Career Coaching for Asiel Cozier

Click on the following link for your: Vocational Style & Career Assessment for Students (VoSCA-St) Click on the following link for the: O*Net Online Career Research Tool Click on the following link for the: List of Questions for Interview Process

Career Coaching Session #1: Monday November 11, 2013

- Asiel's E-mail address is cozierasiel17@gmail.com - Asiel is 19 years old and he resides at Marian House. - He currently attends secondary school at Polytechnic and he is currently in Form 6 (Upper). He is taking Geography, Environmental Science, Sociology, and Caribbean & Communication Studies. In Lower 6, he got a 4 in Unit 1 Geography, a 2 in Unit 2 Environmental Science, a 4 in Unit 1 Sociology, and a 3 in Caribbean Studies. - His career dream is to make money and to work in the Energy sector in Trinidad. - I mentioned to Asiel the fact that he will be receiving the six sessions of Career Coaching as follows: Six sessions of Career Coaching

November 11, 2013
November 18, 2013
December 2, 2013
December 9, 2013
January 6, 2014
January 20, 2014

- I described the Coaching method in general to Asiel, and showed him the following diagram of the four components that make up human beings in general:

- I asked Asiel to rate himself today (November 2013) in the above four areas, and this was his self-assessment:

Mental: 65/100
Emotional: 60/100
Physical: 65/100
Spiritual: 50/100

- I then asked Asiel where he would like to see his ratings a year from today (October 2014) in the above four areas, and these were his goals:

Mental: 80/100
Emotional: 75/100
Physical: 75/100
Spiritual: 65/100

- I asked him to also rate his desire and willingness to work and persevere in achieving the above improvements, and he replied with:

Desire: 80%
Willingness to work and persevere: 80%

- I discussed the results of the VoSCA assessment with Asiel, specifically his scores in the various categories of Interests, Intelligence Types, Values, and Work Styles. His scores can be reviewed in the report itself. - Here are the careers that the VoSCA assessment recommended for Asiel and how he rated them in terms of his passion level (1 is no passion and 10 is the highest passion): #1 Survey Researchers (7/10) #2 Sociologists (5.5/10) #3 Social Science Research Assistants (6/10) #4 Clinical Data Managers (7/10) #5 Agricultural Inspectors (6/10) #6 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (6/10) #7 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (8/10) #8 Management Analysts (7/10) #9 Food Science Technicians (6/10) #10 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists (6/10) #11 Insurance Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators (5/10) #12 Agricultural Technicians (7/10) #13 Claims Examiners, Property and Casualty Insurance (5/10) #14 Office Clerks, General (3/10) #15 Storage and Distribution Managers (6/10) #16 First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers (6/10) #17 Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products (7/10) #18 Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage (5/10) - Asiel seems to lean more toward a career in the field energy and petroleum. Acknowledgements from Session #1: - I acknowledged Asiel for completing the VoSCA assessment. - I also acknowledged him for participating in these Career Coaching sessions to get a better understanding of what career path he would like to pursue. Takeaways from Session #1: - Asiel liked the process of doing the assessment he feels a little clearer about the process of career discovery. Action Plan from Session #1: - Asiel agreed to review the VoSCA report in more detail and research on the Internet using the O*Net Online Career Research Tool (www.onetonline.org) the recommended careers above which he scored 6 or more out of 10, and document his research in this password-protected blog under the section at the end called “Leave a Reply”. The careers on his shortlist in order of his passion level are: #1 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (8/10) #2 Survey Researchers (7/10) #3 Clinical Data Managers (7/10) #4 Management Analysts (7/10) #5 Agricultural Technicians (7/10) #6 Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products (7/10) #7 Agricultural Inspectors (6/10) #8 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (6/10) #9 Social Science Research Assistants (6/10) #10 Food Science Technicians (6/10) #11 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists (6/10) #12 Storage and Distribution Managers (6/10) #13 First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers (6/10) - He also agreed to see if any of the careers in the Related section under each of his recommended careers in the report catch his interest, and to put those in the blog as well. In particular, he should at least copy and paste the following sections from the O*Net site into the blog: Tasks, Knowledge, Related Careers, and Wages & Employment Trends. - The next session was scheduled for Monday November 18, 2013 at 4:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #2: Monday November 18, 2013

