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Career, Career Interests, And The Value Of A College Education

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Career, Career Interests, and the Value of a College Education

Univeristy of Phoenix
GEN/300: Skills for Professional Development

22 May 2005

I am currently employed as a software integration technologist with Motorola. The division I work in develops software used to identify persons, usually for law enforcement purposes, through fingerprint, palm print, facial, and demographic matching technologies. My job is to integrate these technologies into a single, fast, and easy to use system. Specifically, I code the workflow engine that allows the separate technologies to function as a single system.
Instead of moving from company to company, changing jobs every few years like many of my past and present co-workers have done; I have been working at the same company for the last 18 years. I started at the bottom, in a data entry position while attending college classes in the evening. I worked my up the corporate ladder, meeting the challenges offered to me by my superiors, discovering my talents, developing my skills and performing to the best of my abilities. The reward was career advancement and increased compensation.
Experience has taught me that there are many behaviors that will help you to succeed in a career. These behaviors include self-confidence, productivity, respect, the ability to work with others, a focus on quality, and a commitment to ethics.
Self-confidence in your own abilities will allow you to face challenges with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. You will be able to demonstrate a boldness and decisiveness that radiates professional integrity and communicate with impact. You must be "willing to say what you think is in the best interest of the organization – even if it's not popular." (Troiano, 1998)
Plan and organize with the goal of being productive. Motivate yourself to achieve "necessary tasks and take on more challenges." (Will your future, 2000) Be responsible for your own education. Learn quickly...