Part One: Career Goals and Assessments - Home - · Web viewIdentify Your Career Motivators...

Five Year Career PlanRHED student

Part One: Career Goals and AssessmentsIdentify Your Career Motivators

Step 1: Identify Potential Careers

What Are Your Interests?1. What activities and skills energize you?

Sports and fitness Nutrition Teaching/training Adventure Outdoor recreation Volunteerism Technology

2. What are the skills that you really enjoy using? Communication, empathy and listening skills Analytical problem solving skills Computer skills

3. What activities are the most engaging for you? Playing hockey or soccer Running and hiking Playing guitar Cooking Computer related projects

4. What subject/knowledge area are you drawn to? Fitness and nutrition Anatomy and physiology Computer science Sociology and psychology

5. What are the first 2 or 3 sections you head for in the library? History/Biography Sports and fitness Technology

What Are Your Passions or Causes?1. What causes do you get excited about?

Equality for people with disabilities Healthy living practices for individuals with chronic conditions

2. What is the “juice” or “spark” when you think about your career? Flexibility and variety Seeing my work pay off in front of my eyes Never feeling like my job is “work”

3. If you were independently wealthy, had full support, and had already fulfilled your travel/leisure dreams, what would you do with your time?

Volunteer Take university classes just for fun Build a greenhouse and start a garden

4. What would you do if you knew for certain it would not fail? Start a business specializing in adaptive recreation options and equipment

What Type of Work Environment Do You Want?1. How do you see yourself working with others?

As a leader, support person, or advisor2. What type of people would you work well with and how would you work with them?

People who are like minded and intrinsically driven People who work hard, are creative and fun, and committed to quality

3. What places and environments make you feel engaged and energized? Being in the wilderness, away from the hustle of civilization Recreation settings: parks, trails, hockey rink, soccer field, gym, summer camps, etc…

4. What type of organizations would you like to be a part of? Adventure therapy (ex. RIV, Power to Be, Access Revolution, BCMOS) Health care providers (VIHA, etc.) Educational Institutions

What Type of Lifestyle Do You Want?1. What does your career need to provide you with in terms of money and time commitment so

that it will fit with and support other areas in your life? I would like to be comfortable moneywise, but I don’t care about “getting rich” or

making the big bucks I need a career that allows me enough free time to focus on hobbies and other interests

while still keeping me engaged Flexibility and freedom are major motivators

2. What kind of income do you have to have in order to support the kind of life that you want to build?

$50-75K will be enough for me to live comfortably within my means. At this point, $30K is a good number for me coming out of school.

3. How much time are you willing to devote to your career so that it balances with the rest of your life?

60 hours per week

Step 2: Career Ideas

1. Recreation Therapist This one appeals to me because it is a combination of all my experiences and passions

so far. This career allows me to be outdoors in a recreational setting helping people and hopefully bringing fun into their lives.

2. Occupational Therapist Appeals to me because of the helping role that is undertaken. An OT has a major effect

on the happiness and well-being of their clients and I really enjoy helping out those in need. Also, this career has a higher earnings potential than recreation therapy, something that could factor into the decision.

3. Personal Trainer I have always wanted to get into training, either as a full time career, or as a

supplemental role in addition to another career. I like the idea of enabling individuals to take control of their lives, improve their health, and overcome challenges.

4. Outdoor Guide This career is very appealing, as it would allow me to spend time out in nature, stay

physically fit, and be a part of some very memorable experiences for clients. Many of these jobs are seasonal, so it could potentially allow me to do something completely different during the off-season if I am desiring variety or change.

5. Career Facilitator This is based on previous experience I already have. I really enjoyed helping individuals

explore their own skills and build on them. Seeing a client get a job is an extremely rewarding feeling, and I could put my computer skills to use.

Step 3: Career De-Motivators

1. Politics I instead want to work in an environment where employees follow their passions and do

quality work, rather than “playing the game” and allowing their ideas/creativity to be constrained in order to move up in the company.

2. Sedentary I would prefer a role where I am able to move around and perform different types of

tasks, rather than sitting in one position for the entire day.3. Low Pay

As mentioned before, I am not looking for a job that will make me rich, I just want to live comfortably, but too low of a salary can contribute to stress and an inability to follow a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

4. Monotonous Tasks I need a career with diversity. I have too many interests and passions to be doing the

same repetitive tasks over and over, and I become bored easily. 5. Little room for time flexibility

I would like a career where I am free to schedule my own appointments/sessions and have some leeway that allows me to travel, attend events, and try new hobbies in my downtime without worrying about missed work, deadlines, or other things that may come up.