- Zuruel and I reviewed his ratings of the various careers in the VoSCA assessment, and here are his new ratings for them in terms of his passion level (1 is no passion and 10 is the highest passion): #1 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (9/10) #2 Management Analysts (9/10) #3 Survey Researchers (8/10) #4 Clinical Data Managers (8/10) #5 Occupational Health and Safety Technicians (7/10) #6 Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products (7/10) #7 Geophysical Data Technician (6/10) #8 Social Science Research Assistants (6/10) Acknowledgements from Session #2: - I acknowledged Asiel for the reviewing the VoSCA report, and for being able to narrow down his career shortlist! Takeaways from Session #2: - Asiel felt that the process of elimination was narrowing down his career choices nicely. His career shortlist is down from over 1,100 careers in the US Department's career database to eight choices after only two sessions! Action Plan from Session #2: - Asiel agreed to research in more detail using the O*Net Online Career Research Tool (www.onetonline.org) the careers on his current shortlist. In particular, he should at least copy and paste the following sections from the O*Net site (www.onetonline.org) into the blog: Tasks, Knowledge, Related Careers, and Wages & Employment Trends. The careers on his current shortlist are, in order of his passion level: #1 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (9/10) #2 Management Analysts (9/10) #3 Survey Researchers (8/10) #4 Clinical Data Managers (8/10) #5 Occupational Health and Safety Technicians (7/10) #6 Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products (7/10) #7 Geophysical Data Technician (6/10) #8 Social Science Research Assistants (6/10) - The next session schedule was scheduled for Monday December 2, 2013 at 4:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #3: Monday December 2, 2013

- Asiel and I reviewed his ratings of the various careers in the VoSCA assessment, and here are his new ratings for them in terms of his passion level (1 is no passion and 10 is the highest passion): #1 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (9/10) #2 Human Resources Managers (8/10) #3 Industrial Organizational Psychologists (8/10) #4 Management Analysts (6/10) #5 Survey Researchers (6/10) Acknowledgements from Session #3: - I acknowledged Asiel for doing research on the careers on his shortlist, and for being able to narrow down his possible careers to five after just three sessions! Takeaways from Session #3: - Asiel felt that the process of elimination was narrowing down his career choices nicely. His career shortlist is down from over 1,100 careers in the US Department's career database to five choices after only three sessions! Action Plan from Session #3: - Asiel agreed to research in more detail on the Internet (Google) the careers on his current shortlist. In particular, he should find out what institutions in Trinidad he can study at for each of his possible careers, and what the job opportunities are in Trinidad. The careers on his current shortlist are, in order of his passion level: #1 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (9/10) #2 Human Resources Managers (8/10) #3 Industrial Organizational Psychologists (8/10) #4 Management Analysts (6/10) #5 Survey Researchers (6/10) - Asiel also agreed to start interviewing professionals who work in the careers on his shortlist, using the Microsoft Word interview template provided at the top of this blog. In particular, he should print out five copies of the interview template, and record the results of his five interviews on separate documents. Both Asiel and I will work on getting a list of names and their contact information for his interviews. Here are two contacts so far: 1. Human Resources Manager: - Lily Akien of Hadco Limited - Mobile: 684-4431 - E-mail: lilya@hadcoltd.com 2. Industrial Organizational Psychologist: - Maureen Bowen of Hadco Limited - Mobile: 680-2915 - E-mail: joannebowen21@yahoo.com - The next session schedule was scheduled for Monday December 9, 2013 at 4:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #4: Monday December 9, 2013

- Asiel mentioned that he completed two of his interviews. One was with Lily Akien (HR Manager at Hadco), and the other was with Maureen Bowen (Industrial Organizational Psychologist at Hadco). Asiel mentioned that both of these individuals were very passionate about their careers, and that the only downside is that they were extremely busy at their jobs at Hadco. But we discussed that this could be a function of two things:

The company which they work for is very demanding
They both choose to be very available to their employees, for example, by providing their cell numbers to them.

