PLANNING

CAREER PLANNING
is the continuous process of:
thinking about your interests, values, skills and
preferences;
exploring the life, work and learning options
available to you;
ensuring that your work fits with your personal
circumstances; and
continuously fine-tuning your work and learning
plans to help you manage the changes in your life
and the world of work.
STAGES IN CAREER PLANNING
1. SELF-AWARENESS
2. THE CAREER SEARCH
PROCESS
3. THE JOB SEARCH
SELF-AWARENESS
Self-awareness is the capacity for
introspection and the ability to recognize
oneself as an individual separate from the
environment and other individuals.
Introspection is examination of one's own
conscious thoughts and feelings.
LOCUS OF CONTROL
Is a generalized expectancy for internal as opposed
to external control of reinforcements. It is a theory
used in personality psychology that refers to
causation as perceived by individuals in response
to personal outcomes or other events. The theory
was developed by Julian B. Rotter in 1954, and has
since become an aspect of personality studies. A
person's "locus" (Latin for "place" or "location") is
conceptualized as either internal or external.
In Rotters (1966) terms, Internal locus-of-control
means that I believe I am in charge of my life.
External locus-of-control means I believe that
something or someone other than myself is
in charge of my life.
In Levensen (1974), He expanded Rotters concept
of locus-of-control (L-O-C) by relating it to locus-
of-responsibility (L-O-R). This results in four
possible combinations
1. Internal L-O-C Internal L-O-R, represents
congruence between choices and consequences.
We realize that we have choices and we take
responsibility for the outcomes of our choices.
Implicit in the internal control internal responsibility
approach is the awareness of the choices and
consequences before we act. It is commendable to take
responsibility for our actions; however, it is much more
commendable to think through the choices and
consequences and then act responsibly.
Responsibility according to Erich Fromm (social
psychologist). Today, responsibility is often meant to
denote duty, something imposed upon one from
outside. But responsibility, in its true sense, is an
entirely voluntary act; it is my response to the needs,
expressed or unexpressed, of another human being.
2. Internal L-O-C External L-O-R represents a lack
of congruence between choices and consequences. We
realize that we have choices, but deny that there are
consequences or we refuse to take responsibility for the
outcomes of our choices. Another way this combination
manifests itself is in the denial of consequences. Or we
do something we want to do instead of doing
something we should do and then feel guilty that we
did what we did.
Sue (1979) says that individuals in this combination may believe in
their ability to shape events in their own life if given a chance they
also realistically perceive that external barriers of discrimination,
prejudice, and exploitation block their path to the successful
attainment of goals. The issue here is how to best overcome the
external barriers so that an individual can attain his goals.
3. External L-O-C External L-O-R, although
congruent, represents a complete denial of choices
and consequences. Rather than take responsibility
for choices or consequences, many of us place the
control outside ourselves. We shift the control
outside ourselves and they deny any responsibility
for the consequences. I didnt choose therefore I
am not responsible. Or we deny that we have a
choice. We have convinced ourselves that we have
no options that we must do something for
whatever reasons and therefore, we are not
responsible.
The issues in this combination are more complex.
First, the individual needs to reestablish
confidence that he can take control of his life and
that he can be responsible for what happens to
him. After the confidence is reestablished, the next
step is to determine how to overcome the external
barriers.
4. External L-O-C Internal L-O-R, represents
another form of incongruence. This is most likely
the worst of the combinations in that we
feel/believe we are not in control yet take
responsibility for the outcomes. It is the no win
approach. The term co-dependency for example,
the spouse of an alcoholic, drug addict, who takes
responsibility for the others behavior.
The issue here is a complex one. Changing this
approach to life requires a great deal of soul
searching, objective examination of societal forces
and the development of self-worth as an individual
and a member of a particular culture.
Inherent in the concept of choices and consequences
is the desirability of the actions or outcomes. It
appears to be easier to make a choice when one
option is desirable and one option is undesirable or
when there does not appear to be any unfavorable
outcomes or consequences for a particular choice.
Unfortunately, it is not always that simple. Most
choices involve both desirable (approach) and
undesirable (avoidance) actions or outcomes.
Dollard and Miller developed a model of conflict
involving approach and avoidance behaviors.
4 Types of Conflict
Approach Approach
Approach Avoidance
Avoidance Avoidance
Double Approach Avoidance
4 Assumptions about the strength of approach or
avoidance behavior
1. The closer one comes to a goal, the more strongly
one pursues it
2. The nearer one comes to a feared stimulus, the
stronger the tendency to shun it
3. The inclination to avoid operates more potently
than does the desire approach
4. The strengths of drives govern the vigor of the
propensity/tendency to approach or avoid.
Approach Approach
Is a conflict between two desirable alternatives. The
conflict in choosing between two desirable
alternatives, although present, does not tend to
cause serious problems for us. We choose one and
then move on with few or no regrets. The only
danger in this type of choice is to spend too much
time wondering WHAT IF?
Approach Avoidance
Is the choice between a desirable and an undesirable
alternative. The conflict increases when the choices
involve outcomes beyond the immediate positive or
negative one. It is the choice between something
that has to be done and something we would like to
do. Ex. A choice between studying for an exam
(avoidance) or going to a party (approach).
