Career planning is an exercise that is well worth the time invested
in it because it sets you going on the path that leads to where you
would like to go. This exercise provides you with a lot of clarity
regarding your career objectives as well and it best done before you
embark on your job search.
Often most people get stuck at the very
beginning of the planning process itself. There seem to be too many
choices that are throwing themselves at you with all kinds of material
gains, fame and wealth, comfort and luxury, glamour and beauty. From
acting to singing, writing to banking, software programming to business,
choices confuse you. Naturally feelings of self-doubt might creep in at
this stage. Am I good enough for that, you may ask, or how do I become
successful at this. After some time of pondering over many career paths
you may end up thinking that maybe you are no good for any of these
things after all.
Here is where a bit of career planning helps.
There are two ways of starting off. One is to find out what you really
like doing and do it irrespective of the gains and growth patterns and
the second is to find out what really motivates you, find out which
among the careers gives you what you want and build up competencies for
it. Either way you will get what you want - in the first method the
journey itself is your reward (though many will discourage you on this
path, but don't worry, many have tread this path and quite successfully
at that too) and in the second you are carefully working your way to
your reward which could be clearly spelt out to be a consequence of your
work or occupation.
Whichever path you choose, it is most
important to know your individual strengths and weaknesses. Sit down and
assess yourself honestly. Think of all your accomplishments, of all the
compliments you got, of all the work that really inspired you, of the
times when you worked with passion at and jot them all down. You will
find that as you note down your victories, your achievements etc a
pattern will emerge. You can find that you are good at organizing, at
making people comfortable, at leading, at solving puzzles, at physical
activity, at playing music or games. Each of these represents a career
option by itself or throws up some characteristic in you - qualities
that could be good assets in your future career options.
Now list
out things that motivate you, that you aspire for, your dreams - things
you would want more than anything else in the world. Find your fit
between the person you are and the dream you wish to achieve. As this
picture gets clearer you become more aware, confident and purposeful.
Attributes that serve you well along the way. You have now formed a
sharp picture of yourself with specific saleable qualities.
Based
on your aspiration level and your aptitude, you can also identify the
careers that offer the kind of lifestyle or returns that you wish. If
you wish to frequently travel and be in command of a dynamic business
you can zero down to careers in marketing with a goal to set up your own
firm or to head a large company (the same may not be possible if you
inherently like to paint for long hours).
It is best to be honest with yourself at this stage because most people take decisions based on glamorous misconceptions about certain careers and later change them. For example if you wish to be an airhostess, check out the sources available to the kind of work that is associated with being an airhostess. Only if you really enjoy doing that kind of work and the rewards that come with it must you opt for it. Else look further for what really fits you. Growth, rewards, recognition and most importantly job satisfaction and a good quality of life come from one thing -loving your job.
Having decided on a particular
direction, build competencies. Specific careers need specific education
and training. Whichever area you choose to be in, you will fare well if
you strive to be the best in it. Leave your individual brand on it.
Learn the ropes by acquiring information, by taking up courses, by
taking up internships and summer jobs, by learning the economics of the
job, by adding special skills that help in handling the job with greater
proficiency.
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All careers without exception would certainly
require a good writing and verbal communicating ability so please work
on that, a pleasing and well-mannered personality, a professional work
ethic and good inter-personal skills. Work on these important soft
skills along with as you plan your career.
A final word! If you
have a goal then be clear about it and start walking towards it. You
will learn along the way. You will acquire skills and competencies that
help you along. The important thing is to start the journey.
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