Why Investing in Your Career Development Is a Wise Move

These days, not investing on your professional development is like travelling to a foreign land without a map. Things may be good for a little while, but at some point you'll realise that something is not working your way.

You must avoid making deadly career mistakes by investing your time and effort in improving your career management skills so you can take on any career situation no matter how difficult it may be. Here are more reasons why investing in your career is a wise move.

1. Think of long term professional investment. Investing in your career will result in greater opportunities you never imagined possible. Investing in your career would also protect you from unemployment. Believe me, the ROI (return of investment) in career investment is great!

2. You increase your marketability when you invest in your professional development. As you invest in career management, your skills, knowledge, and personal network will also increase. In short, your career net worth will increase through wise career investment.

3. You discover talents, skills and interests you never had before. Work-related training allow you to discover new talents and skills which can be useful in performing your job and even qualify you for promotion. Discovering your potential is possible by investing in your career.

4. Your goals are within your reach through career investment. Do you want to someday become a leader within your organisation? Investing in improving your career management will practically increase your chances of achieving your personal and professional goals.

5. Managers won't notice a mediocre performer. If you've been eyeing a promotion for quite some time now, you better get on your feet and do something to be noticed. The best way to do this? Invest in your professional development! You have to be a top performer if you want to be promoted and engaging in career development activities will help you transform from being considered a mediocre worker to a top performer

There are thousands of reasons to invest in your career so start now! Get a career coach, use self assessment tools, learn effective career planning and take up additional courses to improve your career opportunities. Look for a career coach who offers the best career tools, training and assistance to allow you to find your value, improve your skills and secure your future. Investing in your career is the best personal development move you can do today.

http://ClarityCareerManagement.com.au Jenni Proctor is a career strategist and coach. Clarity Career Management offers career management services to individuals, business and Educational Leaders. Visit us today to request our 7 day Refresh Your Career video series.

Clarity Career Management uses the Core Values Index as a cost-effective, accurate and reliable tool to assess an individual's core values. Contact Clarity Career Management now to know more about the Core Values Index.

Career Development - How to Shape Your Career and Follow Through

It's so easy to say what you want to become but career development will help you achieve it. Through thorough self examination, you will know your abilities, skills and interests. You will also realize what you are looking for in a job. And then by exploring several interesting careers, you would be able to find the right career that perfectly matches with your personality.

Choosing the right career is a requirement in career development. If you choose correctly, you will be happy and satisfied in the line of work you do. Motivation would be easier to do. But to shape your career into something you want to accomplish, you need an action plan too.

Career development involves all that. And then, you should proceed according. If you have yet to take a college education, do it in a college that is recognized in the industry. This will make your chances of securing a job higher.

Career Development: Continued Growth in Your Career

Remember though that you have an ultimate goal in your career. That means securing a job is not enough. You have to ensure at least one vertical movement in every 1 to 2 years in your position. To ensure this, you should do some effort to make your boss notice your abilities and your potential. Showing a good record is important. Whenever possible, volunteer to help on tasks and projects that will showcase your skills for a higher position. You may even volunteer for seminars and conventions. This will not only increase your value in your company but your professional career as well.

On your own, you can take seminars, trainings and even internships to increase your skills and to prepare yourself for a higher position. Always equip yourself with the right qualifications and training so you will be considered for the job.

Shifting to a New Career

It's possible that you may feel a burnout in your current job. You may feel that you cannot take the stress anymore. Or, perhaps you want to spend more with your family. For some, they just got into a career because of financial difficulty.

These are reasons why people shift careers. This time, the most important question is whether you are willing to start your career all over again. And many times, this means starting at a lower level than where you are in your present career.

There would also be a lot of changes in terms of doing the job and in your daily routine. Will you be willing to make them and adjust to your new career? Even if you're willing, you should also check whether you are capable of making the changes. You must also be equipped to do the job. If not, you should plan for your education first before making the shift.

Making a career shift is a big step so it's also important that you get the support of your family and friends. This will make your shift easier to do and lead you to accomplish your goal faster.

Another important factor of career development is making the strategies and plans on how you can do the shift and how you can be reach your ultimate goal. Proper planning is always important but following it is also just as important if you want to achieve your dream career.

Victor Ghebre is the editor of Settinggoals101.com where you get practical tips and information on goal Setting [http://www.Settinggoals101.com], motivation, leadership and more.

Visit Career Goal Setting [http://www.settinggoals101.com/career-goal-setting.html] to learn how to set yourself up for success and get free tips on how to effectively communicate at work.

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Best Way To Change Careers - Use a Career Development Transition Model

Nowadays, career transition companies offer people who are thinking of a career change different programs and methods and are applicable for all ages of individuals. According to your needs, the career development company will provide a variety of adult career development models. These companies cater to the needs of middle-aged professionals, young adults and executives who are all contemplating a professional career.

Very often, people find that the career they have chosen is not right for them. They realize that they are better suited for something else. They start growing stressed and weary about their work. They do not feel any job satisfaction. And all this leads to them bringing home work stress and taking it out on their family and friends.

If all this sounds familiar to you, it is time you seek expert advice. You can win this battle by settling for an adult career development transition model. It is not so easy to change careers. You can easily think that you'd like to be a photographer and start searching for jobs of that description. But when it is time to send your resume or attend an interview, you do not get the desired response and you do not know what education or skills you need in order to pursue photography.

There are many different ways of approaching career transition. First, analyze the stages of development you are going through. A career search does not involve finding a desired work alone. Your occupational career and your life career should fit together.

One career development model says that there are four factors based on which a person is ready to change careers. These are support, situation, strategies and her/his self. Of them, the first factor is self. How ready are you to make changes and seek a different career? It is always difficult to face change and so help from a suitable transition expert can be very beneficial. Your situation is the second factor. Suppose you need to start off on a rank that is lower, will you be willing to makea change like that? Can your routines hinder you from making this change happen? Is there some reason you cant make this change easily? Support comes next. Does anyone among your family and friends object to you changing your career or are they in compliance? The last factor is the strategies. These include the actions and plans that you make for making this change happen.

The internet has a number of career development transition model available which can offer you many approaches. You can find a company or a coach in career transition and seek their help to develop and head into the correct adult career development transition model. Be sure to check the net for experts in your local area.

Abhishek is a Career Counselor and he has got some great Career Planning Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 71 Pages Ebook, "Career Planning Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Career-Guru.com/769/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Career Development Centre - How It Helps You Plan Your Career

A career development centre can be a service, or a group of programs that provides people with any level of education, whether they are undergraduate, a graduate, or an alumni, to plan for or deal with career transitions that inevitably arise in the life of any person. Each career development centre will have a career counsellor even though the centres may operate differently. All career counsellors provide guidance through personal interaction.

