CAREER DEVELOPMENT

WHAT IS A CAREER?
A career is a persons chosen profession or occupation. The general course or progression of your working life or your professional achievement. A career may include several jobs.

The Career Development Process

The career development process involves four basic steps: 1. Self -awareness and assessment 2. Career awareness and exploration 3. Career decision-making 4. Career planning and placement

The Career Development Process

Working with your career development counselor and following the process explained here may be the key to a successful career. Note: This process occurs in a cycle, so dont be surprised if you go through it several times during your lifetime!

The Career Development Cycle

Self Awareness & Assessment

The Career Development Cycle

Career Decision Making

SELF-AWARENESS AND ASSESSMENT

Self Awareness & Assessment

The Career Development Cycle

SELF-AWARENESS AND ASSESSMENT

This first step is very important, it allows you to become aware, clarify and assess your : Interests Abilities and skills Aptitudes Values Priorities Aspirations Personality

Self-Assessment Tools that a TTC Counselor Might Recommend

South Carolina Occupational Information System - SCOIS Hollands Self-Directed Search (SDS) Paper/pencil or web-based Career Development Services web pages and links Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Strong Interest/Skills Confidence Inventory

CAREER AWARENESS AND EXPLORATION

Self Awareness & Assessment

The Career Development Cycle

CAREER AWARENESS AND EXPLORATION

In this step you have a chance to become aware of and assess: Occupational requirements Employment trends Community, family, leisure, and volunteer issues and needs Developments in current work environment Developments outside current work Global issues and implications

Career Awareness and Exploration Tools and Activities

Becoming aware of the possibilities out there is essential in this step. To do so you may: Read newspapers and magazines Keep up with news via radio, TV, and internet Use SCOIS, TTC Career Services and other internet resources Utilize Occupational Outlook Handbook Talk with experts in the field Ask questions

CAREER DECISION MAKING

Self Awareness & Assessment

The Career Development Cycle

Career Decision Making

MAKING CAREER DECISIONS

This is the step when you pull together the information you have gathered and you: Establish goals (career and educational) Make plans to attain those goals Implement plans step-by-step Evaluate goals and progress continuously Adjust as you and/or situations change Continue to evaluate and re-prioritize

CAREER PLANNING AND PLACEMENT

Self Awareness & Assessment

The Career Development Cycle

Career Decision Making

CAREER PLANNING AND PLACEMENT

This part of the process comes after you have developed the skills necessary to pursue your career. At this time you need to: Develop good interviewing and job search skills; use Student Employment Services (SES) Once in a job:
Continue to learn new skills Try to look at least five years ahead Maintain flexibility

The Cycle is Complete

Self Awareness & Assessment

The Career Development Cycle

Career Decision Making

The Cycle is Complete

Once you complete a cycle, a new world of possibilities may open for you. We wish you the best in your journey to a new and fulfilling career!