Every year, the Philippines churns out more than a hundred thousand management graduates in its top three courses -- business administration, education, and engineering. Unfortunately, most of them end up unemployed or doing something else.
How many of us take up courses and pursue careers on the basis of what our parents want or what the “hot jobs” abroad supposedly are? Before it was physical therapy, then computer science; now it’s nursing. They may pay well, but you could end up miserable.
Career planning should be a lifelong process, starting even before entering college. It may take time and effort to prepare your career plan, but it will be worth it. Here are four steps to take:
Assess yourself. Get to know who you are and what you want. Taking stock of your values, interests, skills, and personal qualities will give you a better idea of what you should do.
Cora Llamas, editor of JobsDB.com.ph, says, “Every career columnist worth his salt would advise you this way: choose your passion. Balance that with your skills. What are you really good at?”
There are plenty of free assessment tools you can use such as Career Interests Game , CAREERLINK Inventory, and the Princeton Review Career Quiz .
Cora points out though, “Nothing still beats discussing your career dreams with an actual human being who has seen the landscape and can point you to the right direction.”
Do research. Identify possible occupations and evaluate them based on your interests and skills. You can learn about specific jobs just by reading job want ads. You can also try internships for the summer or on-the-job training to give you a real-world perspective.
There are a lot of books and Web sites that share information, including online forums that divulge starting salaries and company reputations. “While some Web sites post information, I’d recommend really talking to professionals in the industry,” Cora explains. “They can tell you first-hand the job expectations, rewards, and risks.”
Write your plan. It is at this point that you should be writing down your career plan. A typical outline should have your educational background and, if applicable, employment history and volunteer work.
Write down the results of your self-assessment. List down the occupations that those tests suggested are fit for you. Then put in writing your short- and long-term career goals, which will help chart your development and monitor your progress.
List down barriers that may block you to reach your goals, such as lack of available job openings, zero work experience, and family issues, and then identify solutions to these problems.
Act on it. You can get information about specific companies and job requirements from their Web sites and online job matching sites. Cora explains, “After you’ve gotten the inside scoop and developed some acceptable skills, network. Polish your résumé. Spread the word out that you are available. Do what it takes to get that job interview.
“Then once you are in, study the career path. Educate yourself on what your higher-ups are doing. Understand their responsibilities and deliverables, and aim to acquire the skills that will get you promoted,” she says.
Even if you don’t get a perfect match, keep on trying. Cora says, “Be pragmatic. Work on something that pays the bills, gives you credentials, and enhances your network. But don't forget your passion and nurture it after office hours.
“In time, you can develop a system that balances both and give you both fulfillment and a livable salary, or you can earn enough to make the jump to the career that you do want,” she says.
(This article is from MoneySense, the country’s first and only personal finance magazine. Visit www.moneysense.com.ph for more.)
