How can I advance?
Education and Experience
Throughout a career individuals are faced with challenges and opportunities. How individuals are able to respond are often based their post-secondary education/training and their work experience.
Community Colleges like ICC are the easiest way to pick up documented formal training in a wide variety of courses related to manufacturing. Advisors can you you broaden the knowledge and skills that you have which will give you the credentials you'll need to bid on new job openings. Many companies require their production supervisors to have at least an Associates Degree. Most Central Illinois Manufacturing businesses also have a tuition reimbursement program for their employees who successfully complete college courses.
There is no substitute for experience. Sometimes individuals must start out by job shadowing or interning to get their foot into the door. Folks in industry often talk about a career ladder because one experience often will allow you to be competitive at the next level. If you set your goal high, you may have to research what experiences you'll need to be competitive.
Networking has always been important. How do human resource professionals choose between nearly identical resumes? The HR Staff are investing in you to make their company more valuable. Therefore they value the recommendations made by other known companies or individuals. Keep this in mind as you leave one job for another. You do not want any negative recommendations out there. Ask mentors if they will serve as a reference for you. Choose professional references who have knowledge and experience in the career areas you are interested in.
