Using Technology in Your Career Plan

We live in a rather marvelous age when it comes to technology. 100 or even 50 years ago, we did not have access to the same wealth of information that we do now, often wherever or whenever we want it. Really, it’s a rather marvelous thing that you can hold a compilation of all human knowledge in the palm of your hand and learn anything at the touch of the button, though I must personally admit to being partial to looking at funny cat photos.

With access to such a wealth of information, it would be a shame not to use it to create and follow a career plan. There are many ways to use your PC, smartphone, or internet access to help you with your career plan. I’ll only be touching on three, broad topics below, but keep in mind that there are many ways to use technology in this process as you move forward.

1. Create a physical plan. This may seem pretty obvious to some of you, but to others this could be considered a novel, yet very useful, idea. Create a physical, printed version of your career plan using word processing software. Write down your career goals, and maybe even come up with a timeline for yourself. Then, print it out and hang it somewhere where you’ll be sure to see it regularly. If you don’t have your own computer, your local library should have computers you can use for an hour or two at a time, and you can create and save documents on your email.
2. Search for job descriptions. Slightly different than finding jobs to apply for, this involves instead looking for descriptions of the job you want to have. Disregard location, and instead focus on title. Compile a list of the qualifications needed to get that position. Look at others on LinkedIn who hold that position. Get a sense of what you’ll need in both the short and long term in order to pursue your career goals.
3. Find job search resources. The internet provides easy access to a large number of job searching resources. From job posting websites to professional networking to career counseling companies like ours, you can find quite a few to help you in your job search. I would not suggest career planning, let alone performing a job search, without first doing some research and finding those resources that will best support you. Use the technology that’s at your fingertips; after all, it’s not just for funny cat pictures!

Pursuing a career in any field can be challenging, but it can also be deeply rewarding. Remember in the course of your career planning to look for opportunities to pursue your interests, and keep in mind that most people have multiple career paths over the course of their life. You needn’t stick with something you no longer enjoy just because you’ve “always done it” or you’re uncertain of what to do next. Here at Career Solutions Group, we can help you find clarity in pursuing your career interests. Email us at info@careersolutionsgroup.net. We offer free initial consultations, and we have proven methods to help you follow your career goals.

By: Julia Pillard, Career Solutions Group