A college or a university campus is sure to have a career development centre attached to it. A student or an alumnus with any degree or career goal can consult them for guidance. The teachers and counsellors are trained to understand the qualities, interest and current skills of the person and match it with best career options. This process of interaction helps a student to decide upon the subject for majoring. The counsellor also assists in building skills to appear in interviews and negotiate a salary, apart from finding a suitable internship. Career development centres are also found in hospitals and clinics. The purpose of these is to help nurses and medical practitioners in getting ahead in their career.

There are websites that can be referred to, for information on skills required to work with patients and also to attain success in this field. People who are caregivers to the aged people in their immediate circle can find support in the form of counselling so that they are able to overcome the feeling of being swamped as well as classes conducted at a hospital career development centre that explain the steps to be taken in case of an emergency and the right of taking care. Periodic group sessions for caregivers also enable them to vent their feelings, cope with the adjustment process and also discuss worries and concerns.

Job fairs at a career development centre provide the platform for interaction among professionals in various fields and job seekers. Presentation and catalogues of companies from across the country are available to learn more about the organisation and company representatives are also present to provide answers to queries. These job fairs are an excellent opportunities to learn about job requirements and performance criteria.

Sometimes career development centres hold crash courses, either free of cost or for a small fee. These short term courses, held over an entire day or spread out over a weekend are an excellent way to learn about career options. These usually fill up fast, so watch out for their advertisements and enrol early!

More than offering just classes, the career development centres fulfill an important role. Check out online or with your college or university to find out more and enrol.

Abhishek is a Career Counselor and he has got some great Career Planning Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 71 Page Ebook, "Career Planning Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Career-Guru.com/769/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Career Development And Planning - Tips To Land A New And Better Career

Individual career planning development is centered on current skills, future personal growth and training. In these modern times, more and more individuals take it upon themselves to get the best possible education available and the work required for them to be successful in any given profession.

When employees put more emphasis on their career development and planning, they become better prepared to enter the workplace, climb higher up the professional ladder. Career development and planning is implemented in various stages. Some people purposefully shape theirs towards each given stage, while some simply are easily motivated and are prone to choose what's currently required and maybe needed in the times ahead.

Career plans based on short term planning may force the individual to think objectively and realistically about the accomplishments for a period of five or more year's timeframe. Location, skill, schooling and other costs come into focus during this period.

Long term based career development and planning usually keeps the individual inspired. It is a continuous process of reviewing current skills and the desire to enlarge and utilize them in advancement.

Counselors of career planning and development can be useful in helping individuals stop an on going behavior or the guilty conscience that comes with changing career course. For a person to be successful, he's expected to ignore the subjective and objective forces that may try to (either deliberately or non-deliberately) to impede his progress. Pressures from the family can be a big barrier for that matter; this may include family members who expect you to join up the family business, or believe that your career is below them. Absence of motivation, mediocrity and postponement of major decisions is another big barrier. An individual may postpone a decision to drop that job he dislikes for a better one because of the security the current one provides, and the doubt involved in looking for and starting a new career. This especially holds true if the full-time worker has a family to feed and cater for.

Many people feel immobilized by the thought of steering their careers in a new direction the fear factor plays a major role here, especially the fear of failure, of leading their families down a path and maybe losing all that they have strived to achieve. Such fears, though mostly rational, can force a talented individual to change his mind. Career Development Planning Counselors come I handy at such moments, because they can offer valuable guidance to enable an individual decide on what's best for them. This in turn removes worries and pressures associated with career change.

Sites dedicated to career development and also conferences offer interested persons information that deals with the various classes and types of courses they provide, tutors available, and the class environment requirements. Brochures and other related articles on career development and planning stages and worksheets are accessible in the internet at no price from many institutions. These worksheets incorporate checklists and goals for specific career choices, or just broad questions for anyone's use.

Abhishek is a Career Counselor and he has got some great Career Planning Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 71 Pages Ebook, "Career Planning Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Career-Guru.com/769/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

College And Career Development Combined - Best Career Guidance For Students

There are definitely plenty of prospects to gauge your abilities, interests, and ideals for an opening career or a change in career. But in case you are inquiring of yourself the combined query, "What does college and career development mean?" you may wish to take into account one of the several programs and procedures that assist in uniting together the two areas of adult life.

A number of these programs concentrate on the chief areas of creating concepts for majoring in college and the kind of careers that would logically ensue from that field of study. Therefore, after inquiring, "What does college and career development mean?" and searching for solutions in systems that are sponsored by universities or private companies, you should locate well-developed program packages that cover personality appraisal, recommended majors and careers considered suitable, as well as certain abilities testing material that enable you to apply to your selected school.

A majority of these programs usually are designed for the high school juniors as well as seniors who have only started to consider attending college and the things they may do once they are through with their class work. At odds with popular belief, the system of mapping an education and a career should carry on through college. When you obtain a solution to the query, "What does college and career development mean?" it is a good idea to continue exploring options, modifying the system and re-assessing your skills and abilities.

Companies have created programs that can assist a job hunter reduce choices and discover the right path to attain success in his chosen career. For instance, quite a few companies make available such manuals to students and also to the general public, normally for a fee. Now these manuals can comprise of queries that will assist the job hunter concentrate on a chosen career route, together with details of different careers, giving some pointers to the query, "What does college and career development mean?"

Other than the plans of private companies, a university may make available its own system, intended at those who wish to discover the various areas of work or desire to change jobs. But, the university plans might have comprehensive information and appraisal material intended for those selecting particular college-to-career routes. These can be a wonderful pursuit for fresh high school graduates as well community college graduates.

Besides the prescribed systems and procedures that assist in evaluating skills, ideals and abilities in high school and college and further ahead, the individual can carry out numerous things that will assist in finding a solution to the query. Attending classes to discover areas you excel in and find enjoyable is one measure. Seeking advice from counselors, career experts and acquaintances is another. Besides, any actual life experience, whether at school or at work, will help in answering the query "What does college and career development mean?"

Abhishek is a Career Counselor and he has got some great Career Planning Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 71 Page Ebook, "Career Planning Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Career-Guru.com/769/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Career Development Process - Tips To Realize Your Career Goals

Career development is an avenue that a person must adhere to in order to prepare for, sustain and to advance in the careers they have chosen.

Before now, many big name companies had conferences that centered on the topic of career development for their employees. It was good for 2 reasons; it helped its employees gain the needed skills important to enhancing their future goals in their career.

Many companies will still educate their employees, however nowadays it is important for the individual to assume this responsibility by taking control of their own education and progress through career development. The more the person prepares himself the more chances he will have at advancement.

