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Career Selection and Planning Guide
 2nd edition: August 25, 2008

Looking for the old version of this program? Click here

First time users, do not use the old version! 

Introduction

 

Please read the Introduction section below and then follow the directions at the end of this page to learn how to begin.

 

What is the Career Selection and Planning Guide (CS&PG)?

 

The CS&PG is a career guidance program designed to help you select a career goal that best matches your personality style.  This program will help you discover which occupations best match your interests and, if you prefer, your skills, values and behavioral traits.

 

Who should use the CS&PG?

 

The CS&PG was developed specifically for college students who are unsure of their first career goal, and adults who are attempting to make a mid-life career change, but who are unsure of which occupation to pursue.

 

How does the program work?

 

The CS&PG is built around five well established career guidance exercises that most professional career counselors believe should  be completed in selecting and planning a career direction.  These exercises are arranged into five steps and must be completed in the order presented below.

  • Step 1: Define your personality style

  • Step 2: Identify possible career options

  • Step 3: Research and profile your career options

  • Step 4: Select a career goal

  • Step 5: Develop a career plan

A "checklist of things to do" has been created for each of the above five steps to help you complete each step properly.

 

Two personal assessment options - basic or comprehensive

 

In Step 1 (Define your personality style) you have the option of using up to four personal assessment tools to help you define your personality style.  Depending upon your preference, you may elect to complete a "basic" assessment which will help you define just your interests.  If you would like a deeper, more comprehensive assessment, you may also assess any or all of the following:

  • Skills

  • Values

  • Behavioral Traits

Self-directed or Counselor Guided options

 

This program has been designed to be used in two different ways, either as a "Self-directed" or "Counselor Guided" program.

Self-directed.  If you prefer you may complete this program on your own with little or no direction from a career counselor.  This option is appropriate for people who are motivated and who typically work well without support or direction.  If this describes you, feel free to complete the program on your own and contact us if you need assistance or if you have any questions.

 

Counselor Guided.  If you prefer to work with a career counselor and receive direction and guidance at each step in the program, please contact us to schedule your first session.  Do not start this program until told to do so.  Under this option, you will meet with a career counselor 1 hour per week for approximately 3-4 weeks as you complete each step in the program.

Time to complete

 

How long it takes to complete the program varies from person to person depending upon how much (basic or comprehensive) of the personal assessment program you elect to complete, and how much time you can devote to the program each week.  However, most individuals report that they spent 1 hour per week for 6 weeks to complete the entire (comprehensive) program.  You may elect to complete the program in less or more time depending upon your schedule.

 

An investment in your future

 

Selecting a career direction often takes time, but the results are well worth the effort.  People who fail to take time to plan their career often end up in occupations that are neither enjoyable nor rewarding.  Don't cheat yourself out of a bright future - motivate yourself to complete the program!

 

Getting help

 

Regardless of which option you prefer (Self-directed or Counselor Guided) you can always receive assistance or answers to questions by contacting us via email, phone or by meeting in a private session.  Here's our contact information.

 

What's your next step?

 

If you prefer the Self-directed option, please click the "Checklist" menu item above to begin the program.

 

If you prefer the Counselor Guided option, please contact us to schedule your first session.  Do not start this program until instructed to do so by your counselor.

 

Main Menu

 

Checklist

 

Forms:

Personality Style Profile
MS Word   PDF
List of Possible Career Options
MS Word   PDF
Career Options Profile
MS Word   PDF
Career Selector Guide
MS Word   PDF
Career Planning Guide
MS Word   PDF

 

Step 1:

Define your interests

Define your skills

Define your values

Define your behavioral traits

 

Step 2:

Identify possible career options

 

Step 3:

Research and profile
your career options

 

Step 4:

Select a career goal

 

Step 5:

Develop a career plan

 

If you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up somewhere else! 

 

David Campbell