Clients & Families: What Comes Next

The feedback session with your consultant is just the beginning. You know that great career decisions start with in-depth knowledge about your talents, interests, personality and values. After taking some time to digest and discuss the results with family or friends, your next step is to explore your recommended careers. Think of this stage as a treasure hunt!

The specific career information we provided in your Career Vision Portfolio gives you a jumpstart on understanding and differentiating different career requirements, environments, and paths. Here are some other ideas:

• Read about the "best fit" careers recommended by your career consultant for you.

• Review professional association websites; attend a local meeting.

• Talk with college faculty to learn about majors and internships.
  

• Conduct short "informational interviews" with adults working in the job you're considering.

• Arrange a "job shadow day," essentially going to work with someone employed in one of your career choices and observing what they do and their work environment.

Be sure you take notes about your impressions. Remember you want to establish criteria to make your choices objectively. Don't forget to use your "Career Choices Matrix" to evaluate career options after gathering information. If you need another copy, just call or email us. We'll be happy to get another one to you.

We recommend that our clients set a time limit for the exploration phase -not more than 3 to 6 months. If you are taking much longer you may have gotten stuck. Give us a call. Creating a sense of urgency and focus facilitates decision-making. If you need help creating a plan to move ahead with your choice, don't forget we are a resource you can tap.

Remember, we enjoy hearing from you. And no matter where you live, we can meet with you in person or over the phone. We are your LIFETIME career resource!

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© Copyright 2006, Career Vision / Ball Foundation. Article may be reprinted with permission.

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