Career Planning Process
Career Planning Process
Career Planning Process
The first step in the Career Planning Model involves gathering information about yourself to
assist in making a decision about a career. You should develop an understanding of self
including values, interests, aptitudes, abilities, personal traits, and desired life style, and
become aware of the interrelationship between self and occupational choice
The second step allows individuals to investigate the world of work in greater depth, narrow
a general occupational direction into a specific one through an informed decision making
process, and declare a major.
In Step III individuals evaluate occupational choices and gain practical experience through
internships, cooperative education, relevant summer employment, volunteer work and
campus activities. In addition, more specific decisions about occupational choices are made.
An initial occupational choice is made in Step IV. Individuals prepare for and begin
conducting a job search, or apply to graduate or professional schools.
Self Assessment
This step involves gathering information about yourself to assist in making a decision about
a career. By developing an understanding of self (values, interests, aptitudes, abilities,
personal traits, and desired life style) you should become aware of the interrelationship
between self and occupational choice.
Start by:
• Learning interests, abilities, skills, and work values
• Listing accomplishments
• Understanding physical and psychological needs
• Assessing aspirations and motivation level
• Deciphering personal traits and characteristics
Competency Areas
As you begin to develop a better understanding of yourself. You will gain the following
competencies:
• Gain self-awareness
• Improve self-confidence
• Understand time and stress management
• Develop personal/professional management skills
Strategies For Gaining Self-Assessment Competencies
The following list gives concrete examples of ways to gain competencies for self-
assessment.
• Take exploratory classes
• Attend workshops for study skills, time management and stress management
• Join activity clubs or professional clubs
• Allow regular time for leisure, hobbies and friends
• Identify symptoms of stress
• Identify personality style
• Identify work values
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills in expressing feelings and ideas
• Demonstrate skills in overcoming self-defeating behaviors
• Complete SIGI Plus, Strong Interest Inventory, Self Directed Search, and/or MBTI
Competency Areas
Competency Areas
Competency Areas
Career Change
• Review Step I - Self Assessment steps
• Expand current position through job enrichment
• Decide if career change or career enhancement is desired
• Seek lateral positions within the organization
• Determine new skills to acquire
• Seek and acquire professional development/education/training
• Change life patterns outside of work
• Plan for life/work after retirement
Competency Areas
Competency areas are the actual goals you achieve during the self-assessment process.
Click on each competency to see more specific definitions if applicable.
• Gain understanding of strengths/weaknesses
• Develop new skills
• Understand and practice establishing short and long term goals
• Develop/enhance networking and communication skills with people working in areas
of interest
• Practice risk-taking