Introduction

The term Career planning is frequently used in relation college /university level. Students are expected to consider their qualities (physical and mental), psychological make-up, likes and dislikes, preference, etc. and decide what they want to be in their life. In other words, they should decide what they want to achieve in their life and adjust their education and other activities accordingly. This means they have to plan their for future. In such career planning, parents, family members and teachers offer helping hand and guide young boys and girls in selecting the most suitable future or career. Lot of literature, psychological tests are available on career planning. Even lectures, workshops and TV programs are arranged for guiding students on career selection (particularly after the declaration of High School or equivalents Certificate results). Career planning enables them to use their abilities/qualities fully and make their life happy, prosperous and rich in quality.

Career planning is a relatively recent social invention. For hundreds of generations, there was little freedom of choice in occupational selection. Sons of farmers became farmers, sons of miners became miners, sons of factory workers became factory workers, and the daughters of all three became housewives and mothers.

In the last one hundred years or so, society has undergone drastic changes. The individual now has well over 25,000 different occupations from which to choose. Many of these have been newly created to meet today's needs; others have recently become options for any qualified persons, regardless of gender or race. Having a multitude of possibilities often makes the process of choosing frustrating and time consuming. Frequently, the occupation chosen is ill-suited for the individual, resulting in worker dissatisfaction, impaired personal development, poor productivity, and low self-esteem. Workers generally contribute 30 years or more of their lives to paid employment, making occupational choice one of the most life impacting decisions an individual will ever make. Your career planning venture will 

be composed of developing decision-making skills, considering personnel attributions, and studying the work force.

The term Career Planning & professional grooming  is also used extensively in relation to organizations. It is argued that if the organizations want to get the best out of their employees, they must plan the career development programs in the organization effectively. Such programs offer benefits to employees. The employees will develop new skills for career and will be available to the organization..

Career Planning & professional grooming provides students with an opportunity to learn and develop the necessary skills to engage in life or in career planning. Career Planning & professional grooming book empowers students to achieve lifelong success through flawless access to global experiences, comprehensive & holistic career services and mutually beneficial connections with employers & graduate students. The hardest battle student will ever have fight is between who he or she is now and who he or she want to be

In general, Education should lead students toward and provide resources for: self-actualization, so that students become more developed individuals. They should be productive citizenship, so that students positively impact their communities. They should able to think critical, so that students can make better life decisions. This book is designed to achieve those goals within the framework of Career Planning & professional grooming issues.

This book is designed to introduce and guide students to career and life planning concepts and how to apply these to their own lives. Career Planning & professional grooming  book will provide the framework for the career decision making process. It stresses the connection between the student’s chosen academic field and career objective that are consistent with personal values, interests & skills. Students will be able to explain why career decision-making is a lifelong process.

Student will be able to: (i) produce clear, determinate practical personal career goals. (ii) identify some personal interests, skills, values, and relate those to his or her career goals. (iii) express an understanding of the socioeconomic influences and their effects on career decisions. (iv) describe and explore career paths and options.  (v) employ techniques for such as job and Internship -search activities, Networking, developing resumes and interviewing skills.

What is the Difference between Job, Occupation, and Career?

Often the terms job, occupation, and career are used interchangeably. In fact, they have very different meanings.

A job is work for which you receive pay. Example: ABC Company.

An occupation is a wide category of jobs with similar characteristics. Example: physician, engineer, educator, or scientist. 

A career is a lifetime journey of building and making good use of skills, knowledge, and experiences. A person usually holds several jobs in their career. It is usually easier to change jobs in the same field of work that define ones career.

Career Planning is a Four Step Process

Ø  Self Knowledge - Knowing yourself , to understand own capabilities, character, feelings, or motivations

Future begins with self question — Asking questions can help someone figure out who you are and where you want to go.

 Know you first priority

How can you realistically set goals, go about life , if you don't know who you are or what you want?  You really can't.

Not knowing yourself will lead to confusion and wasting much time in hit and miss situations.

We tend to underestimate the importance of knowing ourselves. Many of us go through each day reacting to events and just getting by rather than making conscious choices based on who we are and what we want.

