Section 5.2 Your Plan of Action Back to Table of Contents

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to establish an individual career plan and set intermediate career goals How to determine the education and training you will need

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Planning a course of action early is essential in achieving your career goals. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 individual career plan on-the-job training apprentice vocational-technical center trade school continuing education KEY TERMS

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 An individual career plan is a plan for a course of action that will make your career goals a reality. Your Plan of Action

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 To reach your ultimate career goal, you will first need to establish some intermediate planning goals. Intermediate planning goals are the steps you will take to get from where you are to where you want to be. Your Plan of Action

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Intermediate planning goals are important because they allow you to break your career plan into manageable steps. Intermediate planning goals help you feel confident and focused. Your Plan of Action

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 The more specific your intermediate career targets are, the more likely you are to hit the bull’s-eye. Vague intermediate goals will not help you gain relevant experience. Taking Aim

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 If your intermediate goal is to be a medical technician, don’t be vague by saying: “My intermediate goal is to work in a hospital.” Taking Aim continued

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Be specific: “My intermediate goal is to enroll in a program that will train me to be an emergency room technician.” Taking Aim

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Besides being specific, your planning goals should be realistic. To plan realistic goals for the future, you must think about who and where you are today. With Your Feet on the Ground

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Since you will be developing your career in the years to come, do not limit yourself to the current reality of the world. You may end up starting a trendsetting business. With Your Feet on the Ground

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Stepping-stone goals are short-, medium-, and long-term planning goals that help you reach your ultimate career goal in realistic stages. Stepping-Stone Goals

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 A person who has the ultimate career goal of becoming a chef might have a short-term goal of gaining practical experience as a waiter and a medium- term goal of getting a degree from a culinary institute. Stepping-Stone Goals

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Having stepping-stone goals allows you to make a “course correction” if you decide your ultimate goal is not right for you. Stepping-Stone Goals

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Graphic Organizer 5.2 Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Stepping-Stone Goals ULTIMATE GOAL Long-TermGoals Medium-TermGoals Short-TermGoals

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 One of your first stepping-stone goals should be to get the education and training you will need to achieve your ultimate career goal. Deciding on Education and Training

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Workers who have more than a high school diploma are generally better prepared for their jobs than those who do not. Deciding on Education and Training

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Many options are available for getting the education and training you will need, including: Deciding on Education and Training online learning, apprenticeships, and formal schooling.

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Many people enroll in online courses, which allow them to work when and where they want to and at their own pace. Online Learning

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Online learning is typically less expensive than traditional education programs. Online Learning

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 On-the-job training is on-site instruction in how to perform a particular job. On-the-Job-Training: Learning by Doing On-the-Job-Training:

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Because they need to be on the cutting edge of new trends, many large companies provide ongoing training for their employees. On-the-Job-Training: Learning by Doing On-the-Job-Training:

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 An apprentice is someone who learns how to do a job through hands-on experience under the guidance of a skilled worker. ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Apprenticeships are still a common way for unions to train skilled workers, especially in construction and manufacturing. ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 A vocational-technical center is a school that offers skills-oriented programs, such as courses in auto repair or computer programming. Most of these schools have evening classes and are relatively inexpensive. Vocational-Technical Centers

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Community colleges and technical colleges offer two-year and certificate programs in many occupational areas, such as: Community and Technical Colleges accounting, tourism management, continued

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Community and Technical Colleges paralegal work, retailing, and desktop publishing.

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 These colleges usually offer night and weekend classes. They are less expensive than trade schools and four-year colleges. Community and Technical Colleges

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 A graduate with a two-year associate degree from a community or technical college can usually transfer his or her credits to a four-year college or university. Community and Technical Colleges

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Some careers—such as teacher and physical therapist—require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university. Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Other careers—such as many in law, architecture, and medicine—require a more advanced degree. Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Factors you should consider when choosing a college are: Four-Year Colleges and Universities location, cost, program quality, entrance requirements, and financial aid.

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Continuing education programs are offered by many high schools, colleges, and universities. These programs are geared toward adults. Continuing Education

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 In the military, you can receive training in one of more than 200 different occupations. Military Service

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 You can attend school before or during your service. The military sometimes pays for your education after you serve. Military Service

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Talk to people in your field of interest about their career choices. Avoid limiting yourself to a particular field before you have explored many options. CAREER CHECKLIST When Choosing a Career… continued

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Apply for an internship or part-time job in a field that interests you to gain firsthand experience. Volunteer at an organization that interests you to develop job skills. CAREER CHECKLIST When Choosing a Career… continued

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Set realistic goals regarding how you will obtain a job in the career of your choice. Participate in classes or school activities that will help you advance in the career of your choice. CAREER CHECKLIST When Choosing a Career… continued

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Don’t settle for a job that will not help you advance on your chosen career path. CAREER CHECKLIST When Choosing a Career…

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 If you are feeling overwhelmed by your career options, formulate your career plan on paper. Committing Yourself on Paper

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Begin by asking yourself these questions: Questions and Answers What is my ultimate career goal? What is my first “stepping-stone” or short-term goal? continued

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Questions and Answers Which educational programs offer the training I need? How much money will I need to pay for my education and training? Where will this money come from?

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Write your short-, medium-, and long- term goals in chronological order. Make sure to include the projected starting and ending dates for each goal. Where Do You Go From Here?

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 You can modify the goals and dates as you get closer to your ultimate goal. Your decisions and plans are flexible. Where Do You Go From Here?

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension 1.Explain why having “stepping-stone” planning goals is important for reaching your ultimate career goal. continued SECTION 5.2 REVIEW

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension 2.Suppose that you have a friend who wants to be a fashion designer. How would you advise your friend to explore education or training options? continued SECTION 5.2 REVIEW

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension 3.What is the advantage of committing your career plans to writing? continued SECTION 5.2 REVIEW

Chapter 5 Developing an Individual Career PlanSucceeding in the World of Work Your Plan of Action 5.2 Key Concept Checkpoint Critical Thinking 4.How often should you review your individual career plan and the goals that you have established? Why? SECTION 5.2 REVIEW

End of Section 5.2 Your Plan of Action Back to Table of Contents