ARTICLE: INTRODUCTION TO THE CAREER PLANNING PROCESS THE CAREER & EDUCATION PLANNING PROCESS Frank J. Minor, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Emeritus, Saint Career Dimensions, Inc., Copyright © 2014 WHY CAREER PLANNING IS NECESSARY In today's world of rapid change, transformation and progress, new career paths are constantly unfolding, traditional ones are being changed and shifts are taking place in occupation skills and educational requirements. These changes are a result of new technology, modifications in organizational design and the trend towards global business operations. With all these changes, you might ask "What is the point of planning ahead by developing a career plan?" It is important to be ready for change with a set of career goals, strategies and options based on your interests, personality, values and skills. Once you have a plan, you will be equipped to manage your career and take advantage of changes in the economy and job market rather than becoming a victim of change. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING AND MANAGING YOUR CAREER? Planning your career is totally your responsibility. It is up to you to do the planning and take the necessary actions to obtain the education and training that will support your career plans. However, you can get help. For example, your advisor or career counselor can advise you about: your career planning strategy how to find information you need how to get around obstacles how to go about planning your current and long-term education and training Keep in mind, throughout your life, you are the one who must make all the decisions about your career and produce the results that support your goals. It’s up to you to control and navigate your own destiny. THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF ASSESSMENT Understanding yourself is a critical aspect of career and educational exploration and planning. The more you know about your career-related interests, values, skills, personality type and preferences, the better equipped you will be to identify the career fields, major areas of study and training programs, and education pathways that are compatible with your personal attributes. The FOCUS 2 system will help you develop an accurate self assessment of your personal qualities:
ARTICLE: INTRODUCTION TO THE CAREER PLANNING PROCESS THE CAREER & EDUCATION PLANNING PROCESS Frank J. Minor, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Emeritus, Saint Career Dimensions, Inc., Copyright © 2014 WHY CAREER PLANNING IS NECESSARY In today's world of rapid change, transformation and progress, new career paths are constantly unfolding, traditional ones are being changed and shifts are taking place in occupation skills and educational requirements. These changes are a result of new technology, modifications in organizational design and the trend towards global business operations. With all these changes, you might ask "What is the point of planning ahead by developing a career plan?" It is important to be ready for change with a set of career goals, strategies and options based on your interests, personality, values and skills. Once you have a plan, you will be equipped to manage your career and take advantage of changes in the economy and job market rather than becoming a victim of change. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING AND MANAGING YOUR CAREER? Planning your career is totally your responsibility. It is up to you to do the planning and take the necessary actions to obtain the education and training that will support your career plans. However, you can get help. For example, your advisor or career counselor can advise you about: your career planning strategy how to find information you need how to get around obstacles how to go about planning your current and long-term education and training Keep in mind, throughout your life, you are the one who must make all the decisions about your career and produce the results that support your goals. It’s up to you to control and navigate your own destiny. THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF ASSESSMENT Understanding yourself is a critical aspect of career and educational exploration and planning. The more you know about your career-related interests, values, skills, personality type and preferences, the better equipped you will be to identify the career fields, major areas of study and training programs, and education pathways that are compatible with your personal attributes. The FOCUS 2 system will help you develop an accurate self assessment of your personal qualities:
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