Avoidance Avoidance
Is a choice between two undesirable alternatives. The
conflict is greater when the choice is between two
undesirable options and we have to chose.
Choosing between studying for two exams is an
example of this. Quite often this is when vacillation
and or procrastination occur and we dont choose.
Double Approach Avoidance
The first three conflicts involve choices between two
or more clear cut alternatives. The fourth, is less
obvious. Conflict is generally greatest in this
approach. We approach an alternative until the
avoidance factors becomes stronger than the
approach factors, then we retreat and approach the
other alternative until the avoidance factors
becomes stronger than the approach factors.
LIFE SKILLS
AND
KNOWLEDGE
Assertiveness
The ability to exercise your own rights
while respecting the rights of others.
Balance in Life
Is the even distribution of energy within
and between our physical, mental and
spiritual activities. Balance within each is
necessary for balance between the three
aspects.
Capability for love and Intimacy
To be capable of loving, we need to understand
what is meant by love. For Fromm (Art of Loving),
love is an activity, not a passive effect; it is a
standing in, not a falling for. In the most
general way, love is primarily giving, not receiving.
Giving is not some duty; rather it is the sharing of
the very essence of our being. Giving is an act of
joy, not duty.
To be capable of loving, Fromm lists four basic
elements care, responsibility, respect and
knowledge
Care is the active concern for the life and growth
of that which we love.
Responsibility means to be able to respond to the
other. It is a voluntary act in the response to the
needs of another human being.
Respect is to accept the other as that person is,
not as we would like that person to be.
Knowledge is to know the self and the other.
Change Management
involves the understanding and application of a
few simple steps.
1 . Recognize that change is inevitable.
2. Recognize that change has physiological and
psychological effects
3. Recognize the things which are under our
control and the things which are not under our
control
4. To delay making unnecessary changes while we
deal with the changes which we are unable to
delay or prevent.
Communication skills
Most of us know how to talk, few of us know how to
communicate. Basic to communication is the
ability to listen to the other. Listening means
attending fully to what the other is saying.
Communication is a process whereby we take an
idea or thought that we have in our mind, translate
into words and then say the words to the other.
Conflict Resolution
Conflicts will always occur. They are inevitable.
Conflict, in and of itself, is neither good nor bad.
How we resolve conflicts is what is important.
3 Types of Conflict Resolution
Win-win is when both or all parties are reasonably
satisfied with the resolution
Win-lose is when one party controls the outcome to
the conflict to detriment of the other party or parties.
Lose-lose is when the conflict is not resolved and
continues to be a problem to the parties involved.
Creativity
It is not necessarily a gift given to us, but a talent
developed by us. It is a way of making something
new, useful, beautiful, etc.
Critical Thinking
The ability to look at a situation or problem with a
degree of objectivity is essential to critical thinking.
We need to develop and use our critical thinking
skills if we are to give our lives some sense of
coherency and continuity.
Decision-making
Our life is one long series of decisions: some
important, some routine. Some require greater
time and effort: some are automatic. Whichever
the case, knowing and using a systematic decision-
making model is an important part of being
successful in attaining our goals.
Discipline
We all have discipline. All we need is the
motivation to exercise it and that both the
motivation and discipline come from within the
self.
Ethics and Principles
These are the things that we believe and will not
violate. They are our anchor, the place we come
home to when in doubt in a given moral situation.
Flexibility
Being able to adapt to varying situations is
essential to a satisfying and productive life. We
need to recognize what is happening in a given
situation, what we can do in that situation and
what is most likely to be rewarding for us in our
actions in that situation.
Goal Setting and Attainment
involves establishing specific, measurable, achievable,
realistic and time-targeted (S.M.A.R.T ) goals
Locus-of-Control
Believing that you are in charge of your own life, that
you have control is fundamental in any endeavor.
Organizational Skills
We need to be able to make some sense out of all the
things that are happening in our lives. The ability to
organize our tasks and to set priorities will not only
make our lives easier but will make our lives more
complete.
ProblemSolving
Understanding problem solving skills. Usually,
problems are more immediate and tend to be more
emotional at the time they are occurring. The essence
of problem solving is to clearly define the problem, to
understand who owns the problem, to recognize the
long and short term effects of the problem and to know
what and when to compromise. It is also helpful to use
your past experiences in problem solving and to seek
help from other people.
Search for Meaning
Life without meaning is no life at all. We all need to
have meaning in what we do and or experience. How
we come to that meaning is highly personal and
individual.
Self-Awareness
We need to be aware of our own being. We need to be in
tune with our body, mind and spirit. It is a matter of
listening to the self.
Self-Confidence
The belief that I can and I will.
Self-Esteem
Is the outcome of love of oneself. I am a worthwhile human
being and I am worthy of my respect.
Stress Management
Managing stress is an important part of living a successful
and rewarding adult life. It is important to recognize that
stress is the result of positive as well as negative change.
Time Management
It is a fundamental part of being organized in your life.
What needs to be stressed is that it is a skill that will be
useful throughout your life.
