Krumboltz & Hamel's 7 step DECIDES model

Define the problem:

• Define what your specific career problem is and what decision you want to make. Set yourself some appropriate goals for making the decision.

Establish an action plan

• Set yourself some actions to take at each step in your decision-making process.

Clarify your values

• Think about what you want from a career and discuss it with your friends and family. Talking to people and listening to their ideas and opinions can broaden your own perspective and help to clarify your thoughts.

Identify the alternatives

• Research, identify and consider alternative jobs and occupations you could do. Ask family and friends to put you in contact with people working in the field. Set up meetings and talk to these contacts.

Discover probable outcomes

• Imagine what it would be like to work in a specific job or occupation, and talk it through with someone whose opinion you trust.

Eliminate alternatives systematically

• Compare the alternative jobs and occupations, and discard the alternatives that are least appropriate for you. Keep going until you've identified the best option.

Start the action

• Create an action plan that will lead you to your career goal.