Career Pathways Second Edition Norman Amundson Gray Poehnell in association with Human Resources Development Canada Ergon Communications Richmond. British CalimbiaCanadian Cataloguing in Publication Data Amundson, Norman E. (Norman Edmund), 1948- Career pathways Second ed. Includes bibliographical references ISBN 0-660-16397-7 Catalogue Number MP43- 1. Cateer changes - Handbooks, manuals, etc. 2. Vocational Guidance - Handbooks, manuals, ete. 3. Vocational Interests - Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Poehnell, Gray. II. Canada. Human Resources Development Canada. IIL. Title, HF5384.A48 1996 331.7°02 C95-980055-X Published by Ergon Communications in association with Human Resources Development Canada, Human Resources Investment Directorate, Authors! Note: We wish to acknowledge the use of the following materials developed in earlier publications: The "Roller Coaster of Unemployment” from Amundson, N, & Borgen, W. (2992). At the Controls: Charting your course through unemployment. Nelson Canada, ‘the Wheel” from Amundson, N-E. (1989), ” Model for Individual Counseling.” Journal of Employment Counseling, 26, 132-38, ,My Transferable Stills” and “My Personal Values" from Amundson, NE, Borgen, W.A,, Westwood, Mj and Swain, D.A. Group 1 Re-assessing Options: Changes in Occupational Direction. My Work Values from Amundson, N., Klein, H. and Poehnell, G (1992). The Future Is Yours: A guide to finding employment. prcrsonal Insights for Career Exploration” from Amundson, N.E. (1964), “Career Counselling with + Primary Group Involvement”. Canadian Counsellor, 18, 180-186. ivaluating My Career Options” from Amundson, NE. and Stone, D. (1992). the VanCity Career Development Program. Orders and inquiries to: Ergon Communications Fax: 604-448-9025 3260 Springford Ave. Website: www.ergon-communications.com Richmond, B.C. V7E1T9 Canada Email: info@ergon-communications.com Printed in Canada by Hignell Book Printing, 488 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, Manitobe, RIG 2B4; Tel. 204 784-1033 Career PathwaysCn The Authors Norm Amundson is a professor in the Department of Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia. He is internationally recognized within the career counselling field and has published numerous academic and practical articles. Gray Poehnell is a private consultant who has participated in the development of a number of career counselling programs. He is also a technical writer and has used this expertise in different fields. Acknowledgments The idea for this project was first put forward by Michel Turcotte, Project Oificer for Human Resources Development Canada. Building on the success of Setting New Career Pathways, a group counselling career re-assessment program, Michel presented the challenge of creating a parallel individual career counselling guide. Throughout the project Michel provided valuable insights, support and encouragement. We are thankful for his input. Others who provided constructive feedback on an initial draft included Gwenda Davies, HRDC National Headquarters; Barb Bagnall, HRDC, Ontario Region; Peter Hess, HRDC, Ontario Region. To conclude, it is important to acknowledge that this program is the culmination of a series of program developments that began with group counselling material developed in association with the following persons: Bill Borgen, Marv Westwood, Bruce Bailey, Sharon Kovacs and Gwenda Davies. A project such as this builds on the efforts of many people. We would like to extend our appreciation for the support and contribution of all those who have assisted us with this project. Second Edition We wish to thank those who have provided recommendations for improvements to Career Pathways, in particular Jeanette Amundson and Dr. William Schulz (U. of Manitoba). Minor changes have been made to the text to include also the experiences of those who have not yet entered the workforce.| Table of Contents 4 Career Patlcoays Introduction: How you can use this guide, 1 Are you ready? The Roller Coaster of Unemployment Common Career Myths Personal Barriers to Starting Career Change 2 Who are you? The Wheel Discovering Your Skills by Exploring Successes Discovering Your Personal Style Discovering Your Interests Discovering Your Values Discovering Your Significant Others Discovering Your Work Experience:& Educational Background Discovering the Changing Labour Market Putting It Al Together 3 What can you do? Generating Career Options Researching Career Options Selecting Potential Career Options 4 Which career(s) should you pursue? Making Decisions Overcoming My Career Barriers Setting My Career Goals 5 What can you do now? ‘The Next Step Conclusion Additional Resources 47 48, 55 59 60 61 70 7 74 i}Introduction How you can use this guide. This guide is designed for people who want to discover and explore new career pathways. ‘As you read through it and complete the worksheets provided, you will leam how to discover who you are and what you can do, how to make the right choices for your future career(s) andi how to make plans that will help you get out and find the jobs that are available in today’s changing labour market. This guide will help you: * _getready to explore new occupations, + learn some of the myths of career choice, * identify “roadblocks” that may affect your career choices, * discover your career potential, © generate a list of potential career options, * research and evaluate your potential career options, * make realistic career goals, * learn how to solve problems and how to make good career decisions, © — make concrete plans to help you follow through on your occupational decisions and * develop a network of support people for your career planning and job search.Choosing a enreet dircetion in today’s economy is challenging, but i/ is also a time of seiunity. This guide will help o For your future ie will help you uncierstand the current labour market and your personal strengths anid oiher assets. ‘take the time, in this first section, to think about your emovions and your beliefs about carect planning, you prey Your feelings may be positive ic, ete. excited, enthusiastic, energet jive- overwhelme ‘tain, angry, depressed, ond Carver Vadieray anxious, discouraged, etc, You may even find that your feelings are going up and down. Depending on your present and past experiences with the job market, such, feelings ase quite normal. If you are currently unemployed or have been in the past, complete worksheet #1, How do you feel when you are unemployed? and then worksheet #2, Common Beliefs About Careers. If you are just beginning to explore your career pathways, move ditectly on to worksheet #2.| The Roller Coaster of Unemployine People have described their feelings during limes of unemployment as an “emotional roller coaster.” This roller coaster of emotions kept them off Balance so that they felt out of control. This made it hard for them to feel confident in their ability to do career exploration or job search, Such feelings are normal; and if you are experiencing them, you can bring them under control. Job Loss Job Search I D An understanding of this “emotional roll» coaster” will help you understand such feelings, whether or not you have alread! experienced them, It can give you more. conficlence in your career change or job search. The purpose of this gu you to get off the roller coaster and {0 take ie is to helt * control of your career change. SQ ISIS A. First negative reactions to job loss (chock, anger) B. Thinking about job loss (worry, anviety) C. Acceptance of the loss (determined, on top of things) D, Thinking about job search (hopeful, optimistic) E, First reactions to stress associate! with job search (pressure lscouragement anger, desperation) F. Protection from job search related stress (apathy) G. Turning the rejections inside (worthless, isolated, lonely, diftin H. Reg is) ning control of job search (hopeful, encouraged, committe)WORKSHEET # how de you tee! when you are unemployed? Look back over the time you have been without work. Think back fo the day you found out that you had lost your job. Reflect on how you have felt since then. What was it like to lose your job? What has it been like to look for work? What sort of feelings occur when no job comes along? What does it feel like to be out of work for a long time? pattern on “The Emotional Roller Coaster”? * ifitveflects your experience so far, mark on it where you think you are at the present time. If your experiences have been different, draw your own emoticnal roller coaster below and mark where you think you are at the present time. How have your experiences been similar to or different from the q j i | iWORKSHEET #2 : Common Beliefs Ahout Careers i ; The following is a list of common beliefs about careers. Put : a check mark beside those statements that you believe are true or that others have told you are true, i i 1. It is important to be very careful about making a job choice, because you will likely have this job for many years. . You can only be happy in life if you find the right job. & Ifyou can find a job at a large, secure company, then you will be set for life. { 4, People only look at your past jobs and \ education when they evaluate you. | up for great jobs. i 6. There's no point in trying to get anything in this labour market. ie) O ' [LJ 5 There are short courses which set people QO a Sending our hundreds of résumés is the way to begin your job search. 