Career Planning
What is Career Planning?
Career planning consists of two parts, self-evaluation and career research which requires
planning to have a strong career path. Career planning process includes understanding yourself,
setting career goals, revising skills and searching for the right career options.
Importance of Career Planning
Career planning is a process of taking steps to focus on where you want to go with your career.
First, having the short-term goal and the long-term goals in place, helps to plan your journey
towards your career path. Doing the self-assessment is necessary to understand what your skills
are. It is important to research different career options in detail to find a fit between your
abilities and the opportunities in the career option. You may need to take courses to learn the
skills required for the career choice.
A good career planning helps you grow as a person, in life and in your career.
Steps in the Career Planning Process
Career planning process is an important step in your career development. The following steps in
a career planning process are:
1. Self-Assessment: The first step in the process is to complete the self-assessment tool to
identify and understand skills, areas of interest etc.
2. Research on Careers: The second step in the process is to understand the career
options, job availability, growth options in career etc.
3. Set Career Objectives: The third step in the career planning is to set short-term as well
as long-term career goals for yourself, and to have a clear goal towards your career
path.
4. Learn & Improve Skills: The fourth step in the process is to keep acquiring new skills and
knowledge to be in line with academic requirements, career objectives and with the
occupation requirements.
5. Preparation of CV (Detailed resume): The fifth step in the planning process is to be fully
prepared in terms of CV, cover letter, recommendations etc.
6. Job Search: The sixth step is to short-list the companies where an individual is seeking a
job & start applying.
7. Revise Career Goals: The last step in the career planning process is to continuously
evaluate the career goals and again do a self-assessment to build a strong career path.