Reaching into the grab bag of reader questions finds queries on how to get into a particular market or advance in a current industry.
How Advance in a HVAC Environment
Q. Was thinking of pursuing a degree of some sort. I have been working in HVAC for five years now. I will admit I do not have the best of knowledge on some things in this field, but am quick to figure it out. All the courses I have found seem to be to prepare someone for the epa test. I already have my certification in epa sections 608 and 609. I also have my certificate for indoor air quality and preventive maintenance technician. My question is, do you have any advice for taking online courses that I can better my career with HVAC being my main study?
Thank you and have a great day.
Consider Taking Business Courses or Management Courses
A. Since you already have certification for many components of HVAC, and you acknowledge you might be low in other areas, your best choices are separate or individual courses that will fill in any perceived gaps. You might also consider some management or business courses to augment your knowledge and enhance your value as an employee. Taking business courses will also open up the possibility of consulting work or freelance work.
One reputable source I found for the HVAC industry was this page at the Training Source. The courses are individual and provide an indepth description, and are a reasonable price.
Good luck!
Mature Worker Wonders How to Gain Employment in the Retail Sector With No Experience
Q. I am seeking to gain a foothold in the retail sector of the employment market.
The obstacles are lack of experience and the issue of age, can you provide any avenues of approach that i could pursue.
thank you
Find Your Transferrable Skills
A. You don't mention if you have any experience working in another industry, for example, an office. Note that any experience in another sector can always help in the retail industry. Even if you have been away from the job market for awhile or feel you lack recent experience, unless you sat in a vacuum for the years that passed, you DO have experience. Managing a house means budgeting experience and handling cash flow; taking care of elderly family members means patience and time management.
The point is to realize you DO have transferrable skills. The retail industry relies heavily on customer service and handling cash. If you manage to balance your chequebook, then you have experience in handling cash. If you had to deal with getting repairs completed in a home, or clean the home, then you have some project management skills along with planning. Note this is not stretching the truth, nor should you try to embellish. But for others to recognize your worth, you have to realize and recognize it yourself first. So figure out what it is you have been doing, and how that IS a transferrable skill (a skill you have that helps you in another place of employment).
The best place to start is with a store you enjoy shopping in, or can see yourself working in. It doesn't matter if it's a large chain or a small independent. It's about showing you WANT to work THERE, not just that you want to work.
Start Part Time to Gain Foothold
Christmas is a great time to get your feel wet – and it's not too late to get a part time job in retail. Go to your local mall or walk along your main street. Often the store will not post a job on a website but just a small sign in a window. Food kiosks are always looking for staff due to the high turnover - that would give you proven experience in handling a cash register.
Don't let age stop you, especially for part time work. And by starting in part time, you prove yourself to the company and can apply for full time when a position becomes available.
Good luck!
**Note - all letters are reprinted as received (typos and grammatical errors) but names and other identifying details are deleted.
Paym Bergson - Paym Bergson - freelance entrepreneur & career coach with extensive experience working in the educational/professional development ...
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