Personal Goals and Career Planning Basic Concepts

Personal Goals and Career Planning Establishing Goals: Goal The purpose of any plan or action. Short-Term Goal One of a series of accomplishments that add up to a specific achievement. Long-Term Goal A goal that has existed over an extended period of time. Strategy The decision of how to accomplish an objective.

Personal Goals and Career Planning Establishing Goals: Planning Goals The small steps you must take to get from where you are now to where you want to be. Self Assessment Profile of your talents, interests, abilities, aptitudes, and experiences.

Personal Goals and Career Planning Why Set Goals? Goals allow you to arrange a life with a clear purpose and/or destination. Goals turn dreams into desires so that, with work, you can accomplish something. Goals allow you to prioritize the responsibilities and obligations in your life and spend your time wisely. Goals help you set a plan of action that will guide you into a brighter future.

Personal Goals and Career Planning The Process of Establishing a Goal: Plan Self-assessment Develop personal action plan Research Career exploration Review

Personal Goals and Career Planning Benefits of Short-Term Goals: Divide a long term goal into manageable pieces Focus energy on smaller, specific steps to achieve a long term goal Better manage your time Setting and achieving short-term goals enables you to reach long-term goals Specific ways to evaluate progress toward a long-term goal

Personal Goals and Career Planning Benefits of Short-Term Goals: In the evaluation process, if one short-term goal does not work, another can be set without losing sight of the long-term goal

Personal Goals and Career Planning Characteristics of an Effective Goal: Stated in clear terms Realistic and believable You must believe that you can reach the goal Attainable and Reliable Must have interests, skills, abilities and strengths to make it happen

Personal Goals and Career Planning Characteristics of an Effective Goal: Measurable Goals can be accomplished within a certain time or in a quantity that can be calculated Desirable

Personal Goals and Career Planning A process in which a student learns about himself/herself, the world of work, and the relationship between the two Should begin as early as possible Could change a numerous amount of times

Personal Goals and Career Planning Career Decision Making: Life-long process Beliefs, values, skills, aptitudes, interests Involves your past, present, and future work role Career plan may change when significant new information, interests, or desires appear

Personal Goals and Career Planning Four Steps for Career Planning: Self-assessment Honestly determine talents, interests, skills, values, personality. Career Exploration Investigate all career choices, options, and opportunities of interest. Goal setting Establish intermediate short-range and long-range goals. Develop a Personal Action Plan,” matching at your own special strengths and weaknesses to the many options and choices of careers. Evaluation Periodically evaluate your plan using a time log.

Personal Goals and Career Planning Getting Ready to Join the Workforce: Identify long-range goal Set short-term goals Develop a career plan Update information from earlier career plans Create a career portfolio Collection of information that demonstrates your talents, interests, abilities, achievements, and experiences

Personal Goals and Career Planning Researching a Career: The best way to learn about a career is by working in it The more careers you are aware of, the better your chances of finding one that is right for you Libraries and the Internet are two good places to research careers

Personal Goals and Career Planning Researching a Career: Consider Working Environment Indoor vs. outdoor Sitting vs. standing Extreme hot vs. cold environment Consider Desired Lifestyle Family Friends Leisure activities Spiritual well-being Career

Personal Goals and Career Planning Job Search Sources: Internet Trade Magazines Friends and family School counselors and teachers Private employment agencies Newspaper advertisements/want ads Networking Bulletin boards

Personal Goals and Career Planning Landing a Job Job Application Use black ink Leave no blanks Keep it neat!

Personal Goals and Career Planning Landing a Job Letter of Application This is your best chance to make the case and tell the potential employer why you’re a perfect match for the job. Be specific about how your skill set matches the abilities required for the position, and about why you want the job (and not just “to make money”).

Personal Goals and Career Planning Landing a Job Resume Be honest, but not overly modest! List experiences and personal qualities that would make you a great employee. No typos or errors in spelling or grammar!

Personal Goals and Career Planning Landing a Job Job Interview Most employers choose the best and most qualified candidates for the job but also the most “personable” candidates Ask questions about the position Remain confident Admit your limitations