answer questions well when you get an interview.

You may also offer to work as an intern in a company or agency if that might lead to a permanent position.

Most important -- don't give up. Persistence WILL eventually lead to an interview and a job!

The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor:

My son is a senior in high school. He has gotten reasonably good grades, but he doesn't seem to have any strong interests. He has applied to liberal arts schools, and I am afraid that he will just drift through college and not find himself. My older two children were always very involved in activities and self-directed, so I am really confused about how to help my son.

Should I have my son take some of the vocational interest tests you have mentioned? Could this help him find a direction?

J.S.

Dear J.S.:

Vocational interest tests can certainly help someone young (or old) find the right direction. But unless you think he might want to pursue a career in something like engineering that requires one to start with the proper classes freshman year, I would wait awhile to test him.

Let him sample courses and mature for a year or so. After his first year or after first semester second year, have him tested so he can make an informed choice before choosing a major.

While many liberal arts colleges do not see themselves in the business of training students for jobs, I think all colleges should give kids a vocational interest test to help them choose a major. Too many college students graduate without a clear direction. But as I said, it might be a good idea to let your son mature for a year or so before he takes the test.

The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor:

I am a retired investment banker (42years old), mother of a 9 and an 11 year old, MBA in finance, and BA in religion. I am having a very hard time
finding flexible, meaningful employment in theLarchmont area - any ideas?

Mabel

Dear Mabel:

Many people come into career counseling asking as you are, "What kind of jobs are available?" or "What can I do?" But the question that I always feel needs to be answered first is, "What would you like to do?"

Once I help clients define what they want to do (and in your case, what would be "meaningful") the job search becomes much easier.

Their resumes can be tailored to support their career goal. They can begin to develop convincing arguements about how and why an employer should let them work a flexible schedule.

A person like you, who has degrees in such diverse fields as religion and finance, has complex interests. One obvious choice to combine your fields might be to handle the finances of a religious institution. But the answer to the "What would you like to do?" might be far from this obvious.

At this stage of your life, I would suggest that you have a few sessions with a career counselor to figure this out. Last week I told Mary how to find a reputable career counselor. This week I am suggesting that you make sure your counselor gives you a test called the Strong Interest Inventory. It compares your interests to those of people in over 120 different fields. The Strong can give you and your counselor the feedback you need to pick a flexible, meaningful career.

The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor,

I am a middle age woman who has spent most of my life raising a family and employed in a family business which belonged to my ex-husband. How can I find someone who can help me make a transition into the job market? I need help with a resume, looking for job opportunities and going on interviews.

Mary

Dear Mary:

You need a career counselor. They routinely help people choose and navigate the right career path. Plus they help with things like resumes and interviewing skills.

There are plenty of people who call themselves career counselors. The problem is finding a reputable, properly trained and experienced one. Here are two ways to do this:

First, some psychologists like me are trained not just to do psychotherapy, but also to do vocational testing and counseling. If you just want career counseling, they will limit themselves to just that. If you want personal counseling as well, they will be able to give you both. To find a licensed, trained vocational psychologist, call the Westchester County Psychological Association's referral service at 723-3030. The woman who will give you a referral is named Bobbie Gallager, and she is very pleasant and helpful.

You could also call the National Board of Certified Counselors, at (910) 547-0607. This is a professional organization for career counselors in Greensboro, North Carolina, and they can refer you to someone in Westchester.

You are making two major life changes at one time -- leaving a marriage and a job --so you are wise to get some support. A good counselor can help you make these transitions. Good luck!

The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor,

I have a degree in English and want to teach high school English literature. Should I go for my master's in English now, or should I try to get a job teaching, and work toward my NY state certification credentials?

Darcy

Dear Darcy:

You wrote two weeks ago, and I was tempted to give you a quick, easy answer – telling you that you could have it all -- work while attending a masters program that includes certification. (The local library can help you research such programs.)

But a good answer to your question required more thought and a few questions. First, have you ever worked as a teacher? Your love of literature is a very important part of being a teacher -- but the love of adolescents, including the ones who think literature is very boring -- is what makes a happy teacher. So, whenever I work with a career counseling client who wants to teach, I always suggest that they at least spend a few days in a classroom observing or helping a teacher. Most teachers are happy to have the extra help. (If you don't know any English teachers, ask your local high school principal to arrange for you to help/observe a classroom for a few days.)

