Some people love to have a plan. They plan a weekly menu ahead of time and their social life six months in advance. On holidays, they\u2019ve got a complete itinerary mapped out. Other people are a little more laissez-fair, living life \u2018by the seat of their pants\u2019 style. They\u2019re spur of the moment types who, on holiday, just set out and see where the road leads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While both of these approaches can work, there are things in life that are worth taking the time to carefully consider \u2013 like your career plan. Without one, what are you even doing with your life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Okay, that last bit might have been a little harsh. What I\u2019m really trying to say is, you\u2019re investing a lot of time and money, maybe more than a little stress, and a great deal of effort in making your degree a reality. Like any investment, you want it to pay dividends. Having a career plan will help make that happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Career planning is a process that allows you to identify your strengths and interests so you can discover professional opportunities you\u2019re likely to enjoy and excel in. It\u2019s important to understand that, as a process, career planning is not a one-stop shop kind of thing. Your career plan will develop and even change over time, so it\u2019s important to re-visit it often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Self-assessment\u00a0<\/strong> Research<\/strong> Exploration<\/strong> Action<\/strong> One final thought – it\u2019s important to remember that this is a process and it will take time. Don\u2019t just have your eyes on the destination, enjoy the journey as you go and accept you may have the odd detour or two along the way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to identify your strengths, personality, skills, talents and interests to make informed decisions. You can determine these through various tools, including\u00a0personality type evaluations<\/a>, or by completing Curtin Careers\u2019\u00a0Explore Your Options Challenge<\/a>\u00a0online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After you determine your qualities and aptitudes, decide what type of career you\u2019re interested in by doing some research. Start with a list of roles and industries provided by your self-assessments and compile a list of characteristics in the work environment, responsibilities and the work\/life balance you want in your career. Look at the general description of each profession, along with\u00a0current labour market information<\/a>, including the projected future growth, educational and training requirements, and the likelihood of being hired after meeting all the requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that you\u2019ve narrowed down your list of possible careers, find ways to experience each career in person. This might include job shadowing someone in the industry for a few days, conducting an\u00a0informational interview<\/a>\u00a0with an industry professional, or seeking out a volunteering role, part-time gig or internship opportunity, to name a few. What\u2019s important here is to gain an understanding of what the job is really like on a day-by-day basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now it\u2019s time to put your plan in motion! Gather all the information you have from your self-assessments, research and explorations, and determine an action plan. Create detailed lists of short- and long-term goals you will need to achieve to reach your career objective. You should include all of the occupational, educational and training goals required to pursue your chosen career path. You should also consider any challenges in reaching your goals and how you plan to overcome them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n