“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Research careers: duties, pay, training, and outlook
- Understand licensing restrictions that may affect some careers
- Explore the eight Bridge to Opportunity certificates
Lesson Notes
Researching a Career
For any career, find: typical duties, pay range, training or credentials needed, job outlook, and work environment. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook and CareerOneStop are free, reliable sources.
Licensing and Background Restrictions
Some careers require state licenses (for example, some health care, child care, security, and financial roles) and may restrict people with certain convictions. Rules vary by state and many have waiver processes. Check before investing in training.
Good Fields for Fresh Starts
Many people returning home find opportunity in office and administrative work, customer service, food service and hospitality, warehouse and logistics, construction trades, entrepreneurship, writing and creative work, and ministry and nonprofit roles.
The Eight Certificates
Career: Christian Business & Entrepreneurship; Office Administration with Biblical Work Ethic; Christian Writing & Publishing; Faith-Based Financial Stewardship.
Ministry & Helping: Biblical Lay Counseling & Christian Life Coaching; Recovery Ministry Leadership; Chaplaincy Assistant & Prison Ministry; Christian Mentoring & Discipleship.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Occupational Outlook Handbook | A free government guide to careers |
| Job outlook | Whether jobs in a field are expected to grow |
| Licensing restriction | A rule that may limit who can hold a license |
In-Class Activities
Career Research Card
Using printed career profiles, complete a research card for one career: duties, pay range, training, outlook, environment, any licensing concerns.
Certificate Match
Read the eight certificate descriptions in the course catalog. Rank your top three and explain how each fits your gifts from Module 1.
Assignment: Three Career Profiles
Complete research cards for three careers that fit your profile.
- Note any licensing or background concerns and how you would find out more.
- Circle the one that fits best right now and the one that fits best in five years.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Proverbs 16:9 says we plan our way, but the Lord directs our steps. How do you hold your plans with open hands? Is there a career you've ruled out too quickly, or one you're holding onto too tightly?
Prayer focus: Ask God to direct your steps as you plan.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Research Before You Leap
Before investing time in training, learn about the career. What are the duties? What is the pay range? What training is required? Is the field growing? What is the work environment? The Occupational Outlook Handbook and CareerOneStop are free, reliable sources.
Some careers require state licenses, and some licenses restrict people with certain convictions. Examples can include some health care, child care, security, and financial roles. Rules vary by state, and many states have waiver or review processes. Check before investing in training, and ask legal aid if you're unsure.
Many fields welcome fresh starts: office and administrative work, customer service, food service and hospitality, warehouse and logistics, construction trades, entrepreneurship, writing, and ministry and nonprofit work.
At the end of this course you will choose one of eight Bridge to Opportunity certificates. Career: Christian Business & Entrepreneurship; Office Administration with Biblical Work Ethic; Christian Writing & Publishing; Faith-Based Financial Stewardship. Ministry & Helping: Biblical Lay Counseling & Christian Life Coaching; Recovery Ministry Leadership; Chaplaincy Assistant & Prison Ministry; Christian Mentoring & Discipleship.
Choose based on your gifts, your research, and your sense of calling, not just what a friend picks.
Think About It
- Which careers are you curious about? ______________________
- Which certificate interests you most, and why? ______________________
- What do you need to find out about licensing in your state? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 2
The Lord Directs
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.— Proverbs 16:9 (KJV)
Research and plan, and let God direct. Both are part of wisdom.
Reflect: Where do you need God's direction?
Pray: Lord, direct my steps.
Do: Research one career today.
Seeking Knowledge
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.— Proverbs 18:15 (KJV)
Wise people gather information before deciding. Curiosity is a gift.
Reflect: What do you want to learn more about?
Pray: Lord, give me a hungry mind.
Do: Read one career profile carefully.
Open Hands
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.— James 4:15 (KJV)
Plans held with open hands can bend when God redirects. This brings peace.
Reflect: What plan are you holding too tightly?
Pray: Lord, not my will but Yours.
Do: Pray over your top career choice.
Called According to Purpose
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.— Romans 8:28 (KJV)
Every experience can be woven into God's purpose, even detours.
Reflect: How might your past experiences fit into your calling?
Pray: Lord, work all things together for good.
Do: Write how one hard experience prepared you.
Ask and Receive
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find.— Matthew 7:7 (KJV)
God invites us to seek. Keep asking questions about your future.
Reflect: What question do you need answered?
Pray: Lord, help me find answers.
Do: Ask your instructor one question about certificates.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Which is a free, reliable source for career information?
- 2.
Before investing in training for a licensed career, you should:
- 3.
Job outlook refers to:
- 4.
Licensing rules are the same in every state.
- 5.
Name the certificate you are most interested in and why.