It might seem like a long and daunting task to plan for a career, given that the current world is so dynamic. Growing up in some parts of the world, there is always a societal or family pressure toward becoming an Engineer or a Doctor, since either of these two are the most reputed occupations out there, apparently. We are also always bombarded by a common question at every social gathering. When we were kids, we were asked – ‘what do you want to become when you grow up?’. Or being an adult, we are asked – ‘what are you doing nowadays?’. Seems like the need for planning a career was always summoned at us by our surroundings. So, it is pretty much needless to highlight the importance of a proper career planning.
Career planning consists of activities and actions that you take to achieve your individual career goals. Career planning is the ongoing process where you find your interests and abilities. You should strategically plan your career goals and create your future work plan by designing how to always keep learning and turn plans to actions. This will surely help you achieve your goals.
You might be at various stages in your life at the moment. You might want to completely change your career, or just leaving university and taking your first steps into the world of work, there are many steps you need to take to go after your dream career. It is important to plan your career, but at the same time, try and remember that things don’t always work out according to the plan. So, always have back-ups. Moreover, there is a guide provided below to help you out in making and shaping your career preferences.
Develop a refined list of career options by examining your interests, skills, and values through self-assessment. Narrow your career options by reviewing career information, researching companies, and talking to professionals in the field. You can further narrow your list when you take part in experiences such as shadowing, volunteering, and internships.
If you are just starting out, the most advisable step at this stage now would be to to volunteer or work as an intern. Don’t forget that people are a fantastic resource to speak to in order to learn about the practical world. Talk to them, ask them about their job, career plan and what made them reach where they are now.
After performing self-assessment, the most logical step would be to set a priority for your tasks. You need to assess what is important to you, and what exactly it is that you hope to get out of a career. You must always have a strong reason for investing so much of your time in building a good career. Keep thinking about your values, what you enjoy doing, your best skills, and then compare this with the list of potential jobs you gathered while self-assessment steps.You have to prioritize.
Whether it’s challenging work or a hefty paycheck, it helps to know what really matters to you.
Moreover, you should always consider factors outside your choice. It might sound a bit contrary but truly it isn’t. After all, you should also assess the risk at stake while making a career choice. Meaning, you should analyze what is the current demand for your choice of career? If the demand is low or entry is difficult, are you comfortable with risk? What qualifications are required to enter the field?
Will it require additional education or training? How will selecting this option affect you and others in your life? Gather advice from friends, colleagues, and family members. Consider potential outcomes and barriers for each of your final options.
Finally, it is always recommended to choose the career paths that are best for you and live a life with no regrets. The path you choose depends upon your situation and comfort level. If you’re early in your planning, then identifying multiple options may be best. You may want several paths to increase the number of potential opportunities.
All the very best!
