Planning a Career
Deciding what one wants to do with one’s future is a painstaking task. The process of career-planning should begin rather early-in life, i.e. in secondary school years. The pre-requisites of good planning are taking into account aptitudes, interest, personality and expectations of the future aspirant. An analysis of one’s ‘assets’ or ‘strengths’ and ‘weakness’ is essential. This evaluation should be objective and backed by counseling, aptitude test, etc.
One could begin by making a clear assessment of one’s academic performance over a period of time. Consistently good performance in a particular subject should prompt one to take a job in the related field.
While planning a career, interests too are vital because the interest will indicate one’s inclination. What kind of activities interests you? Are you mechanically, aesthetically and scientifically inclined or do you love the outdoors? Is creativity your forte? Generally people, who are mechanically inclined, enjoy physical activity and possess strength, coordination, etc. Those with a penchant for language make goo writers or journalists. An investigative mind will do well in media. The conventional personality types with a head for figures may dabble in accounting, banking and finance. The enterprising one with a business acumen and ability for speculation may make the grade in the stock market. Suitable options for those who are creative are related to art or creative writing and performing arts.
Besides gauging one’s aptitude one needs to know what_ one expects from one’s profession. It is best to priorities in terms of material benefit, power, status, job satisfaction and prospects of rising. Also make a survey of resources in terms of quantum of time and the financial input. After having done this entire exercise, one should feel the pulse of the market and familiarize oneself with the work environment. Last but not least, make an assessment of your values to ascertain that there is no conflict between your values and the profession you have chosen.
Finally, ‘pick a star you can reach’. If you try to pitch your wagon to a star that is beyond you, you are headed for a disaster.
