Career Planning Worksheet
Take some time to think through your goals for finding a career that fits you best. Keep in mind your
own definitions of success – not others’. Start with the checklist, then begin to write about your plans
and evaluate the actions you need to take.
1. Check off any items you already have accomplished:
 Visited the campus Career Center to understand their services.
Had a meeting with a Career Counselor to discuss your goals.
 Created an updated personal resume you can use for any positions that come open.
 Watched YouTube videos on interview skills and common questions/answers.
 Have created a couple cover letters that can accompany your resume.
 Have identified three people who know you well enough to write recommendations.
 Have created a LinkedIn account and included profile info and a business-like photo.
 Have completed one or more interest, personality, skills or other assessments.
 Have set clear written (S.M.A.R.T.) goals for career exploration (see below)
 Have shared your career goals with a trusted friend or advisor.
2. Based on your vision of where you want to be in 5-10 years, describe the job and lifestyle
you see for yourself.
3. What are the values that drive you? Rank the following in order.
___ Autonomy
___ Friends
___ Influence
___ Learning
___ Creativity
___ Helping Others
___ Impact on Society
___ Leisure Time
___ Family
___ Income
___ Job Security
___ Prestige
___ Flexible Hours
___ Independence
___ Leading Others
___ Recognition
4. List three short-term career goals for yourself. Make sure they follow the S.M.A.R.T. criteria.
A.
B.
C.
5. Take the free PI 360 Strengths Assessment to rank your strengths and identify areas where
you need to improve. How does this match the skills and characteristics you need to achieve
your career goals? What things do you need to change/improve?
6. Make a list of your knowledge, skills and experience – foreign language skills, computer
talents, travel, leadership, etc. – things that can set you apart from others applying for the same
job. What are consistent with your career goals? What additional items do you need to add?
Once you complete the Passion Igniter™ Career Inventory, respond to the items below.
7. Based on your Job Report, list three jobs that are most interesting/inspiring for you.
A.
B.
C.
8. Review the additional information links for each job to find out more about the skills and
education required, the work, pay and employment forecast. Does this information make any
of the jobs more attractive? Does it make any less practical?
9. The best way to learn more about whether a job can be right for you is to talk to people
already doing the same work. Who do you know—or do your friends or family know—who
could be good contacts to gain more information?
Name:
Job:
Name:
Job:
Name:
Job:
Call or email one or more to see if they will agree to talk with you about their job. A brief
interview, in person or by phone, can be a great help to better understanding the job. If you’re
lucky, the interview might turn into an opportunity for an internship or summer job, so you can
experience what it’s like to do the work.
10. If you don’t already have the education or training expected for a job, what are your plans
to get it? Is any job already consistent with your current degree plan or major?
Your best chance to succeed in your career plan is to take time to think through the process,
set clear goals, pursue education, training and skills consistent with the job you want, and
connect with people who can personally help you in your process.