Four Steps to Developing 
a Career Plan

What do you want to be?
With all career possibilities available, how do you make a decision? Once you know what career path you want to follow, how do you get there?
   One way to answer questions about your future career is to develop a career plan. A career plan outlines the steps you need to take to reach your career goal. Click here to see a sample career plan.

1. Develop a career plan to determine your interests and skills.
   Thinking about your skills and interests can help you find a satisfying career. To determine your interests, think about what you like to do. Think about experiences you have enjoyed. Evaluate what you liked, what you found challenging, and what you may have learned from those experiences. Make a list of activities you have enjoyed during the past few years.
   
2. Make a list of skills you have.
   Your skills may include training you have gained through part-time or full-time jobs. Even if you haven't been employed before, you do have some skills which will help you find a job. For example, you may have skills you learned through volunteer work or through social activities.
   
   Evaluate those skills and interests you have listed. Are there similar activities on the two lists? Are there any experiences that could turn into a career? For instance, if you volunteered at a hospital and enjoyed the experience, you may want to consider a medical career.
   
3. Find out about the types of careers available to you.
   If you don't research careers, you may not know about the best occupations to fit your interests and skills.
   
   It's also important to decide if the career you are considering is really what you expect and whether it offers the salary and benefits you want. One good way to learn about a career is to intern in the position. (Internships are also a great way to gain experience in your selected career field). Another good way to find out about a job is to network -- talk to someone who is in the career now.
   
4. Assess what you need to do next
   Once you have determined what career path you want to follow, assess what you need to do to prepare for that career. Do you need special training? If so, research the schools that offer the kind of training you need. What kinds of experience will you need to be successful in the career? Consider an internship as a way to get work experience in the career field.

By developing a career plan, you can focus on what you want to do and how to get there. And when you are ready to write your resume for your job search, you will have a better understanding of your skills and experiences to discuss with potential employers.

Information on this page comes from the Mapping Your Future web site, sponsored by a group of guaranty agencies who participate in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Visit it for more help planning your higher education options: http://www.
mapping-your-future.org/