- Asiel said that he is definitely leaning toward a career in Psychology, and that this will now cause him to really focus on getting a good mark in his CAPE Social Studies course. It will also help him in his application process in January to Universities. - I asked Asiel how important family life was to him in the future. He said that he would like to be married and start a family by the time he is about 28 years old. Once he starts his family, it would take precedence over his career, which I commended him for. This is because of his own family life struggles growing up as a youngster. He shared with me that he considers home now as a combination of uncles, aunts, and a supervisor from Casa de Corazon. He last saw his Mom and Dad in August 2013, and before that it was three years ago. Acknowledgements from Session #4: - I acknowledged Asiel for completing two of his five interviews. - I also acknowledged him for being almost certain that a career in Psychology will provide him with a purpose-driven life. - I also acknowledged him for valuing his future family life over his career. Takeaways from Session #4: - Asiel felt that the process of Career Coaching had led him to an almost certain career choice in the field of Psychology. Action Plan from Session #4: - Asiel agreed to interview professionals in the other three career fields, and I will provide with the names and contact info for these professionals as soon as I get them. The remaining careers which he needs to interview professionals in are: #1 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (9/10) #4 Management Analysts (6/10) #5 Survey Researchers (6/10) - The next session was scheduled for Monday January 6, 2014 at 4:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #5: Monday January 6, 2014

- Asiel and I discussed his shortlist of careers, and I asked him if any of his ratings had changed as he contemplated these careers over the holidays. He said that he wanted to increase his rating of his top career of "Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health" to 10/10. But as we discussed the relative newness of the Environmental Science in Trinidad and Tobago, he decided to leave his rating of this career at 9/10. - He also said that he is no longer interested in the career of Survey Researcher, so his list is now down to four careers, namely: #1 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (9/10) #2 Human Resources Managers (8/10) #3 Industrial Organizational Psychologists (8/10) #4 Management Analysts (6/10) - Asiel has decided to apply to various Universities in Trinidad for programs in the above four fields, with Environmental Science being his first choice. He said that he can always do a minor in HR and Psychology, and take some electives in business. Acknowledgements from Session 5: - I acknowledged Asiel for knowing which programs he would like to apply to University for. Takeaways from Session #5: - Asiel feels that the whole process of Career Coaching has lead him to be certain of his choice of program for University, as well as preparing him for having a good chance of having a successful career and family life. Action Plan from Session #5: - Asiel agreed to interview professionals in the other two career fields, and I will provide with the names and contact info for these professionals as soon as I get them. The remaining careers which he needs to interview professionals in are: #1 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (9/10) #4 Management Analysts (6/10) - The next session was scheduled for Monday January 27, 2014 at 4:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #6: Monday January 27, 2014

- Asiel and I discussed the career of "Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health" as it relates to jobs in Trinidad and Tobago. He said that when he graduates from this field, he would first probably work for the public sector, for example, Petrotrin. But his dream would be to work for BP one day. - I commended Asiel for wanting to work for BP one day because it is a very forward-thinking company, with research going on in various forms of alternative energy, such as biofuels and wind energy. We spoke about the viability of wind farms on the north coast of Trinidad where there seems to be a lot of sea breeze, but Asiel said that this location would not be too feasible because it is not flat land. We also discussed the viability of solar power for Trinidad and the Caribbean in general, and Asiel felt that this was more viable than wind power. - We also discussed the predominant method that Powergen in Trinidad uses to generate electricity, and Asiel said that it is burning oil, which emits a fair amount of carbon dioxide, and this is not good for the environment. The burning of natural gas to generate electricity is cleaner and better for the environment, but is less efficient and more expensive. - Asiel's goal now is the improve his marks in the next two terms at Polytechnic so that he can get into UWI to study Environmental Science. - I asked Asiel if he felt that it was necessary for him to interview someone in the Environmental field, and it said that it was not absolutely necessary. I said that I would provide him anyway with a contact so that he can interview them if he wanted. The contact is:

Vitra Singh (Assistant Manager, HESQ at Yara, Trinidad and Tobago, Oil & Energy). Mobile: 788-3361, E-mail: vitras@gmail.com

- We discussed whether Asiel was still interested in the career of Management Analyst and he said no, because this would require a degree in business, which he is not interested in pursuing. - We then discuss how Asiel felt about the six sessions of Career Coaching, and he said that it has helped him a lot. Before the sessions began, he was not sure what field he was going to study at university, but now he is sure at least for his undergraduate degree, that it is in the Environmental field. He will leave the decision about what field to study for in his Masters to when he is nearing the end of his undergraduate degree. He would like to make sure that his Masters degree would help him to earn a fair amount if money to be able to support a family one day, and to be able to live the lifestyle that he wants to live. I suggested to Asiel that a good possibility for his Masters degree would be an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) because then a company like BP would look at him in a better light with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and an MBA. - We then discussed the importance of Asiel keeping up his list of "warm" contacts such as the staff at Marian House and myself, because when it comes time for getting a job, especially his first job, it is quite often who he knows that will help him to get his foot in the door. - I asked Asiel about how it feels that he has decided to go into the Environmental field, and he said that he has a lot more confidence that when someone now asks him what he wants to do, he says: "I want to do a undergraduate degree in Environmental Management with a minor in HR. I may then decide to pursue a Masters in Business Administration (MBA)." - We then discussed the fact that by Asiel being a lot surer about his major, that this would provide him more confidence and a stronger ability to market himself in the future, for example, when looking for a job. I provided him with the following tips when he eventually goes for an interview with a company such as BP:

Prior to the interview, research thoroughly the company that you are being interviewed by.
Speak about your knowledge of the company in such as way that the interviewer feels that you already work for the company.
Let the interviewer know how you would like the company to grow and improve. Be clear about what value proposition you bring to the company so that the interviewer goes a way thinking about why he should hire you almost immediately.

- I mentioned to Asiel about the Dale Carnegie course on Effective Communications, and he said that he would be interested in finding out more. He took a simpler version of this when Marian House nominated him to participate in a summer course offered by Catherine Gordon. Asiel got a few awards for best interview, best dressed, etc. which I commended him for. The link to the Dale Carnegie course is: http://trinidadtobago.dalecarnegie.com/events/dale_carnegie_course/ - We spoke about the recent oil spill by Petrotrin and how it has affected the seas, shores, and wildlife in Trinidad. We also spoke about the oil sands projects in north-western Canada (Alberta), and how polluting this form of energy is. We touched on the Kyoto Protocol and the fact that countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol have not really lived up to their commitments for the reduction in greenhouse emissions because of the economic impact. In wrapping up, we also spoke about the recycling program in Canada, and how Trinidad and Tobago has a lot of catching up to do. - I asked Asiel if he has mock exams coming up later this term, and he said that Polytechnic does not offer mock exams for CAPE. He did say however, that he can do as many practice exams as he wants and the teachers would correct them because not many students do the practice exams. I encouraged Asiel to take advantage of this in order to improve his marks when he actually does write his CAPE exams. - I also shared with Asiel the study timetable that I provided the other boys at Marian House, and I encouraged him to get copies from the office to help him be more disciplined in his study time. Acknowledgements from Session 6: - I acknowledged Asiel for knowing finalizing his career choice of "Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health". Takeaways from Session #6: - Asiel feels that the whole process of Career Coaching has lead him to be certain of his choice of program for University, as well as preparing him for having a good chance of having a successful career and family life. Action Plan from Session #6: - Asiel agreed to interview a professional in the field of "Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health" if he felt that it was necessary. The contact that I provided him with is:

Vitra Singh (Assistant Manager, HESQ at Yara, Trinidad and Tobago, Oil & Energy). Mobile: 788-3361, E-mail: vitras@gmail.com

- I encouraged Asiel to take advantage of the teachers' willingness to correct practice exams in order to improve his marks when he actually does write his CAPE exams. - I also encouraged Asiel to use the study timetable that I provided the other boys at Marian House, to help him be more disciplined in his study time.

Career Coaching Session #7: Friday 6 February 2015

I asked Asiel to provide me with an update on his first term at UWI, and this was his analysis:

He's sure that he failed the course "Properties of Soil and the Environment" but so did most other students because the course required a fair amount of knowledge of Chemistry and Physics. He plans to retake the course for free in summer 2015.
He missed the exam for "Geomorphology of Soils", and he plans to retake this course in September 2015.
This semester going well, and so by the end of December, he should catch up.

- Asiel also shared with me that when he completes his Bachelors in Environmental Science by April of 2017, he wants to immediately start his Masters, probably abroad if he gets a scholarship. Acknowledgements from Session 6: - I acknowledged Asiel for learning from his mistakes in term 1 at UWI for committing to being more disciplined in his studies for term 2. Takeaways from Session #6: - Asiel feels more focused about his approach to his University studies and career. - He also feels confident that he will be able to catch up on the courses that he failed by December 2015. Action Plan from Session #6: - Asiel plans to retake the course "Properties of Soil and the Environment" in the summer of 2015. - He also plans to retake the course "Geomorphology of Soils" in September 2015. - The next session was scheduled for Wednesday 17 September 2014 at 3:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #8: Monday 17 September 2014