Step 4: Synthesize Your Career Motivators

1. I want to work in a role that focuses on health and fitness.

2. I want to work in a helping capacity.3. I want an environment that is dynamic, provides variety, and is flexible.4. I like work that is challenging but not over-burdening.5. I need to work in an environment where I am not constrained by politics and policy.

Career Options List

Career Option Interested After Researching? - Recreation Therapist YESOccupational Therapist YESAdventure Sports Guide YESPersonal Trainer YESCareer Facilitator NO

Career Options Research WorksheetCareer Option: Recreation Therapist

Research Sources Online resources: Job search websites, Career Cruising, LinkedIn, YouTube People I have talked to: (3 individuals – names have been removed)

What is Required to Do This Kind of Work?Either a Bachelor’s or Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation. There are also many post-graduate certificates that can be applied to an undergraduate recreation degree, making it only one extra year of schooling. I would also need to be a member of the CTRA (Cdn. Therapeutic Rec. Association) in good standing to operate as a recreation therapist.

What is Typical for This Type of Work? Working Hours: 35-40 per week Earnings Range: Average: $41,000 - $53,000 per year Type of Work: A mix of admin type desk work and hands on physical work. Flexibility: Rec Therapists often work on evenings and weekends to accommodate the

schedules of their clients.

Where Does This Kind Of Work Happen?Hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation centres, seniors care facilities, parks and rec departments, private sector for more adventure focused programs and larger corporate positions.

How Well Does This Kind Of Work Fit Me?This work fits me well. It is an occupation that is based on helping others through recreation and leisure. It would only require one year of schooling and is in line with my undergraduate degree. The workload is decent but not overburdening, as rec therapists typically work 35-40 hours each week. This position has a diverse task load and will keep me on my feet, and outdoors to a large extent.

Career Option: Occupational TherapistResearch Sources

Online resources: Job search websites, Career Cruising, CAOT (Canadian Association for Occupational Therapy)

People I have talked to: Adelyn Blair, Gina Hargreaves, Past contacts through Easter Seals Camp

What is Required to Do This Kind of Work?A Master’s Degree from an accredited university. Typically takes 2-3 years to complete. Also need to pass national certification exam and maintain membership with the CAOT.

What is Typical for This Type of Work? Working Hours: 40-45 per week Earnings Range: Average: $45,000 - $95,000 per year Type of Work: Mostly physically active work. Involves being on your feet all day. Flexibility: Therapists often work on evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules

of their clients.

Where does this kind of work happen?Hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, social service agencies, schools, private practices, client’s homes.

How well does this kind of work fit me?I think this work would be a good fit for me, although it is not as focused on recreation as it is on health and wellness. I would lose out on some of the “fun” element of recreation and being outdoors, however I think that would be well offset by the satisfaction of helping an individual who cannot help themselves, as well as the higher pay grade.

Career Option: Outdoor GuideResearch Sources

Online resources: Job search websites, Career Cruising, Westcoast Adventure College, Power to Be

People I have talked to: Power to Be staff. Need to do more information meetings and research.

What is Required to Do This Kind of Work?Aside from lots and lots of experience, I would need to obtain multiple outdoor certifications such as Wilderness and Marine First Aid, Paddling and/or Rafting certs, and wilderness survival training. There are full college and university programs devoted to adventure tourism (ex. TRU, Westcoast Adventure College) but they are expensive and require multiple years of regular schooling.

What is Typical for This Type of Work?

Working Hours: 30-50 Hours per week. Can be erratic, long days, and seasonal in nature. Earnings Range: Dependent on hours worked and skill levels. Many guides make $15-20 per

hour but receive tips. Others work lots of overtime and are compensated for it. It is hard to gauge the earnings; it is basically as much or little as you want to work.

Type of Work: Physical, on your feet, and labour intensive. Flexibility: There can be lots of flexibility as most positions are seasonal, but often guides

must work evenings and weekends.

Where does this kind of work happen?Tour companies, outdoor recreation/adaptive recreation companies, resorts and lodges, campgrounds. Many are also self-employed.

How well does this kind of work fit me?This fits me well, aside from the experience aspect, which I am in the process of building. I like that it takes place outdoors, is physically demanding, involves meeting new people and pushing limits, is challenging, and is relatively flexible. I don’t particularly enjoy being responsible for the safety of large groups of individuals but as the training comes, so will the comfort levels.