8. Employment counsellors can tell you exactly what you should be doing. i Q 9, Career assessment and planning is something that can be done in one or two brief sessions.nmon Career Myths 4s you saw at the beginning of this unit, choosing a career direction may affect your colings and thinking in a positive or negative way. What you believe about careers may iso avect your feelings. Worksheet #2 contained a list of common beliefs about careers. ach belief on worksheet #2 reflects a common myth about careers. Each of these myths ue listed below with the comesponding number. Identify the myths and other barriers tp Your Career Future, In the past, many people “Ao, chose a place of \\ employment and { lifaiong |) stayed there fora lifetime. This type of career path is becoming increasingly requent. It's more make several moves in commitinent sur working life. in the past, the right education often led toa 3: \\ job with a secure \ future. This is no | longer realistic. You can make educated! guesses about future opportunities, but there oes going to be uncertainties! It is important ‘er first your interests and abilities then look at the current labour market Jjunities, Look for the schooling and rk which most reflect who you are. 1O Cassar Patinoays ‘you think you are currently facing by completing worksheet #3, Personal Barriers ae People often expect theit aN careers to provide them, with total life Sat WA\ ‘ulfilment. Many ) futtill i it |} ) people still believe e 47/ this is possible, but they also know they must look beyond their work, Fulfillment from work is always something to seek, but the workplace is just one area where this can happen. ——_ It's easy to “sell yourself Qe. short” by looking at a your work or ©) education too 21} narrowly. Today, you u// must evaluate past 7 experiences and future opportunities in terms of specific skills and attitudes rather than job titles or formal descriptions. Then, you must learn to communicate your strengths to others in meaningful ways.t i Preparing for work in today’s economy takes time and effort. People often hope to find a short course that will give them all they need for that well paying job. Although it is true that short courses can be helpful, you should be realistic about what short courses can deliver and whether or not employers will accept them. In today's labour market, you may need ta consider extended skill training or retraining Gore say, “You can’t get a job, if you don’t apply: (Me send réswunés to every company you can think of.” Résumés are still an important part of job search; however, sending out résumés to every company is no longer the most effective way of looking for work. You may put in a lot of effort. You may feel good when you are so busy; .)) ‘areer planning and jo search may be, challenging, but itis not hopeless! The by i) rules have changed, ty ©) xt people are stil _/, binding work. Peop are creating new businesses. People are finding wavs of entering key educational programs. 7! have found new approaches, such networking, to reach the current labour market. Stay positive and thie ; about your career future. ne however, you may find that all you receive are rejections, or no response at all. These rejections can be very discouraging. It is better to be focused. Spend time meeting people and researching your options. Go after the most promising opportuni ~~ It is easy to turn over > responsibility for YB. y\, making decisions to th@all- } specialists, such as a knowlhg / y) counsellors. Even specialist!) / though they can eR” provide some help, you “are still the best person to evaluate the options before you. Ask questions and seek information from a variety of sources. Trust yourself! You are the one who is going to live with the consequences of your decisions. me. There are some GOS. experiences in life thot 9. “\\ seem boring or HEYiree J) meaningless. You sill lunch, | I have to work throu; U/ these situations make the best af them The same principle apy when making career decisions. There are no “free lunches”. To reach your dreams you may have to put effort into activities that may scem uninteresting or slow, e.g, self- assessment, researching companies. Are you vend?| WORKSHEET #3 Personal Barriers to Your Career Future Pari of the challenge of career planning and job search is to recognize and overcome barriers which may arise (such as difficult circumstances, negative emotions, myths, relationships, etc.). What barriers are getting in the way of your finding a meaningful career at this time? First, list all the barriers you believe you are currently ‘Then, rank them in order of importance from the most ‘ant to the least imporiant. wai Barrier —$—$—_______ Hl fowl Barrier _ $A fy Lu} Barrier lezd Barrier et Ab Se bea!) Barrier Sea a epee bee Barrier $$ Barrier «| sec Mibe Je tetas Fo we ade rier | As you work through this guide, you will learn ways to help you overcome some of these barriers. a |Whatever has been your emotional experience, it is possible for you fo take control of your own exploration or job search by putting your energy into the activities that have proven to be effective in today’s labour market. First, think about the way you view yourself, Don’t limit yourself by thinking too narrowly (e.g. by a title, as only a “carpenter” or only a “secretary” or only a “mother”). View yourself from many different perspectives, Market yourself as a person with a portfolio of marketable assets. Each occupation tends to require a specific combination of characteristics. People in those occupations who are satisfied and successful tend to have those characteristics. By identifying your unique characteristics, you will be able to see and evaluate possible career options that would suit you. In this section, you will identify your own marketable assots This information will give you raw materials you can tse for all of your career and jb search activities, such as finding, new career options, making informed decisions, researching the labour market, writing résumés and cover letters, and preparing for effective interviews.The Wheel is a tool to provide a mental ify information and ideas about these fromework for understanding your options, to evaluate these options and to Ketable assets. It can be used establish occupational goals. The Wheel throughout the career planning process to. _presents eight factors which are essential generate career options, to organize and in career planning. PathiewysThe first four — skills, interests, values and personal style — identify what kind of a Person you are, what you can do and how you do things. ‘The next four factors are equally important. Information about the current and future labour markets help you find realistic career options. Your work and leisure experience and your educational background are both important considerations. Finally, the perceptions about you given by others who are significant in your life (family, friends, business associates, ete.) will provide you with a broader perspective. ‘The Wheel presented here has the various factors divided into equal sections. Different people may give more emphasis to some