Career planning involves various stages people go through during their careers starting from choosing a profession, getting a job, advancing in the career and finally retiring. This essentially is a life long planning. A clear career goal or objective must be defined before jumping in to the corporate world. It must be remembered, however, that the objective is flexible, and may be revised according to the circumstances such as during times of high unemployment and the current economic recession. Below are five easy steps to effective career planning:
1. Self Analysis and Assessment
This involves assessment of your personality, skills, knowledge, interests, expertise and qualifications. There are more chances of success in a job if it matches with your interests.
2. Research and Exploration of Options
Market research on the availability of jobs, the competition in the job market, the skills required, the compensation offered and other future prospects of the career are to be analyzed and matched with your credentials.
3. Decision Making
Based on your answers to the previous two steps and examining several possible options available to you, the particular career choice is made at this stage.
4. Implementing the Strategy
To find the desired job, apply and implement the job search techniques including, online applications on the job boards, social and professional networking and creating a personal brand.
5. Career Development
Career planning does not stop when you get your desired job. More training and development is required to advance in your career to have the winning edge and become more competitive.
