Effective career planning requires you to gather information about yourself and about job and career possibilities. Once you have identified your interests, values, abilities and skills, you will be ready to match this information with educational and occupational choices.

Career planning includes Self-Discovery , Career Exploration , Educational Planning , Career Action Plan , and Employment Planning .These steps represent a systematic path that will assist you in identifying a career choice and help you to attain your educational and career goals.

Throughout your many years of employment, you can expect to change jobs at least 5 to 7 times and possibly, to change careers 3 or 4 times. The Career Development skills you acquire will be helpful in building and attaining future career success. You can revisit any and all of these steps at anytime to assist with any career transition you may be facing. It is important to remember that every experience you have provides you with opportunities to acquire new skills, improve on present skills and to learn more about yourself and the world around you. Whether the learning occurs in a classroom or in the real world, it is valid and important learning that takes place. It can be helpful to periodically update your lists of skills, values, interests and abilities as well as to maintain an up-to-date resume.

Complete each of the following steps, including reviewing the suggested links. If at any time you would like to meet with a Career Counselor, please contact the Career Center on the College campus closest to you.