Preparation for productive employment in a global economy is one aspect of National Education Goals 3 and 5. Career education can help people realize the opportunities and meet the challenges of the international workplace. The emergence of flexible, information-based technologies is a primary factor in the evolution of the global economy. New market standards, electronic communications, and emphasis on work teams are changing the competitive framework and the content of many jobs. In addition to technical skills, workers will need an array of interpersonal skills, competence in intercultural communication, and appreciation of different cultures. Competing on a global level requires a global mindset--the ability to look at the broader context, deal with ambiguity, trust processes rather than structure, and strive for continuous self-development. The content and focus of career education and development are changing in a global context. Although familiar components such as self-knowledge, occupational exploration, and job search skills remain important, the ability to take personal responsibility for career development and to set career competencies in the larger context is essential. Ability to locate information is becoming necessary both to find a job and to do a job. Workers will need assistance in new areas: undertaking career negotiation; adjusting to downsizing, mergers, and underemployment; helping families adjust to relocation; and reassessing the meaning of work. (Contains 13 references.) (SK)