Change is constant
Planning your career means planning for change. The world of work is constantly changing, and we must be prepared to meet these changes without letting them get the better of us. We need to know our strengths and know how to build up our skills.
As humans, we are capable of constant learning. As we learn and grow, we change. We develop new skills, gain more confidence, become open to new opportunities.
Our career is a journey - not a destination. Becoming a good traveller and learning to enjoy the trip are the characteristics of tomorrows generation of workers.
Career planning is too important to be left to chance. After all, the decisions you make now will affect the rest of your life, especially the 25-40 years you will spend in the workforce. If you want a satisfying career, you must prepare by following these steps:
Step 1: Self Assessment
- Learn about yourself, your values, your interests, and your abilities.
- Talk to a careers counsellor about a variety of tests to give you information about yourself.
- Utilise the interest profiler on this site, or check alternative websites here
Step 2: Occupational Research
- Learn as much as you can about a variety of careers by using the Work and Employment section of this site..
- Investigate what's available and preparation needed.
- "Try out" careers through job shadowing, mentorship, cooperative education, or other means.
- Check out trends in occupations (Where are the jobs?)
Step 3: Decision Making
- Develop personal and career objectives.
Step 4: Education/Training
Step 5: Applying for Jobs
- Learn the skills to seek and keep a job.
- Launch a search for your career.
Step 6: Work
- Begin your job.
- Investigate ways to upgrade your skills and advance in your career.
Step 7: Career/Life Planning
- Review periodically where you are and where you want to be.
- Make changes as needed.
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Planning for your future may not be a steady progression up the steps. You may need to move up and down the steps as your life's circumstances change - the career/life planning steps will continue throughout.
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A job exploration tool which aims to help you identify your skills, motivations and interests and then to match yourself to relevant job types. Designed for at College students. (Registration required) |
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Portal site from the government of New Zealand with lots of ideas about career planning. |
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Well developed Australian site containing excellent interactive online career planning module called 'My guide'. Use the results to suggest occupations, then look at local websites for Irish information. |
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American government-sponsored portal containing just about everything needed to plan a career. |
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A useful self assesment tool for adults that generates a printable report indicating top job sectors and occupation groups. UK based, free, no registration required. |
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