John Buco Colegio de Jimenez, Inc

Dicoloc, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, Philippine

Subject: Training and Development

Topic: Career Planning & Development
Instructor: Danica J. Dagpin, MBA

What is Career Planning?

Career planning is a strategic process through which individuals identify their career goals and
develop a structured plan to achieve them. It involves evaluating one’s skills, interests, and
values, exploring career options, setting specific objectives, and creating a roadmap to reach
those objectives.

Process Involved in Career Planning:

1. Self-assessment: This is carried out on the basis of the evaluation of strengths,
weaknesses, skills, interests, and values. It is possible to use tools for carrying out this,
namely: personality assessments, skills inventories, and interest surveys.
2. Career Exploration: Research different careers based on the self-assessment findings.
Include job duties, skills, education requirements for the job, career prospects for the job,
and industry trends.
3. Set career goals: Set clear, realistic, and achievable career goals derived from your
research and self-assessment. Set both short-term and long-term goals.
4. Develop an action plan: Create a detailed outline of what needs to be done for your
goals to be accomplished. This may involve further education or training, gaining
experience, and building a professional network.
5. Implementation of the Plan: Do things in the direction of your career goals by applying
for employment, seeking mentorship, attending workshops, and improving skills.
6. Review and Adjust: Periodically revisit your career plan to assess your progress and
make revisions where necessary. Career planning is dynamic, a lifelong process that
changes with experience and new insights.

Importance of Having a Career Plan:

Having a career plan is crucial for several reasons:
1. Clarity and Direction: A career plan provides a clear path and direction, helping you
focus on your professional goals and avoid distractions.
2. Motivation and Focus: With defined goals and a roadmap to achieve them, you stay
motivated and focused, which enhances your productivity and job satisfaction.
3. Adaptability: A career plan allows you to anticipate changes in the job market and adapt
accordingly. It helps you stay proactive in acquiring new skills and seizing opportunities.
 4. Decision-Making: A well-thought-out career plan aids in making informed career
decisions, whether it’s choosing a job, pursuing further education, or switching career
paths.
5. Career Success: Ultimately, a career plan increases your chances of career success by
ensuring that your efforts are aligned with your long-term professional aspirations.

Objectives of Career Planning

1. Personal and Professional Growth - By setting clear, achievable goals, individuals can
pursue continuous learning and development.
2. Job Satisfaction and Fulfilment - When career choices align with personal interests,
values, and strengths, work becomes more enjoyable and meaningful.
3. Financial Stability and Growth - By setting and working towards career goals,
individuals can secure better job positions and negotiate higher salaries.
4. Work-Life Balance - Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is an important objective
of career planning. By setting realistic career goals and developing a plan that
accommodates personal needs, individuals can reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Achieving work-life balance ensures that individuals have time for family, hobbies,
relaxation, and self-care, contributing to overall well-being and a more fulfilling life.
5. Adaptability to Changing Job Market Trends - The job market is dynamic, with new
technologies, industries, and roles emerging regularly. Career planning helps individuals
stay informed about industry trends and changes, allowing them to adapt their skills and
career strategies accordingly.

Benefits of Career Planning

Career planning offers numerous advantages that can significantly impact your professional
journey. From providing clear direction and enhancing motivation to improving decision-making
skills and increasing job satisfaction, effective career planning is essential for achieving career
success and advancement.
1. Clear Career Direction and Focus - Career planning provides a clear direction and
focus for your professional journey. By identifying specific career goals and developing a
roadmap to achieve them, you can navigate your career path with greater clarity and
purpose.
2. Increased Motivation and Productivity - Having a well-defined career plan boosts
motivation and productivity.
3. Better Decision-Making Skills - Career planning enhances your decision-making skills
by providing a structured framework for evaluating options.
4. Enhanced Job Satisfaction and Career Fulfilment - By aligning your career path with
your interests, values, and strengths, you are more likely to find work that is meaningful
and enjoyable. This alignment leads to greater job satisfaction as you engage in work that
resonates with you and fulfills your professional and personal goals.
 5. Greater Chances of Career Success and Advancement - A well-thought-out career
plan makes you visualize growth and development. Proper improvement of your skills
and relevant experience should put you in a good place for promotion and advancement
in your chosen field. This way, you do not miss out on the opportunities to achieve your
career ambitions and successes from your professional efforts.

Career Management

Career management is the process of planning and taking action to achieve your career goals. It
includes things like setting goals, researching different career options, networking, and
continuously learning and developing your skills.

Why Is Career Management Important?

Career management is important because it gives you a sense of control over your career. It
helps you to make the most of your talents and skills and to progress in your career in the
way that you want. When you manage your career effectively, you are more likely to be happy
and successful in your chosen field.

What’s the difference between career management and career development?

Career management is about taking control of your career and making decisions that will help
you achieve your goals. Career development, on the other hand, is the process of progressing in
your career, usually through learning and training.

There are many things you can do to manage your career effectively. Here are some tips:
1. Set goals. What do you want to achieve in your career? What kind of position do you want to
be in five years from now? Setting goals will help you focus your efforts and make progress
toward your long-term career goals.
2. Do your research. Explore different career options and find out more about the different
industries and sectors that you are interested in. Researching different options will help you
make informed decisions about your career.
3. Network. Get connected with people in your industry or sector, attend industry events, or join
professional organizations. Networking will help you develop relationships, gain insights into
different career paths, and learn about new opportunities.
4. Keep learning and developing your skills. Learning new things will help you stay up-to-date
with industry changes and trends, and it will also make you more marketable to employers.
Consider taking courses, attending conferences, or reading industry publications.
5. Get a mentor. Find someone who is successful in your industry or sector and ask for their
advice. A mentor can help you develop your skills, progress in your career, and achieve your
goals.
Managing your career effectively takes time and effort, but it is worth it. By taking the time to
invest in your career, you will be more likely to achieve your long-term goals and be happier in
your chosen field.

