Career Planning | Dearden2007

START WITH YOURSELF

CAREER DIRECTION DISCOVERY QUIZ

Answer the questions below. The result is not a diagnosis. It is a starting point that helps organize the kind of work that may fit your interests and strengths.

1. What kind of work feels most natural to you? Working with tools, equipment, vehicles, or physical projects Helping, serving, teaching, or communicating with people Working with computers, systems, websites, or information Organizing schedules, inventory, details, records, or plans

2. What work environment do you prefer? Active, hands-on, moving, and practical Social, customer-facing, team-based, or service-oriented Quiet, focused, computer-based, or detail-heavy A mix of people, problem-solving, and changing tasks

3. How much training can you realistically complete right now? I need work as soon as possible A few weeks to six months Six months to two years I can consider a longer education path

4. What matters most in your next job? Higher income Stability and dependable hours Advancement and long-term growth Schedule, family time, and work-life balance

YOUR RESULT WILL APPEAR HERE

Choose one answer from each section.

Your result will include a suggested work direction, possible areas to explore, and the next practical step.

YOUR EXPERIENCE IS BIGGER THAN YOUR JOB TITLE

WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?

Check every skill you have used at work, at home, while volunteering, in caregiving, through hobbies, or while helping family and friends.

COMPARE BEFORE YOU COMMIT

THREE-PATH CAREER COMPARISON

Compare one main goal, one backup path, and one faster employment option. This helps prevent an all-or-nothing plan.

PRIMARY CAREER CHOICE Career or job title Training needed Estimated training time What I already have What I still need

BACKUP CAREER CHOICE Career or job title Training needed Estimated training time What I already have What I still need

FASTEST REALISTIC EMPLOYMENT Job title Requirements Time to become ready What I already have What would improve the opportunity

TURN THE GOAL INTO ACTION

YOUR 90-DAY CAREER PLAN

Check off each step as you complete it. The browser remembers your progress on this device.

DAYS 1–30

Choose and Prepare

Choose one primary career target Choose one realistic backup target List current skills and experience Update or create a targeted resume Identify missing requirements

DAYS 31–60

Build and Practice

Begin needed training Practice interview answers Contact employers or people in the field Build a work sample or proof of skill Prepare documents and references

DAYS 61–90

Apply and Adjust

Apply consistently each week Track applications and follow-ups Follow up professionally Review what is and is not working Adjust the resume, target, or strategy

PLAN PROGRESS 0% complete

JOSHUA'S CAREER PLANNING TIPS

Practical Advice for Building the Next Step

Career planning does not need to be complicated. It needs to be honest, realistic, and connected to action.

TIP 01

Do not pay for training before knowing what job it leads to.

Start with the job. Then confirm which training, credential, or experience is actually required.

TIP 02

Choose one main target and one realistic backup.

A focused plan is easier to improve than a search aimed at every possible job.

TIP 03

A better title does not always create a better life.

Compare pay, schedule, travel, stress, benefits, physical demands, and family responsibilities.

TIP 04

Do not ignore experience gained outside formal employment.

Home repair, caregiving, volunteering, organizing, budgeting, and helping others can build real skills.

TIP 05

Track what is working.

If many applications produce no interviews, the resume, target, or application strategy may need to change.

TIP 06

The fastest path forward is not always a degree.

A short certification, apprenticeship, internal promotion, or entry-level role may create the next opportunity.

DIRECTION TURNS EFFORT INTO PROGRESS.

STOP APPLYING EVERYWHERE. START BUILDING A REAL PLAN.