Career Planning

Review the following questions and answers:

How many times will most people (in the US) change jobs in their lifetime?

• 25 times

Can workers in the U.S. today get laid-off through no fault of their own?

• Yes

Is there job security today?

• Not necessarily, but there are steps you can take that lead to more job security, like continuing to learn new skills.

What do employers look at when deciding to hire new employees?

• Skills and experience

Because of all these factors, career planning is an important life skill and it helps students identify the education needed to reach their career goals.

 

What is the difference between a job and a career??

Job = the work position that you have at any point in time

Career = the path of your jobs over time

Our goal is to think about your career and not just the next job.

Some examples of careers are:

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Surgical Technologist – Nurse The career path is in the health care field.
2. Secretary – Administrative Assistant – Manager This career path could be within many different fields.
3. Teacher – Social Worker – Consultant This career path focuses on jobs that use similar skills but in different fields.

 

What is career planning?

• Identifying what you are good at

• How your skills, talents, values, and interests translate into work

• Matching your skills, etc., to existing jobs

• Matching your career goal to your financial needs

• It is a process

• Need it to make good decisions

By doing career planning you can find good answers that meet your needs on your schedule. But remember: Career planning is an iterative process and is lifelong.

 

Self-exploration looks at:

• Skills

• Values

• Experience

• Interests

• Education

The next two tasks you will be exploring your interests in depth with W.O.I.S. and the education that goes with each career option that fit your particular interest. Lets get started!