Career Path
How do I create a path?
By now you will have looked at yourself and have a better self-perception regarding your skills. There should be a few roles / careers which you have investigated and made decisions about.
You are now at a stage to ask yourself some questions.
- Do the attributes you have identified in the self inventory match any of the jobs you have investigated?
- Do any of the jobs you have investigated match some of the interests, lifestyles or values you hold. It would be ideal if a reasonable percent of your skills also match.
- Are you able to rule out any of the jobs you have investigated?
Finally, with selected jobs you should be able to address the difference between your current skills and what you would require for the new role / career you wish to aim for. Complete the following table for a clear picture.
| Career / Job goal | Skills gap (list skills that need to be acquired) | Possible training / education |
| 1. | ||
| 2. | ||
| 3. | ||
| 4. | ||
| 5. |
If you know your long term goals and the required inventory start to plan. Think ahead about two, five or ten year goals. What skills will you need to have acquired to be in the position in five years? From this, you may be able to start planning for training, additional education, on job experiences or secondments to increase your skills base. Don not limit yourself to short term goals. You can start to map your plan, highlight your goals and note what you need to do to achieve these. For example:
