The Art of Career Planning
Career planning is foreign to most people, but if you plan your days, weeks, or holidays, shouldn't you plan your career too? You will reach your goals and have the career you desire through career planning.
Career is defined as "a course of action through life in an occupation or undertaking". The meaning of planning is "creating in advance for a definite purpose or specific project". Suffice to say, "planning to achieve your goal in a profession" is what career planning means.
A career goal is important because:
- it gives you the necessary motivation.
- it makes you focus and decide on the occupation you want to pursue.
- it leads you to the realization of your capabilities and skills.
- it keeps having you job search to know the job you really want.
Once a job (such as a teacher) or area of expertise (such as business) is chosen, steps need to be made to reach the goal. "The result where effort is directed" is what a goal is. The career of our dreams is the ideal reward for our efforts.
Now, why is career planning important? Understand that the world is invariably changing. To meet new situations as time goes by, an aspect of career planning is consider the future and find out what additional training or knowledge is necessary to continue to excel in your field. Learning is never-ending throughout your career.
The career planning system involves the following six steps:
- Self-assessment can judge and evaluate your abilities
- Career Exploration - researching different careers
- Targeting helps you determing the goals to set.
- Career Preparation - workshops, seminars, internships
- Marketing yourself includes appropriate dress and CV, and a good attitude.
- Career management lets you know when your interests or needs have changed and updates you on the trends of your field.
It's possible that these steps will be taken numerous times throughout a lifetime. Something else to consider is to find a mentor in your field who's willing to assist you achieve your goals. Mentors are invaluable.
A skill crucial to success is goal setting. To achieve the career of your dreams, write down both long and short-term goals and re-evaluate them regularly.
How is career planning an 'art'? Because it is a skill that can only be obtained with study, practice, and observation. Gather your information, set goals, and chase your dream career!