- Asiel said that he has a heavy work load at UWI, but he pay lots of attention in class. - He is taking a major in Environmental and Resource Management and a minor in Geography. - He has to take two foundation courses: (1) Law, Governance, Economy and Society; (2) Caribbean Civilization. - His Environmental courses are: (1) Intro to Environmental and Resource Management, (2) Soils and the Environment. - His Geography courses are: (1) Human Geography - Population and Migration; (2) Geomorphology of Earth. - He currently would rate a career in oil and gas environmental field as 8.5/10. - Asiel shared that even though he is no longer moving over to St. Joseph’s apartments, he is getting some flexibility from staff at Marian House in terms of: (1) own room, (2) the use of the laptop for however long he needs it. Acknowledgements from Session 8: - I acknowledged Asiel for focusing well on his studies in Term 2 at UWI.. Takeaways from Session #8: - Asiel feels more focused about his approach to his University studies and career. - He also feels confident that he will be able to catch up on the courses that he failed by December 2015. Action Plan from Session #8: - Asiel plans to retake the course "Properties of Soil and the Environment" in the summer of 2015. - He also plans to retake the course "Geomorphology of Soils" in September 2015.

Career Coaching Session #9: Thursday 21 May 2015

- Asiel said that his second term exams at UWI went well, and he believes that he passed all of his courses this term. - He started his repeat course "Soils and the Environment" from term one that most of the students failed, and the exam for this course is in July. - He aims to finish his undergraduate degree at age 21. - Asiel said that he would like to do his Masters degree right after he finishes his Bachelors degree, and he is considering one of the following options for his Masters:

Environmental Health and Safety
Geography and Geology, related to surveying and mining in the energy sector.

- I shared with Asiel that some people also work for a few years in their field of specialty, and then take a MBA part-time at a school such as the Arthur Lok-Jack School of Graduate Studies. This provides a person with the business as well as the technical knowledge needed to rise upward in an organization. - Asiel shared with me that he is starting an internship with BG (British Gas), and this will last from June to August. - He also shared with me that he has always had leadership qualities, and he likes to set an example for others who look up to him. He said that as he reflects back at his time at Marian House so far, he sees occasions where he could have shown better cooperation and understanding with the staff, and he is open to learning from his mistakes. Acknowledgements from Session 9: - I acknowledged Asiel for focusing well on his studies in term 2 at UWI, and having a plan to finish his Bachelors degree on time by the time he is 21 years old. - I also acknowledged him for starting an internship at BG in his field of study. - Finally, I acknowledged Asiel for wanting to learn from his past mistakes. Takeaways from Session #9: - Asiel feels more focused about his approach to his University studies and career. Action Plan from Session #9: - Asiel plans to complete the course "Properties of Soil and the Environment" by July 2015. - He also plans to retake the course "Geomorphology of Soils" in September 2015. - He plans on completing an internship at BG from June to August 2015. - The next session was scheduled for Thursday 25 June 2015 at 4:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #10: Thursday 25 June 2015

- Asiel is currently working from June 1 until August 31 as an intern at BG HSSE (Health, Safety, Security and Environmental) department in Environmental subdivision, as an environmental advisor reporting to Lead Environmental Advisor. - Summer class extended by three more classes and then the exam will be scheduled shortly thereafter. - Asiel is having some problems with his schedule and Marian House’s schedule. A lot of spontaneous events are thrown out for the boys and this upsets Asiel. This is because Asiel does a lot of reading on the Internet for his course and his job. - Safety at BGF is a high priority and part of the culture. - Oil and Gas companies are not worried about resources running out in the next 10 to 20 years. - Marian House is one of BG’s three preferred charities, and such Asiel should have a good chance to get hired full time when he graduates from UWI, especially if he keeps his connections. - There is a National graduate program for the Oil and Gas industries, and individual private companies also offer similar programs. Acknowledgements from Session 10: - I also acknowledged him for working hard at his internship at BG in his field of study. Takeaways from Session #10: - Asiel feels that he is learning a lot from his internship at BG, and he is also making good connections for his future career. Action Plan from Session #10: - Asiel plans to complete the course "Properties of Soil and the Environment" by July 2015. - He plans on completing an internship at BG by 31 August 2015. - Asiel agreed to try to work his schedule around Marian House’s schedule. - The next session was scheduled for Thursday 16 July 2015 at 4:00 PM.

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