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Learn—Maximum Time: 45 Minutes

Read:Last week’s group meeting focused on staying on course and finishing your training. But even as you finish your training, remember that the purpose of your education is to be able to get better work. Prepare to actually get the work you chose by doing the following:

1. Prepare early to show you are the right choice for the job.

2. Keep a record.

3. Network.

4. Pay your student loans.

5. Continue learning.

6. Mentor others.

1. Prepare Early to Show You Are the Right Choice for the Job

Discuss:If you were a hiring manager, which of these three people would you hire? Why?

three experiences table

Read:The more you prepare for the job you want, the more your chances improve to get the job. Gain as much work experience in your field as you can while going to school.

Arlene has years of hands-on experience in health care, which makes her a great candidate for health care administration. Rachel has no previous experience as a paralegal, but she can show years of commitment as a dedicated worker in other fields.

Discuss:What work experience can you get while going to school?

Read:Your purpose in gaining an education is to find better work. As soon as you begin your studies, begin studying job postings to become familiar with what employers are looking for. Plan your education to best meet those qualifications.

For example, Juan looked for job descriptions on the internet and talked to several people. He then wrote down skills and knowledge he needs to develop to qualify for the position of an oil rig welder. He wrote the following:

Skills and knowledge I need:

1. Read and understand blueprints.

2. Know industry terminology.

3. Be good at multiple welding procedures.

4. Weld in difficult conditions.

Juan also realized that in order to get the advantage over other job applicants, he should develop additional skills and knowledge. He wrote the following:

Additional skills or knowledge:

• Underwater welding

• Automated welding

Activity (10 minutes)

Determine the specific skills and knowledge you need to develop to qualify for the job you want.

Step 1: List the skills, knowledge, and experience you should have to help you get the type of job you are seeking. List at least three of them below.

Essential skills for a job as a/an

Step 2: What additional skills and knowledge will help you stand out as the clear choice for the job? Think of classes, student jobs, internships, student clubs, online or local communities, or other opportunities that could increase your chances of getting hired.

Additional skills, knowledge, or experience:

Read:Review from time to time the skills and knowledge you are developing, and compare them to what employers are looking for.

2. Keep a Record

Read:Keeping a record of your qualifications, accomplishments, and education will be of great help when applying for internships and jobs.

Keep a record of your work history and education, including dates. Be sure to include accomplishments, projects, awards, recognitions, and any other things that can demonstrate that you would be good at your chosen job.

Some employers ask to see examples of your writing, your art, your accomplishments, and other things you have done in your schooling. Keep a portfolio of examples so you have them ready when you are asked for them.

Some employers look at your participation on websites and forums to see how well you work with people and the quality of your contributions to discussions.

Discuss:What are some ways to keep a record or examples of your work so employers can see if you have the skills and experiences they value?

3. Network

Read:Many people search for work by looking only at job advertisements, but most people find jobs through networking, or talking with people who can help them find organizations that need their skills.

networking graphic

Build your network constantly while you are going to school and afterward. Get to know your instructors, people working in your field, and other class members. You never know who in your network will help you find the job you are looking for. Networking is about relationships. Find ways to connect with others and build these relationships.

Activity (3 minutes)

Step 1: Read Rachel’s example below.

Rachel was interested in working at Valley Law. From her paralegal class, she met April Chang, who worked at Valley Law. Rachel impressed April with her quick understanding of the material and her dedication to hard work. Rachel made contact with John (a partner at the firm) through April, and Rachel got an interview.

networking 1

Step 2: Think of an organization you would like to work for. Do you know someone who could connect or introduce you to a decision maker there? Fill in the blanks below now or during the week.

networking 2

Step 3: During the week, contact your friend and ask for an introduction.

Read:If you have access to online social networks, take time this week to search those networks for connections to the companies you are interested in. Some social networking programs are created specifically to help you connect to companies.

Even after going through this exercise, you may not find any personal connections to the companies you are interested in. That’s all right. Start getting to know as many people as you can early on in your schooling so your network expands and opens you up to more opportunities.

4. Pay Your Student Loans

Read:If you borrow money for school, it is your responsibility to pay it back. President Hinckley taught: “[Recipients] will repay the money, and when they do so, they will enjoy a wonderful sense of freedom because they have improved their lives. … They can hold their heads high in a spirit of independence” (“The Perpetual Education Fund,” Ensign, May 2001, 53).

Not paying back a loan is stealing money, but some people try to justify themselves because:

• They feel entitled to the money and think it doesn’t matter if they pay it back.

• They don’t get a job, or their job pays very little.

• They spend money on other things rather than meeting their obligation to pay the loan.

You may have times when it is difficult for you to pay off your loan.

When Stefano quit school several years ago, he had to start making payments of 100 per month on his student loan. He didn’t have enough money to make the full payment. He called the loan company and asked if he could pay 50 per month until he found a job. They said yes. He paid 50 for a couple of months, and then he started paying 100 again after he found a job.

Discuss:What are some other ways you could continue to pay back your loan even during difficult times?

5. Continue Learning

Read:Successful people continually seek learning. The job market changes quickly; to become self-reliant, you need to constantly prepare for better job opportunities. This means crossing the learning bridge many times in your life.

three bridges road

President James E. Faust counseled: “Be adaptable in your work. … We should be willing to learn new, marketable skills. There are a great many [people] who have found new joy and satisfaction in having a second career wholly unrelated to the work for which they were originally trained. … Being flexible in our approach to our work opportunities may just make it possible to keep afloat financially” (“The Blessings We Receive as We Meet the Challenges of Economic Stress,” Ensign, Nov. 1982, 90).

Discuss:How can you prepare and adapt to the changing job market?

Read:When you near the completion of your training, enroll in the self-reliance group Find a Better Job to help you get the job you are seeking.

6. Mentor Others

Read:You can also “be the bridge” by mentoring others. Mentor them by doing the following:

1. Love them. Listen to what they want to do. Be patient if their progress is slow or if they experience failure.

2. Ask questions. Questions can help them think about the future, understand their challenges, and find their own solutions.

3. Encourage them. Even when it’s difficult, encourage your friends to exercise faith and keep working. Be available to meet with them and listen as they report on their progress.

4. Share these principles and strategies of self-reliance with your friends, your children, and other Latter-day Saints.

President Thomas S. Monson taught:

“Ours is the responsibility to … be worthy of all the glorious blessings our Father in Heaven has in store for us—and for others through us.

“… Remember who you are and what God expects you to become. You are a child of promise” (“A Sacred Trust,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 85).

Discuss:What are the most important things you learned in today’s group meeting?