By JoAn A Mann, MBA-GPHR

First of a 4-Part Career Planning Series

Through my years of doing private career coaching, directing Career Development and Placement offices at colleges and universities, as well as doing outplacement workshops and coaching, it is clear that there is no single assessment to figure out what is the perfect career for an individual. However, through a series of questions on life interests and understanding ones personality, it is easier to identify higher probability for success and reward. The following model is one I developed that applies to virtually all my clients in discovery their ideal Career Plan:

This is the first of four blogs that will go into more depth in the Career Development Process that will result in your best-match career. Step 1 will review how you can better explore your long-held interests from a career perspective. Step 2 will refine your interests and position you're your personality. Step 3 will look at the skill sets and education that would reinforce your best-match career for your best competence mastery. Step 4 will review this model with the practical considerations in today's economic reality. Many of my clients have been well-served by developing a Plan of Action, based on their answers to the questions that I will be highlighting in each blog. Begin asking lots of questions—especially of people who are truly happy in their careers. They are experts in the field of career satisfaction, something that is a rare treasure in today's very busy world.

STEP 1: Assess your interests.

The fundamental question when discovering a satisfying career match that is a combination of your special area(s) of interest or passion:

What do you love doing or have always wanted to do/be?

If you're not doing it, have done it or are in training to do it…think back to your early dreams and imagination. Perhaps you can't be the Astronaut due to health, age, finances or other factors. If that's your situation, then ask yourself:

What was so special about being the (Astronaut) that was so fun or exciting that got your imagination and passions engaged?
Discover that “Astronaut” inside you again! Just because it didn't work out to be or do that special career or activity doesn't mean you can't enjoy the ‘what made it special' parts. For instance, if you loved the exploration part, being involved in research activities may be a great direction. Or, if you loved the ‘fame of being a hero', there are many ways to bring this into your daily life: consider being a high-need trades skilled individual – either in software, hardware, home/auto repairs, especially in a smaller business where you can have direct customer interaction. These are just a few ideas that integrate activities that can be mapped over from a dream career to a practical career that fits with your current and future life needs and desires.

How have previously well-matched and engaging activities, jobs or classes fulfilled some of that ‘special quality' you dreamed about doing or becoming?
When you discover what you love, check these out for career potential or at a minimum sustainable hobbies that will make your life more meaningful and interesting. For instance, perhaps you are well recognized for your cooking or baking skills and that was something you dreamed about achieving. Perhaps you don't want to be a chef, but perhaps you could organize a monthly gourmet club with friends. Those experiences are also valid in the work-world. In fact, by discussing a personal interest activity you will probably “light up” and show enthusiasm that you might not have as deeply for the specific job. The interviewer will most likely take note and if he or she shares that interest (you never know!!), it could result in your application being directed to the top of the candidates' list.

What current activities, relationships, jobs fit you well?
Nurture them! Try to enlarge your connections here. For example, if your personal relationship is thriving and he/she is supportive of your long term growth and expansion, pay attention and spend time and energy with this person. When a personal relationship is supportive, well balanced with clear, well-communicated boundaries and dreams, just about anything is possible in your career development. If you are out of balance in your relationship, perhaps focusing attention here could be useful also for your longer term career. Either being too self-centric or others-referenced is out-of-balance. Sooner or later, the career choices and energies directed towards work will surface. All too often this then becomes the ‘scapegoat' of poor relationship development and communication (sometimes by becoming a workaholic or not being reliable or interested at work).

What would others who knew you, when you were growing up, think you would be?
Sometimes family members (parents, aunts, uncles) and close friends (especially family friends with whom you were close) knew your “spirit” and what gave you great joy. Often they would be quick to say what would have surprised them if you grew up to be/do a particular something. For instance, if those close to you thought you just might be that Astronaut, it might surprise them if you became a bookkeeper. And, if you currently are a bookkeeper and not very happy in that position, that would offer you strong feedback that you are somehow ‘missing the mark' with your talents and passion. Then, it is really time to begin re-evaluating your career direction, beginning with your interests.

In the career satisfaction process, defining your interests is always the critical first step. Being flexible in the many different ways your interests can be fulfilled is important. By asking the previous questions, my experience has been strongly validated that a healthy and happy career direction can be attained. A Plan of Action can result—whether taking classes, becoming certified, getting work experience or talking to professionals in the field who can offer you more specific questions and steps. The myCORE™ Career report was developed to offer a few areas of interest to review, but more importantly, identify the types of positions for which you would be well-matched within your area/s of interest. Step 2 in Career Planning will describe the personality matching component. Enjoy exploring your interests! Please share your feedback on this article and look for the second step coming soon!