Don't Embark On a New Career Without a Plan

Do you remember when you had to write a term paper for school and your teacher made you write an outline before you got started? Since the library was one of my favorite places to be, I couldn't wait to get started on my research. I also loved writing, so I wanted to get to that part as quickly as possible. Having to write an outline slowed me down. I wasn't so thrilled about that, but in the end, it helped. It enabled me to be more efficient in doing my research and kept me from rambling on when I started writing.

My teachers were correct. Having an outline was important. When you are embarking on a new career, you should also begin with an outline. In career planning terminology, this outline is called a career action plan. When you write a career action plan, you are giving yourself an outline that will guide you from choosing a career to finding a job in your desired field. Like the outline you write before beginning a term paper, a career action plan will help keep you focused on your goals. Read Writing a Career Action Plan to learn more about this essential step in the career planning process.