The Career Planning Process consists of four stages:

1. Self
2. Options
3. Match
4. Action

During the Self stage you use various self assessment tools to uncover your interests, skills, and values. The Match stage involves choosing an occupation to pursue after which you will put together an action plan that will help you reach your goal. Between the Self stage and the Match stage is the Options stage. During this stage you want to learn about the various occupations you have found to be most suitable based upon the results of your self assessment. Career Exploration: How to Explore Your Career Options provides you with resources you can use to learn about the occupations you are considering.