The Building Blocks of Career Planning
Although career planning may seem overwhelming, following the steps in these four building blocks will help you research and attain your career goal:
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Self Assessment
Create a personal inventory of your skills, interests, values, personality and learning style. |
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Research
Learn as much as you can about careers that interest you - how much does it pay, what are the working conditions, etc. |
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Make a Fit
It's now time to decide how to match your personal inventory with careers that require your strengths and skill sets. |
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Create a Plan
This may include locating an education program, selecting a school, financial aid, resume preparation, standardized admission tests and interviewing techniques. |
Keep reading for more information on how to structure your career planning:
Don't be modest - do be honest! Create a personal inventory of your strengths and skill sets by following these steps:
1. Write a list of skills you have acquired.
For example:
- Basic skills - such as reading, writing, speaking, listening
- Social skills - such as teaching, negotiation, persuasion
- Technical skills - such as analysis, trouble-shooting, decision making
- Management skills - such as time management, motivation and direction of others, management of financial and material resources
2. What are your interests?
Create a list of activities and interests that you have really enjoyed in the last five years. Is there a common theme?
3. What do you value in the workplace?
Create a list of what you need in the job environment. For example, you may value some of the following: Feel that your work makes a difference. Job security. Have regular hours. Work as a team. Work independently. Have respect and status. Helping others. Salary. Work with your hands. Work outdoors.
4. What is your learning style?
Online learning is different in many respects from the traditional face-to-face learning we're all used to, primarily in the way we get our information and how we interact with instructors and classmates. Many people say they learn more online, and their retention is better too.
Learn as much as you can about the careers that interest you:
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From what you have learned in the step above, create a short list of careers you are interested in. |
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For each career that interests you, prepare and conduct an information interview with a person already employed in that occupation. |
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Write to professional organizations requesting more information on the profession and potential contact names. |
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Other methods to research potential careers include job shadowing, volunteering, contract employment, work-study programs and summer employment. |
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