factors. Each person must construct a wheel pattern which reflects his/her unique situation. One person may cons educational background to be very significant and give it special emphasis while another person might want to stress work experience. The dotted lines are used to indicate this flexibility. In this section of the guide, you will construct your own unique Wheel. First, you gather information on each of the factors. Then you determine the relative importance of each factor. As you do this, you will begin to see a clearer and fuller picture of your occupational goals. When information on all of these factors has been gathered and evaluated, you will be able to go on to the next step of generating potential career options. Whe arescovering Skills by Exploring Successes | Li. What are you good at? Before you can make career plan, you must know what 1¢ able to do and what you are tw learn to do. a 4 “skill” isa learned ability to do ething well. Unfortunately, most people estimate the number of skills they actually have; this limits their career exploration and job search, This activity you gain an accurate pictute of all youhave, Ics important to distinguish between a job tile (the name ofa specitic job), job duties done to ofa specific ble skills which develop over time and which can be used ina variety of work, social or other situations). ferable skills will help you career options which use those pardcular skills. For example, a person, hired as a bartender (ob title), may perform specific duties (mix drinks, serve drinks, take orders from waiters/ waitresses, maintain inventory, order stock, handle cash and bank receipts), In order to fulfil these duties well, that" person would need certain transferable skills (skill in handling and measuring liquids, communication skills, planning and administrative skills, accounting skills). ‘These skills could potentially be used in other jobs, such as retail sales, testaurant and hotel wor One way to discover your transferable skills {as well as other assets) is by exploring pastsuccessesor | | accomplishments. Complete Worksheet #4, My! | ‘Transferable Skills, Your goal is to identify those transferable skills which helped you succeed in the past and which will now help you succeed in the future. You can now summarize your findings, by filling in the first section of your unique wheel by completing worksheet #5, My Wheel: Skills.WORKSHEET #4 My Transferable Skills What are some of your accomplishments, Identify past experiences in which you have done well. List accomplishments from different areas of your life leisure, educational, volunteer or employment activities. (On separate sheets of paper, write complete descriptions of at least two of these accomplishments. Write in whatever form you wish, This is not a writing exercise but an exercise to help you discover your transferable skills. The steps that you follow in this exercise can be used to explore other experiences and accomplishments in your life. : Look carefully at these accomplishments you have written about f and see if you might be able to add more detail. What did you actually do? What led up to the accomplishment? What : happened after it? How does the accomplishment relate to other aspects of your life? Read over your descriptions. Underline any transferable skills directly mentioned in your descriptions. Write down in the margin any others which come to mind. You may discover even more than you can on your own by f talking with someone else. Share your descriptions and findings i with someone you trust. Ask him/her to suggest addlitional or related skills which you may have overlooked, ' ‘Once you have done this initial task, follow the instructions on the following pages to examine your skills further.18 C WORKSHEET #4 ily Transferable Skills tconrat Listed below are some transferable skills which you may i have developed. Check off the ones you have. If you think of any other skills you possess which are not on the lists, add them at the bottom of the lists. Clerical Skills i approve file process, sort arrange generate purchase. —_tabulate catalogue inspect record, type 1 ify monitor retrieve ompile organize send Financial Skills q administer allocate budget evaluate project i analyze calculate forecast appraise compute manage audit develop market balance estimate plan Physical Sidils apply dig install repair mmble drill lift replace yeck drive locate sort clean erect measure spray connect fasten mix spread construct fill operate unload control fit rebuild cultivate fold regulate cut insert renovate ver PathsWORKSHEET #4 My Transferable Skills teen Teaching Skills, adapt develop guide train advise enable inform clarify encourage initiate coach evaluate instruct communicate explain plan | coordinate facilitate stimulate * Creative Skills i act design invent sew } carve develop landscape shape | cook direct originate {i create establish perform i decorate illustrate plan : | Service Skills advise clean receive wash ' answer collect remove ji arrange deliver sell assist explain serve | change prepare show s i Helping Skills \ t assess demonstrate guide rehabilitate i assist diagnose listen represent I i clarify educate mediate coach empathize nurse counsel facilitate referWORKSHEET #4 esearch Skills assess clarify collect diagnose . evaluate examine extract identify inspect interpret Communication Skills address, arrange correspond bate develop craft minister analyze assign hair coordinate delegate edit formulate influence interpret lecture moderate develop direct evaluate improve increase organize ‘Yechnical Skills assemble build calculate f compute struct design devise engineer examine maintain make navigate lily Transferable Skills teonra | interview survey investigate organize review summarize motivate speak negotiate translate persuade write promote publicize recruit, nagemeni/ Supervisory Skills oversee supervise prioritize plan recommend review schedule operate sensitize overhaul solve produce test program upgrade remodel repair1 WORKSHEET #5 My Skilis List the skills you have 2. Write your top 5 skills discovered beside the inside the section. wheel section. ./iscovering Personal Style : s important to discover not only what characteristics directly mentioned in your vont tansterable skills are but also your descriptions. Write down in the margin any Pessonal style. Your personal style describes others which come to mind, Once youhave how you go about doing things, for done this, read the list on worksheet #6, My "pie are vou punctual, enthusiastic, __ Personal Characteristics, Check the Patient, energetic, sincere? Employers are as characteristics you have concerned about how you will doa job as identified. Look for what skills you have, others you may have , overlooked. If you have ; Mus is no time for false modesty. Think identified any not in the | Stout youself in an objective way, the way list, record them as well.. © employers will be sat you. Discover the : Your goal is to identify the ¥ in which you do f "personal characteristics ona job ond use |< which helped you Uus information to succeed in the past. ic about careers and in the last activity if you may wish to andl reflect again discuss your findings $5 Stories: with someone else. you wrote in the previous itv in which you identified Complete worksheet #7, My 1” shills. Undetline any personal Wheel: Personal Style.hard-working works well alone creative healthy. persevering perfectionist quick learner conscientious flexible patient original open to new ideas compassionate open-minded analytical calm thick-skinned innovative sensitive honest, reliable assertive curious risk-taker self-confident neat and tidy. energetic WORKSHEET #6 My Personal Characteristics Check off personal characteristics you possess. They describe how you do things. If you have any personal characteristics which are not on this list, add them to the bottom. enjoys pressure articulate enthusiastic enjoys challenges friendly well-organized thorough resourceful amiable alert discreet punctual consistent people-oriented dedicated firm deliberate loyal adventurous self-controlled generous submissive |WORKSHEET #7 My Wheel: Personal Style List the personal . Write your top 5 characteristics you have personal characteristics uncovered beside