Career planning part 2
In my previous article on career planning, I have suggested that students plan their career first then select the field of study that fit their plans. Of course you need to plan your career and select your field of study based on your personal interests and skills. There is no reason to study something that you are not interested, do not like, or do not have the skills to succeed. Following are few simple steps that you can use to plan your career:
The first step is to determine your skills and interests; some students have skill in mathematics, others are better with business. Some like to work with number; others have skill in arts. It is important to note that skills can be improved but interest rest with you. If you are not good with mathematics but determine to improve it and willing to put effort into it, you could develop good math skills. However, if you are not interested in something then no matter how much time you put in it, you will never be happy.
Knowing your skills and interest will help you to determine what kind of job that you like to work in. This is the first step in determine your career. You need to ask yourself what kind of environment that you want to work in. Some people want to work in team, others prefer to work independently. Some people like quiet place, other prefer friendly office with many people. Some like to work for government or public service, others prefer private company etc. Knowing your preference will help you to have a better idea on what types of work that you want.
The next step is to define career goals that will give you personal satisfaction. Some like to be challenged and work hard to reach their potential but others just want stable jobs. Some want to make a lot of money; others want to make enough for comfortable living to raise a family. Everybody has different priorities and personal goals. When setting career goals it is important to make it achievable and realistic. Do not set too high or beyond achievement that you never are able to achieve them and feel frustrated. In career planning, you need to establish your personal goals of what you want to do in the next 5, 10, 15 years. You need to plan for kinds of job, what type of company, large or small, that you want to work for. Today it is possible to set locations or country that you want to work in because with globalization, many things are possible.
The last step is to determine what you are willing to do to reach those goals. This is where many students are having problem with. The question is if you are committed to achieve your goals, what do you have to give up getting it? Would you willing to spend 40 to 60 hours a week to study? Would you set aside other activities to focus on achieving your goals? Would you temporarily disengage a relationship with your girlfriend or boyfriend so you can concentrate on your study? This step will really determine your true motivation and what is important to you so you need to be honest with yourself.
Today, many jobs require experience. Internships and summer jobs provide students with opportunity to gain experience while still in school. In addition to giving students direct experience in the field that they are studying, interaction with others in the field can provide students more information about their career paths. Do NOT wait until your third or fourth year to think about an internship or summer jobs. Do whatever you can to work in the area that fits your career plan so you can develop experience and observe the realities of how to work in that field. In the U.S and Europe, over 78% of students work during the summer but in Asia, it is less than 38% because many parents do not want their children to work. Some parents told me that they have enough money to take care of their children so they do not need to work. It is important to understand that summer jobs or internship is NOT about making money but an opportunity for students to learn, to practice, and have exposure to the real working environment. These jobs are where students gain experience so they can plan their career accordingly.
Career plan does not end once you have a job but continue for the rest of your life. Once you are on the job, you must plan your career for advancement. You must seek advice from managers, friends, and team members but keep control of your own career. Only you can decide what choices are best for you. You need to discover what additional training or education will increase your position in the company, your value in the job market and keep you happy.
We are living in a time when things change often. Your career plans are subject to change as life seldom happens as you have planned. You need to follow technology trends, market trends, and economy trends so you can adjust your plan to changes in the job market, the economy, and the competition. You need to be positive, flexible, and ready to accept challenges as they are part of life. Be prepared for the next job, whatever and wherever that may be. With globalization, everything is uncertain with downsizing, layoffs, and economic crises but remember that change also bring opportunities, growth potential and new jobs.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
