Career is an individual’s metaphorical “journey” through learning, work and other aspects of life. As you gain more experience in the worlds of work and life, you are building your career. Your career path takes account of your education, training and the job roles you undertake in your lifetime. It also includes your family and life roles, activities, volunteer work, community involvement and more.

The initial career advices that we receive from our immediate family and friends are usually biased and are influenced by the society. The career related guidance thus received are skewed without considering the individual traits and market realities. Some of us turn to the internet for guidance but there are bombarded by loads of choices and multiple option available. Most of the courses available online have a drop off rate of 93% because of the lack of accountability. The internet is undoubtedly the greatest self-teaching resource very but few take advantage of it, because it doesn’t come with tests, certificates, or any cruise control. Thus, career planning has become the need and necessity of today’s time. 

What is Career Planning?

Career planning refers to the strategy a person uses to determine career goals and the path to achieve those goals. The process integrates various activities, including steps for self improvement and the process of meeting these goals.

Having a career plan is crucial for every person aspiring to become successful in life. It is a multi-stage process that needs to be thoroughly planned and executed to reap the desired benefits. 

Features of Career Planning

Let’s have a look at some of the features of career planning:

Self Analysis:The first and foremost among the features of career planning is the 
need for self-analysis. You need to analyse your strengths, abilities, knowledge, 
and personal preferences.

Opportunity Analysis: Once you determine your career choice, you need to 
analyse the available opportunities.

Goal Setting: Among the features of career planning, goal setting is probably the 
most important. You need to set realistic short- and long-term career goals.

Having a Strategy: Once you have set your eyes on your goals, you need to chart 
out the course and acquire the skills or resources necessary for achieving those 
goals.

Importance of Career Planning

Career planning is essential as it helps us create a detailed path for our future professional life. Let’s take a look at some of the significant benefits of career planning: 

Career Planning Can Help You Choose a Career: The process of career planning 
involves identifying your strengths and researching fields that you can excel in. 
Once you know your strengths, you can look for suitable opportunities in the field 
of your choice. 

Career Planning Can Ensure Job Safety: One of the benefits of career planning is 
that it allows you to choose wisely and enter a field with ample employment 
potential.

Career Planning Ensures Financial Stability: When you plan your career well, you 
also take into account future uncertainties, potential job losses, or any other 
unforeseen scenarios that could impact your earning potential.

It Can Help You Attain Mental Peace: One of the lesser-known benefits of career 
planning is that it provides peace of mind, especially in stressful situations. 
Unemployment invariably leads to stress, uncertainty, and feelings of low self- 
worth.

Among the key benefits of career planning is that it enables you to stay in sync with job trends, emerging technologies, and market demands.