the inside the section. wheel section,When you choose a career, you are choosing interests. You are not looking for wh: more than a number of tasks or activities which you will have to do, You will also be shoosing a lifestyle made up of many different factors, such as, the types of pedple you will have to work with (employers, managers, co-workers, customers, etc.), working conditions, rewards, problems and future possibi Each occupation tends to have its own unique set of characieristics. People who are successful and satisfied in any ‘occupation often share more than just similar skills and abilities, but also other characteristics, including similar interests and values. ies. Potential careers should match not only your skills and abilities but also your interests and values. The better thelmatch, the better your chances of finding job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is a key ingredient in job success Don’t confuse interests with abilities. Abilities or aptitudes refer to those things which you can do or which you could do with training or experience. Interests refer to what you like or dislike. This is important to remember when you are discovering your you have done in the past or what you think, you can do. You are looking for what vou would like to do. As well, think about you don’t like. Those things you don't like + also proviele clues to what you do Hike (\ you don’t like working outside, you Probably like working indoors) When looking for your interests, itis , important to examine al} of your life not just your previous work. You previous work m: more about the opportunities yor had than Your interests. Examin areas such as you: non-work a (olunteer work, homemaking, le Tecreational activiti schooling (courses or pros; you have taken) and your daydreams (especially your “ideal dream jobs”), For example, you may have regularly handled the family budget. From this you discovered that you enjoy keeping track o: all the financial figures but hate ha actually plan a budget. Or you may hav always dreamed of being a tour guide in Hawaii because you like travelling, meeting different people and giving out interest information. Complete worksheet #8, M Interests to discover some of your inlorest Summarize your findings on worksheet #9, My Wheel: Interests. Whe are von?WORKSHEET #8 fiy Interesis ‘ What do you like? What don’t you like? Be specific. On the left, list the things you have done or dreamed of doing. In the next two columns, write what you like or dislike about the activities involved, the types of people you have to relate with, working conditions, rewards, problems or future potential. Ilike... I dislike ... ‘On the job Volunteer {Leisure Schooling nvr Pataiy WORKSHEET #9 My Wheel: Interests Examine the likes and dislikes you have discovered. Turn your dislikes into likes (e.g. if you don’t like working alone, you probably like working with people.). Do you see any patterns in your interests? How have they developed over time? i List the interests you have 3. Write your top 5 interests inside E discovered beside the wheel the section. i section. |Discovering Values alues are crucial in career planning and success, yet they are often -JGokedl. Values refer to beliefs and slings which guide a person’s actions. ‘They express what is really important to someone, Whether you realize it or not, including choosing careers, re usually based on your values. eforg, itis important to identify your values when planning your career. 4 © decision inceed, the greater the match kelwean your work values and che characteristics of a particular job or caree the greater the clihood of job satisfaction and success, \& e not always sy fo discover, For mple, values may > through the stages of hat you view as very important on are 20 may be zelatively unimportant later. Therefore, it is necessary to consider what your present values are. {js helpfud to ask yourself what you really ni in a career or a job. If you had two or Pathieays a ‘more career choices, what would cause you to choose one over the others. Ifyou already had a job, what would make you feel satisfied and successful in it? What would make you decide to quit? Your answers (such as, “If the pay was right... or “If the working conditions were bad would point to your values. As with the other factors, you must not only identify work values, you must also think about their relative importance. Seldom does ' any particular jab satisfy all of one’s values Compromise is Zz) usually necessary. 7 Compare each of your values with all of the others. Think about how important each value is to you. Which are the most important? To discover your work values complete worksheets #10 and #11, My Work Values and My Wheel: Values.1 : } | = WORKSHEET #10 ' My Work Watues i { j ' What is important to you in your work? Rate the importance a 1 of these work values to you by checking the appropriate i oer column. Add any additional values you think are important i lew Not Very f ei Iwant . Important Important Imparinnt Tae qo eib akan Sangh ney einvewal a a a hee to work well with my co-workers. Br oe 8) a : ed 3, tobe given the chance to be a leader. Oe | } 4. apermanent job. a Oo Q 5. _ajob that is physically safe gee a i Sey 6. to feel important in my job, Qo Q Ik | 7. tabetrusted and allowed toworkonmyown, QO Feri 8. towork with people who know their job Ce ey i 9, todoa variety of different tasks. cess ie 10, tovuse all my sas. a a } 21. toget along well with my co-workers. Oa { eal 12, my jobsite tobe clean and comfortable a fa | / 13, good benefits in addition fo wages. aay I | 14, tobe creative a a i $ [se i ee cris a og \ 16. tohave ajob which fits for my Qo a = | 17, lobeable to getbetterjobs in thécompany. =§ } 18. te work only duting specific timesin theday. a | 18, to work at ferent locations in my jb. a 2 20. to be paid mare as Thave more responsibility, aWORKSHEET #10 My Work Values tconra Not very Iwant... Important Important Important 21, to get better jobs as I learn more 22. to make decisions about my job. to know what Lam expected to do in the job. 21. to work toward my long-term goals. ' 25, tosolve by myself the problems face at work to use the special skills Thave learned. to see the results of my work. 28. to rete early. 29, a good pension plan. 30. fair vacation time. 31. to work with the public i 32. tobe paid more as I do more work. 33. to keep my work life and private life separate. 34. job that challenges me. 15. a job that fits my personality, 36. to have job training, 37. tobe challenged to think on the job. . tounderstand the purpose of the work Ido. 39, a job which does not violate my personal valu 40, a job which reflects my interests, 41, the chance to go to school. the proper equipment I need to do my job. to he told how Lam doing, OCOO0OOCDOCOCOOD0DGODDOBOHnDoOoeooo O.0-0-0-0-0-0:0°0-0-0 0:0 0'0-0-0/0.0 0 020° 0°0-0 CoO ooo oO OOO bese OOo oC. o-0- ose P nthaeaystlle rere mean ewes pense WORKSHEET #11 : | My Wheel: Values | 1. Listthe work values 2. Write your top 5 values you identified as “very inside the section, important” beside the Hi wheel section, : fIn order to get as complete a picture of you:seli and your marketable assets as possible, il is important to see yourself from a cumber of different viewpoints. © vi ery important, but often overlooked wpoint, during times of career self- coment is that of significant others. T ploved a significant role in your live, They are the people who Know you very well and luence your life way. They ar ide and, tviags about yourself ac tho you haven't realized. They may even be able to recognize pattems in your work lie of which you are unaware. They are the ones who can give you the support you | duying times of career exploration or | Significant Other | Discovering Significant Others Who are the important people in your life? List their names below and write a brief comment concerning why they are significant to you, Rank them in order of ; their significance in your life. NY Worksheet #12, Personal Insights for Career Exploration will help you talk with the significant others in your life. Make copies of the sheet; then ask one or more of the people you have" identified to complete the worksheet as a way to help you find out more about yourself. Most people will be glad to help with your career planning. Review the answers they give to the questions. If you need more information, ask them to explain or expand their answers for you. Finally, summarize your findings on worksheet #13, My Wheel: Significant Others. Significance of the Person Carece Pathacuyscrerbeeeon Sit ed a WORKSHEET #12 Personal Insights for Gareer Exploration a Please complete the following questions briefly. Your input is important as one part of a complete vocational self-assessment for . Therefore, your honesty is greatly appreciated. IF you neéd more space, please use the hack of this sheet. 