ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996 TAG: 9601310105
SECTION: NRV ECONOMY PAGE: 29 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Guest Column
SOURCE: Dr. KATHRYN JORDAN STAFF WRITER
The dramatic changes forecast a decade ago for the economy have clearly arrived in the New River Valley.
Ten years ago, a significant portion of the valley's labor force was still involved in manufacturing jobs. The area's defense-related industries were the high-paying, dependable jobs everyone wanted.
However, in the 1980s economists said the United States was moving from a manufacturing-based economy to a service- and information-based economy. Their predictions materialized in the New River Valley as we watched multiple manufacturing facilities in this area close, downsize, and re-engineer to stay profitable in a very competitive global marketplace.
For many of our neighbors, these changes brought unplanned job and career changes. It has meant, for example, men and women have had to look for new positions in midlife, just at the time they most needed security and higher salaries to support their families. It has, also, meant young people who planned to work for a particular manufacturing facility after graduation found these jobs were no longer available. Skills that used to ensure a worker would find a job are different today.
Because change is the only constant in this economy, one of the first rules to remember is that everyone's skills will need to be continuously upgraded.
It doesn't matter if you are a brain surgeon or an auto mechanic, technology impacts the way we approach tasks. The skills once used on a daily basis at work are going to be quickly outdated, making the pursuit of continuing education experiences important from now on.
Second, experience really is the gold standard for every employer and in every job situation. This means the next rule of employability is to get practical, hands-on experience to supplement your continuing education. Employers believe it will take less time for you to become 100 percent effective and add to their bottom line if you have worked on the same job before. If you want to get hired, you need to get experience. Volunteer, intern, take part-time jobs, and get as much experience as possible.
Other skills that will assist you in looking for a job are:
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills .
The ability to work independently and in team situations.
Organizational and time management capabilities.
A strong work ethic.
Computer knowledge including a variety of software applications.
Every career and job has specific requirements, but the most universal job requirement in 1996 is the ability to use computers in the workplace. Once the domain of computer science majors, the technology revolution has impacted every job. Those individuals who want to remain employable have to adjust to using computers at the job site. This does not mean you have to love sitting in front of a computer terminal. However, it does mean that to take part in the work world as it is emerging today, you need to be able to use the power of the computer at work.
Kathryn Jordan is a nationally certified counselor in Blacksburg. For additional information or if you have questions for Jordan, please address them to the Roanoke Times Current Editor.
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshots) Jordain, Moore.by CNB