Career counselor: Continuing education ‘critical for longevity’

Janice Dawson-Threat is a certified workforce development professional for the Missouri Career Center. The Columbia Business Times talked to Dawson-Threat about her role in helping people find employment, change careers and the importance of continuing education for professionals. Here’s what she had to say.

CBT: What do you do for the Missouri Career Center?

Dawson-Threat: I provide career counseling for individuals and career development training for small groups. I assist individuals in submitting information to meet program requirements for education and training opportunities and increase opportunities for self-sufficiency. I also participate in employment-focused activities at the community level related to small businesses and at-risk populations, as well as high school and college career days.

Janice Dawson-Threat

CBT: What is a workforce development professional?

Dawson-Threat: It’s a person who facilitates the process by which individuals identify, prepare for, obtain and maintain employment and self-sufficiency. It can also be a person who assists businesses with assessing and retaining a quality workforce. Some development professionals work directly with customers and some work as support personnel for staff who work directly with customers.

CBT: How did you come to get involved in workforce development?
Dawson-Threat: I was looking to transfer my skills, education and previous work experience into a new field. I am a trained educator, researcher and scholar — a human development specialist. Having worked in student development and community development as a practitioner, and as one who has done scholarly research on motivation issues related to a variety of populations, it appeared to be a good fit to seek employment in this professional field. I applied and received an offer, and have enjoyed the experience ever since.

CBT: How important is continuing education in the workplace?

Dawson-Threat: It is critical for longevity and viability in any occupation or field. The worker is part of the employment system, which is part of the economic system, locally, nationally and internationally. As changes occur at any of those levels, all of the systems are affected. Workers who continue their development through education and training increase their levels of adaptability to the changes and their value to an employer. For employers to be competitive, they need skilled, competent and adaptable workers to succeed. Continuing education affords the worker the opportunity to maintain a competitive edge.

CBT: What’s your advice for someone entering a new field or changing careers?

Dawson-Threat: Do a self-assessment of your skills and interests. Identify what you would like to do and where you would like to go. Don’t create barriers and limits for yourself. Give yourself time to acquire whatever you’re lacking in skills and training. Be willing to start at the bottom — or start over — and work your way up. It doesn’t take experienced workers as long to move up as first-timers. Know there will be some feelings of loss about leaving your old field or career. Enjoy the excitement of being able to bring your favorite skills into a new arena, thus holding on to the very best parts of who you are.