Five Basic Steps in Planning Your Future Career

Career planning is one of the important processes that we have to undergo in order to secure our future. Although it sounds overwhelming, it can actually be fairly simple if done with the right amount of preparation and dedication. Here are five basic steps that can serve as your guide:

Step 1: Self-Evaluation

• Self-evaluation is the process of assessing your personality, skills, knowledge, interests, qualifications, and expertise.
• It is easier to look for careers that match your passions and abilities.
• According to psychologists, those who conduct self-awareness processes before choosing professions have reported up to 80 percent higher satisfaction levels with their careers.
• You can do quick self-assessment tests online. There are plenty of sites that structure tests to provide possible job options based on your answers to the self-evaluation questions.

Step 2: Explore Options

• A lot of patience is needed in this step since you will need to research on different careers that you can embark on based on the data that you have gathered in Step 1.
• Start by listing down general fields of interest that suit your identity. Examples of these general fields are health, media, politics, art, education, commerce, and entertainment.
• Focus on your field of choice and look for possible specializations. For example, if you are interested in media, you can choose from more specific jobs such as being a journalist, broadcaster, or producer.
• Explore work options, availability, and the competition in the job market.
• Find out what skills and qualification are needed in order to prosper in your chosen profession.
• Also check opportunities for career development and the compensation offered for your prospective job.

Step 3: Make a Decision

• Based on your answers on Step 1 and on the choices that you have in Step 2, make a choice.
• The probability of success is high if your skills, interests, and credentials match your career prospects.

Step 4: Prepare to Market Yourself

• Make resume that highlights your educational background, training experience, and skills that are related to the position that you want.
• If you do not have a good background about the new profession that you want, you can apply for vocational classes, volunteer as interns, or enroll in a formal degree. These could take time but could definitely help you easily get employed later on.

Step 5: Apply

• Look for desired jobs from classified ad listings and online notice boards. You can also ask your family and friends for any referrals.
• Make yourself constantly available for possible interviews and pre-employment training.
• Create meaningful networks with persons in your chosen career pathways increase chances of hiring.