9 steps to planning a Career after college

After college many enter the career world without any preparation and some years down the line, many of us are still trying to figure out what we want to be.

We may have good jobs and nice salaries, but we are not really happy in our work. We daydream about the "what if" in our life and long for the chance to discover and explore the job of our dreams.

It's never too early to start making plans for your career after college success.

Identifying your dream job and the path that will take you there is both a challenge and an opportunity. Here I will try to give you the 9 crucial steps you need to take to attain that ultimate goal of being happy.

a) Re-evaluate yourself;

Know your strengths and what you are good at.always base your career on what you excel in rather than what you love and leave what you love to your hobbies.(ouch!)

b) Sharpen your skills.

Let your education be geared towards the career you want to pursue. Work hard on it and choose wisely on the kind of degree or diploma you want to pursue and where it’s offered.

c) Network well;

Whenever you meet someone who's involved in the field that you're interested in, no matter how peripherally, make a connection. With email, Facebook, and other technologies, it's easier than ever to stay in contact with large numbers of people. A personal acquaintance can make a huge difference when seeking a job.

d) Be on the know how in the field you are interested in.

In most career fields, knowledge, standards and practices change rapidly. Make an effort to remain current by reading and attending seminars. Subscribe to periodicals in your career field.

e) Always keep your resume updated.Whenever your circumstances change, or you accomplish something noteworthy.

A resume should include your most impressive positions, accomplishments and publications. Periodically weed out the less impressive things, so you're left with a brief, but strong, resume. Keep track of hiring trends in your career field.

f) Evaluate yourself well.

Go beyond the scope of your previous jobs and career choices, and contemplate who you are as an individual and what kinds of things you are good at.

Take note of your natural skills and abilities to identify all of the areas in which you excel. Make a list of the hobbies and activities you typically enjoy when you are not busy working, and try to determine what it is about those activities that you find enjoyable.

g) Have a mentor.

Do not try to re-invent the wheel. Talk to somebody who knows something. Spend time talking with a career coach or career counselor to help you pinpoint a career that might have everything to offer. Career coaches work to guide clients through transition, and you can typically find them listed in business directories.

h) Present yourself well.

Be aware of how you present yourself to others. Your choice of clothing and your social manner will tell other people a lot about who you are. Always look your best when going to work or social functions, and treat everyone with the respect they deserve.

i) Remember a career without you is dead.

So don’t focus on your career after college to the detriment of your personal health. Make a point of eating well, getting enough exercise, and having fun with friends and family. Your career won't be helped if you fall ill due to poor eating habits, or overwork.

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