Career Management in Today's World

Today's world requires a more proactive approach to your career decision-making and planning. The most effective people make decisions based on data and you need data to help you in making your career decisions. Begin with information about yourself - keep in mind the kinds of activities which interest you, the skills you enjoy using, your personal traits and strengths, and other factors that impact your satisfaction with your work and work setting.

You will also need data about the world of work so that you make your decisions based on reliable information and not just your hunch or guesses. Your particular circumstances will determine some of the kinds of information you need; but you will want to have knowledge of the kinds of activities involved in an occupation you are considering, as well as the education or training requirements preferred or required. You may also want to know about the kinds of companies that hire people to do that kind of work and whether or not the occupation is expected to grow, decline, or remain stable over the next several years. Most people also want to know where a particular occupation may lead - potential advancement or other opportunities or career directions.

After you have gathered your information about yourself and the world of work, you will look for areas of overlap and start there to make your decisions. After you have made a decision, you will need to develop your plan to achieve your career goals. With some planning and follow-through, your career goals will become realities.

Mary Ann Davis, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x 3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.