1. In your opinion what do you think are the person's major interest areas? : What do you see as the person's strengths? How has the person changed over time and what changes would you anticipate in the future? Do you have any specific career suggestions? In what ways might the career decisions affect you?WORKSHEET #13 My Wheel: Significant Others . List the names of the 2. Write the insights you gained people who provided from the “Personal Insights for i opinions beside the Career Exploration” | ff wheel section. worksheet in order of importance inside the section. Significan;y ' Others 34 Career PathannysDiscovering Work/ Leisure Exper! a ' and Educational Background Most people are aware of the need tolook —_you should develop? If.so, what are the at previous work experience and next logical steps for you to follav? Is there | educational background. This is usually anything you should avoid? included on résumés and usually asked for on application forms and in job interviews, Pick at least one past job or task. Complete + worksheet #14, My Work Experience. However, discovering Summarize your findings work /leisure experience = on worksheet #15, iy and educational > Wheel: Work background is much Experience, Pick at more than merely Teast one pa: |. writing a list of Ly educational ex ce. previous employers and 1 Complete workshoxt | _ schooling, Past My Eciucational | experiences should be Experiene: 2 | explored for all they aK your findings on can reveal. 3 £ Think through past ne | experiences one ata Ns ose } time. See what they reveal If you have not yet about the other factors on entered the workdorce ov if the wheel: skills, interests, values, you have been away from it fara personal style, significant others and the Jong time, consider all your experier labour market. not just learning at schoo! or full-time jobs Look at any volunteer work, housekeeping As well, itis helpful to look at them as a rearing children, part-time jobs, hobbies whole for patterns which might indicate sports, etc, Such activities are wsttally a: , those things which are most important for__valuable as formal jobs or schooling, | + your future career planning. Did certain sometimes even more so, skills, interests, values or personal | characteristics come up again and again? _As you have time, you coulel da the samo Have they changed over the years? Were _thing with other jobs or edurcational | _ anyjalways lacking? Are there any skills experiences you have had. Who are yor? 35 2 a eaWORKSHEET #14 My Work Experience Choose one job or task you have done in the past and complete the following: Job Title: Dates of Employment: i Company Name and Addin Job Duties: 2 | What did you accomplish on this job? Did you receive any awards or special recognition? What duties and transferable skills did you employ? Were you lacking any? What did you enjoy doing or leaning? What did you like or dislike? What ould you have liked to have done if given the opportunity? How did you do what you did? List the personal characteristics which helpect you succeed on this job? Wha important to you during these experiences? \Who did you work with? Can any of these people be important contacts at this time? at didl you learn about each of the various work fields involvedl? <«slitional comments regarding this job? you look at this and the other job or tasks you have done, do you see anyWORKSHEET #15 My Wheel: Work Experience 1.__List briefly the work/ 2. Inside the section, write in 1 leisure experiences you order of importance the have had beside the top 5 insights you have f wheel section. gained as you review your f work/leisure experience. work and Leisy,, Experience| | i i WORKSHEET #16 hiy Educational Background Choose one learning experience you have had and complete the following: Program of Study: Daies: School Name and Address: Program Description: What did you accomplish in this program of study? Did you receive any awards or special recognition? \What duties and transferable skills did yoti employ? Were you lacking any? What courses or activities did you enjoy doing or learning? What did you Like or dislike? What would you have liked to have done if given the opportunity? How did you do what you did? List the personal characteristics which helped you succeed in this program? \What did you find to be important to you during these experiences? Who did you learn from or study with? Can any of these people be important contacts at this time? \Whai die you learn about each of the various study fields involved? Any aciditional comments regarding this experience? As you look at this and the other educational experiences you have had, do ignificant patterns? you see any sWORKSHEET #17 ‘| My Wheel: Educational Background * i| E . List briefly the educational 2. _ Inside the section, write in fi > | programs or courses you order of importance the | i have taken beside the top 5 insights you have fe | wheel section. . gained as you review your | educational background. Educational Experience 4. ee)Discovering The Changing Labour Market As stated earlier, you may work very hard at looking for a new career or job and yet get few resulis. You may become very discouraged. The problem may not be a Jack of effort but that you may be working it enough information, Itis important that you understand the current labour market, The ldbour market has undergone some significant ha in the last decade. 35 which were tive in the past not as effective Who you are ay not have changed. You still possess the e growing portiolio of marketable assets, but you may need to change areer goals and the methods you use to market yourself. It is essential that you understand these labour market hanges and how they influence your choices. Reati worksheet #18, Current Labour arket ‘Trends. It explains some of the AD Caner Patra current trends in the labour market. What is the current labour market situation in your immediate area? Consider contacts you have; what is happening in your community and any other special situation: you are facing. What is affecting you? What is possible? Identify all of the opportunities which are possible for you at this time or in the future. a If there is a scarcity of jobs and a very high unemployment rate, you may do everything right in your job search and still not be successful quickly. Be patient; try different approaches to your search, Consider + putting together several part-time jobs a1 starting your own business. You may also need to think about making a major career shift. The labour market is always changing. It is important to keep up to date with what is happening and to remain flexible. Summarize your findings on worksheet #19, My Wheel: Labour Market.The following show some of the general trends in the current Canadian labour market. Add any additional trends affecting you. Check those trends most likely to affect your career exploration and search? WORKSHEET #18 Current Labour Market Tre increasing shift of emphasis from local economies to global economies movement of manufacturing jobs to the third world and growth of high tech and service industries in North America decrease in the number of people with middle incomes and an increase in the number of high and low incomes more frequently layoffs are the result of shut downs or downsizing rather than temporary economic dips with the result that more people need to be open to retraining and to changing careers the concept of the “company person for life” is, disappearing as there is a shift from long-term to short-term commitments (contract work, part-time jobs) in the workplace career exploration /job search is moze cyclical than linear; fewer people are