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Getting Started:
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It is very common to have misconceptions about the type of
work that a particular career may involve. When you learn more
about the details of the actual work, you are in a better position
to see if your choice is a reasonable one.
Here is a list of some of the information you will need to begin
your career planning. |
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Educational, expertise, and skills requirements.
Other units in the organizations in which the same kind of work is performed.
Other jobs compatible with your skills, abilities, and experiences.
Possibilities for advancement in other parts of the organization compared to possibilities in your own work unit.
Typical career paths of people occupying positions that interest you.
Changes which might lead to expansion or retrenchment in different areas (which in turn would impact the number and nature of job opportunities in different fields).
Human resource trends and projections for different jobs and parts of the organization.
How positions are classified or evaluated and what different levels are called.
What different work units and departments are like in terms of their work climate.
What constitutes high potential.
How you might improve your chances of becoming a manager, supervisor, and so on.
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Information Interviews:
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When you are trying to find information about a particular field or kind of job, you may find it helpful to meet with someone doing the kind of work you are interested in and ask some of the following questions:
How did you get into this job or field?
What do you like best about it?
What do you like best about the kinds of people you work with?
What do you see as the goals and values that go with the job?
What special knowledge or skills do you have to have for this job? How do you acquire them?
What are the working conditions like?
Tell me about the responsibility and accountability that is in the job.
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Other Sources of Information:
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Professional journals, newsletters, and magazines.
Public library.
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