H O W T O PAY F O R C O L L E G E
Developing a Career Plan BY JAC K S OTO ( DIN É/CO CO PA H )
A career plan is a way of thinking about your future employment path. If you make conscious choices about each step, you will be more aware of what you are learning, which is a beautiful way to step into your career. Here are simple suggestions to help you develop and be aware of your career plan.
Step 1 - What do you want to do? Create a short or long list of things that interest you. Let your imagination go wild as you create your list. Once you have your list, hit the internet to learn if there are jobs associated with your interests. Step 2 - What are you doing to get there? As you refer to the list of interests, think about where you need to be if you are to reach your dream job. You may have more than one option! The next step is to list actions you need to take to move yourself closer to your dream job. Maybe you need to talk with an advisor, family member, or friend. Step 3 - What needs to change? As you create a list of actions to reach your goal, begin to think about what you may need change in your life for success.
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Step 4 - Who can help you? As you begin to finalize a plan, take the time to talk with people you know. This may be meeting with a teacher, community member, or maybe talking with close friends about how you are considering a life change. Step 5 - What’s your plan? Take the information created from each step and review them. Create an outline or draw a picture of moving from beginning to “end.” You may want to write specific steps on Post-It Notes® and arrange them on a wall to help create your plan. Remember, moving forward you control your plan and your actions. Be patient and supportive of your time, energy, and mindset as you create a path to your future.
Career planning is a continuous learning process.