It refers to an individuals plan to make a career choice or a career shift
The career decision-making process is ongoing throughout your professional life and as your career progresses, you may find yourself using this process again. There are times you may feel frustrated as if you are no closer to finding direction than when you started. If you’re going through the process, you are making progress. Each area you explore takes you closer to the options that are a good fit. Show STEP 1: SELF-ASSESSMENT
Four Components of Self-Assessment:
STEP 2: IDENTIFY AND RESEARCH OPTIONSDoctors and teachers are among the jobs we know, but there are thousands of other jobs, and more created as industries evolve. Explore the range of career options and don’t limit yourself to careers with which you are familiar. Learn as much as you can about employers within your fields of interest and trends in the industry. Immerse yourself in publications, websites, and resources used by professionals in that field. This will help you develop a list of target employers and prepare you for networking and interviewing. STEP 3: EVALUATE AND PRIORITIZEThe next step is to reflect. It is important to undergo a reality check for each career area you’re exploring, weigh the pros and cons, and evaluate how it matches up with who you are and what you want. Use the following questions to guide your reflection.
If after your research you find that a career field is not for you, that’s fine. After all, the point of this is to help you clarify a good fit.
Keep in mind entry-level positions tend to have less desirable components but serve as a stepping stone for the future. You need to think beyond just the first job and look toward the more senior positions. STEP 4: TAKE ACTION AND TRY OPTIONSNow it’s time to try out these career options and gain some experience, through internships, part-time jobs at Yale, and experience with student organizations. For example, campus publications need writers as well as staff to manage finances, develop multimedia, create illustrations and take pictures, oversee design and layout, manage printing and distribution, maintain websites, solicit sponsorship, and generate ad revenue. STEP 5: REFLECT AND RE-EVALUATEDuring and after an experience, take time to evaluate and reflect.
If you’re taking time to reflect, you’re also learning more about the type of work and environment you will find most satisfying. |