Most people will change occupations several times during their work life. For best results, you need to know where you are going, how you are going to get there, and how to change directions when indicated. However, no plan is final. Each time you have a career change you will need to update your plan. There are several benefits that make the planning effort worthwhile.
Planning can help avoid dead end jobs and detours on life’s working journey and help you get into occupations that have incomes in line with your goals.
Good Planning Can Result In More Satisfaction
Some people see their work as a necessary evil, while others find their work very pleasant and satisfying. Part of this difference is because of the match (or mismatch) between the requirements of the job and the personal characteristics of the worker. If you understand yourself, you can select an occupation that is most likely to make “work” a happy experience.
Good Planning Can Get You to Your Goals More Efficiently
Some students select their courses or major and after a year or so decide that they made a mistake. This results in a change to a different course or major. In some cases this works out all right, but in other cases it requires additional courses and sometimes an added semester or year. Obviously, it would be more efficient to make the most appropriate choices in the beginning. Good planning can make a big difference.
Steps in Career Planning
1. Assessment
What are your interests?
What are your values?
What are your skills?
2. Gather Information
How are the economy and jobs changing, and what does it mean to me?
What occupations fit my interests, values, and skills?
What are the prospects and wages for these occupations?
What training is required?
3. Decide on a Goal and Plan
Determine occupational goal.
Determine what skills/knowledge you need to further develop.
Select several education alternatives.
4. Implement the Plan
Select classes to build skills.
Get experience in school or out of school to build skills.
Take full advantage of internships, school-to-work, or other programs.
At the appropriate time,apply for post-secondary education and financial aid. | 