When we don't know where we are headed it's hard to set goals, get motivated and determine the best course of action. Before we can do any of these things we must establish who we are.

Know yourself:

·        Be aware of strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes

·        Observe and be aware of moods, reactions and responses to what is happening around

·        Become aware of how these moods and emotions affect your state of mind

·        Examine how you interact with others

·        Observe how your environment affects you

 Knowing and understanding yourself better, in turn, leads to decision-making, setting and reaching appropriate goals and ultimately living more a productive life.  There are many interesting personality tests and evaluations for self-discovery that can help you become more in tune to yourself and are also fun to do.

If you're seeking greater career clarity or hoping to choose a major or a professional path, start with what you already know about yourself.

gentile, open-minded, self-centered, lazy ? Know personal attributes such as interests, abilities, level of competencies, transferable skills, and strengths and weaknesses is a start to exploring careers that are a better fit.   

Identify with self actualization. Every individual is unique. Everyone has potential and has capacity to do something; sometime we know it, most of the time we do not know it. Nothing is impossible. Best way to control mind and know self actualization is to do meditation. The meditation is to make the individual free from existing problems,

Ø Values – Originated from a French word: ‘valoir’ which means ‘be worth’. Values are things that are motivating or important to you. Something that is important or desirable. A value can be defined as personal belief on a moral or ethical issue.

Ø  Interests- activities a person does for fun or enjoys.

Identifying interests is to consider the activities, hobbies and topics that you enjoy and that naturally capture your attention. Identifying your interests can help you generate ideas of possible majors and career areas to further explore

Ø  Skills - Skills are activities that someone can do well. Special talents and abilities. Skills are two types such as:

Soft skills : 

Soft skills are interpersonal. They are somewhat difficult to quantify and relate to a person’s personality and ability to work with others. This skill set includes good communication, critical thinking, empathy, and conflict resolution, among other skills like Communication, listening, self control, positive attitude, taking responsibility, sense of humor Flexibility, Leadership, Motivation, Patience, Persuasion, Problem Solving Abilities, stress management, storytelling, interpersonal skills, public speaking, time management, leadership Teamwork and much more

Hard skills: Hard skills are quantifiable and teachable; they include specific knowledge and abilities required for a job. Examples of hard skills include computer programming, accounting, mathematics, earn certificates, language proficiency, job related skills and data analysis. Some can be learned on the job, while others, such as surgical skills, are first learned in a classroom and then refined through work practice.

Tips for Career Planning

·         Take a variety of different classes and  see what interests you.

·         Take self-assessment tests, so you will know a lot about yourself.

·         Build up a career inventory, such as organization you want to work for? type of environment you looking for? What kind of work schedule you like?

·         Search different careers and find out  about the fastest growing fields.

·         Do some volunteer work so you can build strong network through volunteer activities

·         Joining a professional association in your field of choice .

·         Gather information.

·         Find a mentor.

 What is a Career?

The particular occupation for which some one are trained is basically a career . A career develops over a lifetime and is made up of many work and life experiences. A career is a sequence of positions/jobs held by a person during the course of a persons working life. Today, young people can expect to change career paths a number of times over a lifetime. Career of an employee represents various jobs performed by him/her during the course of his working life. This is described as career path. In the case of an ordinary worker, the career path includes the following job positions:

Unskilled worker – Semi-skilled worker – Skilled worker – Highly skilled worker – Assistant foreman – Foreman.

Employees (of all categories) want to grow in their careers as this provides more salary, higher status and opportunity to use knowledge, education and skills effectively. An individual with potentials joins a firm not for job but for career development. An organization has to provide better opportunities to its employees in their career development and also use their efficient services for the benefit of the organization.

What is Career Planning?

Career planning is one important aspect of career. Career planning is a lifelong process, which includes choosing an occupation, getting a job, growing in job, possibly changing careers and eventually retiring. In this book we will focus on career choice and the process one goes through in selecting an occupation. This may happen once in our lifetimes, but it is more likely to happen several times as we first define and then redefine ourselves and our goals. It is not necessary that you choose your subject according to your academic achievements.

Why Career Planning ?

To achieve lifelong success through flawless access to transformative professional experiences,

Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others. Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals. Below are the few tips for career plan.