Career Option: Personal TrainerResearch Sources

Online resources: BCRPA Website, CSEP Website, YMCA, Career Cruising, People I have talked to: (3 individuals – names have been removed)

What is Required to Do This Kind of Work?BCRPA Method - Trainers must pass their Fitness Theory certifications, have valid First Aid/CPR, complete the BCRPA Weight Training Module and examination, Complete 20 beginner level programs, and finally pass the Personal Training Module.

What is Typical for This Type of Work? Working Hours: Dependent on whether trainer is self-employed or working at a fitness club.

On average trainers work 6-7 hours each day, including evenings and weekends. Earnings Range: Can be anywhere from minimum wage to $100,000 per year, depending on

experience and clientele. On average trainers earn $30,000 - $50,000 each year. Type of Work: Physical, on your feet, and labour intensive. Flexibility: There can be a little or a lot depending on whether the trainer is self-employed or

not. Often they will work evenings and weekends to accommodate clients.

Where does this kind of work happen?Fitness clubs, gyms, recreation centres, or freelance work.

How well does this kind of work fit me?This work fits me well because of my educational background, passion for fitness and desire to help others. I like the idea of watching progress being made in front of your eyes, and seeing clients reach

their potential. I would need to obtain the certifications and improve my own physical strength and endurance before stepping into this role, however these are things that I can be continually working towards while pursuing other options.

Career Option: Career FacilitatorResearch Sources

Online resources: Job search websites, Career Cruising, Westcoast Adventure College, Power to Be

People I have talked to: (3 individuals – names have been removed)

What is Required to Do This Kind of Work?Educational requirements vary depending on the employer. To be employed by a university or college a facilitator would usually need a Master’s degree in counselling or a related area. For lower scale positions, a diploma or certificate in a related field is required.

What is Typical for This Type of Work? Working Hours: Usually 40 hours per week. Earnings Range: Starting salaries usually range from $25,000 to $35,000 but with experience

can grow to up to $75,000 per year. Type of Work: Mostly administrative type desk work and working one on one with clients.

Not normally physical in nature at all. Flexibility: Often required to work weekends and evenings to accommodate clients

(depending on scope of job)

Where does this kind of work happen?Educational institutions, governments, private and not for profit employment agencies.

How well does this kind of work fit me?This work is majorly lacking in the physicality department which is somewhat of a red flag. I think in the right environment it would be beneficial because it is something I enjoy doing, however the monotony might become too much. I do really enjoy the subject matter and working with a variety of people so that is an element that interests me quite a bit.

Career Comparison Worksheet

Career Option Alignment w/ Career Motivators

(/20)

Fit w/ Experience and Education

(/20)

Fit w/ Other Factors

(/20)

Prospects for Work(/20)

My Gut Feeling About This Career

(/20)

Total Rating

(/100)

Recreation Therapist 20 15 15 15 20 85Occupational Therapist 15 10 15 20 15 75Outdoor Guide 15 10 15 15 15 70Personal Trainer 15 10 15 15 10 65Career Facilitator 10 10 10 10 5 45

Career Goals Worksheet

Timeline Work Education Volunteer

Short Range: 0 -12 Months

Personal Support Worker Positions

Recreation Coordinator/Programmer

Job Coach/Career Advisor AdrenaLINE or WildPlay –

Guest Services or Trip Facilitator

Finish RHED Degree at UVIC Wilderness First Aid Cert. Kayak Basic Skills Level 1 BCRPA Fitness Theory

Course/Exam Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

(Level 1 re-cert) Cdn Coast Guard PCOC Cert.

Recreation Integration Victoria-Leisure Assistant-General Duties

Victoria Alpine Club-Help w/ Trailrider Outings

Long Range: 1 – 5 Years

Employment at Hospitals/Health Centres

Personal Trainer at Fitness Club/Rec Centre

Recreation Coordinator/Director

Kayak Instructor Level 1 BCRPA Weight Training

Module (or equivalent) BCRPA Personal Training

Module (or equivalent) Therapeutic Recreation Post-

Grad Certificate (Georgian College or Fleming College)

or Therapeutic Recreation

Diploma at Douglas College

Power to Be-Adaptive Rec Trips-General Duties

MOVE Adapted Fitness-Weight Training Assistant-Weight Room Attendant

Special Olympics-Community Coach

Part Two: Career ExplorationCareer Exploration

Career Need How to Attain

Time Cost Financial Cost

Benefit

Recreation Therapist

Undergraduate Degree

Finish RHED Program

8 Months $2,000 Eligible to enrol in graduate school.

Post-Grad Certificate

or

Finish RHED Program & Apply

1 Year $5,000

Diploma “ 2 Years $10,000Practicum Term(s)

Find Organization to Work For (ex. Power to Be or VIHA)

4 - 8 Months (depends on institution/ program)

$0 Eligible to graduate and take NCTRC exam.

