Developing a career plan is the first step to figuring out what type of work you want to do in your life. A career plan helps you determine your skills and interests, what career best suits your talents, and what skills and training you need for your chosen career.
By developing a career plan, you can focus on what you want to do and how to get there. When you are ready to develop your resume, you will have a better understanding of your skills and experiences to discuss with potential employers.
Assess your skills and interests. Think hard about what you enjoy, what you are good at, what kind of personality you have, and the values you hold.
Research occupations. Find out more about the nature of the jobs that interest you, such as educational requirements, salary, working conditions, future outlook, and anything else that can help you narrow your focus.
Compare your skills and interests with the occupations you've selected. The career that matches your skills, interests, and personality the closest may be the career for you.
Choose your career goal. Once you've decided what occupation matches you the best, then you can begin developing a plan to reach your career goal.
Find out more about the kind of training, education, and skills you will need to achieve your career goal.
Select a school that offers a college degree or training program that best meets your career goal and financial needs.
Find out about financial aid to help support you in obtaining your career goal. If you haven't already done so, begin saving for college.
Learn about job hunting tips as you prepare to graduate or move into the job market.
Prepare your resume, and practice job interviewing techniques.
Go to your career guidance center (at your high school, college, or local library) for additional information and help on career planning or research other Internet resources.
