Discover the Path to Your Dream Career Career Decision Making Portfolio
Fourth Edition 2007
Portfolio Developed by:
Lone Star College-North Harris
Counseling Center/Career Services
Linda Gooding, MS, LPC, DCC
Counselor/Professor
Gloria Mallett, MA, LPC, LSW
Counselor/Professor
Rachael Lowe, MEd
Counselor/Professor
Table of Contents
General The Path to Your Dream Career 1
Gain Self Awareness 2 External/Internal Influences on Career Choice 3
What Is Important to You in a Career ? 5
My Career Fantasy 6
Interest and Personality Tests/Inventories 7
Explore Career Options 8
Differences Between a Career and “Just a Job” 9
The Career Information Interview 10
Career Search Resources 11
Career Services Library Titles 13
Real World Experience 15
Who Needs Help? 17
Questions to Ask Yourself 18
Occupation Worksheet 19
Make a Career Action Plan 20 You Choose Your Goal and the Path to Get There 21
My Career Plan 22
Personal Notes 23
Career Decision Making Portfolio/Satisfaction Survey 24
3
External and Internal Influences on Career Choice
There are many factors that influence our ability to make an independent career choice. How might the
following play a role in your career decision?
External
Parents/Guardians/ Other Relatives What were/are your parents’/guardians’/other relatives’ attitudes toward work? How have their attitudes and guidance influenced your ideas about work?
Significant Other What is your significant other’s attitude about work?
How has his/her attitude influenced you?
Friends/Acquaintances/Peers What attitudes do your friends and acquaintances convey about work?
How have your peers’ attitudes and choices influenced your opinions about work?
Economics How do the national, state, and local economic pictures influence your career choice?
Sex Role Stereotypes Some occupations are still dominated by one gender or another. Have you wanted to enter an
occupation but didn’t pursue it because so few of your gender were working in it?
What occupations would you consider pursuing that aren’t traditionally entered into by your gender?
Media Do you base your knowledge of careers on how they’re portrayed on TV shows?
Are you influenced by newspaper or TV reports on the economy and how it’s affecting certain careers?
Will information you access on the Internet play a part in your career search?
Other External Factors What other external factors have influenced your feeling about work and/or your career choice?
4
Internal
People who are in the process of making a career decision often experience many different thoughts and feelings.
Some of the more common feelings are: panic, worry, excitement, indecision, feeling “stuck,” and fear of letting others
down. It’s natural to experience these as you go through the process. Below are some common myths about career
decision-making.
1. I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake and if I make a choice, I can never change it. Myth: There is only one good choice. If I don’t make the right one, I’m trapped. I’ll miss out on something that
might have been better.
Fact: There are usually a number of choices available for everyone. Most people make an average of 3 to 5
career changes over a lifetime. If you get tired of doing one thing, you can switch to another. Your experiences,
needs, and interests change; therefore, a career change is often times a natural progression in your life. Change is
common in our current economy. People no longer start with one company and stay there for 30 or 40 years until
they retire.
2. Everyone else knows what he or she wants to do; so what’s wrong with me? Myth: Everyone else has chosen a career.
Fact: While some people know what they want to do at a very early age, the vast majority of people do not. It’s
normal to be unsure of what you want to do. The ability to make a career choice requires that you be aware of
your interests, abilities, and values and that you know about the world of work. If you haven’t been exposed to
different jobs, how will you know what you want to do?
3. I don’t know what my options are. Myth: I’m afraid I’ll never find something I’ll truly want to do.
Fact: There are many tools available to help you discover your passion. Many are included in this portfolio.
Others can be discovered with the assistance of a career counselor.
4. I’m overwhelmed by options. Myth: I’ll never be able to decide on any one thing because there are too many careers that interest me.
Fact: There are many tools and techniques that are designed to assist you in narrowing down your career options
and ultimately deciding on one in particular.
5
What Is Important to You in a Career?
Being aware of what you want from a career is very important in your career planning process. Having a clear idea of
what you value will help you choose a career that will be a good fit for you.
