Information Systems Career Research Assignment

NOTE: This assignment has two parts. Be sure to complete both for full credit. Part 1 is mandatory. For Part 2, you will choose one of two options.

Part 1: Research a Career (25 points)

Answer the list of questions below for your identified primary career option based on your FOCUS 2 assessment results and your research by using the resources provided. Be sure to reference your research under “Source” to cite your sources and avoid plagiarism.

Primary Career Option: Art Therapist

Education/Training Requirements (identify the specific steps to take to prepare for this career option. For example, what level of degree is required; what should one major in?):

Bachelor's degree in studio art and psychology. Master’s degree in art therapy with coursework in counseling. Art therapist or professional counselor license.

Outlook: “faster than the average”

Salary: $35,570 - $59,680 annually

Primary Work Activities: “Educate mentally disturbed patients with skills needed to create paintings, drawings and sculptures as a means for self- expression, releasing of emotions and insight to their problems. Assess patients' level of functioning to determine what art form(s) would be appropriate for the patient to attempt. Review with patients their art work in order to assist them explore their problems. Confer with psychiatric and medical team members responsible for patients in order to receive information about patients' behavior to assess treatment methods.”

Skills: “Decision-making, fine arts, helping, listening, managing time, manual dexterity, reading comprehension, social perceptiveness, speaking”

Values: “Altruism/helping society, artistic, creativity, helping others, influence”

Reasons(s) why career option is of interest to you: One of my core values in my career is altruism and helping society. I feel that I can use my creativity and empathize through the joy of art.

Source(s): FOCUS 2. (2020 June). Occupation Details. www.focus2career.com

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Part 2: Create a career vision for your future OR assess and strengthen your career readiness.

(50 points)

*Choose either Option 2A (Understanding Self Worksheet) OR 2B (Am I Career Ready?

Assessment) - do not complete both parts.

Option 2A: Understanding Self Worksheet

Understanding Myself Better:

Reflect thoroughly to fully answer the following questions (type your answers below each

question):

1. What three things about work are most important to me?

The three things about working as an art therapist that are most important to me would be helping people; being creative; and solving client problems in a collaborative way. I would really like the challenge of figuring out which expressive outlet will be most helpful to my clients. Art therapy will be a very rewarding field.

2. Which academic subjects do I excel in?

The academic subjects that I excel in are art, sociology, history and psychology.

3. Where have I had successful experiences (personal and/or professional)?

I have had successful experiences working in a retirement community and also working at an ice cream store. The retirement community job gave me a chance to create programming for the community residents. They always enjoyed the programs that I ran. Working at an ice cream shop gave me a chance to serve joy – literally speaking. How can a person eat ice cream and not be happy?

4. What do the people I am close to say I do well?

People close to me say that I work will with others; also, being of service to people. I get lots of satisfaction trying to make a difference in the lives of others, and the field of art therapy is a great fit.

5. What skills would I like to develop?

The skills I want to develop are relationship-building skills, as well as learning about therapeutic techniques. I am well aware that a large “psychological toolbox” will enable me to better serve clients.

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Future Life Vision Paragraph:

In 6 - 8 sentences: Detail the work you will do; the place (where you will live), lifestyle (how you live and the kinds of people/places in your life), community activities, etc.

The following questions can help shape your future vision:

• What things do I want to accomplish in my life?

• What is my dream career?

• What am I passionate about?

• When I think about a happy life, what does that include?

My future includes living in either a beach town or a town near a lake or mountains. I love being outdoors, so any chosen locale must include lots of options for hiking, swimming, surfing or just enjoying nature. I plan on being an art therapist, and I envision working for a private practice or a residential facility. I am very sociable, and would need a robust community of active outdoor enthusiasts to keep myself connected. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. After working in the art therapy field for a few years, I definitely see myself working as an educator, too. Teaching at a local college or university would be perfect.

Exa mple

NOTE: This assignment has two parts. Be sure to complete both for full credit. Part 1 is mandatory. For Part 2, you will choose one of two options.

Part 1: Research a Career (25 points)

Answer the list of questions below for your identified primary career option based on your FOCUS 2 assessment results and your research by using the resources provided. Be sure to reference your research under “Source” to cite your sources and avoid plagiarism.

Primary Career Option: Art Therapist

Education/Training Requirements (identify the specific steps to take to prepare for this career option. For example, what level of degree is required; what should one major in?):

Bachelor's degree in studio art and psychology. Master’s degree in art therapy with coursework in counseling. Art therapist or professional counselor license.

Outlook: “faster than the average”

Salary: $35,570 - $59,680 annually

Primary Work Activities: “Educate mentally disturbed patients with skills needed to create paintings, drawings and sculptures as a means for self- expression, releasing of emotions and insight to their problems. Assess patients' level of functioning to determine what art form(s) would be appropriate for the patient to attempt. Review with patients their art work in order to assist them explore their problems. Confer with psychiatric and medical team members responsible for patients in order to receive information about patients' behavior to assess treatment methods.”

Skills: “Decision-making, fine arts, helping, listening, managing time, manual dexterity, reading comprehension, social perceptiveness, speaking”

Values: “Altruism/helping society, artistic, creativity, helping others, influence”

Reasons(s) why career option is of interest to you: One of my core values in my career is altruism and helping society. I feel that I can use my creativity and empathize through the joy of art.

Source(s): FOCUS 2. (2020 June). Occupation Details. www.focus2career.com

Exa mple

Part 2: Create a career vision for your future OR assess and strengthen your career readiness.

(50 points)

*Choose either Option 2A (Understanding Self Worksheet) OR 2B (Am I Career Ready?

Assessment) - do not complete both parts.

Option 2A: Understanding Self Worksheet

Understanding Myself Better:

Reflect thoroughly to fully answer the following questions (type your answers below each

question):

1. What three things about work are most important to me?

The three things about working as an art therapist that are most important to me would be helping people; being creative; and solving client problems in a collaborative way. I would really like the challenge of figuring out which expressive outlet will be most helpful to my clients. Art therapy will be a very rewarding field.

2. Which academic subjects do I excel in?

The academic subjects that I excel in are art, sociology, history and psychology.

3. Where have I had successful experiences (personal and/or professional)?

I have had successful experiences working in a retirement community and also working at an ice cream store. The retirement community job gave me a chance to create programming for the community residents. They always enjoyed the programs that I ran. Working at an ice cream shop gave me a chance to serve joy – literally speaking. How can a person eat ice cream and not be happy?

4. What do the people I am close to say I do well?

People close to me say that I work will with others; also, being of service to people. I get lots of satisfaction trying to make a difference in the lives of others, and the field of art therapy is a great fit.

5. What skills would I like to develop?

The skills I want to develop are relationship-building skills, as well as learning about therapeutic techniques. I am well aware that a large “psychological toolbox” will enable me to better serve clients.

Exa mple

Future Life Vision Paragraph:

In 6 - 8 sentences: Detail the work you will do; the place (where you will live), lifestyle (how you live and the kinds of people/places in your life), community activities, etc.

The following questions can help shape your future vision:

• What things do I want to accomplish in my life?

• What is my dream career?

• What am I passionate about?

• When I think about a happy life, what does that include?

My future includes living in either a beach town or a town near a lake or mountains. I love being outdoors, so any chosen locale must include lots of options for hiking, swimming, surfing or just enjoying nature. I plan on being an art therapist, and I envision working for a private practice or a residential facility. I am very sociable, and would need a robust community of active outdoor enthusiasts to keep myself connected. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. After working in the art therapy field for a few years, I definitely see myself working as an educator, too. Teaching at a local college or university would be perfect.

Exa mple