Ten Steps to Planning Your Career

1. Develop a career plan.
Think about what you want to do and find out more about the kind of training, education, and skills you will need to achieve your career goal.

2. Assess your skills and interests.
Think hard about what you enjoy, what you are good at, what kind of personality you are, and the values you hold.

3. Research occupations.
Find out more about the nature of the jobs that interest you, such as educational requirements, salary, working conditions, future outlook, and anything else that can help you narrow your focus.

4. Comparison
Compare your skills and interests with the occupations  you've selected.
The career that matches your skills,  interests, and personality the closest may be the career for you.

5. Choose your career goal.
Once you've decided what occupation matches up best with you, then you can begin developing a plan to reach your career goal.

6. Education
Select a school that offers a college degree or training program that best meets your career goal and financial needs.

7. Financial
Find out about financial aid to help support you in obtaining your career goal.

8. Job Hunting
Learn about job hunting tips as you prepare to graduate or move into the job market.

9. Resumes
Prepare your resume, and practice job interviewing techniques.

10. Career Guidance
Go to your career guidance center (at your middle school, high school, or college) or local library for additional information and help on career planning, or check out our Other Internet Resources.