Please look over the list of values and their definitions. Then, rate each item using the following scale:
1 = Very important 2 = Reasonably important 3= Not very important 4 = Not important at all
____ Recognition Respect, social approval, prestige
____ Achievement Mastery of a field, advancement, personal growth
____ Leadership Responsible for work done by others; influence others
____ Contribution to society Help others; work for society; make a difference in the world
____ Self expression Develop personal interests and abilities
____ Money Fulfill material needs; afford things one wants
____ Advancement Opportunity to be promoted from within
____ Flexible hours Ability to set own hours
____ Leisure More time for personal activities (hobbies, vacation, family)
____ Security Changes in economy don’t threaten your job
____ Staying put Jobs are available locally
____ Independence Desire to work with little or no supervision
____ Creativity Contribution of new ideas; originality; initiative
____ Challenge Handle difficult work; master new things
____ Interpersonal relationships Work with co-workers you like
____ Variety Diverse activities; a great deal of change
____ Other Anything that isn't mentioned above
(Adapted from Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc.)
6
My Career Fantasy
Have you ever wanted to make a movie? Well, here’s your chance to write, produce, direct, and star in a very important
production—one that can help you decide on a career that will fit your personality, interests, and abilities. Close your
eyes and start “filming” your future professional life. Be as detailed as possible; include each of the areas listed below
as well as anything else you would want in a career.
After you’ve finished, write down what you saw in your “career movie” so you can keep these things in mind as you do
your research.
Circle the item(s) in each category that are included in your ideal career.
1. Work environment: Inside/outside; plain/fancy; high-rise building; quiet/busy; own office
2. Geography: Want to live close to work place; willing to commute long distances;
small town or big city; need to be near a bus line; willing to relocate (another
town, state, country)
3. Co-workers: Have similar interests and values; diversity (age, ethnicity, gender);
don’t care what co-workers are like
4. Work preferences: Prefer to work alone; enjoy working with teams & groups;
like a mix of working alone and with teams
5. Responsibility: Forty hours a week (no take-home work); willing to work overtime;
want supervisory responsibility; would like to own my own business
6. Values Family Life Knowledge/learning
(What is Important to You) Aesthetics (the arts) Creativity
Power Helping/caring
Moral values Independence
Recognition Security
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Interest and Personality Tests/Inventories
There are numerous tests and inventories that can help you define your interests and personality. Listed below are just a few
that might be of help in your career decision-making process. No test will tell you what you should be or how well you’ll do the job.
It should only be used as one of many resources for putting together all those pieces of the career decision-making puzzle.
Be aware that before you take most online inventories, you may be asked to provide data about yourself. No web site can be
considered 100% secure, so if you have any privacy concerns, you may want to make up a name and address rather than using
your own.
Personality Testing Who am I? Personality tests help you identify your own personality preferences. Personality preferences provide a picture of
who you are and what preferences are most natural for you. Becoming aware of your preferences allows you to find niches within
careers that utilize your preferences so that you can choose careers that reward you for being yourself.
Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI)—Personality Test
In order to take the MBTI, you must schedule an appointment with a career counselor who will determine whether or not it would
help meet your needs. If assigned, this inventory will be taken on computer in the NHC Assessment Center. One should allow
at least 45 minutes to complete the test.
Keirsey Temperament Sorter—Personality
http://www.advisorteam.com/temperament_sorter/register.asp?partid=1
Based on the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI), this online inventory can be accessed and taken for free. It is more
thorough than the Type Focus and has links to more sites that link personality type with occupations.
Type Focus
http://www.typefocus.com
This free personality inventory is based on Myers-Briggs Type Inventory.
Interests Testing What do I enjoy doing with my time? Interests tests help identify both general and specific areas where you have interest by
comparing your answers with those who are happy in their careers. By becoming aware of general interest areas, you can research
and discover many careers that may be of interest to you.
Career Key (Note: There is now a fee for taking this test).
http://www.careerkey.org
Career Key is designed to help people make good career decisions by providing a personality and interest inventory, based on
the work of John Holland, then listing careers that match. Lists of job titles are linked to the Occupational Outlook Handbook,
which gives in-depth career profiles. Another section has advice on how to make good career decisions.
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9
Differences between a Career & Just a Job
Defining these common terms is key as you progress along your path. A job refers to a particular place a person is
employed. A career sums up a person’s whole life in the world of work (Bolles & Figler).
Career Just a Job
Usually entails training or education. Usually requires little or no preparation prior to entry.
Usually provides an adequate or satisfying Often viewed as a necessary task to pay bills.
income (or at least has the potential to provide one).
Includes a willingness to make significant, long-term Typically includes an unwillingness to make
sacrifices to get started and advance. significant sacrifices or long-term commitments.
Generally involves a series of jobs that If the opportunity presented itself, one would quit
progressively serve to increase and complement or change to something else with little or no regret.
one’s personality, values, and skills.
Characterized by a strong sense of loyalty and Sense of loyalty and dedication are typically low
dedication. or non-existent.
