CareerPlan - Step 4: Make decisions, Set goals, Take Action!
STEP 4: MAKE DECISIONS, SET GOALS, AND TAKE ACTION!
Congratulations! You have made it to Step 4, the most challenging and exciting step!
Gather all of your printed materials from Steps 1, 2, and 3 to complete the attached integration worksheets and activities.
Consider connecting in person with your Century Counselor as you enter or complete Step 4.
Be sure to print out each of the links that you use here, or save them in your GPS eFolio. If you need to create your GPS eFolio, link here. They will be important for you to reflect on, now and in the future, with your career process.
Reflections on Steps 1, 2, and 3 - A Questionnaire (.pdf format and will open new window)
You have come far on your exploration journey. It may be helpful now to combine all of your data together. Integrating your work can be a useful tool for furthering your CareerPlan. Fill in all appropriate information. Some parts of your research may seem more connected than others - that is not uncommon. First, collect it all, then afterwards you can make decisions as to which parts are most pertinent to your goals.
Reflections on Steps 1, 2, and 3 - A Creative Approach (.pdf format and will open new window)
Now that you have completed these steps, it is time to compile what you have learned about yourself and your various career options. Perhaps you would prefer to assemble all of this information in a more original format. This very basic format allows you to use your creative side to draw, write, or collage your top values, interests, personality traits, skills, career options, etc.- all the elements from your research that were most important to you. You may prefer to use a piece of tagboard or other larger paper to unleash your creative nature. Use your imagination.
Research Checklist (.pdf format and will open new window)
If you like a structured approach to weighing the "evidence" for or against certain potential careers, this form might be for you. List all of your key personal factors down on the left side from Step 1. Some examples of these factors could include: values: working alone, creativity, and many others; skills: leadership, technology and many others; interests: art, science and many others; personality: extroverted, analytical thinker, and many others. These factors can be anything that you consider highly important to your career satisfaction.
List all the careers you may be interested in at this point from Step 2 across the top. You have now created your own personal grid or checklist to put your research to work for yourself.
Goal Setting
Setting goals within your CareerPlan is an excellent strategy to provide you with ongoing direction and purpose. The more you can clearly define these goals (and revise them as needed), the more likely you will find your way. Goals will help you to channel your energy towards meaningful activities as you continue along your CareerPlan journey. Choose the goal-setting format that best suits your needs:
Basic Goal-Setting Form (.pdf format and will open new window)
Targeted Goal-Setting Form (.pdf format and will open new window)
Developing a Career Network
Gather a list of contacts that may be able to assist you with further development of your CareerPlan. Eight categories are listed for you to consider. List all pertinent information for each individual or organization. These contacts may be affiliated with fields that interest you, names given to you by others, and/or people who care about your success. When contacting individuals in your Career Network, be organized with specific questions and follow-up with a thank-you note. Regularly update, edit, and add to your network.
Background on Career Networks (.pdf format and will open new window)
Career Network Form (.pdf format and will open new window)
Lifelong Learning (.pdf format and will open new window)
Life is a series of choices, each with its own costs and benefits. There are no wrong decisions, only different lessons.
What if I am Still Undecided? (.pdf format and will open new window)
Still confused about your CareerPlan? See if these suggestions can route you on your way.
You have now finished the CareerPlan process - Congratulations!
Consider returning to any parts of CareerPlan, as needed, while you follow your career paths. Please fill out this online survey.