CAREER PLANNING

One of the most important decisions we make in life is the choice of a career. This is so because the type of career we choose will have a significant influence on our lives and those of the member of our family.

Career planning requires that we look ahead into the future to see what our goals and interests are in life and what we can do to meet those goals.In order to do this,we need to have adequate information about different types of careers and understand certain factors that guides individuals in career decision making. These factors include,type and nature of occupation,size of company,job location,and training required for the job.

TYPE AND NATURE OF OCCUPATION
This is a very important factor in career choice because the type and nature of an occupation determines whether one is satisfied or happy with the job.Therefore, in choosing a career,you should determine whether the job is compatible with your personality,aims ,aspirations and social background.

SIZE OF THE COMPANY
Size of company has some relationships with the services offered by a company and the benefits enjoyed by its employees.For example ,large companies provide greater job securities.more fringe benefits,and greater opportunities for training to their employees.Small companies on the other hand, provide greater opportunities for individual initiative.

JOB MOBILITY AND GROWTH PROSPECTS
Do you seek the type of job that would allow you move from one geographic area of the country to another easily? Some occupations allow for upward mobility, that is, they allow people to rise from lower level positions to higher positions. In such jobs people can be employed in staff positions and after years of experience, they are promoted into line positions.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED
It is not enough for you to be needed in a particular job .It is more important for you to know what qualifications you need to enter the job and to succeed in it. Knowledge of such qualifications will enable you to review your own background to see whether your qualifications fit the requirements of the job and what you can do to improve your background.