One of the most important things that a person can do is to examine the career development goals and the skills they possess. They should know what they are going to be, if they are good at organizing others, and can they work in one to one situations with their clients. Companies are interested in the skills their new employees will bring to the table.

The next aspect of career development is the decisions you will make about what career is best for you presently. An example would be, Joe wants to be a graphic artist, he knows he will need schooling and talent in the graphic arts, and maybe even some mathematics in his bag of tricks.

Once he knows what skills he can market in his career choice, then he can fully realize what areas will need tweaking if he is to move up in his career. In career development education is a key factor.

While deciding on classes to take to enhance your career it is a good idea to choose a few career development classes as well. You can do this at anytime during your career development process. These classes teach important skills such as writing the perfect resume, and may also recommend seminars or conferences that will further your career objectives.

Continuing Education is an important part of change; it makes you more prepared for the new avenues your company may want to explore.

There are many career development studies and surveys which watch for the stress levels of the employee. Companies want to have an idea of how well you will cope with stressful situations, whether or not you can get others to do their job effectively, are you a social or solitary person, Is he the type of person to explain problems to his employer, or hold it bottled inside, or to take it out on others.

There are many other things to consider, but here is a few to get you on the right track to your perfect career.

Abhishek is a Career Counselor and he has got some great Career Planning Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 71 Pages Ebook, "Career Planning Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Career-Guru.com/769/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

When collide Professional Development & Middle-Adulthood-revive your career

Most people launch their careers in their twenties and thirties with the focus of career development mainly on early adulthood. And what is the ambition at this age? For many, it's getting to "the top" as soon as possible. Some people achieve this goal in their early forties with twenty to thirty career years still ahead of them. Others perhaps do not use goals in their careers; their careers just evolve!

Nonetheless, middle-adulthood, those years from forty to sixty, are often overlooked in career plans. Some of the thinking goes like this: If I make it to the top by forty I won't have to worry about anything else. But what do you do when you make it to "the top" and still have all those years ahead of you? To this writer, it is a prescription for mid-life crisis!

Consider this: In our Twenties we go through the trial and exploratory stage of career development where we search for direction. In our Thirties we are in the transitional stage, synonymous with movement and advancement. The Forties and beyond are considered the stability stage; ongoing with a sound foundation. The irony is that as we move into our forties (middle adulthood) most of us have not done it all. Some of us are forced to restart our careers due to downsizing, soft industries, red flags in our company, being passed-over etc. In some cases we need to get away from a not-so-perfect situation or jump-start a stalled career. In others, we are searching for personal self-development or for a second career or to strike out on our own.

For these reasons and any number of others, most professionals will experience changes, or even upheaval, in mid-life. The answer in not "buy a Harley". According to the Department of Labor and the Job Search Handbook, most professionals will undergo seven to eleven job changes and two to three career changes over the course of their careers. Not only is the market demand for selected skills and career fields changing, but so are our roles as professionals and the way we manage our careers. Thus, career planning is more important than ever.

If you are in middle-adulthood and wondering what to do for the remainder of your career (and assuming that early retirement is not in the picture), don't panic. I have a simple three-step process that I have found in my many years in career marketing to make all the difference in the world.

First, you need to get to know yourself and what it is that you enjoy most; what it is that when doing it does not feel like work. Dr. Charles Ehl, former Dean of Continuing Education at Stonehill College in Easton, MA: "Regardless of past industry or direction, people can be empowered to control their professional destiny through an approach that fuses self-needs analysis, good targeted research and tactical planning in the use of certain techniques beginning with getting to know themselves." By that Dr. Ehl means understanding for themselves-about themselves: What it is that they really value; what they feel they stand for; what it is that drives them to do what they do; what it is they enjoy doing most-are most passionate about; and finally, although it does not necessarily end with this, where they are looking to take themselves, why, and with what end in mind. Through this exercise, the notion of your optimal market will emerge. For example: If you find that your interest in creative writing is so great, you find you are happiest when you are engaged in it, perhaps a move into editing or speech writing, or a move into the publishing industry at large; or developing newsletters for an association, entering the advertising arena or other creative industries may be best.

Second, you need to figure out how to attract your audience - contacts that can help you move towards your goals. Do what politicians do: Get outside impartial viewpoints to provide you with some idea of how others (your audience) may perceive you, and learn about them-do your research. Developing a networking communication strategy and your "talking points" with this knowledge and the fresh ideas about you that others can provide; and with a focus on the needs of your target audience, you will separate yourself from the average person and ultimately paint your own landscape.

Finally, once you have your audience's attention, you will need to talk about yourself. Don Ventura, R.L. Stevens & Associates, a private career marketing firm, suggests using a Story Technique. Ventura says, "Compelling stories which incorporate specific examples of your experiences, achievements and contributions that relate to your market and put you in the right light will be remembered well after the interview is over." People remember your stories more than duties and responsibilities. Here are three concepts that will help you when developing a communication strategy and talking about yourself:

Success Concepts

You must have a purpose; a personal philosophy. In today's uniquely competitive job market the lifespan in an executive position may only be 5 years in some cases (clearly, not as Evergreen as it once was). Jim Sabin, a CIO with The Shaw Group, Inc. the leading Global provider of services to the power industry: "With executive positions in IT, for example, as interchangeable as mouse pads, the need for a sharply honed purpose for 'Plan A' and stratagem for 'B and C' for that matter, has never been more apparent." Purpose could be what it is you feel is important in running a business or what you feel is the business of business; it must be carefully thought out and presented. Think in terms of a one-page presentation to the company directors. You will need to come up with as many success concepts as you can from your past professional experiences and when you begin to assemble your thoughts for your presentation, try to include as many of them as possible. Here are some relevant themes to consider:

1. Personal mission statement

2. Core values; core strengths

3. Driving factors; motivations

4. Level of integrity

5. Value placed on quality

6. Visioning, strategy and facilitating

7. Performance standards you hold for yourself

8. Professional goals

9. Leadership philosophy; management style

10. Communications capabilities

11. Practiced client/public relations

12. Leveraging skill-sets

13. Creative expertise

14. Business knowledge; market intelligence

15. Managing resources

Trigger Concepts

The easiest way to attract people's attention and to help them get to know you is to adopt simple words and phrases which will have an immediate "trigger" effect, such as:

1. Strategic partnering

2. Impact presentations

3. Bringing ideas / vision to utility

4. Bringing products to markets

5. Entrepreneurial talent

6. Driving revenues; growing profits

7. Structuring and restructuring

8. Building responsible teams

9. Managing talent

10. Start up; turnaround; re-emergence

11. Enterprise development

12. Crafting solutions

13. Staying ahead of the curve

14. Managing change-driven environments

15. Driving "large dollar" projects

Philosophy, along with Success and Trigger Concepts is a winning combination. It provides you with control and sets the tone for all future discussions and posturing for negotiations.

Story Technique

One of the most important tenets in product marketing applies here in career planning: Differentiate your product from others in the marketplace.

John Folcarelli, Labor Attorney and Human Resource Manager for Laidlaw Education: "Most people involved in planning their career tend to fly by the seat of their pants rather than exercise control over the process as it unfolds. For instance, in the interview, instead of simply reacting to questions imposed by the interviewer, the job candidate can and should attempt to take on more responsibility for influencing the direction of the interview." The Story Technique does just that. It is a method for bridging your qualifications and past successes to the needs the targeted company. It is also a great example of how to use your Success and Trigger Concepts in presenting the right image and distinguishing you from the competition.

Your stories should tell about actions that you took to bring about positive changes. Story techniques cover the "before", the "action" and the "after." You can begin by first explaining what had existed that required your attention: Situation. Next consider how this new challenge may benefit the enterprise and you: Opportunity. Briefly describe what you did: Action. Lastly, describe the outcome and its benefits to you and the company: Results. Here are two examples of the use of the story technique, or, "S.O.A.R":

(S) I was selected by top management to lead a corporation into the US market and (O) recognized an opportunity to have a big impact on operations at a wholly owned subsidiary.(A) Over a two-year period I developed a cohesive staff which went on to develop 1.5 million square feet of office properties at $350 million which (R) produced over $25 million of net operating income and $4 million net cash flow for the corporation resulting a promotion to President of the wholly owned subsidiary.

(S) The ownership of a physical therapy and sports medicine company recruited me to (O) lead, grow and concurrently stabilize a $4.7 million health systems company staffed by 85 professionals. (A) I developed and executed all business plans and opened new markets in industrial and corporate health promotions, (R) positioning the company for its very profitable $6.6 million sale, $2.5 million more than the ownership had anticipated.

A strong, well-articulated Philosophy, sound Success and Trigger Concepts, and persuasive examples of your successes using the Story Techniques (SOAR) are essential for securing a quality position.

More Than Just a Task

There is certainly more to consider beyond these concepts. Nonetheless, the purpose here is to stimulate your thinking if your situation calls for a serious look at your career. There are times when a simple career adjustment may be called for and other times when a complete change is necessary. In any case, restarting your career in middle-adulthood can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. Approach it with enthusiasm, dedication and confidence (but for goodness sake, don't forget "technique").

Rob Taub, a native of New York residing in Boston MA, is a 21-year veteran in the career services and job search consulting industry and currently Director of the RLS Executive Group N.E. with R.L. Stevens & Associates, a corporate and private career marketing firm. He has also been active as a fund-raiser for Technology in Education, an auctioneer with WGBH Public Television, a debate moderator with Community Access Television, an instructor for Junior Achievement and a youth sports coach. He has been a guest speaker for community organizations, colleges, chambers of commerce and alumni associations on a wide range of subjects including Education, Technology, Career Management, Marketing Communications and Direct Selling

Career Change and Career Development Beyond 50

Career change and career development beyond 50-is now the time to get started?

Career change beyond 50 and career success are closely allied to career development. If you are planning a change careers after 50 you should know that to get ahead of your younger competition you have to work hard at your plan and develop your skills and abilities to qualify for your proposed new job.

Once you start building your career change plan it is important to identify your employment objectives and how you plan on achieving it. It is not good to write out a career development plan and then put it in the drawer never to see the light of day and expect magic to happen.

The development of your plan and its success rests with you. No one else can acquire the needed skills, qualifications and experience unique to you so you can qualify for your dream career.

Here are some things to consider as you work in developing your unfolding career plan:

1. If you are ready for the daily, weekly and monthly effort necessary to make you career change development a reality; take the plunge.

2. A written career plan is a must. When your plan is written you can see daily what you need to accomplish. As you develop you skills and acquire additional qualifications you can judge your progress against the written career plan.

3. You should build your career plan as you uncover new information, change direction when necessary and be willing to give up on unpromising ideas and directions.

4. Your career change plan should contain daily, weekly and monthly components. Judge your progress against these benchmarks, adjust as appropriate.

5. In any career plan you must take a critical look at your skills, abilities, interests, strengths and weaknesses. Build the plan to develop your strengths, shore up you weak points and expand your interests and knowledge.

6. Career growth requires a daily effort practiced over a long period of time. This daily effort and its cumulative positive effect on your career and your future will move you toward your career and life goals.

7. A positive attitude is everything in working at developing your plan to change careers. Plan to read motivational books, attend positive meetings and conferences, learn to associate with positive people, listen to positive CD's as you drive: all will have a big impact on your ongoing career development.

8. Have patience as you move forward in your career development. All good things take time, time to build good habits, time for the new skills to become practiced, time to build relationships, time to acquire experience and qualifications but in the end your journey will lead you to your dream career.

Isn't now a good time to get started on developing your career change plan?

For more information about career change planning and career development go to http://careersafter50.com. You'll also find ideas about changing careers and the stories of individuals just like you who successfully made beyond 50 career changes.

Career planning tips-free tips for effective career development

Career planning involves planning your career path and determine in advance the career development of things that you need to do to get to the desired destination.

The first step to effective career planning is to ask what you want to be in life. Which career to pursue?

You want to be a doctor of medicine, pharmacist, engineer or lawyer?

Career development along these professional disciplines is often very simple. For example, if your career path is planned to become a lawyer, you know you have a law degree and attend law school.

However, career planning and career development go far beyond what you have studied in school or discipline where he specialized during your college years. Career planning is more than anything else.

Career development when properly planned involves taking your destiny into their own hands, decide what makes you happy and then structuring all your training and career efforts in the direction of your career path.

Suppose, for example, has a degree in economics and now have a job. Ask yourself: "why did I study economy?"

In general, there are three reasons why people study a particular discipline in college or University.

1. Can be very passionate about the course or

2. they may have studied the course because this is what he wanted mum and Dad or

3. they may have studied the course because he could not get admission to study their preferred course

The good news is. .. you can shape or re-shape your career path, regardless of the causes that led you to your current profession.

For example, a category 1 people ... people who were passionate in their profession as teenagers ... could lose their passion for the profession as you get older and face the reality of everyday life. This loss of passion may also derive from pressures from family and special needs
challenges associated with the profession in practice.

Category 2 professionals, referred to above, are likely to go after the first love of their hearts when they are no longer under the control of MOM and dad.

Category 3 professionals are also going after their first love after their first degree.

For example, I know people who are passionate about accountng. However, they could not do the scoring for the accounting department during their pre-university days. Some of them eventually went for the courses of Economics, sociology, statistics and similar social sciences courses.

What happened after leaving school?

A good number of them went back to register with the accounting body professinal and now have professional certificate in accounting. In simple words ... they are now public accountants.

Bottom line.

The course is studied in adolescence in school need not hold you prisoner for the rest of your life if you have lost your passion for this.

I recommend that participate with a profession I love. If you have lost your way when you were young, can always retrace your steps professional no matter where you are or how old are currently.

Now with that background, back to the actual question.

Career planning strategy which you can use to plan your career path? Which practical career development strategy can put to use right now?

Perform the following steps to move your career in the direction you want.

1. Determine where you are now in your career

2. Determine and document where you want to be

3. Draw an outline of the skills that you need to get there

4. start the process of acquisition of necessary skills that have not already

5. Discuss the career plan with your wife and then your boss

6. ask to be given assignments that they move more in the direction of your career

7. Get involved in community work (if possible) that gives you the opportunity to function in the position who expect to be

8. Let nothing stop you from doing that noble career a reality

Where do you see yourself in 10-15 years?

That question should help you appreciate what career development plans must be put in place to achieve your dream.

If you haven't got the career planning seriously before now, now is the time to start.

Planning ahead for a career rich in events and Blessed is the key to a happy life. It gives you a future to dream and pursue a goal to work and live for the ...

Here's a toast to career success.

Samson Itoje is an expert on career development. He provides a database of job opportunities free where employers can post job vacancies free at http://www.job-opportunity-and-free-resume-bank.com/job-opportunities.html. Resources include a resume database at http://www.job-opportunity-and-free-resume-bank.com/free-resume-database.html. Job seekers send their resume free job resume database.

Career Development Plan - Understanding Your Career Anchors

In the 1970's some very interesting work was begun in the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by Professor Schein. Schein aimed to identify the major groups of motives that influence people in their careers. These motives were called career anchors. It is a critical part of any career development planning to understand your motivations and focus your activities on the right career search areas.

A career anchor can be thought of as a combination of self perceived talents, values and motivators that organize and give some context to our career oriented decisions. It is also very likely that career anchors provide us all with an important contribution to our own sense of identity. The early work by Schein has been enhanced by Dave Francis in his book "Managing Your Own Career".

Career anchors do not appear to be something we sit down and choose at a particular moment in time. Rather, they appear to evolve slowly depending on our own personality, values, self image, and, of course, upon the experience that we have in life. Career anchors are particularly important in determining job satisfaction and, without a clear understanding of these, it is unlikely we will be able to maximize our enjoyment of work.

Below are the nine career anchors as developed by David Francis:

1. My recommendation is that you carefully read through them a couple of times and then award 50 points amongst the 9 anchors.

2. The better fit it seems to you the higher the points, if the anchor isn't much like you then award it a smaller number of points.

3. You must award points to all 9 anchors but you choose how many points.

4. Add up your points and choose your top 3 career anchors. Then have a goat answering this question:

5. How does this career anchor impact on my current and future career choices?

After extensive research Francis developed the following career anchors:

1. Material Rewards (MR)

These are defined as the physical assets such as money, possessions, housing and so forth that a person may acquire over a lifetime.

People who are highly motivated by a desire to have high levels of material rewards very often make decisions about their future career based upon their ability to acquire these. For example, a person who has a very high material rewards need will very often accept a position that offers lower long term prospects or less creativity in order to satisfy this need. A good example of this is people who spend some years in middle eastern countries undertaking work that may not necessarily be very satisfying and in an environment that is very strange. However, for many of these people the compensation is the very low taxes paid in middle eastern countries and the very high income.

2. Power and Influence (PI)

Francis has defined power and influence as a strong desire by the person to be in a dominant position and to have others in subordinate roles. A person with this career anchor has a strong desire to want to make decisions about policy and to have control over resources. People who have a strong power and influence anchor often seek out jobs that enable them to exercise considerable personal control over other people and situations. They can be involved in jobs that do not necessarily pay particularly well, but have power. People with this anchor very often move into managerial or political roles. They usually have a great deal of confidence and clear ideas on how things should be done.

It is important to see that this, like other anchors, is not intrinsically positive or negative. Clearly there are many very caring and able managers as well as tyrannical managers, who are highly motivated by the power and influence anchor.

3. The Search for Meaning (ME)

Francis says that search for meaning is defined as being motivated to do things considered to be a contribution to something bigger, finer or greater than the individual, according to a religious, emotional, moral, social or intellectual criteria.

Individuals who have the search for meaning anchor are often very concerned to be doing things that are in accord with their fundamental beliefs. They are very often disinterested in money or influencing others, but are highly motivated to help other people or to work towards a spiritual goal. It is very important for these people to make what they see as a significant contribution to the world throughout their careers.

4. Expertise (EX)

People with this career anchor often want to become a specialist in a particular field. They derive great satisfaction from being able to solve mechanical, intellectual, scientific or practical problems that fool others. These are the types of people who are happy to spend much of their own leisure time reading work related material. Conflicts can arise for these individuals if they are pushed into a management position where they are expected to have control and influence over other people. This very often creates difficulties because these people are much more interested in mechanical procedures or academic knowledge than in getting on with others.

5. Creativity (CR)

People with this career anchor are very concerned to be able to create original objects, theories or experiences. They can work in many occupations, including the sciences, arts, literature and research, as well as in entertainment or in entrepreneurial activities. These people are driven to create new objects such as games or puzzles. They often have a good ability to tolerate frustration and difficulties, provided their creative energies can eventually be satisfied. Very often they are much less concerned about money or about power and influence even though they might actually have both of these things.

6. Affiliation (AF)

People who have this particular career anchor have a strong desire to seek nourishing relationships with other people. They are very often involved in social work of psychology or some other profession that makes use of their skills in this area.

When these people go looking for a job their most important criterion is whether they like the other people on the job. They are much less concerned with the money, or with their ability to get promotion, provided the people they are working with are friendly and caring.

7. Autonomy (AU)

People who have this particular career anchor very often want to take charge of their own lives. They are very uncomfortable when they are in organizations and have to work by defined job descriptions. They very often prefer to work for themselves or to be in Universities or other places that offer them considerable freedom. The most important concept to this sort of person is the freedom of choice.

8. Security (SE)

Individuals who have this as their primary career anchor want to ensure that the future is predictable and that they can avoid unnecessary risks. This type of person is prepared to take lower income, to have less freedom of choice, and to have future prospects for advancement in their career provided they are in a position where the risks are very small. These people are often quite concerned about material wealth, not from the point of earning a lot, but from the perspective of investing wisely and ensuring that they always have a secure financial base.

9. Status (ST)

People who have this as their primary career anchor very often want to undertake work that provides them with high esteem. They are concerned about symbols and formal recognition by prestigious groups. It is important to see that this is not necessarily something that is directly related to social class. For example, there is a very clear status hierarchy even in prisons, and sometimes people are highly motivated to commit crimes simply because of the prestige that it will result in.

Now that you have some understanding of career anchors, you can assess which anchors motivate you and incorporate that into you career development plan.

Graham Hart has been a HR Manager, Management Consultant, Business owner and Executive Coach. He is currently a Director with the Human Resources Institute Of New Zealand. Having trouble deciding on your next career move? Catch his career blog at http://www.bestcareer-4you.com/

To help professional people get the information and resources to help them plan their next career move. Free career advice at http://www.bestcareer-4you.com/

How Can Testing Aid in Your Career Development

How many of us have felt lost or stagnate in our career direction? Whether you are just starting out and looking for some career guidance or well into your career and looking for more satisfaction, the use of career and personality assessments can be a valuable tool. Although these tests are not intended to be used alone in making career decisions, they can be essential when coupled with guidance from a career counselor or coach.

There are various types of career and personality assessments however, for the sake of this article I will focus on two major personality/career assessments: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Strong Interest Inventory (SII).

The MBTI is the mostly wide used personality assessment that provides an accurate picture of an individual's personality type. This assessment brings insight into how we interact with the world, gather information, make decisions and if we prefer to live in a more structured way or spontaneous way. The MBTI produces a four letter code that represents your best-fit personality type. If used properly this assessment can be a powerful tool in making career decisions.

The Strong Interest Inventory is a tool that millions of people have used for guidance in exploring careers and college majors. Research suggests that people tend to be happier and more productive in careers that align with their interests. This instrument measures your interests to help identify optimum career choices and increase your life/career satisfaction.

What Can Testing Do For You?

The power of personality and career assessments such as the MBTI and SII can make a major impact on your career and individual development. Below is a list of uses that these assessments can provide:

o Career change

o Choose a career

o Explore the world of work

o Increase self awareness and job satisfaction

o Understand different learning styles

o Improve individual or team performance

o Boost self esteem

o Increase conflict management skills

o Identify college majors and choose appropriate education/training

o Better work-life balance

o Reduce stress

How to Use Career Assessments?

Whether you take the MBTI or Strong Assessment it is vital to use these results in conjunction with a career coach or counselor. A personality/career test alone cannot give you the proper guidance to make career or life decisions. Also keep in mind that no single test can tell you what you should do or should be.

MBTI

When using the MBTI and learning about your "type" you can understand yourself better and value other people who act and think differently from you. When you understand yourself better you can deepen your knowledge of the type of work that is best suited for you. Learning about what is stressful or uninteresting in a work environment will bring more insight into your work preferences. Understanding your type can make you more aware of work activities that are satisfying and also help pinpoint specific sources of dissatisfaction.

The MBTI can also help you understand others better which can lead to enhanced relationships and collaborative environments. In the workplace, understanding your type as well as others can help improve overall team performance and make your interactions more effective with people of other types.

Once you learn about your MBTI type you can then start to research various career options that are most satisfying for you. After gathering this information you can then make a more informed decision based on your personality type and take the necessary steps to achieve your goals.

Strong Inventory

The Strong interest inventory measures your interests in a broad range of occupations, work and leisure activities and school subjects. You can use this tool to help identify careers related to your interests and choose education or training options that best match your interests. The SII can help improve your career direction by providing more insight into your leadership, risk-taking, learning, working and teamwork preferences.

Based on your responses the SII generates a three letter code that takes into consideration your interests, work activities, potential skills and personal values. You will also receive scores on 25 basic interest scales, 211 occupation scales, 4 personal style scales and 3 administrative scales.

Once you receive your scores from the SII you can then explore careers in areas of your interests. This inventory will not only reflect your interest in specific job activities but leisure interests will also be outlined. This can be helpful in finding work that is satisfying but also identifying hobbies or activities outside of work that can bring about much satisfaction. The Strong can help find your dream job and achieve overall satisfaction in your life.

Keep in Mind

As you consider various career and personality tests please bear in mind that most tests only measure your interests not skills or abilities. You must also consider your mood and environment when taking these assessments. If you are under a lot of stress, results may vary and will require the help of an expert in interpreting these results.

As you strive for growth and balance throughout your life span, these tests can be useful for understanding various lifestyle options and identifying potential blind spots. It can help us discover what motivates and energizes us which can help seek out the "right" work environments.

Erin Suess is a life and career coach and creator of http://www.lifecoachingdesigns.com She works with individuals who are seeking to enhance their personal and professional lives through gaining clarity and achieving goals. She also offers MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory testing on her site. If you are ready to live your best life then contact Erin. You can go to her website at: http://www.lifecoachingdesigns.com

Explaining Career Development Theories - How They Change With Time

The basic purpose of a career development theory is to guide about correct career choices according to the present time and also the career should be suitable for several years into the future. Change is the only constant, as it is popularly said. The world is forever evolving, so is the nature of business and career choices available. A career development theory also has to evolve accordingly.

A career development theory helps people in understanding themselves and their aspirations as well as skills and desired career path to find a suitable mix. It is well known that in American society, a career more or less defines a person and is the identity of the person. So, it is important to keep the learning process going even when one is well into the career, so that growth can continue. People who attend seminars and courses regularly or take up an apprenticeship or internship are more in touch with new career developments.

Just as business houses recognize that it is important to keep increasing their skills, similarly an individual also needs to update continuously. Slowing down on career development in this fast paced world is not an option.

There has been a career development theory dealing with various life stages, viz. adolescence, preteen to teen, and young adults. As a child or an adolescent, a person has the entire world ahead. So, several options are considered but nothing is really concrete. At this stage, a person may want to be a pilot, an engineer, an artist or dancer or else entirely. None of these may actually translate into a career later on.

As per this career development theory, from preteen to the teens, an individual become clearer about what they want to do later in life. They also gain clarity about the activities that they enjoy and the areas that they excel in. at this stage, the person in the previous example may just have a passing interest in creative activities and could be entirely focused on becoming a pilot. This person may now be studying science and math in earnest while also taking health classes for animals on the side. She may also start researching the classes that she needs to pursue for a career in one of these fields. By applying career development theory to this person, we can see that she has now starting firming up her plans for her future.

The career development theory also takes into consideration the preferences of an individual and likes as well as dislikes as these eventually lead to the career choices. Again taking the previous example, the young person may decide that she enjoys animals and may decide to become a veterinary doctor, instead of a pilot. She will then need to study beyond high school, clear the relevant courses and also train with a professional before going into work herself.

