Career Development | Mentoring | Social Networking

Greetings to you all, my name is Willard Draper and I will coming to you several times during the year to give you what I believe to be helpful tips, thoughts and information about the work place, jobs, career development and finding, maintaining and prospering in the career arena.

Finding employment can be a complicated and time consuming enterprise.  It certainly can be costly and frustrating, particularly in this tough environment.  The first question must be; are you ready?   Hopefully, you will not take this question lightly.  Further, many of us will quickly say “Yes” without thinking about the entire question. Your friends, parents, love ones, teachers, bosses, etc., do not make this determination-you do!  Let me be clear; unless you are ready for work, you can not be successful at obtaining and maintaining work; must less a career.  Simply saying “I’m ready”, does not fill the bill.  You must be able demonstrate your skills and abilities with confidence and class.

Those who have been exposed to knowledge, wisdom and ancient text are familiar with this important phrase from the distant past.  Before organized religions, the British, Roman, Greek Empires, the seat of knowledge and wisdom came from the African continent and the great Egyptian civilization. Written in one of the exalted temples and later stored by the great Oracles’ the words “KNOW THY SELF” became the foundation of all knowledge and wisdom. 

Once you have this knowledge you will be well armed to go out and contend for work.  It is not an easy task.  You will need to prepare yourself for some rejection, disappointment, repetitive questions, assessments, judging, waiting, wondering and questioning.  Only if you have a good sense of self, will you be excited and inspired to go further. The following is a short list of the beginning process of knowing self: 

• Disregard the foolish and foolish things
• Move beyond fear
• If you keep doing what you are doing-you will keep getting what you getting
• When you have the opportunity to inform others-do it
• Avoid all people who are “know-it-alls”
• Be Positive and have enthusiasm
• Be Spiritual (religious or  have core beliefs)
• Have focus
• Be true to yourself and your spirit
• Don’t sweat the small stuff (most of what we deal with is small stuff.)
• All these things are already in you -just turn them on! 

These beginning comments should remind you of the power you have.  I believe it is important to start with some philosophical things before we get to more of the basics of job hunting and success.  In the future we will look at communication, vision, resume tips, interviewing skills, problem solving and other powerful job acquisition skills.  Hope you will get to know yourself better and get the position you really need.

Contributor: Willard Draper

Excell’s Philosophy of Education

Philosophically, it is my firm belief that education is the lifeline of our country. In order for our country to thrive socially and economically, it is imperative that we construct and cultivate educational institutions where continuous learning exchanges take place. Currently, education is in a volatile state of epidemic proportions.  As baby boomers start to prepare for retirement, the knowledge and years of industry expertise is subject to leave with them.  This is coupled with the fact that graduation rates in high schools, colleges, and universities are drastically low in areas of greatest need. Therefore, the generational transfer of knowledge gap is widening at a rate that will not sustain our economy. As a solution, leaders in communities across the United States must create and support College Learning and Opportunity Centers. My philosophy of education embodies three concepts to fulfill this vision: cost of education, access to education, and quality of education.

First of all, it is important to make education affordable.  The cost of education is on the rise.  Students often graduate with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree at a cost equivalent to their first year salary. The amount of time it takes to complete an Associate or Bachelor degree is rapidly increasing.  Therefore, it is important for students, faculty, and staff to be mindful of their investment.

Secondly, it is equally important to make education accessible.  Perspective students often do not have the access to educational advancement due to a multitude of barriers to entry such as heightened enrollment requirements and logistical issues such as transportation.  If adult learners were to view education as a tangible asset, the interest in actualizing their educational aspirations will increase substantially.  Furthermore, by making the conscious decision to strategically place the Learning and Opportunity Centers, the possibility that furthering ones education is more achievable in underserved areas.

Finally, people invest in what they feel is valuable.  Therefore, the quality of education is significant. From an outcome perspective, corporations invest in communities that promote quality of education. Ultimately, enhanced quality of education breeds successful graduation rates. Communities that build educated workforces secure corporations that invest in the communities they serve.

In conclusion, my philosophy of education from a cost, access and quality perspective is simple.  The focus must be on first generation and non-traditional students.  If done properly and consistently, change will occur that will boost our current economic state and ultimately add value to the quality of life in most communities.