Career planning and development is a lifelong process influenced psychological, behavioral, and experiential factors that shape a career’s lifespan. As values and interests form during high school, this process begins. A written career development plan can help you stay focused on the steps you need to take to achieve your career goals and objectives. This plan should include information on a target occupation as well as the necessary education and training to qualify for the position.
A personal assessment of a person’s character traits, strengths, and weaknesses will be included in the career planning and development process to aid in the identification of suitable occupations. This self-awareness broadens a person’s understanding of the current and future skill set he or she brings to a job. Through employment experiences and developmental needs for areas of improvement, a person also gathers information about preferred work environments. There are achievements and performance reviews that detail abilities and successes.
Simultaneous research and career development information on current and potential employers with similar values and expectations for their employees reveals career advancement opportunities. Facts and figures about the future of a particular industry will aid in making the best career decisions. Even after landing the perfect job, the career planning and development process continues; the ever-changing business environment necessitates staying current on current events and changes that may affect the industry.
Career advancement opportunities require training programs, which are an important part of career planning and development. Continuous skill and knowledge development will assist a person in excelling and gaining key occupational competencies. Volunteering for a work team project or joining a professional career association can boost one’s visibility and opportunities for advancement.
Employees can participate in career development programs offered some companies. When an employee contributes to a company’s success, both the employee and the company benefit. Within the company, career development programs also lead to effective strategic succession planning. Employees are prepared for advancement into senior-level positions through succession planning after those in those positions retire or transfer to other positions.
The career planning and development process lays out the information that must be gathered in order to write a résumé and prepare for job interviews and promotions. A résumé is a summary of a person’s work experience, professional and personal accomplishments, aimed at a specific job. For putting one’s career plan into action, the résumé is the primary marketing tool. During a job interview, whether for a new position or a promotion, the first impression is crucial. Highlight qualifications and accomplishments that demonstrate the person’s competence.