Tolerance and Understanding
If we are to live in peace and harmony, we need to
understand and respect those that may be different
from us.
Values Clarification
Values determine our goals and our behavior. It makes
sense that we have a clear understanding of what our
values are and their effects on our goals and behavior.
PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS
People are different in fundamental ways. They
want different things and have different
motivations, purposes, aims, values, needs,
impulses, urges, goals. There are many reasons
why people are different, but one of the main
reasons is the unique combination of personal
characteristics that defines each of us.
Understanding these differences can help us
understand why people behave differently.
Understanding why people behave differently can
then help us accept others as they are: not as we
would like them to be.
Two theoretical approaches (Carl
Jungs and John Hollands
Approaches)
Jungs (Myers-Briggs) Theory
Jungs personality theory postulates two
fundamental attitudes (Extroversion and
Introversion) and four psychological functions
(Thinking Feeling and Sensing Intuitive) as
characteristics of individual personality. Myers
added a fourth polarity (Perceiving Judging).
Extrovert focused on the outer world of people and
things, expanding her energy
Introvert focused on the inner world of thoughts
and ideas and tends to conserve her energy
Perceiving the gathering of information
Judging is coming to conclusions or resolutions
about what is there
Sensing is perceiving through the use of the five
senses- objective stimuli
Intuitive an inner knowing the hunch or gut
feeling
Thinking is the rational, logical approach the use
of ones intellect
Feeling is generally based on beliefs and or values
Putting the four polarities into the different
combinations results in sixteen personality types.
(SEE MBTI CHARACTER TYPES)
Hollands Theory
Holland postulated six occupational orientations
(personalities) and six occupational environments
Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional, Realistic,
and Investigative. Holland believe that if there is a
match between the occupational orientation and
occupational environment, an individual is likely to be
satisfied in her occupational choice.
(SEE HOLLAND CODES)
NEEDS, WANTS
and VALUES
NEEDS
Genuine needs are those things we need to survive
without which we could not continue to exist.
Needs are those things which are necessary for
survival.
Cribbin defines a need as a potentiality,
requirement or capacity inherent in a person that
must be reasonably satisfied or actualized if he is to
develop into a relatively complete and integrated
human being.
These needs are:
Psychological Needs
The need to be different, for independence and
self-expression, to experience success, adequacy
and self-esteem, for development and for defense.
Social Needs
The need for attention and approval, to belong
and conform, to participate and contribute
It should be considered that not all of the
needs can or will be satisfied at the same time and
or to the same degree.
Maslows Structure of Needs
A hierarchial one in which the satisfaction of a
basic need is a prerequisite to the search for
satisfaction o the next need in the hierarchy.
Highest to Most Basic
Need for Cognitive Understanding
Need for Self-Actualization
Esteem Needs
Need for Belongingness and Love
Safety Needs
Physiological Needs
Physiological needs are primary. Without air, water
and food we cannot physically survive.
Safety needs. We cannot get on with the business of
living if we do not have some sense of safety.
Need for Belongingness and Love To meet our
need for love and belonging, we must be able and
willing to give freely to the other. We must have an
active concern for the loved one; knowledge of the
loved one as an individual; the ability to respond to the
loved one; and respect for the loved one as they are, not
as we would like them to be.
Esteemneeds
Carl Rogers developed the concept of
unconditional positive regard as a basic part of the
esteem needs. What Rogers meant is that we are
regarded positively because we are not because we do
what others demand or expect from us. We are;
therefore, we are worthy. Unconditional positive
reagard is something we need from others, but it is also
something that we need from ourselves. It is not
enough coming from others. It must also come from
ourselves. We need to know that we are of worth to
ourselves and to others.
Self-Actualization
We need to become more fully that which we are
capable of being.
WANTS
Can be met in a variety of ways at a time other than
right now
Our wants come from two areas: that which
innately feels or is good for us and that which we
have been socialized to believe feels or is good for
us.
VALUES
Values indicate desirable or preferred end-stated or
end goals or explicit purposes, and values are
standards in terms of which specific criteria may be
established and choices made among alternatives.
Values are also defined as modes of conduct, such as
prudence, honor, courage, civility, honesty, fairness.
Modes are sometimes goals in themselves but they are
always means by which human enterprises should be
conducted, and thus we will call these modal values.
Some values are both ends in themselves intrinsic
values and the means in achieving further end states
extrinsic or instrumental values
End values as goals and or standards; are those
which determine our goals that which we are
striving for ; modal values as ways of behaving
how we act in attaining our goals; intrinsic values
which are meaningful in their own right; and
extrinsic values which are meaningful not
necessarily in and of themselves but because they
can lead to other values or goals.
We are an action oriented species and what
determines our actions are our goals and what
determines our goals are our values.
To look at our values, it is helpful if we understand
the concept of values clarification
4 Step Process to Values Clarification
1. Determine the current value system one can us
values inventories, checklists and exercises
2. Determine the effects that these values have on our
lives we need to look at what we do and what are
the consequences of our actions. We need to
understand our priorities.
3. Determine where our current values came from
internalize a set of values which they came from
4. Take ownership of our own value system
THANK YOU