Developing a Career Success Plan

Career development is a life-long journey. It actually started long before you came to college when, as a child, you developed and pursued interests, were praised and supported when you developed new skills, and became aware of the various career paths of those around you. Your college education was an extremely important centerpiece of that journey. As a college graduate there are always opportunities to open new gateways, direct your route, and even change direction that continue throughout your work life.

• Update and polish your resume on a regular basis. Continue to add experiences as they occur.
• Develop and maintain a professional portfolio. Document your work and your accomplishments annually.
• Update your skills and professional knowledge. Attend professional seminars and conferences related to your career field.
• Stay current with the latest trends and issues. Read professional journals, magazines, and newspapers relevant to your profession.
• Expand your network. Join professional, community, and college networks and associations. Seek out leadership positions as appropriate.
• Review your career goals regularly and set goals to meet them.

If you're thinking of a career change: Career dissatisfaction can come from many sources: problems with job security, salary, work schedule, company policies or the boss, or more intangible reasons like feeling burned out or stuck in a job that doesn't fully tap your talents or primary interests. If you think you'd like to change career direction, here is some food for thought:

• Begin with an assessment of your style, skills, personal qualities, interests, development needs, desired career pattern, goals and barriers to gain a clear understanding of yourself in relation to your work life. Obtain input from significant others.
• Investigate the environment around you and discover the potential opportunities for change and growth. Start with your current job, your department, division, and company for possible ways to expand or change your situation. Then begin exploring opportunities in other organizations and industries through research and networking.
• Match your self assessment with the opportunities you uncover. Where can you make the greatest contribution consistent with your own vision and the needs and challenges of the various environments you find?
• Plan your career development in an organized and energetic way that produces results. Set specific goals, and plan action steps and schedules. Identify barriers to overcome and establish a support system.
• Continually evaluate and revise your plan. Never be without a goal. Remember, in your career journey there will always be a next step!

• Take some career interest and personality inventories to help you discover how your personal traits relate to various career fields.
• Complete FOCUS II, the web-based career guidance program that helps you explore career options that are suggested from a database of over 1300 career titles based on your interests, skills and work values. You will need a login and password.
• Check out the books, directories and other written resources and Internet sources in the Career Library that will help you increase your knowledge of various career options.
• Critique your resume, cover letter and other job search documents to make sure your written job search tools are up-to-date and as effective as possible.
• Seek out advice about graduate or professional school programs.
• Help you develop a job search strategy based on your particular needs.

• Network at alumni events (alumni calendar) to learn about career opportunities at After Hours events, the Cardinal Network Luncheon, MBA Executive Speakers Series, and corporate luncheons.