In the land of opportunity that is America, every child who asks, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” has the ability, at least in theory, to see his vision become a reality.

Little kids probably still dream of being firefighters and athletes, and the most recent Gallup Youth Survey revealed that teenagers 13 to 17 rank teaching, law and medicine among the 10 best professions.

But as we mature, personal circumstances, education and geography play a role in our careers. Many in the Northeast who never imagined working in the gaming industry jumped on that bandwagon in 1978, with the opening of Atlantic City’s first casino. In the 30 years since, the industry has undergone changes that eliminated some jobs and created others, like server-based gaming, TITO technology and automated table games.

But last year, a seismic shift in the casino industry originated outside of it—in the national and global economies. With the deepening recession, some properties have begun layoffs, and cuts will almost certainly continue in 2009.

While there is no fail-safe protection against unemployment, continuing education will be critical as people consider their futures—whether they spend them in the casino industry, a related discipline, or a different field altogether. And the time to formulate a plan is now.

Nathan Levinson, associate dean for finance and administration at Rutgers University, lists some educational pursuits that could prove important to today’s nervous workforce.

“Business courses come to mind as the most applicable,” Levinson says. “Generally they include ‘soft’ skills such as writing, management and leadership, and ‘hard’ skills like accounting and finance. Courses and degrees in your specific industry also have value as they can help elevate your career path from entry-level and middle management to upper management.”

One field that’s growing despite the economic downturn, says Levinson: hospitality management. Coupled with training in quality management, ethics, organizational behavior and consumer behavior, these courses, which Rutgers offers at its Mays Landing campus, “provide for a well-rounded business management education that’s transferable to other industries.”

For dealers already on the casino floor—and for workers throughout the industry—it’s smart to diversify whenever possible, says Carol Drea, director of the Casino Career Institute in Atlantic City.

“Every employee is vulnerable in this economy, so we suggest that dealers come back and take additional training, and have four or five different games so their employers have the option to move them around the floor. A poker dealer, for example, can come back and take blackjack, roulette or carnival games, which are easy to pick up.”

Those just starting out as casino dealers should have a minimum of two primary games and a secondary game, Drea advises. And don’t balk at taking any job you can at first, just to get a toehold.

“You want to get your foot in the door, in whatever capacity,” she says. “Then as positions become available, you are already known by your employer and can move up.”

Mitchell Marks, author of Charging Back Up the Hill: Workforce Recovery after Mergers, Acquistions and Downsizings, says an economy in flux is the perfect time to plan for the next stage in your life and career. “Use your current position to prepare you for the next one,” he says. “Get new training. Seek out new responsibilities. Build your skills and credentials. This is a chance to rethink everything, and even use your employer to become more marketable.”

There is more to higher education than increasing job security, Levinson adds. “Continuing education—or continuous education— cannot be taken for granted, no matter what the economic or personal challenges may be. To grow through education is the best method we have to strive for the best in our personal lives, whether it means completing your undergraduate degree, enrolling in a certificate program to promote yourself or taking a course for a professional license.”

Your boss probably agrees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers are impressed by workers’ willingness to go for additional academic credentials, and view them as having assets—like organizational skills, aptitude and enthusiasm—that will also help in the workplace.

Staying on top of your game will serve you well during tough times, says employment counselor Sharon Jordan-Evans. She advises workers in every field to develop a “unique selling proposition,” or description of the value they add that not many others can.    

Though no one is indispensable, education, attitude and excellent daily performance will make it tougher for your company to do without you.

The Three Rs
Facing job uncertainty? Think Re-entry, Reinvention and Resources

The casino-hotel-restaurant industry, collectively the largest industry in South Jersey and the second largest in the state, has seen unprecedented declines in recent months, and a significant displacement of employees.

For those facing layoffs, it’s no comfort to know that people the world over are reeling from the same recession. Most people in the area have never experienced this level of anxiety; employment levels have always been high, and economic downturns short-lived.

But this one feels different. Wall Street and Main Street alike are struggling. Each day there’s more bad news: job losses, bankruptcies, triple-digit stock market declines.

It’s important to feel that you still have control over your own destiny. One way to increase your sense of security amid harsh realities is to take positive steps toward job stability, and if necessary, re-employment.

This month, Richard Stockton College, along with Atlantic Cape Community College and the Workforce Investment Board/One Stop Centers, is offering a conference to help displaced supervisors, managers and professional staff re-invent themselves for future meaningful employment. The conference is also designed for employed professionals who are concerned about their work status.

Here’s a preview of the “Three Rs” of ongoing employment security:

Re-entry into the Workforce

Starting a job search can be daunting, and one of the first steps—preparing a summary of your experience and skills—can be intimidating if you haven’t done it in a while. Think of it as a self-affirming exercise, and you’re more likely to realize you have the skills and personal qualities needed to find a new job.

You may see offers for résumé writing for a fee, but you don’t need to pay someone to help you. At Richard Stockton College’s Career Services Department and the Department of Labor’s One Stop Offices, professionals will guide you through this important first step free of charge.

You’ll also learn how to use technology to enhance your job search. It’s important to get acquainted with the many résumé posting sites that employers use to find qualified candidates. These sites let you look beyond your local area to find the right job match.

Reinvent Yourself

Workforce needs will change as a result of the recession; jobs that once were in demand may no longer fit into the new economy. Understanding what the future holds will allow you to get the education you need to step into these new roles.

Examples of up-and-coming professions: the health care industry, which is growing as the population ages, and the green energy movement. Employment and education counselors will be on hand at the conference to provide insight into these new career options. Stockton’s Continuing Studies programs, SIGMA and Health Sciences and Human Services, offer unique certificate programs to prepare students for this important next step in their careers.

Resources

Whether it’s the availability of funding for retraining or the location of Department of Labor offices, the conference will answer all your questions.

The Three R’s of Re-Employment Conference
Wednesday, January 14 
8:30 a.m.-noon
Richard Stockton College
$15 (Registration deadline is January 12)
For information, visit www.stockton.edu/hshs
or call 609-652-4227

Please login to post your comments.