NCTRC Certification Exam

Fulfill Certificate/ Diploma Requirements

n/a $325 Can then apply for certification with CTRA

CTRA/NCTRC Membership

Pass NCTRC Certification Exam

n/a $80 Officially Recognized Recreation Therapy Specialist

Occupational Therapist

Undergraduate Degree

Finish RHED Program

8 Months $2,000 Eligible to enrol in graduate school.

Master’s Degree

Finish RHED Program & Apply

2-3 Years $14,000 (Tuition Only)

Eligible to Take the CAOT Exam

Practical Field Work

Complete Field Work Alongside Studies

2 Years (in conjunction with program)

$0 Eligible to Take the CAOT Exam

Pass CAOT Certification Exam

Fulfill Masters Requirements

n/a $550 Eligible to apply for certification with CAOT

CAOT Membership

Pass Exam and Fulfill Work Experience Requirements

n/a $180 Become recognized as an Occupational Therapist

Outdoor Guide

(Certifications required depend on the scope of the outdoor activity.

Different for hiking vs. kayaking, etc.

These are a number of certs that would be valuable)

Undergraduate Degree (not required but helpful)

Finish RHED Program

8 Months $2,000

Red Cross Advanced Wilderness First Aid

Take course and pass certification exam

80 Hours $450 Certified in this area.

Red Cross Basic Marine First Aid


16 Hours $150 Certified in this area.

Swiftwater Rescue Training


40 Hours $375-$500 Certified in this area.

Canadian Coast Guard PCOC Cert.


8 Hours $50 Certified in this area

Intro to Navigation and Marine Weather



Paddle Canada Basic Paddle Skills Level 1



Bear Aware Take course and pass certification exam


Personal Trainer (BCRPA Method)

BCRPA Fitness Theory Exam

Buy manual and study for test

2-4 Months (part-time)

$110 Eligible to register in Fitness Theory

Register with BCRPA in Fitness Theory

Online n/a $95 Eligible to take Weight Training module

Complete BCRPA Weight Training Module, Practicum Requirements & ICE

Complete module and study for exam.

1 year $400-$500 (depends on instructor)

Eligible to register w/ BCRPA as Weight Trainer

Register with BCRPA in Weight Training

Online n/a Eligible to enroll in personal training module.

Complete Personal Training Module & Complete Practicum Requirements & ICE


1 year $400-$500 (depends on instructor)

Eligible to write Personal Training Exam

Pass the BCRPA Personal Training Exam


n/a $65 Eligible to register as a Personal Trainer

Register w/ BCRPA in Personal Training

Online n/a Recognized as CPT and can now work.

Part Three: Action PlanPath One: Recreation TherapistI think that this career is the best fit for me going forward because it aligns well with my experience and field of study. It involves being relatively active and is more flexible than most occupations. It will require taking more schooling, however there are options to do just a single year post grad certificate that could be beneficial if length of schooling is a hurdle. I plan to integrate both the Personal Training and Outdoor Guide careers into this one as well. Many recreation therapists focus on outdoor therapy and having a personal training certification would be a great credential to have as a recreation therapist as well.

Path Two: Occupational TherapistI think that this would be a good fit for me, as it plays on prior experience and involves a helping role, which is very important to me. The added bonus of a higher wage is attractive, but taking 2-3 years to get a master’s degree may not be the best fit at the current time. School for occupational therapy is likely something that I would have to make more of a long term goal.

Path Three: Outdoor GuideI have always had a passion for outdoor recreation, and with my latest co-op experience, it has re-ignited my desire to work outdoors in a dynamic setting. Barriers include a lack of experience and certifications, however many of these certifications and skills fit well with the scope of recreation therapy, so I intend to gain these certifications in conjunction with pursuing recreation therapy. It will be a slower process to do it this way, but to work for an organization like Power to Be for example, combining these skillsets would be very valuable.

