Career planning #1
I've been reading up on Prof Mark Savikas career theories recently. He has some useful insights for understanding the career development process as the evolution of three layers of the personal self.
Working with students/graduates I put this into a relevant frame for them to understand.
Begin studies as an actor
Encouraged to become an agent
Emerge as an author
If a student continues on to postgraduate study they can cycle through this process again, or when starting a new a job the cycle continues. The cycle of education and career development consists of identifying goals, researching or learning about options, taking action, gaining experience, and reflecting on results. One starts out as an actor in the study or new job, become an agent when you know what you are doing, until you can become an author and direct the processes of your job /career.
Write your next chapter yourself. Give yourself time to develop a vision of your future. Be in the driving seat of your career and be proactive. Employers benefit from helping you with your career development but you should be the one to direct it. Where do you want to go in the future and what do you want to be doing.
Recycle through these processes throughout your life - actor, agent, author.
