Beginning the career development process may seem like a daunting task, however, breaking it down into a series of stages will enable you to manage the process more effectively. The four-step career development model breaks the career development process into four steps: Self Awareness, Exploration, Job Search, and Professionalism.
Although there are four steps, this model is developmental and progressive, and not locked into a four year time frame. This model has flexible application to job searching, grad school application, service or vocational calling, military service, career-changers, or any other possible path. It can be pursued to achieve multiple options at once, supporting the CS Mission to empower our clients.
Research and experience in career services support the need to allow individuals to progress- with the guidance and motivation of career professionals- at an appropriate rate. It will be navigated many times by a professional in the tumultuous world of work, and is as valuable a piece of knowledge that a graduate of our university needs as any academic skill set.
Step 1: Self Awareness
One hundred years of vocational psychological research supports the necessity for an individual to understand his/her own personal inventory of Interests, Values, and Abilities- Assessment instruments, career counseling, workshops, and advisement facilitate this.
Step 2: Exploration:
Where will I make a difference? Who will reward me for my unique set of Interests, Values, and Abilities?
Exploration, discernment, decision making models are used to guide an individual through this process
Step 3: The Job Search:
Marketing oneself-
Hard Skills: resume, cover letter, references document skill development
Soft Skills: interviewing, networking, and negotiation skill development
Step 4: Professionalism/ Success in the Workplace:
How do I represent myself and the University professionally?
Professionalism in the workplace- etiquette, communication, change management, emotional intelligence, and appearance coaching