Other career development theories may throw light on career development for the poor, people in minority, women and so on, as there is a career development theory for each different need, level of wealth, race or genre to provide a through comprehension of career choices for different individuals.

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Career Development Explained - Reasons You Must Take It Seriously

In today's modern era, it is common to change careers at least once. This change can also be entirely different from the previous one. If the change in career is frequent then it is important and better to know about career development.

The steps taken towards choosing a career can also be defined as career development. It is a career path that trains you to choose the best for your life. Career development includes testing a person's stress manageability, preparation and training to enter a career and inherent skills. It is also important to advance in the present career and to know how good you are at changing directions that leads to a betterment in the career. A well updated and rich knowledge will prove to be very helpful in career development.

While considering an individual's current situation it is very significant to know about career development. Some people work for the money they are paid. This might lead to an unhappy employee, an I don't mind attitude towards work and overwhelming stress levels. Such should not be the attitude of an employee. Hence it is always better that you love your job, this is possible only if you notice a development in what you work at. Ultimately career development is what matters.

To learn more on the field we pursue, shows the interest we have on our work. This involves online or traditional classes, self study taking help from a mentor, knowing about career requirements and proceeding to study further even after the job is fixed. Hence a continual working and learning process will be indeed helpful.

It is good to try to have a hundred percent knowledge on your career which will make you feel the job easy however strenuous they would seem. This would decrease the stress levels. The product of such commitment would be a happy employee and an excellent work.

Education and learning are alone not all about this. They help in deciding people whether the job they are in, suits them. You have to prove yourself a trustable employee and produce what you are expected to.

Many colleges, universities, institutes and schools take classes that teach about career development and train us for nearly any occupation. Subjects like career education and creating resumes are taken for senior and junior students of eighth grade and higher grades. Teachers and student councilors help students in deciding what they would want to become.

Ultimately learning about career development and about how they would help us is profitable, whether you change your career or else advance in the career you are already in.

Abhishek is a Career Counselor and he has got some great Career Planning Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 71 Pages Ebook, "Career Planning Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Career-Guru.com/769/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Personal Career Development Plan - Essential For Success

A personal career development plan enables you to keep track of progress in your own career. It is a reliable way to analyze your motivations, aspirations, and achievements. Several career-oriented individuals create a career development plan not just to accomplish certain goals, such as a promotion or raise in the job, but also for further career advancement. Hence, it should be given much focus.

Essentials In a Career Development Plan

Creating your career development plan must be done continuously, instead of focusing on specific work objectives. That way, you can easily keep track of whatever improvements you have or where there is need for one. It is not just confined to career-related documents but may also include materials that you have collected over time that reflect your motivation and aspirations when it comes to your career.

Below are few things you can do to back up your career development plan:

Update your resume. - Your resume is a crucial reflection of your career path. Therefore, if you have new or existing skills, achievements in previous employment, or personal achievements, make sure to include it in your CV.

List all your job descriptions. - This is essential to your career planning. By evaluating and analyzing your performance from previous jobs, you will be able to detect whether there are improvements or recognize which areas you need improve on. If you can, gather evidence of any achievements you have for they might come handy during job interviews.

Gather job advertisements. - This tip is helpful even to those employed individuals. This will enable you to identify whether there are any other existing jobs that are more suitable for your qualifications and that offer self-fulfillment.

Create A Personal Vision

Some people constantly change careers not because of compensation or competition, but more often because they are not personally satisfied with their careers. Therefore, when devising your own career plan, you have to create your own personal vision.

Your career plan or objectives can be either long or short term. Hence, before you move on with your career planning, you have to determine yours first. There are a lot to consider when planning your career path, however personal considerations should be on top of the list.

What are the personal barriers that impede your progress? Are you doing this for personal satisfaction and achievement, or is this what my family desires for me? As long as you have considered factors that not only involve the people around you but also yourself, then you can remain motivated in achieving the goals you have set for yourself.

Personal Career Planning Steps

1. If you are contemplating on multiple careers, try narrowing them down so you can focus on the career most suitable for you.

2. Research about your prospect career. When you have more information and knowledge about your chosen career, you will also recognize the skills needed in order to succeed in that career.

3. If you are looking to make a transition from one career to another, identify the necessary qualifications.

4. Once you have determined the qualifications needed for your new career, compare it with your current career profile. Evaluate what skills or knowledge you need to acquire in order to match the job search. If it requires a lot of work, then you might need to reconsider whether changing careers should be an option. If you are close to the qualification, then you can move on.

For long-term career planning, you need to be more precise and specific with your guidelines. After all, you will have to be the one dealing with the consequence of your choices. When creating your personal development plan, you must consider not only career opportunities in the market but also your own skills and abilities.

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Career Development - Learn the Best Way to Assure Career Success!

You just graduated from college or technical school and you're happy your schooling is behind you. Think again, as building and developing a successful career not only begins with education, but is a continuing project.

That was the recent results of a survey of over 425 Human Resource Managers and Business Executives. Acquiring new skills, expanding abilities and learning new information along with updating current abilities, they concluded, was the best approach to career development. With this type of proactive career development the result will be career progress and overall career success.

As you continue your education your first attempt should be to build marketable talents to match career opportunities. As you acquire more experience and you overall talents cover all aspects of your current career your next focus should be on learning and acquiring new skills.

These new skills should prepare you to move to the next level or to qualify you for other career opportunities. Since many workers today will change careers several times, either voluntarily, or through changing technology you must be alert to the changing landscape.

Coming in a close second as the best way to advance your career is to build a career network. Having a career network is one thing but to really make it work you have to continually update it. Keep in touch with former teachers and co-workers. Provide them with information about the progress of your career and offer to help them in their career planning and progress.

Building an effective career network takes work and attention. It's much more than exchanging Christmas cards. An occasional lunch, asking career related questions and celebrating a promotion of someone in your network will go a long way to keeping your network involved in your career development.

Taking on challenging and high-profile assignments comes in third in the survey. The group also added that career advancement will come from taking on more mundane assignments like outside civic and charitable efforts.

A surprising fourth in the survey identified the importance of discussing and communicating your career goals with your supervisor. Not once a year but much more frequently, surly every time you master a new skill or complete a course or a program of self-study. If you can't progress farther in your current department, it always pays to have a supervisor looking for opportunities for you in other areas of the company.

In the overall survey of career development and overall career success, acquiring new and updating our skills, abilities and knowledge through ongoing education beat performing the job in an exemplary manner by over 3 to 1. This does not mean that you should overlook doing you job to the best of your ability but rather not to ignore the importance of ongoing education.