Viewed as long-term and life-long (in regard Often viewed as short-term with limited benefits.
to type of work and general direction). .
Usually provides opportunities for personal growth Usually provides little or no chance for growth and
and advancement. advancement or promotion (and usually no desire
for these).
Tends to complement or support personality, Does little to complement or support personality,
attributes, values, and skills. attributes, values, and skills.
(Adapted from: Phifer, Paul. Career Planning Q’s &A’s)
10
The Career Information Interview
An information interview is a great way to gather career information from someone working in the field you’re
researching. Many people will be glad to give you some time because most like talking about their jobs—especially if
they like what they do. The purpose of your visit is to obtain information, not ask for a job. You’re just gaining
knowledge to make a decision whether or not the career is a viable one for you.
Where do you find these people? You can ask friends, family, professors, and others whom you know for names. If
they don’t know any, search the Internet or Yellow Pages for companies/organizations. Call and identify yourself as a
student who is researching this career and ask if a person in the company/organization would be willing to speak with
you.
Talk to several people within this field so you can hear a broader range of opinions. After the interview, send the
person a “thank you” note. After all, he/she gave you some valuable time. Furthermore, you might just see that person
again in a job interview some day.
For more information interview questions and advice, please go to:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/infointerviews/a/infointervquest.htm
Sample Questions:
1. In the position you now hold, what do you do in a typical day?
2. If you could redesign your job, what parts would you keep? What parts would you get rid of?
3. What jobs did you have that led you to this one?
4. How long does it usually take to move from one step to the next in this career path?
5. What is the step above the one you have now? What is the top job one can have in this field?
6. Are there other areas in this field to which people in it may be transferred?
7. Are there any specific courses a student might take that would be particularly beneficial in this field?
8. What entry-level jobs qualify one for this field?
9. What types of training do companies usually give to people entering this field?
10. What are the typical salary ranges for various levels in this field?
11. What special advice would you give to a person entering this profession?
12. Is there a demand for people in this field? Do you foresee more or less demand in the future?
13. How do you see the jobs in this field changing over the next five years?
14. What is the best way to obtain a position that will start me on a career in this field?
15. If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently in your career?
16. Do you have co-op or internship positions available?
17. What are the top skills one should have for this job?
18. What are the most important personal characteristics one should have?
19. Does your job require any ongoing education, licensing, or certification?
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Career Search Resources
The Internet is a rich source of information regarding careers and occupations. When conducting research, make note
of the source of information. Be sure it’s from a source you trust. Also, if you find that a web site no longer exists,
please let us know.
Discover is one of the major computerized guidance programs available in the Counseling Center. It is available
online. To access this program, you must have a user ID, which you can obtain in the Counseling Center front desk in
A-104. The program has a wealth of information on all of the categories listed above. If you click on the
“Occupations” tab, you can access job descriptions, educational requirements, salaries, job outlook, and what people
like and dislike about their career. If you click on the “Majors” tab, you can find a list of careers for the majors where
you have interests. The program also allows you to click on the “Schools” tab to find schools that offer your major,
see the cost of tuition, and see their admissions requirements.
Besides the Discover program, you can also visit the following websites for information:
1. http://www.vocbiosonline.com/login.php
Use Login: NHC and Password: 44G to access reports from employees in unique careers.
2. http://www.bls.gov
U.S. Department of Labor’s web site that provides a link to the latest edition of their Occupational Outlook Handbook. Very handy guide to major occupations with information on what the jobs entail, job outlook,
salary, related occupations, and more. Other helpful career decision-making and job search links are also
provided.
3. http://online.onetcenter.org
O*Net—The Occupational Information Network has replaced the Dictionary of Occupational Titles
(DOT). Provides extensive information regarding various career fields.
4. www.typelogic.com
Web site geared toward the MBTI personality type. Has good article in which each type is described.
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5. http://careers.msn.com
General MSN careers page with links mostly to job search information.
6. http://content.monstertrak.monster.com/tools/careerconverter/
Has a converter for majors. Choose a major, and it shows related job titles.
Further, it takes one on a search by job category and location including Houston.
7. http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/ooqhome.htm
This is the home page for the Occupational Outlook Quarterly, a publication of the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics. It highlights various careers is each issue and provides a wealth of information for the job/career
searcher.
8. http://content.monster.com.hk/getahead/movingover/6202
Shows the changing world of work—how things used to be, and how they are now.
9. www.jobweb.com
Produced by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), this site provides a wealth of
career planning information including salary information, job outlook, self-assessment inventories, and more.
10. http://www.privacyrights.org
Non-profit organizations’ Web page with lots of valuable information regarding privacy in and out of
cyberspace plus tips on how to prepare for a background check by prospective employers.
11. www.teamtechnology.co.UK/tt/t-articl/mb-simpl.htm
Has excellent article regarding MBTI types.
12. http://www.jobprofiles.org/index.htm
Experienced workers share information regarding their experiences on the job.
13. http://www.vocationvacations.com/index.asp Want to experience a career before you decide? The following web site, Vocation Vacations, offers the
opportunity for one to see what it’s really like to do the work. There is a fee for this.
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Career Services Library Titles
For reference only. Visit often for new titles.
Located in Counseling Center A104
100 Best Nonprofit Organizations
100 Careers in Film & Television
100 Careers in Music
101 Career Alternatives for Teachers
Acting Professions
Administrative Assistant/Secretarial
Careers
Adventure Careers
Alternative Careers Book
Beginning Entrepreneur, The
Best Jobs for the 21st Century
Career Connection for Technical
Education, The
Career Guide for Creative &
Unconventional People, The
Careers for Car Buffs
Careers for Nonconformists
Careers in Art
Careers in Criminology
Careers in Health & Business
Careers in International Business
Careers in Journalism
Careers in Medicine
Careers in Science
Careers in Social Work
Casinos & Casino Hotels
Civil Service
Computer Technology Careers
Cosmetology
Culinary Arts
EMT Careers
Exploring Healthcare Careers
FBI Careers: The Ultimate Guide
Federal Jobs in Law Enforcement
Fire Fighter Careers
Guide to Homeland Security Careers
Healthcare Careers for the 21st Century
Healthcare Job Explosion
Health Professional Education Director
Health Professional Job Resource
Guide
History Graduates
How to Get a Job in the Music &
Recording Industry
How to Make it Big as a Consultant
Inc. Yourself
Internet Jobs for the Rest of Us
Intro to Healthcare Professions
Is There an Engineer Inside You?
Job Opportunities in Healthcare
Jobs for People Who Love to Travel
Jobs for Travel Lovers
Jobs in Law Enforcement
Kids Mean Business
Law Enforcement Careers
Medical Technology & Technicians
Military Careers
Paralegal Career Guide
Pfizer Guide to Careers in
Pharmaceuticals
Professional Pilot Career Guide
Quick Prep Careers
Real Estate Careers
Retailing Careers
Sales
Social & Rehabilitation Services
Sunshine Jobs
Teaching Careers
Working with Wildlife
Great Jobs For:
Art Majors
Business Majors
Chemistry Majors
Communication Majors
Computer Science Majors
Criminal Justice Majors
English Majors
Engineering Majors
Foreign Language Majors
Geology Majors
Math Majors
Music Majors
Sociology Majors
Theater Majors
Career Opportunities In:
Advertising & Public Relations
Armed Forces
Banking, Finance & Insurance
Computers & Cyberspace
Education
Fashion Industry
Film Industry
Food & Beverage Industry
Health Care
Law & the Legal Industry
Law Enforcement, Security &
Protective Services
Music Industry
Politics, Government & Activism
Radio
Retail & Wholesale Industry
Science
Sports Industry
Theater & Performing Arts
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Travel Industry
Television, Cable, Video & Multimedia
Opportunities In:
Acting Careers
Aerospace Careers
Animal & Pet Care Careers
Architectural Careers
Banking Careers
Beauty Culture Careers
Biotechnology Careers
Chemistry Careers
Chiropractic Health Care
Clinical Laboratory & Science Careers
Commercial Art & Graphic Design
Careers
Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement
Careers
Data & Word Processing Careers
Dental Care
Educational & Support Careers
Event Planning Careers
Eye Care
Fashion Fire Protection Careers
Food Service Careers
Foreign Language Careers
Forensic Science Careers
Forestry Careers
Gerontology & Aging Services
Careers
Government Careers
Health & Medical Careers
Hospital Administration Careers
Human Resource Management Careers
Interior Design & Decorating Careers
Journalism Careers
Law Careers Library & Information
Science Careers
Magazine Publishing Careers
Medical Technician
Metalworking Careers
Modeling Careers
Music Careers
Nursing Careers
Nutrition Careers
Occupational Therapist Careers
Paramedic Careers
Pharmacy Careers
Photography Careers
Physician Assistant Careers
Physician Careers
Psychologist Careers
Purchasing Careers
Public Relations Careers
Real Estate Careers
Social Work Careers
Sports Medicine Careers
Technical Writing & Communication
Careers
Television & Video Careers
Veterinary Medicine Careers
Visual Arts Careers
Welding Careers
Careers For:
Animal Lovers
Aquatic Types
Book Worms
Born Leaders
Caring People
Class Clowns
Color Connoisseurs
Competitive Spirits
Computer Buffs
Crafty People
Culture Lovers
Cyber Surfers
Environmental Types
Extroverts
Fashion Plates
Film Buffs
Financial Mavens
Foreign Language Aficionados
Geniuses
Good Samaritans
Gourmets
Hard Hats
Health Nuts
High Energy People
History Buffs
Homebodies
Introverts
Kids at Heart
Legal Eagles
Military Careers
Music Lovers
Mystery Buffs
Nature Lovers
Night Owls
New Age-ers
Number Crunchers
Patriotic Types
People on the Move
Perfectionists
Persuasive Types
Plant Lovers
Puzzle Solvers
Scholars
Scientific Types
Self Starters
Shutterbugs
Sports Nuts
Stage Struck
Talkative Types
Travel Buffs
Writers
America’s Top:
300 Jobs
Computer & Technical Jobs
Fastest Growing Jobs
Jobs for College Graduates
Jobs for People with 4 Year
Degrees
Medical, Educational & Human
Services Jobs
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Real World Experience
There are four primary ways in which you may be able to gain some real world experience in your chosen career. They
are: Service Learning; Internships; Co-op Experiences; and Volunteer Work. Studies have shown that
organizations often give special hiring consideration to students who have done one or more of these, when the
students have done a good job, and when there are job openings. For job opportunities, visit the following web site:
www.collegecentral.com/nhmccd.
1. Service Learning “Earn college credits by making a difference in the world!!!”
Are you the type of person who would like to make a difference in the world? If so, Service Learning is the perfect
opportunity for you to reach out to your community and possibly earn college credits at the same time. Classes that
offer Service Learning as part of their grade utilize skills from your class while helping others. This hands-on
approach to learning helps you understand what you are learning while providing assistance to those in the community.
Additional benefits include:
Improved occupational skills for your résumé
Potential job contacts
An increased awareness of job ethics
Enhancement of scholarship and college applications
A better understanding of coursework
For more information contact The Office of Service Learning (OSL) at:
281.618.1149 or [email protected]
2. Internships
An internship is a limited-time paid or unpaid experience in a professional-level occupation. The
organization agrees to have you work there primarily to learn what the field is about under the
guidance of an experienced person. In return, the intern temporarily helps the organization by
performing job duties, thus allowing the employer and intern to benefit from the experience.
Internships can vary in length from one semester to two years.
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How does one find an internship? Sources may include: advisors in the department of your chosen field;
counselors in the Counseling Center; and career resource books that list internship opportunities (i.e.,
Internships, a book that is updated annually, and is published by Peterson’s of Princeton, NJ).
3. Co-op Experiences
A co-op is much like an internship. However, while an internship is usually a one-time experience toward the
completion of one’s education, a co-op can involve working for an organization for several semesters.
Usually a student will attend school for one semester then go work on a co-op the next semester. This
sequence is often repeated once or twice. The Co-op can be either part-time or full-time employment for
which the student is paid.
4. Volunteer Work
Volunteer work is usually unpaid work that can be a useful bridge between careers. It is to your advantage to
make the best of it and to understand that you are being paid in ways other than money. Volunteer work can
give you the opportunity to set up informational interviews, meet people in the careers in which you are
interested, make potential life-long contacts, and add relevant experience to your résumé. Also, you will
learn about yourself and grow immeasurably through discovering and using your assets.
Volunteer work is usually arranged on an informal basis rather than applying for a volunteer job. When
contacting the organization about volunteer opportunities, it is appropriate to say “Could I talk to you about
working here for experience? I am willing to offer my time and service on an unpaid basis.”
See the following web sites for more volunteer information:
http://www.volunteermatch.com and http://www.volunteerhouston.com
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Who Needs Help?
Your willingness to share your time and skills is greatly appreciated and valued by employers. Not sure where to start?
Consider these types of volunteer-friendly programs. The Counseling Center can help you locate many of the
organizations listed below.
