Career Planning – 24 tips for Career planning

Career Planning is not something that should be done once – when you are in college or high school. It’s a lifelong process.  Career planning should be done on a regular basis and it’s never too soon or too late to start the process.

What is it that you want to do in your life? What kind of job are you looking for? Where do you see yourself after 10 years or so? How to choose a career that’s adaptable to your skills and talents? These are just some of the typical questions that confuse us especially when we are in the midst of job search and starting our professional career. However, making career choices is not such a difficult task as it may seem too many. With just a few simple tips, you too can land a job (even jobs) that is right for you!

 24 career planning tips that will give a boost to your career goals.

1. Do something you enjoy: Before starting your career search, analyze your interests, skills, and talents. What is it that you like to do? What are you good at? Make a career list of jobs you can undertake or wish to pursue. Think about the different tasks you will be asked to do during your choice of career. Will you enjoy doing them with passion and motivation? If yes, then look for available employment in those specific fields. You are bound to find something that is fit, especially for you.
2. Research different career opportunities: With so many careers available, which one should you choose? Try the career clusters which helps students like you and me identify various jobs that are suitable for different skill sets.
3. Identify a career direction: When doing you career planning, always analyze the future. Where do you want to be in 5 years from now? Would you like to continue what you are doing or look for a career change in the near future? For example, make a switch from business careers to a technical field.
4. Research the various careers: Research plays a primary role in choosing the most suitable career path. Find out as much as you can about the jobs that interest you. Its educational requirements, salary, time frame, etc. career fairs, career planning centers and libraries are the best places to find more about specific careers.
5. Gain experience in the field that interests you: Enhance your knowledge about the career that interests you by taking part in internships during your education period and volunteering. For example, if you are interested in being part of the various health careers, develop your skills by volunteering at hospitals and clinics.
6. Take a few self-assessment tests: Career tests that are widely available on the internet help greatly in choosing the right career. The self-assessment tests can help identify your skills and match them with the career that is best suitable for them. Career planning also involves testing yourself from time to time.
7. Take career counseling: Professional help from a career coach can make a massive impact on your job search. Career counseling is similar to marriage or psychology counseling and will offer various career assessments and help you chose the right one.
8. Join your college career center: During the education period, join the college career center where you get access to unlimited resources for your career development.
9. Expand your network: Talk with people whose careers interest you. Find out more about the nature of their work. This will help you learn more about the career and the tasks involved with the certain choice.
10. Join professional associations: A professional association in the field of your choice is also a great way to tap into the network. Join these networks such as LinkedIn and be part of the professional circle.
11. Take the free career aptitude test: The four-page free career test available on the internet is another ideal way to match your skills with potential career choices. The career placement test will take hardly 10 minutes of your time but will be helpful in realizing your career goals for the long term.
12. Try career builders: CareerBuilder is one of the several job sites where you can search for jobs and post resumes for employers to easily find you. The websites also give helpful resources such as how to prepare for an interview and the accurate format for resumes to job searchers. Here you can find jobs in more than 13 categories including marketing careers, accounting careers, psychology careers, and science careers.
13. Join career connects: The career connects especially those that are affiliated with universities provide helpful resources for job seekers. Connect with them and find various resources to land the perfect job.
14. Try career finder on the internet: The internet is filled with resources for job seekers. Check out the different career jobs offered on the various websites such as career link and career finder.
15. Join career planning center at your college: Another way to expand your career search is to join planning center of your college. These online communities suggest various ways you can find a job that matches your skill and talent.
16. Find the best ways to market yourself: Compare job hunting to marketing products. In order to succeed in the plethora of job seekers, you have to sell yourself in the right way to prospective employers. The best way to do this is to highlight your skills and accomplishments in your resume. The resume is your first impression for any job and should be accurately correct and impressive for any potential job offer.
17. Try your luck at online jobs: If you are stuck in the midst of job and career search – try online jobs. These jobs are a great way to pay bills and of course, the additional money doesn’t hurt.
18. Keep on learning new skills: New skills don’t hurt. If you lack something that might be helpful in the future, learn it now. Join classes, workshops, or webinars on the internet. Be prepared for anything that comes your way.
19. Keep yourself updated by taking career personality test: We all change over time. Even if you have succeeded in finding a job career, you might change your mind after some time. What you like doing now may turn into a dislike after 2 years. After some time, refresh your career goals by retaking the career assessment tests. Maybe the career you believe is the best for you may not be after some time.
20. Discuss your career choice with people around you: Friends, family members and teachers provide the best guidance. So make sure you discuss your career ideas with them before going job hunting.
21. Look out for advancement opportunities: You may not be able to find success if you are still in the same chair after five years or so. Look out for opportunities that allow you to advance in your field. A new course or maybe a higher degree – look beyond your existing position.
22. Look for new career ideas around you every day: Try to break your routine and look at things from a different perspective. Read a different newspaper, see a different genre of movie or maybe try a different cuisine. Anything to break out from the rut. You never know by trying various things in your everyday life may give you a fresh idea about your career choice.
23. Don’t set too many expectations: Remember the best career is not the one that gives you the maximum revenue – it is that where you find the most satisfaction.
24. Be patient: A career change or an opportunity doesn’t come overnight. Be patient and realistic with your search. Keep an open mind about your expectations and listen to the advice that is given by the people around you. With time and by following the above tips, you too will be able to land the perfect job in the field that is right for you. Whether you are looking for a career in psychology, medical careers, or engineering careers – with time, motivation, and a bit of luck – you will be well on your way to reaching the level of success you want in your life.