So the conclusion is clear, to move ahead in your career, continuing education and learning is the key to career development and career progress.

John Groth is a Career Coach and former HR executive. On his site find Career Building Ideas, valuable articles and a Free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date career and recruitment strategies at his Career Development Tips; all to assist you in developing and managing your career.

Students' Personal Career Development Counseling - Its Benefits And Importance

It has become the practice for high schools in United States to observe Career Days for senior students for many decades now. On this day high school students are introduced to various careers open to them by local business professionals in the school. However, these days are proving insufficient to enable the students of high school to plan their future. That is why most middle-aged adults and youngsters seek the personal guidance of coaches in career development.

Personal coaches in the field of career development offer a very essential service to people who are late planners of their careers. A lot remains to be done to help the youngsters in career development. When the best career options are enumerated for students of high schools, it helps them develop a better understanding of the careers they would prefer, resulting in more efficient planning and more enrollments in colleges leading to a more productive future society.

For many high schools, the practice of a Career Day has taken the form of a whole Career Week to tackle these issues. A couple of days in this week are utilized to introduce the seniors to various career pathways by seasoned community professionals. The assessments resembling those by personal coaches in career development are taken up during the remaining week.

These assessments help the students of high school to become aware of their strengths and weaknesses and also to explore where their values and interests lie. These assessments are then fed to a computer system. The system generates a report outlining the best career options for that particular student. The students then go through further training via Handbook of the Occupational Outlook.

The Handbook of Occupational Outlook is a top rated career development tool for personal career development in the arsenal of high school. The Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States has put this publication in electronic form as well as in the book form. This enables the students to access valuable information about details of career, industry outlooks and job prospects for the future, the education required and average salaries.

When these assessments of career development of high school students are over, they undergo interviews with either the counselor of the high school or the coach of career development. These students are led through the interviews to explore fully the career options, have discussions with the coaches and reach decisions about the field in which they want to make their careers. Then several resources are provided to the student of the high school to give him a start on his career development path.

Another aspect of activities of career development is that the counselors or the coaches of personal career development visit the senior classrooms and take important sessions on goal setting and its importance in career development. These students get resources to set their goals practically and begin to pen down their plan for personal career development.

Although personal career development concept and its importance is not new for students of high schools, plans for personal career development education are being put into place by schools only now. These initiatives will prepare more and more students of high schools to begin careers or education as soon as they finish high school, thereby leading to a more productive future society.

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Career Development Planning: Keys to Career Success

Career Development Planning: keys to finding and qualifying for the right job for overall career success.

Career development planning is the key to advancement and is a measure of tracking the progress of your career. Also, it is a dependable method to study your overall personal goals and the steps taken as your accomplishments move you toward the right career.

Keys to a well thought out career development plan: The plan is a work in progress. As you move up one step there is another in front of you. You build in flexibility, one door may close but with continued career related research another soon opens. Your career development plan is not focused exclusively on your work but on your career, its direction and your interests and passion.

As you career plan evolves so does your resume. Keep it up dated through a file in which you keep a record of achievements, training, projects completed, new skills, promotions, performance reviews and positive letters and memos.

Begin keeping a file on job announcements in your career and any career in which you have an interest. Even if employed this is a good tip as you can identify where new qualifications are required allowing you to get the additional training and experience.

In the course of writing out your career development plan spend some time on exactly what your overall job objectives are. Both short and long-term and what you see yourself doing. Are there any obstacles you have to overcome? How is your development plan going to help you qualify for your next career or update your current position?

To make your career development plan work for you there are several personal planning steps that it would be productive to consider:

1. Research the proposed career. Use informational interviews to talk to those already working in the career. Attend workshops and seminars and area conferences. Build your network of like minded people. Work to determine what skills, education and experience are required to qualify for the position.

2. If your career direction is not firmly fixed, pick the top two or three and keep researching until a number one comes into focus. Don't worry if you reject a career that at first seemed so promising, this is progress and it's just as important to find out what you don't want as what you look at favorably.

3. If you are planning a career change analyze closely what qualifications are required. Identify your transferable skills, and build a step by step plan to become qualified. In-line learning, self-study and mentoring can go a long way to become qualified in many required skills.

4. Add financial planning to your career development plan. If changing careers requires a reduced level of income, take that into consideration in your overall planning. Reduce overall debt to increase your options and reduce stress.

In any career development plan you have a series of long-term objectives, for example: reading books appropriate to your career, leadership, team building and project management are just a few subjects to consider. If you want to move to another area, you may want to vacation there first.

If you are looking at a career in another industry, research and study of the industry is in order. What are the overall prospects to the industry and the proposed career?

In summary, career development planning is a work in progress, and a valuable partner to growing your career based skills and qualifications. All of which should allow you to discover opportunities that match you career objectives.

For more detailed information about career planning and career development go to career planning and development. You'll also find ideas about changing careers and the stories of individuals just like you who successfully made midlife career changes.

Career Development = Career Advancement

Career Development: A guide for your future!

Today it's not uncommon for an individual to change their career choice or to move into another career entirely at least once in their working lifetime, and for many they may change careers three or more times. Career development, therefore, is important to know and understand.

Career development is the path an individual travels and the procedures they follow in choosing a career. A career is work an individual does or plans to do, for a considerable length of time, and something they plan on becoming good at.

The career development process is the examining of your basic skills, how well you handle stress, your abilities and interests in working with others, and schooling or training that you complete to enter the career. Career development is the plan you design to assist you in advancing through your career, to be flexible as needed and to be alert to trends and patterns to help further advancing your career.

Equally important is a careful examination of your current job and career situation. Did you jump into the job because you needed the money? Does the job have a future? Are you progressing in your career? Or are you unhappy, not motivated and burdened by stress or other job related problems? This situation may not be productive for the employee and even less so for the employer.

Now may be the time to do some study about the career field they have an interest in. Self-study, on the job training, traditional or online learning may be involved. In addition, the more you know about a particular career the more focused will be your career development plan.

Studying career development you will learn it isn't just about education. Training and education will always help move you into the right direction and allow you to fine tune your career development plan.

However, you'll learn through self-examination what your interests are, what you're good at, how well you have the basic skills to perform at a high level in whatever career you choose.

Many educational institutions offer career development classes or assessment centers to help direct you into the right career. There is a plethora of free career assessment tests on the internet to help you define your interests and career goals.

From this wealth of information, whether you want to advance in your present career or make a career change, career development planning can be an important strategy to guide you in reaching your career goals.

John Groth is a former HR executive and career coach. Find Career Development Planning, valuable articles and a free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date recruitment strategies at our Career Ideas web site all to assist you in advancing and managing your career.