Abuse Prevention Programs
AIDS Centers
Animal Protection
Anti-Pollution Campaigns
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Boys & Girls Club
Churches and Synagogues
Citizen Alliances
Community Theater
Conservation Programs
Crisis Hot Lines
Environmental Causes
Food Banks
Geriatric and Aging Programs
Girl Scouts
Habitat for Humanity
Historical Preservation Societies
Homeless Shelters
Hospitals
Libraries
Literacy Programs
Local Government Boards
Lunch Programs for Underprivileged
Children
Meals on Wheels
Mediation Services
Mental Health Programs
Museums
Nursing Homes
Political Parties and Causes
Public and Private Schools
Recycling Programs
Special Olympics
Tutoring Programs
United Way Agencies
YMCA and YWCA
Youth Organizations
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Questions to Ask Yourself
To make an informed career choice, it is important to answer each of the following questions.
Circle your answer for each.
Interests: Would I like this kind of work well enough to do it as a career? Yes Maybe No
Skills & Abilities: Do I have the skills needed, or do I have the potential to develop them? Yes Maybe No
Physical Abilities: Am I physically able to do this kind of work? Yes Maybe No
Preparation: Am I able and willing to obtain the education and training that are
required? Can I afford the time, money, and possible relocation? Yes Maybe No
Employment Opportunities: What are my chances of getting into this kind of work? Am I willing to
compete assertively for jobs available in this field? Yes Maybe No
Opportunities for Advancement: Are there chances of obtaining higher- level positions in this field? Yes Maybe No
Licenses & Certifications: Am I willing and able to qualify for licenses and certificates that may be
required? Yes Maybe No
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Occupation Worksheet
Now that you’ve completed the exercises in the research section, and have narrowed your choices down to a few
careers, it is important to gather the following information for each of your career choices. Comparing and contrasting
your answers for each career will help you move closer toward choosing the career that will be the best fit for you.
Questions to Answer Occupation 1 Occupation 2 Occupation 3
3 main reasons I’m considering this
career
Job Description—Tasks Involved
Training/Education/Experience
required for entry-level position
Hours/Earnings
Job Outlook-availability of jobs in
the future/ability to advance
Work conditions
Places of employment
Advantages (name at least three)
Disadvantages (name at least
three)
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You Choose Your Goal and the Path to Get There
Life is a series of setting, working toward, and reaching goals. Kathleen Norris said, “Before you begin a
thing, remind yourself that difficulties and delays quite impossible to foresee are ahead…You can only see
one thing clearly and that is your goal. Form a mental vision of that and cling to it through thick and thin.”
I. In the blanks below, list the career goals you want to reach and circle the time frame in which you want to
reach each goal.
A. ______________________________________ _____________________ _________________________
Now Next Month This Year Within 5 Years
B. _____________________________________________________________________________________
Now Next Month This Year Within 5 Years
C. ______________________________
Now Next Month This Year Within 5 Years
D. __________________________________________________________________________ ___________
Now Next Month This Year Within 5 Years
II. What is your plan of action for reaching your Priority 1 goal? List the steps you plan to take. Then do the same for
goals 2, 3 and 4. Use another sheet of paper if necessary. _______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Training for Life by Hecklinger & Curtis
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My Career Plan
Now that you have completed evaluating your personality and your interests, it is important to act while you are still
highly motivated to change. It is suggested that you do this exercise summary by writing a brief paragraph on each.
1. The most important things I learned about myself are:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2. This knowledge relates to my career/life planning in the following way(s):
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3. Because I engaged in this process, I will:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4. Other thoughts I have:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
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Personal Notes
Record your thoughts and feelings about what you have learned after having gone through this process.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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Career Decision Making Portfolio/Satisfaction Survey
Congratulations! You have completed the portfolio and are further along your path to your dream
career! Please fill out the satisfaction survey below and bring it to the Counseling Center. You will receive
a certificate of completion, suitable for framing, signed by one of our counselors.
Please circle the answer that most closely describes your thoughts and feelings. Date:_________
1. In my career decision-making process, I
(a) have made a decision. (b) have thought about a few careers. (c) am still working on it.
2. I’ve researched several careers. Yes No
3. I haven’t made a decision yet, but I feel more confident that I’ll be able to do so now. Yes No
4. Overall, the process I went through was
(a) very helpful. (b) somewhat helpful. (c) not helpful at all.
5. I saw a counselor for assistance during the process. Yes No
6. If the answer to #5 was “Yes,” the counselor I saw was
(a) very helpful. (b) somewhat helpful. (c) not helpful at all.
7. I would recommend the Career Decision Making Portfolio to my friends. Yes No
Comments:______________________________________________________________________________
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