A career is an occupation or profession. A career is followed as one’s life’s work and the chosen career field must have some scope for advancement. To choose and plan a career, you should look into matters such as your household, the environment you live in, your interactions with people etc. Whatever situation you may be in at present, you must keep those in mind while deciding on your priorities in search for a career or a job. Generally, it is observed that different people have different priorities which determine the career and this includes - status, wealth, power, challenge and contentment.

There are many options to choose from while making a decision about your career. That is why, you must keep in mind your priorities and other criteria such as qualifications, temperament, aptitude and skills, work environment, security both job-wise and financial, training, scope for learning, appreciation and recognition, and future prospects, etc.

Taking Action : The Action Plan -

Depending on your individual goals, plans and expectations, you should work towards devising your own career plan. Always keep in mind your goals, value system, objectives, strengths and inherent weaknesses, etc. Once you have these guiding factors in mind, plan your career path carefully and intelligently.

Analyse & Set Goals:

There are many reasons to set goals. In order to become a success in whatever you choose to do, it is impetrative that you have a clear and motivating goal in mind. It is generally seen that people with clear goals do better than those who fail to set goals. In the absence of clarity and direction, we tend to drift away from what is important. Set clear career goals and objectives so that they can guide and motivate you every step of the way. The future is uncertain but the present is in your hands. Do everything you can to put in your best today and make your future more bright.

Successful attainment is possible only through well defined and clear goals.

Common career planning Steps: Set a timeframe within which you will try to follow and implement each career planning guideline.

• Think about what it is that is important for you - family, status, money, social responsibility or something else?
• Think over and list down your good and bad personality traits, your strengths and weaknesses. 
• Set simple and difficult goals which you want to achieve over a short period and those which are long term as well.
• Think about the reasons why you find it difficult to achieve what ever it is you want to achieve?
• List down the people who can help you.

The points mentioned below can act as your personal reminders and help you in the career planning process. 

• Plan now
• Be patient: Listen before you speak
• Learn from criticism
• Succeed at home first
• Be honest
• Hear both sides and then make your decision
• Whatever you do, be positive always