taking the straight line approach of high school, then college or training, then a lifelong job growing need to consider career exploration /job search in terms of marketable assets rather than a job title; in terms of multiple options rather than narrowing down to one others in your area (list)WORKSHEET #8 Current Labour Market Trends teonrm In light of the current labour market trends in your area and your awareness of family, friends, community situation and any other special circumstances, what opportunities do you have at this present time? List them below. weer PathivaysWORKSHEET #20 My Wheel Draw lines between the 2. Write in each section of the eight sections of your wheel the information you unique wheel according to have discovered which you the importance you give to. . consider to be most each section. important as you now look for and evaluate other possible careers, Career GoalsWORKSHEET #21 ily Host important Factors for Career Planning i Review your findings from the various sections of the wheel and | identify the ten factors which you consider to be the most fete important List them in order of importance. ‘My most important factors for career planning: Factor #1 Factor #2 Factor #3 Facior #4 4 Facior #6 i) Factor #7 Factor #9 Factor #10Once you have discovered who you are, you are able to consider what you can do. The information you have summarized in your unique wheel can now be used to help you sce other potential careers. This section will also help you gather information on these careers. You can then use this information to evaluate your options and, finally, to choose the one(s) you wish to seek now.Generating Career Options ably excited to find that you yy more skills and other resources than you previously realized. In the same ou probably have many more possible options than you previously realized. i this stage, it is very important to make a si of ail your poiential career options clucling starting your own business. You svant fo begin with Worksheet #22, which looks at the personal qualities of the strepreneur: You don’t want to be limited we search. You will be able to make better career decisions if you are Career Options, will help aut a number of occupational possibilities. This list doesn’t include verything, but it does list typical ones. Review vour wa wheel, then read through she list. Quickly check off whether you ch occupation as a eer or whether you would have xd would not consider it. If you are nd conside Ne ei not sure, place a question mark in the column which you think is best, At the bottom of the list, add any occupations which are not on the list and which you would like to consider. Summarize your reasons for each choice. Next, place the occupations that you, checked in order of importance to Fou now} Try to identify the ten options which you would consider most interesting at this time. There still may be many potential options which have not been considered. You will need to remain flexible and aga new options as you discover them. ‘There are many other ways to find possible career options. For example, you can find cout about other occupations using books al a local library or a career centre. You can, also take formal vocational testing which will generate options. One simple technique for finding new, options is to brainstorm on all jobs related. toa particular occupation in which you are interested. This can be helpful when you would like to work in a specific career which may be beyond your reach at the present, You may then be able to look fora [ job which is related or is a step to your desired career. a Worksheet #24, Expanding Your Career Options, illustrates this process. First, the career “nurse” is written at the centre of the page. Then, brainstorming has suggested many related careers. These have been placed around the initial option as if they were spokes ina wheel.If you are thinking of starting your own business, it may be helpful to compare your personal wheel with some of the WORKSHEET #22 Personal Qualities of an Entrepreneur personal qualities that describe successful entrepreneurs. Do the qualities listed below describe you at this time? Can you develop them? Check the appropriate box Ifyou see yourself in this way now or in the future, think about working for yourself. adventurous confident persistent organized exible independent __ energetic positive hard-working tisk taker open-minded friendly achiever Not Like Me a Q Qo Q a Unsure Like Me SConvceeovudgedaWORKSHEET #23 Career Options Career Option Yes | No Reasons i Accountant/Bookkeeper ' Actor/Actress i i ‘Administrator § |_| Advertising Sales or Production |__| Agriculturalise 5 | Aircraft Pilot | Aircraft Worker | Architect ; i Assembly Worker Audio/Speech Therapist Barber / Hairdresser / Physicist Biologist / Chemist Brick and Stone Mason Bus / Cab Driver Manager Business / Financial Carpenter Cashier / Teller Chef/Cook _ Chiropractor Coach College Teacher Computer Programmer Construction Wor ‘ker Dancer 50 Carver PatinoaysWORKSHEET #23 Career Options tconrw Career Option Yes | No Reasons Data-Processor Day Care Worker Dental Hygienist Dentist Dietitian Draftsman Economist Educational Counsellor Electrician Electronics Repairer Engineer Factory Worker Farmer Fire-fighter Fisherman Food/Beverage Server Funeral Director Geologist Glazier Heavy Duty Equipment Operator Inspector Insurance Salesman Interior Designer Janitor/Cleaner Jeweller Laboratory TechnicianWORKSHEET #23 Career Options tcont'm Career Option Lawy Librarian ‘Machine Repairer Machinist Mathematician Mechanic Medical Lab Technician Meteorologist Minister of Religion Nurse | Occupational Therapist Office Clerk Optometrist Painter Personnel Officer Pharmacist Photographer Photographic Processor Physician/Surgeon Plumber/Pipe Fitter jotherapist Police Officer Postal Worker/ Printer joy Pathrcnys Reasons,| WORKSHEET #23 Career Options tconra «Career Option Reasons Producer /Director Psychologist, Purchasing Officer Radio/TV Announcer Realtor Receptionist Sales person Secretary Security Guard Sewer/Seamstress Social Worker Sociologist Stewardess/ Flight Attendant Surveyor Tailor/Dressmaker Teacher Train worker ‘Translator/interpreter Travel Agent Truck Driver Veterinarian Watch Repairer Welder/Metal worker Writer/Editor What ean vow do? 53, t =WORKSHEET #24 Expanding Your Career Options Use this expansion of the career option “nurse” as an ‘example. Write the career you would like most at this time 4 in the centre of a separate sheet of paper. Then around it 4 write all the jobs which are related to it. Asnecessary, E repeat with your other top choices. You may find it helpful b io do this with someone else who can help you brainstorm. - (Occupational Health Therapist Madical Lab Technologist Medical Claims Assessor aes ee rations: — Detcn tor NURSE ee eee Pharmacy Aide Dental Hygienist Nursing Instructor Registered Nurse ‘Medical Lab Technician’ Medical Social Worker Medicel Equipment and Supplies Clerk 5A Carver coaysFy WORKSHEET #25 informational Interviewing Find someone who does the job you are considering. Then ask for an interview to discuss how that person views his/her occupation. At the interview, ask questions such as the following: 1. How long have you worked in this job? n . How long have you worked for this organization? 3. What are your major responsibilities? 4, What do you perceive to be the major rewards of this job? 5, What do you like most about this job? 6, What are the major frustrations in this job? What are the most frequently recurring problems? 8. Is your job better or worse now than it was a few years ago? Why? _ 9. What advice would you give to a person coming into a job like yours? 10. What are the education and experience requirements for this job? 11. Who is your immediate supervisor? What is his/her title? Who is his/her immediate supervisor? What is the supervisor's title? 2 Doy 12. Do you know anyone else whom it would be helpfal lor me to interview? Wetecommented tna youleeep a uh Sle dam, GME NSE ‘with a separate card for each person you interview. Include Name of Person Interviewed, Job Title, Name of Organization, Address and Telephone Number, Questions / Notes, s : = What can yor vin? 57.WORKSHEET #26 Occupational Title: Duties: Sourree of Information AATpN AA Areas for Consideration a. Future Prospects : b. Educational Requirements Necessary Prior Experience < d. Salary Levels 2, Working Conditions Location g. Possibilities for Advancement h. Level of Long Term Security Variety j. Responsibility K. Others (You may have others to add): On a separate sheet of paper, draw two columns to list the advaniages and disadvantages of this particular occupation. 38 Cuner PatinoaysL 4 WORKSHEET #27 Selecting Potential Career Options 1. Review the various career options you have found in the previous activities. List them in the spaces provided. 2. Compare your initial research findings with the information on your own wheel. Narrow down your list of possible - options to the five you would like to target, List them in jp order of preference, Potential Careers Targeted Careers from “Career Options” Worksheet: 1 il from “Expanding Your Career Options” Worksheet: i Bow from research findings: What eat vo fo? 59Which career(s) 1 should you pursue? ‘You have now begun io collect a large sount of information: What do you do with it now? You must now choose the best career to look for at this time. Think through the potential obstacles you will face. Then decide what steps you will need to follow in order your list of important factors for to reach your goal. t career planning; « your marketable assets, summarized on your wheel; + your list of occupational options; and + your research findings on these options. 60 Career PattavaysYou will use the information you have discovered regarding yourself and your career options to evaluate them and decide on the best one to go for at this time. This is a process which you will probably repeat many times. Once you make a decision, you may need to gather even more information. But then you will have a clearer idea of what information you need Take one step ata time. As you move through the process, you will be able to evaluate your decisions and goals and adapt them if necessary. Sometimes it is difficult to make these decisions, You could be thinking of career decisions as final rather than part of a lifelong process. You could be worrying about not making the perfect decision. The best thing to do is to maké small dec and to start moving. Making Decisi ns One of the simplest methods of making decisions is to make a list of all the advantages and disadvantages of a particular decision. This is helpful if you 2 want to clarify one specific option. Another method is to use your career wheel. Place a prospective aption in the centre circle, Then examine that option from the peispective of each of the tarious factors around your wheel. Your goal is to see how well this option matches your unique combination of skills, interes values, personality and background. This is a good technique if you have one major option and want to test to see if itisa choice for you. A third method helps when you want to compare and contrast a number of option: Make a grid on which you rate your career options according to the main considerations that you want to cansicier when choosing a career or a particu Evaluate your current career options using worksheet #28, Evaluating My Career Options. Decide which options are fhe best for you to target at this time. Which carcer(s) showtdl yo! pur32. Canter Pat . Us . Creativity . Money, |. Opportunity to WORKSHEET #28 Evaluating My Career Options The career options that you listed should reflect your self- assessment findings (i. your unique wheel): e.g. interests, skills, personal style, values, ete. You could probably do all of these careers well, but you cannot do more than one at a time. List the 10 factors which you would consider to be most important in evaluating these career options and in making your 2 career choice. ‘ Using a grid as in the example below, evaluate your career options in light of the ten factors you have listed. Along the top, place your career options, along the side, place your ten factors. Rate each career option with respect to each factor on a 5-point scale, with +5 being high and 0 being low. Total the points for each career option. For example, (Career Options) 1.Social 2, Employment 3. Counsellor 4, Financial Worker Counsellor inaGroup Assistance Home Worker tors} Challenge Freedom Flexibility Abilities Ey ting Reward Hard Work Help Others Travel Total ScoreWORKSHEET #28 Evaluating My Career Options tconrn In the example above, you will notice that career 2 has the highest score and is ranked higher than career 1 in the use of abilities, excitement, creativity, and money. The only place career 1 received a higher rating was in helping others. In view of this, the ranking of these two goals needs to be carefully reviewed i Careers 3 and 4 are less desirable and can be set aside for now. Using the blank grid below, evaluate your own cireer options. Discuss the results with a friend, human resources officer, personnel consultant, supervisor or counsellor. (Career Options) 1, z Factors) Total ScoreWORKSHEET #28 ; Evaluating My Career Options tcont'a) Looking at your scores, how would you evaluate your potential | i career options? List below your top three options in order of | preference and then note their advantages and disadvantages. * i Which career seems to be the best choice at this time. Why? | Remember you are not making a final choice. Your first option i may not work out, You will need to be flexible. You may need to | reexamine the other options or any new ones which you might a think of later, i | i i | i | Option Advantage(s) Disadvantage(s) Option #1 i Option #2: 64 Comer Pathos‘Once you have selected a career to focus on, } | youneed to set goals to reach this career. Butas you think about this option, you , probably also can think of problems which } might get in the way of your reaching your 1 ‘goal (for example, lack of training or shyness). . Obstacles are a fact of life. They can be overcome, Don’t react emotionally, blame others, feel guilty, jump at quick solutions or give up. Instead, be flexible and learn how to overcome barriers. This is a good time to review the career myths described in worksheet #2 and the current labour market trends (worksheet #18). You may find that your view of the labour market needs to change. In making | this change, consider strategies such as: I * developing your skills to take \ advantage of new opportunities, * finding work that lets you “get your foot in the door,” that is getting into a field or a company by taking an entry- level or part-time position with the hope of later moving to better jobs, ©. putting together several part-time jobs, * starting to work for yourseli, * extending your network of contacts for stipport and job leads. In addition to changing your view of the labour market, you may also make some progress in overcoming your barriers by learning a method to solve problems. Overcoming My Career Barri For example, suppose that you are having difficulty with informational interviews. The following steps illustrate one method you could vse to solve this problem, - state the 1 problem You may find it very difficult to approach ancl contact the right people for informational interviews. assessment Ttmay be difficult because you do not know whom to contact or how to do it. You may fea! like an intruder or you may feel shy. Asa result, you may reject the idea of informational interviewing, You may put it off. You may give up quickly feeling that it doesn’t work. You may try but be completely frustrated in the process and choose among 3 generate, examine different solutions You may come up with many possible solutions, such as: * transform your thinking on informational interviewing by reading on it Which carecr(s) should yon purrsne? 