1.    Understand self-Ability – According to your ability, you must go for choosing your subject. You must not take care that what subject is being taken by your friend. You must choose that subject, in which you can perform well. It has been seen that people change their career after lot of time in youth. They must understand their aptitude at their younger age for choosing subjects. Just be cool and understand your aptitude for choosing best career for yourself.

your career. If you are creative then you must go for choosing that career, in which you can attract some one. If you are shy person then you must not choose that type of career, in which you have to face many people.

3.    Know the Liking and Disliking – People don’t know their liking and disliking. If you will ask their liking career then even they don’t know their desire. First understand your self, what you want; what is your strength, what is your like? If you can understand your liking and disliking then you can easily choose your career.

4.    Know the Capacity – Every student must know their limitations and capacity. If you don’t have capacity to study for long time then choose short courses for your life. If you can not survive your life while studying then go for short study career for which you can make your career in less timing.

Career planning incorporates short-term and long-term career goals, personal goals and constraints. Career Planning is an ongoing process of learning what you are cutout for by:

-exploring your values, interests, skills, abilities, etc.

-exploring different occupations and industries,

-exploring different learning options, making an informed decision when setting a career goal, and developing SMART plans to achieve each career goal. your planning process should incorporate the following stages:

Short-term and long-term planning run in parallel and should be reviewed regularly.

How to Develop your own career action plan

Before you can formulate a plan you need to look back at the information you have gathered

§  yourself: your skills, knowledge, constraints, interests and values

§  your chosen occupation(s): entry requirements, skills required, is more training needed?

Now you need to put together the information you have gathered.

 Can you meet the requirements of the job?  Will the career you're considering meet your needs?  Look at the pros and cons and significant implications. Go back to Look at your career needs and ensure that all your requirements can be met.  Incorporate this information in your  Career options grid 

Try to formulate a plan that includes at least one contingency career area.  Discuss your plans with your career mentor, family members, Careers Advisers and other People resources who will give you an objective view of the realism and practicality of your ideas.  Check out any doubts that your advisers may raise and satisfy yourself before proceeding with a career change.

If you have satisfied yourself that the career you are considering will be a good match with your interests, abilities, skills, knowledge, values and constraints, you can start to make a careers action plan detailing the actions you need to take in order to enter that career.

Why should you be concerned about planning your career?

Because it is your career.  If you don’t take responsibility for the success of your career, then who will?  Besides, considering all the time and energy you spend at work, why not ensure you get maximum satisfaction from your work and career.

How do you go about planning your career?

The diagram below illustrates the steps involved in the career planning process.   

Step 1:  Knowledge of Work Environment

(What is going on around you?)

1.  How is the mission of your organization (i. e., section, branch, division or lab) changing? What other changes are occurring regarding our customers, services/products, work processes, organizational structure, reporting relationships and personnel?  Is this a change of which you want to be a part?  Or is it time for you to consider a move?  

2.  What is the organization’s changing needs regarding the workforce and what new expertise and skills will be required or desirable?  

3.  What opportunities are available for developing these new expertise and skills (experiences, training, brief exposure, professional conferences, mentoring, etc.)?

4.  How should your role (job) change in your organization?  How can you prepare for or develop new skills for these changes?    

5.  New expertise and skills your organization wants you to learn include...  

6.  What new missions or projects at your workplace appeal to you?  What are their needs for the future?  What kinds of development activities would help position you for participation in another project?  

Step 2:  Knowledge of Self
(Who are you?)  

1.  New and recent developments in your organization or field, what interests you the most?

2.  What are your current strengths for pursuing these interests?  What do you need to do to reposition your career so that you can get involved in these new developments?

3.  Is it time for you to consider working outside what you are doing now?  If you are considering a complete career change, what experiences and learning would help reposition your career in the direction of your new interests?

4.  Of all the things you have done in the last five years (work and non-work related), what specific activities and functions have energized you the most?  What developmental activities--experiences, learning, skill building--would help you grow in or increase these energizing functions?

5.  Other things you would like to learn are...

6.  What non-work related issues do you need to consider as they might affect your career plans (e.g., health, family, financial, social)?

