Career Planning Checklist
A career planning checklist is a vital tool for anyone navigating their professional journey successfully. It serves as a roadmap, helping individuals set clear goals, prioritize tasks, and stay organized. By outlining key milestones such as skill development, networking, and job search strategies, a career planning checklist ensures that you make informed decisions and stay on track to achieve your desired career outcomes. Whether you’re a recent graduate, considering a career change, or simply aiming for continuous growth, this tool empowers you to take control of your career trajectory and turn your dreams into reality. Don’t leave your career to chance; use the career planning checklist to drive your success.
Key Tip: Break these areas down into small steps and focus on a few key areas each semester. Schedule time with a Career Center Staff member for assistance. You don’t have to do this alone.
Phases of Career Planning
Explore Careers
- I can identify the tasks or activities (both work-related and from other aspects of my life) that I enjoy the most.
- I can list at least five of my best skills that I can use in the workplace.
- I can identify skills that I would like to acquire or improve.
- I can articulate what I expect to gain from my education.
- I have identified workplace characteristics (work values) that are important to me.
- I have used Focus 2 Career and met with a Student Services Specialist in the Career Center to help develop my goals and interests.
- I can identify occupational areas, including job titles, that might fit my interests and abilities.
- I am aware of the educational preparation and/or experience required for these occupations.
- I can describe the typical daily tasks and activities for the position(s) I am considering.
- I can name five employers that might hire a person with my background and goals.
- I can describe the characteristics of a work environment where I would be happiest/most productive.
- I am aware of deficiencies I have that may make it challenging to succeed in these occupations, and I know ways to correct them and expand my skill base.
- I have spoken with at least three people who work in my potential occupation(s) to learn about their daily responsibilities, gather any advice they may have for me, and establish connections (networking).
- I have attended a networking/LinkedIn Workshop hosted by the Career Center.
- I used the Career Center’s website to learn more about career options.
- I’ve discussed my research with a Student Services Specialist in the Career Center and/or Program Chair. Seeking guidance and further clarification.
- I understand what it means to be Career Ready.
Gain Relevant Experience
- I have investigated experiential education options related to my career, including co-op programs, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities
- I understand that experiential education is part of my degree requirement, who my Co-op Coordinator is, and when to attend Co-op Orientation. Or, how clinicals and practicums fit into my degree.
- I am involved in activities related to my major, or that will develop relevant skills for my future career.
- I have researched volunteer or summer/part-time employment possibilities related to my career choices.
- I have joined or will join relevant professional associations at the campus/local/regional/national levels.
Market Yourself – Job Search
(Both Professional Jobs and Experiential Education)
- I can clearly state my immediate and possible long-term career goals.
- I can identify several employers that hire people in my occupational field.
- Studies show that 80% of all jobs are not advertised. I know how to locate these unadvertised vacancies.
- I can name four resources for advertised job vacancies. (such as CState CareerLink on the Career Center website.)
- I have attended a resume workshop hosted by the Career Center.
- I have written an effective resume(s) for the occupation(s) I intend to pursue.
- I have drafted a general cover letter and know how to target it to specific organizations and positions.
- I have created a LinkedIn profile and considered how my social media activity can affect my outcomes.
- I have asked people to serve as references and/or write letters of recommendation for me.
- I have thoroughly researched each organization I intend to apply to.
- I have attended campus/local/regional/national in-person and virtual job fairs appropriate for my goals.
- I can effectively communicate to a potential employer why that organization should consider hiring me.
- I am familiar with various interview formats and potential questions.
- I have learned some ways to improve my interviewing skills.
- I have practiced interviewing using Big Interview, available on the Career Center website, and/or with a Student Service Specialist or Co-op Coordinator.I have learned about the interview process by attending a Career Center workshop, reviewing handouts, and other informational sources such as the Career Center website.
Further Education
- I understand that if my career objective requires further education and training, such as a bachelor’s degree, I will pursue it.
- I have discussed my plans for additional study with an advisor, a Student Services Specialist, or the Transfer Center at Cincinnati State, and/or with my network of professionals working in my potential career field.
- I have identified colleges/universities that offer the program I am seeking.
- I can identify the characteristics I am seeking in a program.
- I have met with representatives from the school or Cincinnati State’s Transfer Center to understand their admissions process and how my credits will transfer.