How do I Choose the Best Career Development Planning?

Although it's true that some people are born knowing they want to be doctors and others are convinced they want to act from the time they set foot on a stage, most people find that they need some time to know what type of career they are best suited for. If you have no idea what jobs may be a good match for your skills, interests, and abilities, career development planning services can help. From informational Web sites to personalized career coaching, there are a wealth of resources available for people who need assistance creating a career development plan.

The first place to turn for career development planning assistance, especially if you're on a tight budget, is the Internet. Many people find quizzes matching personality types to suggested career areas to be helpful. There are also a number of Web sites offering general information on possible career areas to explore, as well as forums and chat rooms that let you ask questions about a particular career field.

Colleges and universities can be great sources of career development information. Most schools have career development planning resources available for students who are looking for their first job after graduation. Some also have services available for alumni who have been laid off, wish to relocate to a different part of the country, or are simply seeking a position with more opportunity for growth. Services may include workshops, networking events, access to specialized reference materials, or one-on-one career counseling sessions.

Depending upon where you live, there may be career development planning services available for people who meet specific eligibility criteria. This could include having a physical or mental disability, being a homemaker who must return to the workforce, or having been employed at a factory that was forced to close due to outsourcing. Contact your local economic development office or department of human services to learn more about what assistance you may qualify to receive.

If you're a working professional thinking about making a complete career switch, it may be best to hire a private counselor for your career development planning services. Abandoning years of work experience in one industry to go back to school to train for a new field is a life-altering experience. This is especially true if you'll be taking a significant salary cut in your new position. Before you invest the time and money to train for a new career, it's wise to make sure you've thought out all the advantages and disadvantages of your decision.