Ask yourself these questions:

What are your interests? (Data, people, things)

How do you like to work? (Preferences)

What are your skills/strengths? (Abilities)

What’s important to you? (Values)

Step 3:  Integration of Knowledge of Self and Work Environment
(How well your workplace and you match up?)   

1.  In what areas do your interests and personal plans overlap with the changing needs of your organization?

2.  What knowledge’s, skills or abilities are important for increasing or maintaining the quality of my performance in your present assignments?  

3.  What know ledges, skills or abilities would help prepare me for opportunities or roles you might have in the future?  

4.  Compared to the developmental needs suggested by these factors, other interests for development that are important to me include...

Step 4:  Goal Development
(What do you want to accomplish?)   

A goal is a statement of a desired outcome or accomplishment which is specific, observable and realistic.  Based on the data you have generated about yourself on the previous worksheets and your specific career issues, write some goals for the next one, two and three years.  

1.  What you want to accomplish by this time next year is...

2.  What you  want to accomplish by the end of the second year is...

3.  What you want to accomplish by the end of the third year is...

4.  What barriers or obstacles might prevent me from accomplishing my goals on time (e. g., time, money, other commitments, etc.)?  

5.  What can you do to overcome these barriers or obstacles?  What resources are available to help you?  

Step 5:  Method for Taking Action
(What actions will you take?)

1.  There is a wide range of potential actions to consider in order achieving goals:

·      New assignments in your current job -- Rotation to a different job

·      Volunteer for a task force or process action team

·      On-the-job learning from someone who is more expert in a specific area

·      Seminars/conferences

·      Commercial/contracted courses

·      Self-paced learning (books, videos, computer-based instruction, etc.)

·      Academic degree or certification program

·      Sabbatical leave

·      Conduct informational interviews

·      Move to a new job

·      Start your own business

·      Retirement

2.  In planning your career moves, you must be open to consider all the possibilities.  “Up” is not the only way (i. e., moving from a technical/professional position into management).  You must be willing to consider these moves:

Lateral Move: Change in position within or outside an organization, but not necessarily a change in status or pay.

Job Enrichment: Expand or change my job in order to provide growth experiences for myself. Exploration: Identify other jobs that require skills you have and also tap your interests and values.  Job rotation is an example.

Downshifting: Taking an assignment or job at a lower level of responsibility, rank, and/or salary in order to reposition your career in something new and interesting to you, or to achieve a better balance between work and personal life.

Change work setting: Keep your job duties pretty much the same, but have a different boss, organization or employer. No change: Do nothing, but only after careful consideration.

Types of careers

Holland’s Hexagonal Model of Career Fields are six fundamental types 

Artistic (A) :People who enjoy artistic careers thrive on creativity, imagination and self-expression. Some examples are musicians, graphic artists, dancers, writers, composers, reporters, journalists, designers, architects, poets, editors etc.

Social (S) :People who are in the social career type must work with other people in order to enjoy their career. This means helping, teaching or working very closely with other people. Social career type have a very strong need for people contact and they do not enjoy working alone. Career examples are teachers, therapists, counselors, recruiters, nurses, most healthcare technicians, detectives, priests, etc.

Enterprising (E) :People who enjoy enterprising careers like to work where they can provide leadership and where they are able to persuade or supervise others. This includes sales people, politicians, attorneys, managers, supervisors, flight attendants, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

Conventional (C) :Conventional career peoples are very practical, consistent, organized, orderly and usually very detail oriented. Conventional work includes organizing, planning, and an appreciation for paperwork and details. These career types have the unique ability to do highly repetitive work, day after day. They are usually extremely dependable. Conventional careers include financial analysts, accountants, bankers, clerks, waiters, waitresses, budget analysts, office managers, operations managers, production managers, master schedulers, and secretaries.

Realistic :People who enjoy realistic career tend to prefer careers that are physical, outdoors and hands on. Generally they prefer working with things or animals rather than people and ideas. Examples include carpenters, auto mechanics, jewelers, chefs, drivers, bakers, pilots, veterinarians, etc. The key here is working with your hands, working with equipment and, or working outdoors in physical activities.

Investigative :People who enjoy investigative type careers like to use science and technology. They tend towards being problem solvers. They are very good at learning by reading. Examples include engineers, scientists, technicians, and medical doctors.

Top Ten Most Popular Careers

http://www.alec.co.uk/free-career-assessment/top-10-most-popular-careers.htmWhat do employers want?

Leaving university with a good degree is a pre-requisite in the graduate employment market, but this alone is not enough to secure first graduate job. How does an employer choose the right person from hundreds of applicants all with the same class of degree? The skills you develop whilst at college/ university and the experiences you gain will all help to give you the edge over the next candidate. This means it is essential not just to bury your head in a book all the time while you are at university, but to continue with your interests and work experience, which help to enrich your life and your CV. Side by Side , you need to develop your professional adequate manner, need to know dress code and keep eyes and ears open for development and  what employers are looking for today.  

Careers for the Future

What will be the help wanted advertise look like in 2-10 years; and why should you care? As the world progress, so do job trends and job descriptions. It’s important to structure your career so that your job will be in demand in several years, not eliminated. Always pay attention to opportunity, observe carefully for jobs that are showing significant growth potential. We all want a job that pays well and will have plenty of openings in the next decade? Consider one of these occupations.

Career #1: Healthcare

According to recent US Labor Department data, an aging population will put healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, physical therapists, home health aids, and pharmacists in more demand. The same data indicates 4 million jobs will be added to this sector by 2018.

Career #2:Engineering

As we have seen, most  engineering sector is poised to continue its rapid growth in the next few years. Mainly, Civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, Medical Engineering, Mechanical etc. Further, engineering field tend to do quite well for themselves.

Career #3: Information Technology

Think of all the technology we didn't have just a few decades ago,  a few years ago. Computers, the Internet, and Smart phones have changed the way we do business and communicate. And they will continue to do so. As more technology is developed, IT professionals such as programmers, security specialists, and administrators will continue to be in high demand.

Career #4: Alternative Energy

Alternative energies such as wind power, hydrogen power, geothermal power, and solar power will create dozens of new careers, from mechanics and plant managers to scientists, engineers, and even sales and marketing professionals, as these energies become more mainstream.

Career #5: International Law

As the emphasis on global business and trade grows, organizations will be looking for individuals who will have the education, experience, and skill set to navigate areas like international law, tax codes, work and environmental regulations, and even ethics.

Career #6: Content Creation

As marketing becomes education-based and less sales-based, demand for business writers who specialize in blogs, newsletters, website articles, whitepapers, and special reports will also increase. Individuals in this field must have good communication and writing skills, and be highly creative and original. They must also be self-motivated and self-disciplined in order to meet deadlines.

Career #7: Marketing

Increased competition and the desire for companies to find new ways of differentiating their products and services will ensure that marketing professionals are kept in high demand. However, because trends and strategies change over time, those who can demonstrate they are keeping up with strategy will be better positioned.

Career #8: Financial Analyst

Unsettled economic times have demonstrated a need for sound financial advice and planning, for both individuals and businesses. As our country's financial future becomes less predictable, financial analysts and planners will continue to be in demand.

Career # 9: Accountants and Auditors

 Analyze financial records and ensure compliance with financial requirements and standards.

Career # 10: Teachers

As population continues to grows in education sector, teaching kinder garden to higher education in all field of specializations are very demanding, more teachers will be needed to educate. Required qualification with special certification is high demand.

Career Planning Strategy

A planning is essential for career, an strategic career planning is more important for career development and will help to ensure remain focused on desire field. Strategic planning can  help to be better prepared to face any challenges along the way and also can  engaged as time progresses. Effective planning can be easy as long as you find the right strategies. In general a student’s strategic planning should be  :

–      Foreign Employment.

–      Graduate Study.

–      Acceptable  Job.

–      Entrepreneurial.

Goal

A goal is something you want to do in the future.  A goal is a desired result that a person imagines, plans and commits to achieve: a personal or organizational desired end-point in some sort of assumed development.

Goal setting

 Goal setting can be very effective in helping you to develop and plan your career. Breaking down your long term aspirations into shorter realistic goals will help you to manage the process effectively. You will need to think about what you want to achieve within a certain time frame, how this can be achieved and who can help. The concept of setting goals has been developed by leading psychologists who have identified the SMART model.

 

 SMART goals are:

Specific – Your goals need to be well-defined. Try and be as precise as possible

Measurable – You need to know when you have achieved your goal

Attainable – Make sure your goals are realistic

Relevant – Consider how relevant your goal is within your overall plan

Time-Specific – Try and keep a timescale

 

 Short-term goal 

A short-term goal is something you want to do soon. A short-term goal is something you want to do in the near future. The near future can mean today, this week, this month, or even this year. A short-term goal is something you want to accomplish soon. Short-term goals help you think about what you can do right away. Short-term goals can help you manage your time. Short-term goals might seem small, but completing them can lead to big accomplishments in life and career also it make big changes

 

 Here are some examples of goal setting:

·         Short term goal (6 months)

Specific: To secure a work placement in a fashion design  studio i.e. to gain relevant industry experience.

Measurable: To research opportunities to start a summer placement following the end of my second year of studies.

Attainable: Select design studios where you can best utilize your skills and enhance your employability skills.

Relevant: This will be invaluable experience to add to your CV and help you gain future employment as a fashion designer or set up your own business.

Time-Specific: Research local companies, check the Careers Resource area in your local  University Library and Learning Centre and web resources. Speak to your  tutor.

 

Medium term goal ( 12-18 months)

Specific: Secure a place on a Postgraduate Certificate of Any  Post Compulsory course specializing in your desire field  following your degree studies next year.

Measurable: To research courses following your second year. Apply for short courses for entry the following year.
Attainable: Check I have the right entry requirements including post Graduate Diploma qualifications and relevant experience.
Relevant: This will be an excellent career progression following completion of your desire field of 

·         degree and enable you to gain the qualification you need to teach in a Further or Higher Education.

Time Specific: Contact the Careers Service(if available) as soon as possible for further information and to find out ways of also gaining invaluable work experience in a local school or college before you apply. Ask about the Student Associates Scheme.

Examples Short-term goals.

1.       Apply for a job.

2.       Talk to the teacher after class.

3.       Deposit a check this afternoon.

4.       Buy groceries.

5.       Arrive on time for work.

6.       Practice reading the newspaper at home. 

7.       Take  children to school on time.

8.       Write a resume/CV

9.       Read the employee handbook.

Long-term goal 

A long-term goal is something you want to do or accomplish in the future. Long-term goals require time and planning. They are not something you can do this week or even this year. Long-term goals are usually at least several years away.

For example, long-term goal might be to complete Bachelor Courses through exams. This could take several years of going to college/university  and studying. Going to class next month might be a short-term goal. Or passing an important test can be another short-term goal. Achieving these short-term goals helps you reach your long-term goal.

·         Long term goal (5 years)

Specific: To have established your own desire business and be working part-time as an desire field Instructor  in your local school/college.

Measurable: To ensure you achieve a good degree in desire field. To study for a one year Post Graduate short Course, specializing in desire field after you have graduated. Build your desire business up gradually.

Attainable: Find out about the support for Business Start-ups from your Careers Adviser.

Relevant: In five years time, you can give more time to your business and then lecture part-time.

Time- Specific: Graduate next year. Start Post Graduate short courses  next. Aim to work full-time for at least two years initially due to family commitments and to secure a steady income.

Examples Long -term goals.

1. Become very good at using a computer.
2. Take a trip across the Bangladesh.
3. Go to community college.
4. Get married and have a family.
5. Learn how to speak English fluently.
6. Buy a house in five years. 
7. Become a supervisor at work
8. Gain experience and get promoted at work.
9. Earn Bachelor Degree

 Asif Azim was born and grew up in 'Meherpur, Bangladesh. He is inspired by the famous designer Bibi Russell. A South African photographer Neo Ntsoma, who was in Dhaka for a documentary photo shoot. Neo's photographs of Azim have appeared in Parisian magazine Saolo (2002) and they also made their way to unique trend. From there Asif started career as a model and he travelled to various countries for modeling. While dreaming about his career, he had two targets: one is to become an internationally recognized model and the other to help and develop the modeling industry in Bangladesh He is now among the top 100 models in the world.