Path Four: Personal TrainerMuch like my plans to become an outdoor guide, personal training is something that I can do in conjunction with recreation therapy a little bit at a time. It is something that I have always been interested in and I have the knowledge and skills that will benefit me. I do need to increase my own personal level of fitness and experience before I call be comfortable with delivering sessions, but again I will be doing this on the side in conjunction with recreation therapy schooling.

5 Year Career Action Plan

Path One: Recreation TherapistAction Plan Target Completion Date

Finish remaining classes in RHED to obtain bachelor’s degree. April 2017Conduct information meetings and interviews with people in the careers that I am interested in.

Ongoing

Volunteer w/ relevant organizations OngoingApply to Therapeutic Recreation program(s) Spring 2017Begin classes in TRec program (certificate or diploma) Fall 2017Practicum term w/ Power to Be, BCMOS, Access Revolution, or other adaptive recreation organization.

Summer 2018

NCTRC Certification Exam January 2019Apply for Membership w/ CTRA to become officially recognized RT.

Spring 2019

Path Two: Occupational TherapistAction Plan Target Completion Date


Ongoing

Take year off to recharge, volunteer, and gain experience May 2017-May 2018Apply for Master’s Program in Occupational Therapy Fall 2017Gain any necessary references and other admission requirements.

Fall 2017-Spring 2018

Finish educational and practicum requirements for master’s degree.

Fall 2020

Take CAOT Certification Exam to be recognized as Occupational Therapist

Fall 2020

Path Three: Outdoor GuideAction Plan Target Completion Date


Ongoing

Volunteer w/ relevant organizations OngoingObtain Pleasure Craft Operator’s certification Fall 2016Obtain Kayaking Skills Level 1 certification Fall 2016Obtain Wilderness First Aid certification Spring 2017Obtain Belay certification Spring 2017Apply for jobs with relevant organizations Summer 2017Continue to gain experience and take courses where applicable.

Fall 2017-

Path Four: Personal TrainerAction Plan Target Completion Date


Ongoing

Volunteer w/ relevant organizations (MOVE, YMCA, etc… OngoingEngage in weight training program 4-5x/week OngoingStudy for Fitness Theory Exam OngoingTake BCRPA Fitness Theory Exam & Register Jan 2017Complete BCRPA Weight Training Module, pass ICE, & Register

Fall 2017

Apply for employment with Rec Centre or Fitness Club. Volunteer to start if necessary.

Winter/Spring 2018

Complete 20 Beginner Level Programs (PT pre-req) Spring 2018Complete BCRPA Personal Training Module, pass PT Exam, ICE, and register.

Fall 2018

Start personal training business. Spring 2019

Green = In ProgressOrange = Not Started

.

Appendix 2 – LinkedInLinkedIn has become a very important tool in my career preparation arsenal. It is unique as it can be used to obtain contacts and information that would not otherwise be available without having face to face interaction with a specific employer or co-worker. It can be used to scout out opportunities, gather intel on who the best companies are, and to remain knowledgeable about current opportunities that are available. LinkedIn is also great because it acts as a portfolio of sorts for references. Other users can leave a personal recommendation or endorse specific skills that they’ve seen in action.

My personal LinkedIn profile has been something that I have worked on for a while. I have amassed nearly 80 connections and have received numerous skill endorsements from a variety of people that I have worked with in the past. I have even received a job offer through LinkedIn, though it was evident early on that it was not a job I had much interest in. Despite having a pretty good feel for how LinkedIn works and what it can be used for, there are definitely some features that I could use more or get better at using. Here are a few strategies that I plan to employ with my LinkedIn account:

Social Media and Website Links: I intend to create professional profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube that I will then link to my profile. These days, it is content that gets noticed online, and by linking my social media to LinkedIn, I can re-direct traffic that could potentially result in work search leads or information gathering.

Start a Blog & Use LinkedIn Applications: A blog is a great way to get a noticed and promote a point of view on relevant subjects. I need to start treating LinkedIn as another social media entity, rather than an electronic resume. On the news feed there is constantly links to information, articles, jobs and people.

Recommendations and Endorsements: I have received a few skill endorsements but rarely have I paid much attention to this area. By endorsing others more often, I can hopefully increase the number of endorsements that I receive and this looks more appealing to potential employers.

Career Research and Information Gathering: LinkedIn is the easiest way to meet new contacts and conduct information meetings. I have done a few of this throughout this summer and the previous semester, but I need to do it more often and diversify who I am contacting. I will try to reach out to one new contact each week on LinkedIn.

Part One: Career Goals and Assessments - Home - · Web viewIdentify Your Career Motivators...

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