Career development is a life long process that people go through in regards to the work they do. Understanding this process can help you identify a career that will be meaningful and fulfilling.
The elements of the process can happen in any order, and it is common to revisit different elements throughout one's life.
Career Assessments. Awareness of your own Interests, Personality, Skills,and Values can help you to understand more clearly what you want and need from your next career.
Career Research.The process of evaluating the careers you are interested in and comparing them to your assessment results.
Things to Consider:
- Occupational description
- Training and Education Requirements
- Salary (How much do I need to make? vs. How much do I want to make?)
- Geography/Location (Are you willing to re - locate?....What parts of the country are your occupational interests most viable?)
- Values/Interests/Skills
Where to look when researching careers:
- Internet
- Occupational reference books
- Newspapers
- Magazines/articles
- Do an Informational Interview with people working in the occupations in which you have an interest. Here are some links that can assist you with this process:
Informational Interview handout
Informational Interview sample questions
Decision Making & Goal-Setting. Decision making and goal - setting is a process of developing a timeline to plan and complete your education and/or training. This process usually results in better outcomes if they are considered carefully. A good decision may not always have the desired outcome, but if organized thought and gathering good information is involved, there is a better likelihood. Planning to be ready for any option that may present itself is what career decision making and goal setting is all about.
The counselors at Sacramento City College are available to help you with this process. Some decisions you may be facing could include choosing a college, choosing a major, choosing a career, as well as managing personal challenges.
Decisions and Goals can be tough. Our counselors are here to help you.
Experiential Exposure. Work as an intern or job shadow someone to find out whether you like the work, work environment, etc.
Job Search. Once you have completed your education, you are ready to look for work. This means perform an organized job search, update your resume, practice interviewing, and understand the appropriate attire for interviewing/work.
Resumes and Cover Letters. Click on the following links for helpful tips on developing your resume and cover letter. Please visit the Career Center for further assistance in writing a successful resume or cover letter.