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The Art of Career Planning
By Yulin Peng
Career planning is an exercise that is well worth the time invested in it because it sets
you going on the path that leads to where you would like to go. This exercise provides you
with a lot of clarity regarding your career objectives as well and it best done before you
embark on your job search.
Often most people get stuck at the very beginning of the planning process itself. There seem
to be too many choices that are throwing themselves at you with all kinds of material gains,
fame and wealth, comfort and luxury, glamour and beauty. From acting to singing, writing to
banking, software programming to business, choices confuse you. Naturally feelings of self-
doubt might creep in at this stage. Am I good enough for that, you may ask, or how do I
become successful at this. After some time of pondering over many career paths you may end
up thinking that maybe you are no good for any of these things after all.
Here is where a bit of career planning helps. There are two ways of starting off. One is to
find out what you really like doing and do it irrespective of the gains and growth patterns
and the second is to find out what really motivates you, find out which among the careers
gives you what you want and build up competencies for it. Either way you will get what you
want - in the first method the journey itself is your reward (though many will discourage
you on this path, but don't worry, many have tread this path and quite successfully at that
too) and in the second you are carefully working your way to your reward which could be
clearly spelt out to be a consequence of your work or occupation.
Whichever path you choose, it is most important to know your individual strengths and
weaknesses. Sit down and assess yourself honestly. Think of all your accomplishments, of all
the compliments you got, of all the work that really inspired you, of the times when you
worked with passion at and jot them all down. You will find that as you note down your
victories, your achievements etc a pattern will emerge. You can find that you are good at
organizing, at making people comfortable, at leading, at solving puzzles, at physical
activity, at playing music or games. Each of these represents a career option by itself or
throws up some characteristic in you - qualities that could be good assets in your future
career options.
Now list out things that motivate you, that you aspire for, your dreams - things you would
want more than anything else in the world. Find your fit between the person you are and the
dream you wish to achieve. As this picture gets clearer you become more aware, confident and
purposeful. Attributes that serve you well along the way. You have now formed a sharp
picture of yourself with specific saleable qualities.
Based on your aspiration level and your aptitude, you can also identify the careers that
offer the kind of lifestyle or returns that you wish. If you wish to frequently travel and
be in command of a dynamic business you can zero down to careers in marketing with a goal to
set up your own firm or to head a large company (the same may not be possible if you
inherently like to paint for long hours).
It is best to be honest with yourself at this stage because most people take decisions based
on glamorous misconceptions about certain careers and later change them. For example if you
wish to be an airhostess, check out the sources available to the kind of work that is
associated with being an airhostess. Only if you really enjoy doing that kind of work and
the rewards that come with it must you opt for it. Else look further for what really fits
you. Growth, rewards, recognition and most importantly job satisfaction and a good quality
of life come from one thing -loving your job.
Having decided on a particular direction, build competencies. Specific careers need specific
education and training. Whichever area you choose to be in, you will fare well if you strive
to be the best in it. Leave your individual brand on it. Learn the ropes by acquiring
information, by taking up courses, by taking up internships and summer jobs, by learning the
economics of the job, by adding special skills that help in handling the job with greater
proficiency.
All careers without exception would certainly require a good writing and verbal
communicating ability so please work on that, a pleasing and well-mannered personality, a
professional work ethic and good inter-personal skills. Work on these important soft skills
along with as you plan your career.
A final word! If you have a goal then be clear about it and start walking towards it. You
will learn along the way. You will acquire skills and competencies that help you along. The
important thing is to start the journey.
Good luck!
About the Author
Yulin Peng is a recruiting researcher and the owner of http://www.job-employment-guide.com. Please visit his site for more free employment tips.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/30376.html
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