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Career planning is as simple as 1-2-3. Well, maybe
it's not easy, but career planning has three steps that people will cycle
through and repeat throughout their working life.
By following these steps, your students can
make the career decisions that are right for them. They will know what their
options are and what it will take to reach their goals.
First, take a realistic look at your
strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Consider:
- What do you think about yourself?
- What can help you achieve your goals, and what
obstacles could get in your way?
- What types of work and school courses and
activities appeal to you? What interests you?
- What do you do well now, and what skills have
you gained through experience?
- What values do you have regarding work?
Second, explore your options. It's hard to
know what you want to do "when you grow up" if you aren't even
aware of the possibilities. Here are a just a few ways to find career
information:
- Explore your career options using ACT's World-of-Work
Map (www.actstudent.org/wwm/index.html)
- Use ACT's DISCOVER® program
to explore possible careers.
- Spend time with people whose activities
interest you.
- Volunteer or work in a job that interests you.
- Discuss your career and educational plans with
your parents, counselor, or other interested people.
Third, consider issues that can affect your
plans and take appropriate actions to accomplish your goals. Consider:
- What do you need to study?
- What schools offer the training you need?
- How will you pay for school?
- Are you ready to search for a job?
- How will you balance your work and going to
school?
- How will you manage family or relationship
commitments?
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