Career Planning
The following are steps in the Career Planning Process are adapted from the CareerOneStop portal on the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration website. The five steps give a nice overview of factors to consider while planning your career. If you are unhappy in your career and looking to transition, you might want to start by examining Step 1 and then work your way through Steps 2, 3, 4, and 5. On the other hand, if you already find yourself in a satisfying career and position, examining the components of Step 5 may help you to remain fulfilled in your career and continually grow.
Step 1: Self-Assessment
- Personal Assessment (Skills, Values, Interests, Needs, Aptitudes & Personality). See the Career Assessment section on this website to find the assessments available through Fresno State Career Services
- Self-Care: Consider the work-life balance that you need
- Geography
- Finances
Step 2: Occupational Research & Decision-Making
- Occupational Research
- Informational Interviews with people in your field of interest
- Educational Research – What sort of training or credentials would you need?
- Industry Research
- Professional & Trade Associations in the field
- See the Resources for Career Research section on this website to find sites with the abovementioned information.
Step 3: Gain Experience & Credentials
- Short-Term Training
- Education (Classroom and e-Learning)
- Internships
- Volunteer Work
- Interim or Temporary Employment
- Job Shadowing
Step 4: Job Search Skills & Process
- Targeted Search (Occupation, Industry & Company)
- Targeted Networking
- Targeted Resumes, Cover Letters, Applications & References
- Interviewing
- Seeking & Following Up on Job Leads
- Salary Negotiation
- Review the Career Services Handbook and the Job Search Preparation section on this website for samples and information on the job search process
Step 5: Career Management
- Professional Associations
- Keeping Current with your Profession
- Ongoing Skill Development & Enhancement
- Lifelong Learning
- Work-Life Balance & Sense of Purpose
- Ongoing Evaluation