The career development process is a lifelong task whereby choices made during the university years are particularly significant in setting the foundation for future professional options.
Two major considerations come into play regarding the choices students take to plan their future career path:
- personal development along with ongoing self-discovery and
- the current and future work environment
Key elements of the career development process are:
- Exploring and researching options
- Individual self assessment as foundation for career planning
- Deciding and setting goals
- Developing a plan and taking action
- Reflection and evaluation
This checklist can be a useful tool to develop a practical plan to implement.
Career exploration/job-search checklist:
Self-awareness:
- What are my values?
- What are my skills and abilities?
- What are my interests?
- What is my personality style?
- What other life roles are important along with my job?
- What are the family and cultural influences on my career path?
Opportunity-awareness:
- What kinds of occupations and jobs am I suited for?
- How much do I know about these different fields (job description, amount of pay, working conditions, opportunity for advancement, whether there is a demand for this field, the types of tasks performed, etc.)?
- What are my options (possibilities: further study/training, work shadowing/ work experience/ volunteer work as a stepping stone towards long-term employment)?
- What are my short-term and long-term goals?
- How do I make decision about these options?
Job search:
- Do I have an up-to-date résumé and cover letter?
- What do I need to know about going to a job interview?
- How well do I network with others who may be potential employers?