How one’s personality affects the career plan of an employee?

One’s personality plays a significant role in shaping the career path and development of an
employee. Personality traits influence how an individual approaches work, interacts with
colleagues, handles challenges, and makes decisions. Understanding personality can help
employees align their career choices with their natural tendencies and strengths, leading to
greater job satisfaction and success. Here’s how personality can affect career planning:

1. Work Preferences and Job Fit

Introverts vs. Extroverts:
Introverts may thrive in roles that require focus, independent work, or one-on-one interactions
(e.g., research, writing, programming, or consulting). They may prefer working in smaller,
quieter environments rather than large teams.
Extroverts typically excel in roles that involve teamwork, frequent social interaction, and
leadership (e.g., sales, public relations, marketing, or customer service). They may seek out
dynamic and fast-paced work environments.
Career Impact: Understanding whether someone is more introverted or extroverted can help
them choose a role where they feel comfortable and energized, rather than drained.

2. Decision-Making Style
Judging vs. Perceiving (J vs. P):
Judging types tend to prefer structure, organization, and clear plans. They are likely to excel in
environments where deadlines and expectations are clearly defined.
Perceiving types are more flexible, adaptable, and spontaneous. They may thrive in roles that
allow for creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability without strict deadlines.
Career Impact: Employees with a Judging personality may find careers in management or
operations that require planning and organization more satisfying, while Perceivers might prefer
roles in creative fields or start-ups where flexibility is valued.

3. Social Interaction and Leadership

Agreeableness:
Highly agreeable individuals are typically good at building relationships, fostering teamwork,
and maintaining harmony in the workplace. They often excel in roles that require cooperation,
negotiation, or customer service.
Less agreeable individuals might prefer roles that allow for more independence or leadership,
where they can make decisions without needing consensus or negotiation.
Career Impact: An agreeable person might be more successful in collaborative, people-oriented
roles such as HR, counseling, or teaching, while someone less agreeable might be better suited
for roles requiring more autonomy or leadership.

4. Risk-Taking and Ambition

Openness to Experience and Risk Tolerance:
High openness to experience and risk-taking individuals may be drawn to entrepreneurial
ventures, creative industries, or roles that involve experimentation and innovation (e.g., research
and development, design, or technology startups).
Individuals with lower openness to experience might prefer more stable, structured, or
established career paths, such as roles in government, accounting, or law, where there’s less
uncertainty.
Career Impact: People who are open to new experiences and take risks may be more likely to
seek out or create unconventional career opportunities, while those with lower risk tolerance may
focus on traditional career paths with more predictable outcomes.

5. Emotional Stability and Stress Management

Neuroticism (Emotional Stability):
Employees with low neuroticism (emotionally stable) are likely to handle stress and workplace
challenges more effectively, which is an asset in high-pressure roles such as emergency services,
finance, or executive leadership.
Those with higher neuroticism may prefer roles that are lower stress or offer more control over
their workload, such as research, editing, or other behind-the-scenes work.
Career Impact: An individual with high emotional stability may thrive in fast-paced, high-
pressure environments, while someone who experiences more stress may prefer roles that offer
more control, routine, and predictability.

6. Problem-Solving and Cognitive Style

Conscientiousness:
Conscientious individuals tend to be detail-oriented, organized, and self-disciplined, which
makes them suitable for roles requiring precision and responsibility, such as accounting, project
management, or quality control.
Those with lower conscientiousness may thrive in environments that emphasize creativity and
flexibility, such as roles in arts, entertainment, or media.
Career Impact: A conscientious person may excel in roles where attention to detail and
consistency are valued, while someone with a less conscientious approach might find more
success in roles that allow for broader, flexible thinking.

7. Motivation and Career Satisfaction

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation:
Intrinsic motivation (driven by personal fulfillment, passion, or values) often leads individuals
to pursue careers aligned with their interests, such as in the arts, social work, or scientific
research, where the work itself is the reward.
Extrinsic motivation (driven by external rewards like money, status, or recognition) may lead
people to pursue high-paying or prestigious roles, such as in corporate leadership, law, or
finance.
Career Impact: Employees driven by intrinsic rewards may find greater satisfaction in roles that
align with their passions or personal values, while those motivated by extrinsic rewards may
prioritize salary, promotions, and other external factors in their career planning.

8. Adaptability and Career Transitions

Resilience and Adaptability:
Highly resilient individuals are more likely to navigate career changes, setbacks, or challenges
effectively. They may pursue career pivots, adapt to new industries, or take on new roles even in
the face of uncertainty.
Employees who are less adaptable might stick to more traditional career paths or remain in roles
where they feel comfortable, even when presented with new opportunities.
Career Impact: Those with high resilience may take more risks or move through career
transitions more fluidly, while those less adaptable may prefer to stay in roles or fields that are
more familiar and predictable.

Conclusion
A person's personality directly influences their career choices, satisfaction, and development. By
recognizing the personality traits that shape how an employee interacts with their work
environment, employers can provide tailored opportunities that align with their strengths.
Similarly, individuals can use self-awareness of their personality traits to pursue careers that
match their preferences, leading to more fulfilling and successful professional lives.