Texts for Class and Home Reading

Choosing an Occupation

One of the most difficult problems for people is deciding what to do about a career. There are individuals, of course, who from the time they are six years old “know” that they want to be a doctor or pilots or fire fighters, but the majority of us do not get around to making a decision about an occupation or career.

Choosing an occupation takes time, and there are a lot of things you have to think about as you try to decide what you would like to do.

Fortunately, there are a lot of people you can turn to for advice and help in making your decision. At most schools and Universities, there are teachers who can counsel you and give detailed information about any job. And you can talk over your ideas with family members and friend who are always ready to listen and to offer suggestions.

What am I going to do after school or university? I began to think about my future profession at age of 15. My favourite subjects in school were Economics, History and English. My teachers were well-educated people with deep knowledge of the subjects. They encouraged me in my desire to become an economist. I opted for a career in business economics. It was my father who aroused my interest in that field.

Finance Manager: Job description

A finance manager is responsible for providing financial advice and support to clients to enable them to make sound business decisions. Specific work environments vary considerably and include both public and private sector organisations, such as multinational corporations, retailers, financial institutions, charities, small manufacturing companies and universities.

Financial considerations are at the root of all major business decisions. Clear budgetary planning is essential for short and long-term future planning, and companies need to know the financial implications of any decision before proceeding. In addition, care must be taken to ensure that financial practices are in line with legislation.

Finance managers may also be known as financial analysts or business analysts.

Typical work activities

The roles of finance managers vary significantly. The level and scope of the responsibilities can vary enormously. In larger companies for instance, the role is more concerned with strategic analysis; in smaller organisations, a finance manager may be responsible for the collection and preparation of accounts.

Typical activities include:

· providing and interpreting financial information;

· monitoring and interpreting cash flows and predicting future trends;

· analysing change and advising accordingly;

· formulating strategic and long-term business plans;

· researching and reporting on factors influencing business performance;

· analysing competitors and market trends;

· developing financial management mechanisms that minimise financial risk;

· conducting reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities;

· managing a company's financial accounting, monitoring and reporting systems;

· developing external relationships with appropriate contacts, e.g. auditors, solicitors, bankers etc.

· producing accurate financial reports to specific deadlines;

· managing budgets;

· arranging new sources of finance for a company's debt facilities;

· supervising staff.

HR Manager: Job description

As a HR manager - also called personnel manager, you're responsible for the welfare of your organisation's staff. Your role will be varied and challenging.

You must make sure that the organisation is employing the right people, with the right skills and qualifications for the job.

You'll need an excellent understanding of how your organisation operates, its business requirements and commercial objectives. You'll work very closely with other departments and provide an information resource for both employees and senior management.

You'll be concerned with developing, advising and implementing management policies. Depending on the size and the type of organisation, you may be involved in all aspects of the role, or specialise in an area such as employment legislation, training or graduate recruitment.

Essentially, you'll be responsible for:

- Employment law - working conditions, disciplinary and grievance procedures, equal opportunities, redundancies, paternity pay and maternity rights.

- Recruitment - hiring staff, producing job descriptions, placing adverts, working with recruitment consultancies, organising interviews and running assessment centres.

- Training and development - putting together a staff training programme and identifying suitable courses for staff.

- Salary reviews - researching salaries and ensuring they are in line with legal requirements and industry standards.

- Documentation - writing staff handbooks, contracts, staff memos, and issuing written offers of employment, promotion etc.

- Staff welfare - providing counselling facilities and sports and social activities for staff.

You may also work closely with company lawyers and trade unions.

Hours and Environment

Basically, you'll work between 37 and 40 hours a week, from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. However, you may often need to work extra hours. Your role will be mainly office based, although you may be travelling to visit other business sites or to attend meetings and conferences.

Skills and Interests

A human resources manager should have:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Diplomatic and negotiaton skills

The ability to work on your own initiative

Outstanding organisational skills

The ability to work under pressure

The ability to work with personnel from all levels

Tact, and the ability to deal with difficult situations

Numerical and budgeting skills

IT skills

Knowledge of UK employment legislation.

An interest in career development and training within the workplace.

Entry

It is possible to start at administration level and work up the company structure. National organisations may run graduate training schemes which specialise in human resources.

Relevant commercial experience, for example in management or law, is an advantage.

Training

Training is on the job. Some organisations have structured training programmes where you can gain experience in other business areas. They offer various courses and qualifications through full-time study, part-time study, or flexible learning.

Opportunities

The majority of commercial and public sector organisations have a human resources function. Potential employers include manufacturers, retailers, banks, consultancies, local and national government.

Career progression is structured, and there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience or specialise in other areas of human resources.

You may move between employers to progress, or switch into another sector, such as training or marketing.

You also have the opportunity to become self-employed and offer a consultancy service. You can work abroad as well.