KNOW YOURSELFTake a few minutes to think about yourself, and about the kinds of work that would interest you. Ask yourself... What are my interests and strengths? List them on paper. Write down work experiences you have had, either paid or volunteer. What kind of jobs would I really enjoy doing? Would I like working with children or senior citizens, with animals or growing food, to build houses, outside to improve the environment, for peace in the world, or on something artistic? What is it about these jobs that I would like? What about my beliefs and values? Are there jobs I wouldnąt do even if they were high paying? Are there jobs that would give me more personal satisfaction, or make the world a better place to live in? Then make a list of the kinds of jobs you'd like and where information on these jobs is available. You might be able to find out more from school counselors, job training and placement agencies, community centers or libraries, and people working in similar jobs. Talk with other young people and adults about their job experiences. What would they have done differently, or the same? UP THE CAREER LADDERMost young people start out at the bottom of the employment ladder, so don't expect a high paying, high responsibility job to start with. The important thing is to get experience in the field you want to work in. If you prove yourself as a good worker, it's a valuable reference in getting better jobs, and you won't be at the bottom of the ladder for long. There are several ways to get work experience. You can get this experience by: (1) Volunteering in exchange for valuable on-the-job experience; (2) Enrolling in job training programs run by government or non-profit agencies or in internship programs run directly by employers; (3) Starting your own business or enterprise; and (4) Entering special education programs with work experience included, such as the Job Corps or apprenticeship training. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?Here are opportunities in Maine to get involved, as a paid employee or as a volunteer. Either way, this training can be helpful in getting other jobs in the future. For example: AGRICULTURE: Work as a farm apprentice to learn food production or in agricultural education through cooperative extension offices. ANIMALS: Help Heifer Project International to raise farm animals for those in need or Kelmscott Farm to preserve endangered livestock. ARTS: Work with community arts councils or to plan local arts events or programs. Learn acting, craft making, music, dance, or art from experienced performers and artists. ENVIRONMENT: Help groups like Friends of Casco Bay with water and shore cleanup, resource preservation through the Maine Conservation Corps or Lake George State Park, or environmental education with Chewonki. HOUSING AND SHELTER: Learn building skills with HOME Coop or Habitat for Humanity and home repair with YouthBuild. OLDER CITIZENS: Work with agencies on aging or the Youthlinks as aides or helpers to Maine's older citizens. PEACE: Volunteer with Peace Action Maine or domestic violence projects to end violence and bring peace locally and globally. YOUTH: Work in child care centers or with youth at risk. Contact information on above and other groups is available from Maine Draft and Military Counselors. CAREERS IN PUBLIC SERVICEIf you want to serve your country, but in a non-military role, there are opportunities for you. Local, state, and federal governments offer jobs in such fields as health, agriculture, conservation, education, social work, electronics, child care, and mechanics. For more information, contact: FEDERAL JOBS: Federal Employment Information Center, 40 Western Ave., Augusta (list on computer) or internet: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov for a list. STATE JOBS: Department of Human Resources, State House Station #4, Augusta, ME 04333; 287-3761. LOCAL JOBS: Ask at your town office or city hall, or call the job service/career center office in your county. There are also many other ways to serve your country. Helping to grow food for this country and the world, assisting those who are older or in poor health, helping to maintain a clean and safe environment, working for equal opportunities for those who are denied them, or giving safety or security to victims of violence are all important ways to serve your community and country. WHAT ABOUT MILITARY SERVICE?As a high school student you may have thought about enlisting in the Armed Forces. You may have heard about the glamorous aspects of the service, but you might not be aware of the complete reality of military life: strict military discipline, training for combat situations, an eight year commitment to serve, 24 hour-a-day on-call duty, loss of civilian rights, and difficulty of leaving the military without punishment if your plans change. If you need help in deciding whether or not to join the military, or would like a veteran or military counselor to speak to you, or if you have a question about your rights and responsibilities in registering for the draft, brochures and information are available from the trained draft and military counselors. Contact: For more information or free counseling, contact: Larry Dansinger/MDMC Rob Pfeiffer GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED BEFORE YOU SIGN UP.
Maine Draft and Military Counselors provides draft and military counseling throughout Maine. It is a non-profit organization, and not a part of the Selective Service System or any other government agency.
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