The philosophy of Career Services about career planning is that it is a developmental process engaged in by most people a number of times during a lifetime. Statistics suggest that the average person will make major career changes between 3 and 5 times during a lifetime.
Please click on one of the following boxes or click on the numbered steps below:
Generally appropriate during the Freshman Year. This step involves gathering information about oneself to assist in making a decision about a career. A list of potential and suitable careers is generated. From the list, a shorter set, usually 3 to 5, of those careers most attractive/interesting is formed.
Since this phase immediately follows the self-assessment, it is generally also undertaken during the Freshman Year. After potential careers have been identified, information is obtained about those on the shortened list. By matching information about the careers with results of the self-assessment, a tentative decision is made. Information on careers can be found through various Web resources (click on "obtaining career information", or come to Career Services (125 SUB) and browse through field specific books and periodicals pertaining to careers. Another source of information about occupations can be found on O*NET The Nation's New Resource of Occupational Information.
After a tentative decision has been made, exploration and preparation begin. Focus during the Sophomore Year will be on confirming the accuracy of the tentative decision. Juniors and Seniors will be involved in preparing for their chosen career.
The last step in the complete process involves gaining the knowledge and skills necessary for moving into the real world marketplace of jobs. Juniors , Seniors, and/or Graduates will find it immediately applicable in marketing themselves for internships and full-time positions once they graduate. Sophomores who are looking into internships will also need to master the skills of marketing.
Another resource is the Career Planning Process from Bowling Green State University. This model explores information enabling students to synthesize, gain competencies, make decisions, set goals, and take action.
The Nation's New Resource of Occupational Information.
Career Services Homepage