What's So Cool About Manufacturing?

In the News

Millennials are Making Millions in Manufacturing

Entreprenuer.com

"The truth is there is still plenty of innovation to happen in the physical world across every industry. The truth is manufacturing businesses and startups alike are absolutely crushing it on every level -- if they have the vision and determination, millions can still be made."

A Message for Schools and Youth: Consider Manufacturing

Autovalve.com

"As the cost of college skyrockets and the world feels indebted to manufacturers for their unending efforts during the 2020 global pandemic, more and more people are elevating manufacturing and skilled trades to the level of respect they deserve."

A Brighter Future for "Made in America"

McKinsey and Company

"US manufacturing may be poised for an overhaul and a rebound, with a potentially significant impact on the nation’s overall economy. In the United States, manufacturing accounts for $2.3 trillion in GDP, employs 12 million people, and supports hundreds of local economies."

The Benefits of a Career in Manufacturing

Cmtc.com

"In the coming years, Baby Boomers will be retiring and allowing continued hiring opportunities in the manufacturing sector...The benefits of working in the manufacturing industry, paired with the availability of these jobs, provide job seekers with an opportunity to excel."

I'm a 9th-grade teacher. Here's what I wish parents of freshmen would help their children understand.

MSN.com

"A solid ninth-grade year sets students up not only for college and a career but for a life of genuine interest and inquiry. Help your child think beyond the grade book to a place where what counts are the habits they've created that will pave their path toward becoming confident upperclassmen, prepared to meet the wider world."

There are literally thousands of career and job options out there. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider these 10 tips on deciding where want to go:

01 Reflect on your interests.

Most students (and lots of adults!) haven’t yet figured out what they want to do when they “grow up”. That’s why it’s important to begin your career plan by reflecting and analyzing your wants. Start with the things you love doing. Join clubs and explore your talents. Joining groups can also help you meet other people with the same passions. This could lead to a better network, and those people can help you narrow down your choices.

Question to Ponder: What do I enjoy doing in my spare time?

02 Identify your skills.

It's not just about what you love doing - you'll also have to spend some time being honest about the things you're good at. When you have to identify your strengths and skills - and those you still need to improve - it'll be easier to see what you bring to the table in terms of skill.

Question to Ponder: What am I good at?

03 Determine your values.

Is it more important to you to have lots of money, or lots of free time? Would you rather travel the world for work, or settle down with a family right away? These kinds of questions will help narrow down the field of prospects, and if you're honest with yourself, it can help narrow your options to only the most suitable opportunities.

Question to Ponder: What kinds of things are important to me?

04 Get experience where you can.

There’s no better way to prepare for the working world than by having to experience it. There are several ways to do that; you can explore working, job shadowing, and volunteering.

05 Do your research.

Do an internet search or ask a counselor about industries that are related to your skills and interests. Finding a career that lets you work on your interests and is aligned with your lifestyle might be challenging. However, it’s attainable when you make sure to prepare for it through a well-crafted career plan.

06 Seek out mentors.

Planning your career out can be challenging and frustrating if you don’t have guidance. Talk to parents, teachers, and counselors about your journey, because their experience and knowledge in different fields could help you map your career plans.

07 Challenge yourself.

Make an effort to equip yourself and be competitive in the field you want to pursue. Stay focused on your goal and work your way up. Do this by taking on challenges such as being part of a volunteer group, taking elective classes, and attending training programs.

08 Take charge.

Choose a career that you want and not based on others’ opinions. Listen to people’s advice but don’t let them dictate what course to take. You’re the one who’ll be working on that job for years, so you be the pilot of your career.

09 Don't be afraid of change.

Don’t box yourself in with the career plan you made years back. Instead, be open to change. This might be applicable if you’re already in the field. Therefore, if you’re at that crossroad where you feel like trying another line of work, try making a new career plan.

10 Enjoy the journey!

Take your time to think about what you really like. Achieving your career goals isn’t a marathon, so be patient with yourself. Give yourself time and explore different career ideas. Try to imagine yourself working in different industries and weigh which one you like best. Most importantly, always remember to be kind to yourself. Pushing yourself to the limits will do you no good. Instead, be wise in choosing what battles to take while focusing on self-improvement and not burnout.