No matter where you are in your career, this model can help you identify where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there!

Understanding your strengths, skills, work style, interests, values & preferences related to work can involve self-assessments, exploration of your career aspirations, and receiving input and feedback.  Overall, increased self-awareness leads to more clarity around career. In particular, interests are the highest predictor of job satisfaction, so taking time to assess your interests can help you make career choices that are more satisfying.  Click on Resources below for helpful information to assist you with this part of the career planning process

If you are in the outward exploration phase of the career planning process, labor market information can be a valuable resource.  Find out information about what jobs are in demand, where they are located and how much they pay. 

Looking outward means keeping abreast of the direction of UMB and other institutions of higher education, and where your specific profession is moving toward.  As you read and speak to colleagues and contacts think about the following questions:

·         What are the major industry, economic, political and social changes taking place that will affect you?

·         What is the state of the local labor market?

·         What are the opportunities and problems ahead?

·         How will my profession be different in two years?  In five years?

·         What does success look like here at UMB? 

Seek information from supervisors, colleagues, professional contacts, professional associations, career mentors, and the media.  Consider informational interviewing and networking. Read job descriptions and job families at UMB here to see the career path from one job to another, including information about the skills, abilities and knowledge needed to be successful in a particular job on campus. Click on Resources below for helpful information to assist you with this part of the career planning process.

Once you have clarity about what you want and what you need to get there, you can create a plan for accomplishing your short and long term goals. This stage is where you’ll be evaluating the pros and cons of all the options, creating goals and timelines, identifying key people who will help you, and creating a system of accountability. Setting goals that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) will make it easier to track your progress toward them over time.  This important stage is essential before embarking on any action steps and can be looked at as developing your personal strategic plan.  Meeting with a career coach during this time can be especially helpful.  

Using your personal strategic plan, you are ready to take action.  This could mean writing or updating your resume, applying for jobs, interviewing, evaluating or accepting a job offer, or obtaining additional experience or education and training towards achieving a long-term career goal.  

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Resources