65experience with informational results + practise with others who have 5 evaluate the interviewing: play the role of the interviewer and then the person You found yourself being interviewed or interview nervous when you started | someone you already know to interview your friend, but you were surprised how easily it went and how ' write down the questions you much information you gathered, Your | would like to ask friend shared how he/she liked talking about his/her work. Your first attempts » ask some people whom to contact at contacting someone failed, but you | ‘kept on. You had a good interview even » research and make a list of though you were nervous and didn’t ask, ’ companies where there are all the questions you wanted to. After | people you may wish to interview talking with someone, you were able to change some questions. You found that = + have a counsellor or friend listen the next interview went much better. | ‘and give you feedback as you call —--You were more relaxed and you were to arrange interviews surprised at how open the person was to i share about his/her job. You arranged © talk about your interviews with several more interviews in order to someone alter the first few to gather more information. | help you relieve any stress and to improve your skills. take action - Another method for solving a problem is to & imagine that you already have solved it |" | You may discover that your Picture in your mind what the solution main problems are that you would look like. Then ask yourself what feel like a nuisance when you you would have done to get to this point. , are caling people and you are not This can give you the goals you need to set completely sure how to do it. Now you in order to solve your problem. realize that you would not be a bother, but you may still need more practice. _Practise your problem solving and goal Call a isiend and ask i you can conduct setting by completing worksheets #29 and vactice interview with him/her. After 430, Overcoming My Career Barriers and vactice interview, you may decide _Selting My Career Goals. ange one actual interview the next | and to talk about it after with an employment counsellor or someone else. 66 Caner Putinoays( WORKSHEET #29 Overcoming My Career Barriers Think about a time when you overcame a difficult situation What happened? How did you manage to be successftil? How might you use some of the same attitudes and strategies in your current situation? 2. For each of your top three career options, list what you i , consider to be the biggest barriers which you think could i) } stop you from reaching them. { i | i i Options Possible Barriers i i 1 i i } | Q Option #1: I i i F 3. Review these barriers; what common elements do you see among the barriers to these options? Which ey Y shouid you purse? 67WORKSHEET #29 Overcoming My Career Barriers (contd) 4. Choose a major barrier hindering you from achieving your ' top career option. Use the five step approach to problem i solving in order to explore ways to overcome this barriet. 4 ‘You may have time now only to do the first three steps, but | you should try to complete the next two as soon as possible, | i oe on ea ASG Ry | t ‘The Barrier: ‘ ) t i 1. state the problem: { i i ee 2 i eee A AUS ee eee 1 i 2. make an assessment: t i 1 | i [Pee Sle a a vie emo eee ) ' 3. generate, examine, and choose among different solutions 1 (list them): Sos ae ee ee | 4. take action: poet Se See evaluate the results: reer Pathosf WORKSHEET #30 Seiting My Career Seals ne oe 1." Imagine that you have reached your care look ahead into the future. Pichtre in your mind fat everything has worked out for you and you have bees satisfied and successful in this carver, How would yon describe this potential future scene? Now look back at the things that happened to make pour cream come true, List the steps ar short-term goals thal + ou need to take to reach your long-term goal. In the lasi cx hina write the date or time period when you will take each sicy te - ee Which envvorts) stent } eee/ 5 Fa career goal o purse. hort-term goals‘You have identified the career option you would like to pursue, the barriers you might face, and the goals you will need to achieve before you can reach this career. The next step is to specify - in concrete terms - what steps you can take immediately to reach your career goal. In making your plans, remember to focus on those aspects within your control (good performance, gathering information, being Prepared, developing your system of networking, etc.). Also, keep in mind what ‘aspects depend on external factors (current labour market conditions, company policies, etc.). You can, of course, only take responsibility for what you can control. If things do not work out because of outside circumstances, there is litle point in blaming yourself, What is important is that you focus your efforts on what you can achieve and set goals that are realistic and concrete. This means being very specific about what you are going to do and when you are going to do it. Taking that first step is crucial, Worksheet #31, My Next Step, The Next Step will help you plan your first step, Review the information you have gathered ail answer the five questions included in the worksheet. ‘At this time, itis also helpful to develop a specific contract with respect to your action plans. Make a copy of worksheet #32, Contract to Action. Complete it and give a copy to someone (such as a friend or an employment counsellor). Ask this person to send it back to you in a month or so. This will remind you to keep moving. Write on the back of the “Contract” form strengi resources, or insights which will enable you to follow through with your contractWORKSHEET #81 My Next Step oN My career goal at this time is 1. What specifically do I need to do (start or stop) in order to realize my goals? What can I do as a first step? 1 | | i i | When will] take this first step? Get a date and start immediately if at all possible). 4, What roadblocks might lie ahead? How will [handle these roadblocks? 72. Career PatheenysWORKSHEET #82 Contract for Action am going to take a step toward achieving my career goal of becoming a aE SEE ie by doing the following: i Signature Date Witnessed by: lConclusio! i i You have a come a long way since you To stay motivated and on track, you may, started this guide, You have identified your — want to talk with others (colleagues, co- | marketable assets, You have identified workers, supervisors, family) about your those factors which you consider to be most _ progress. Think it through yourself, but also” important in finding the right career for talk it over with others to learn new ways | you, You have generated numerous career _of looking at the situation. options and have made some decisions. You a have faced the potential obstacles ahead ——_Allso, if you don’t achieve your goals as \ and have set out goals for yourself. quickly as you had hoped, don’t get discouraged. Think about why this might Now you will take that first step. * be happening. What can you do to change | Remember that the first step is only that— _things?. If the reason is beyond your the first siep. To follow through to the end, control, talk with your trusted friends and ‘you may need to repeat this process many _ advisors and be prepared to adjust your } times, uising the information and experience _coursé as necessary. Circumstances change. you have gained through this guide. With _Be alert for opportunities as they arise and | each step you will move loser to reaching _be prepared to take advantage of then). your ultimate goal — career satisfaction Good luck travelling your new career hways! | vr PatlnowysAdditional Resources Amundson, N‘E, & Borgen, W.A. (1995). At the Controls: Charting your course through unemployment. (Second Edition). Toronto: Nelson Canada. Bolles, RIN. (1990). The New Quick job-Fiunting Map. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press): Burton, M.L. & Wedemeyer, R.A. (1991). In Transition: From the Harvard Business School Club of New York's Carcer Management Seminar. New York: Harper Business, Career Associates (1992). The Encyclopedia of Careér Choices forthe 1990s, New York: Perigee Books. Kanchier, C. (1988). Questers .... Dare to Change Your Job... ansd Your Life, » Toronto: Key Porter Books. * Kocher, E, (1993), International Jobs. New York: Addison-Wesley. Kranich, RL, (1991). Careering and Re-Careering for the 1990's: The complete Suide to planning your futtre. Woodbridge, VA: Impact Publications. Saltzman, A. (1991). Down-shifting: Reinventing success on a slower track. New Yor: Harper Collins. Teger, PD. & Baron-Tieger, B, (1992), Do What You Are. New York: Little, Brown, & Co. Wendleton, K. (1994). Through te Brick Wall. New York: Five O'Clock Books, ‘Yates, Martin (1995). Knock ‘em Dend: The ultimate job ‘s handbook, Holbrook, MA; Adams Publishing,