Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

My Next Move: Networking in the Online Age

In an attempt to capitalize on the prevalence of online connections, the Department of Labor launched a website last week that gives job-seekers free access to thousands of possible positions.

Called My Next Move, the site allows potential workers to browse their job options by keyword or industry. It also allows users who are unsure of their career goals to determine their interests and narrow their focus onto certain jobs.

The website provides a 60 question survey through a database called O*NET that determines the jobseeker’s interests and eligibility. The tool further breaks down career fields by allowing users to search for jobs in three different categories: Bright Outlook, Green and Registered Apprenticeship.

Careers labeled as Bright Outlook are ones that are expected to grow quickly in the next few years and provide large numbers of market openings, according to the site.

Careers that fall into the Green category are careers that will be changed by the green economy, either by creating more demand or changing the skills needed for certain jobs or by creating new career fields altogether.

Registered Apprenticeships – paid internships fall in this category – consist of short-term options that enable employees to train for jobs, get hands-on experience and earn money simultaneously.

My Next Move is a complement to the Department’s mySkills myFuture website, launched on Labor Day last year, which aids experienced workers in finding new careers.

“This administration is committed to expanding opportunities for all Americans,” Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said in a press release. “That includes ensuring all workers — those with years of experience and those just entering the workforce — have the information they need to make informed career decisions and get good jobs.”

Some Georgetown students are unsure of how the website will reach the general population.

“I don’t think I would have that website as my main source if I needed a job, but I assume that if you’re unemployed in this economy you would use any source you can,” Nick Albanese (SFS ’14) said. “I don’t think I would use it … There are other services that do the same things, like Monster and things.”

Solis stressed that the site could be helpful, however.

“My Next Move will help those seeking career guidance learn more about work opportunities in fields that are of interest to them and that are likely to have job openings today and well into the future,” Solis said.

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