The second question concerns your stamina and finances: Can you afford to go to school instead of work? It is exhausting to work all day as a teacher and go to school at night. You will have your students' papers to grade and your own to write. That's quite a challenge. If you have a high energy level, it's possible. And, if you want to teach in New York City, there are programs that will pay for your Masters while you are working. But that leads to the last question:

Do you have experience leading groups of young people? The thing that defeats most new teachers is their inability to control a class. Students test new teachers. Most people need to be taught how to take charge. If you are planning to teach before getting some instruction in classroom management, make sure you work in a school that pairs new teachers with experienced teachers who act as mentors and coaches. Likewise, if you are planning to get your Masters before teaching, make sure your program gives enough instruction in classroom management. Unfortunately, not all Masters programs do this.

You are planning to enter a noble, rewarding and exhausting profession. Just make sure you have the tools and support every new teacher deserves.

The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor:

I am in my 2nd year of an MBA program, looking for an internship for the spring semester. My question is: when a recruiter or contact asks if I want to be paid for the internship, what should I say? Also, since I will be looking for a full time job soon, should I mention this?

Neil H.

Dear Neil:

Most interns work for things other than money: practical work experience, positions that improve their resume and the possibility to get hired after graduation. Very few internships offer much, if any, pay.

So unless you have to get paid, I advise you to say that experience is more important than money. Discuss the pay after you are offerred the position. While many internships are unpaid, they may reimburse your expenses.

And yes, say that you are looking for an internship now, and will be looking for a permanent position in June. Many employers use internships as a trial period, others just use them as a source of free labor. To find out, ask how many interns are hired on as permanent employees.

However, the bottom line is: if the experience is going to look good on your resume, it doesn't matter whether you can get hired permanently or paid. A good internship is an investment in a career.

The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor:

Do you think it's a bad idea for someone to become a clinical psychologist in this medical climate? And is it possible to get into good Ph.D. clinical psychology program with a major in English and a minor in psychology? 2 weeks at a law firm has made my son (who just graduated from college) want to be a psychologist.

Janet

Dear Janet:

I can answer the second part of your question with personal knowledge: I was admitted to a good doctoral program (Columbia U.) with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, so I know a psychology major is not always required. But usually there are tests that require a solid knowledge of psychology (I studied some basic text books) and some history that demonstrates an interest and capacity in the field (I had a long history of volunteer work with disadvantaged children.)

So, I would advise your son to look for a job in a setting that will give him exposure to the field as well as some experience and possible letters of recommendation. For example, he might try to be an aide at a psychiatric hospital or a child care worker at a residential treatment center for troubled youth. Also, a number of psychologists have previously worked as teachers.

As for whether I would advise anyone to enter the field given the mess that HMO's have caused -- yes, but only if he cares more about the interesting work than a large income.

Dear Career Doctor:

One of my co-workers swears profusely. I've been ignoring it, but it really makes me uncomfortable. I'm not the only one who feels this way. He's already been asked to watch his language, but he's ignored the request. There are ten of us in a small office. What should I do?

Jamie K.

Dear Jamie:

Poll your co-workers and find out how many want his language laundered. Then arrange to speak to him as a group. Tell him you like him, but not some of the words he uses.

Don't assume that one request -- even a group request -- will cure his bad habit. So ask him to help you come up with a way to remind him, like calling "foul" whenever a four-letter word slips out.

Keep the discussion and follow-up serious but light, because you don't want group relations to become unpleasant or to make him feel harasssed.

The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor:

I am unhappy in my career and would like to get some career counseling, but I don't think I can afford private counseling fees. Do you know any inexpensive way to get good career advice?

Amelia S.

Dear Amelia:

The Westchester Library system offers 8-week career counseling groups -- and they are free! You are too late for the fall sessions, but new groups will begin in February. You can register beginning the first week in January (or get information now) by calling WEBS at 674-3612.

The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor:

I am in the process of writing a book about my teaching experiences in the South Bronx. I want to let people know the realities of the classroom.

Can you tell me how I would go about getting an agent for this book?

Jason R.

Dear Jason:

Find books that are similar to the one you want to write or books that appeal to the same readers.

Call the publishing houses for these books and ask for the Rights Department.

Ask the Rights Department for the name of the agent that handled each book.

Send the agent a one or two page letter introducing yourself and your project. Make it as interesting as possible. Ask if the agent would like to see a sample chapter. You should probably also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The Career Doctor

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The Career Doctor™ is Larchmont psychologist Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez.