There is so much hustle and bustle packed into our lives. It can be hard to slow down and really get to know ourselves well enough to really and truly know what would make us fulfilled in life. By the time many people pause to reflect, it stems from already being unfulfilled, burnt-out, and probably feeling a little disillusioned with the journey so far.
At this point, people have two options, keep trudging along the same path, or try something new.
For some of you, this reflection may have already led you to pursue second or even third careers, now bringing you to South College. For others, you might just be starting your educational journey.
Either way, taking the time now to plan your future career—aligning your education with your values and long-term goals—can save you time, money, and energy while setting you up for a fulfilling, impactful life.
Below, you will find a breakdown of the steps to create a personal development plan that works for you, ensuring your journey is purposeful, fulfilling, and flexible. Whether you're just starting out, continuing your education to move up in your chosen field, or starting something brand new, this guide will help you align your steps to your intrinsic motivations.
Step 1: Define Your Values
Before diving headfirst into career choices based on factors like salary, time in school, or even your interest, start with self-reflection. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to get started in the right direction.
If you had unlimited time and money, what kind of work or activities would you focus on?
What personal achievements make you the proudest?
What kind of impact do you want your work to have on the world or your community?
What work environments make you feel most comfortable and productive?
What have been the most fulfilling experiences in your life so far, and what made them fulfilling?
Step 2: Assess Your Strengths and Passions
Understanding your natural skills and interests is key to a long and fulfilling career. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can help identify your personality type and strengths, offering valuable insights into suitable career paths (Krasner et al., 2024). This is a free personality test that's not only great for career planning but can also help navigate your personal life and relationship with valuable insights about you.
Another option is to ask for feedback from trusted mentors, family, and advisors to get a more complete understanding of your abilities. We often underestimate ourselves and the talents we have. So, make sure to ask those close to you about what you do well, the answers may even surprise you!
Step 3: Research and Explore Career Options
Once you’ve identified your values, strengths, and passions, you can get to the fun part; researching career fields that align with you. This is the time to dream big and wide. Envision yourself in different roles, playing out how you would show up in this role, and how that would shape your life. Consider:
Job market demand and salary trends.
The day-to-day realities of potential careers.
Growth opportunities in your chosen field.
Use resources like career days, job shadowing, and informational interviews to gain firsthand knowledge (Arenofsky, 2002). Networking events and online platforms are excellent for connecting with professionals in your field, giving you a clearer picture of your career options and how you can fit into that field.
Step 4: Set Specific Career Goals
Transform your vision into actionable steps by setting clear, realistic goals. Write your goals down and keep them visible as a constant reminder. For each goal:
Be specific. Example: “I will volunteer five hours weekly at a local animal shelter.”
Set a deadline. Example: “By the end of this semester, I will complete my internship application.”
List the requirements and sacrifices needed to achieve it. Example: “To pursue summer hospital volunteer work, I’ll forgo a paid summer job.”
Career expert Eugene Raudsepp emphasizes that an action plan breaks down large tasks into manageable steps, reducing stress and increasing productivity (Arenofsky, 2002).
Step 5: Integrate Education with Career Goals
Now that you have your values defined, and your goals built to support them, you can go about choosing your courses, internships, and extracurricular activities that move you closer to your career path. For instance, if you aim to become a physician’s assistant, prioritize biology and health-related courses and seek hands-on experiences in healthcare settings.
While many students view college primarily to secure better job prospects, it’s essential to see education as a tool to refine your skills and deepen your understanding of your chosen field (Baumgardner, 1982).
Step 6: Create a Flexible Personal Development Plan
It is important to remember your career path is not set in stone, and shifting focus does not mean giving up. Be open to revisiting and adjusting your goals and gaining new experiences and new insights. We are always growing and changing, and the mark of an intelligent mind is being able to change it. Experiment through internships, short-term projects, or additional courses. Sometimes, unexpected opportunities may lead to better-aligned career choices. Flexibility is key to navigating the uncertainties of career decision-making.
Step 7: Continue Planning Post-Major
Even after declaring a major, career planning does not stop. Regularly revisit your personal development plan to:
Assess your progress.
Update your goals based on new experiences or shifts in interests.
Seek mentorship and feedback to refine your trajectory.
Engage in lifelong learning by attending workshops, earning certifications, or pursuing advanced degrees if necessary. This proactive approach keeps you aligned with your values and competitive in your field.
Bringing Passion to Your Work
All these steps are aimed at making sure you do not just find a job post-graduation, but that you discover a career that is truly aligned with you so you can be passionate about the work you do. When you bring your passions to your career, you are not just working; you are creating the best version of yourself. This authenticity enables you to make the greatest impact on the world.
Works Cited
Arenofsky, J. (2002). Your career path, part II: Go for the goal. Career World, a Weekly Reader publication, 30(4), 6. https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=10373e44-3268-3015-a7e2-0c0a6023ecde
Baumgardner, S. R. (1982). Coping with disillusionment, abstract images, and uncertainty in career decision making. Personnel and Guidance Journal, 61(4), 213–217. https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=ab1786d4-0d37-39a8-b305-eae046738215
Krasner, H., Yim, L., & Simanton, E. (2024). The Myers-Briggs type indicator association with United States medical student performance, demographics, and career values. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 1293. https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=afe6b4ef-4924-3164-be97-a63888d1bc72
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