This image below is a circular diagram titled “Career Development”, broken into four main quadrants that guide the process of building a career. Here’s a summary of each quadrant and its key components:

1. Know Yourself (Yellow Section)

Gain self-awareness to align your career with who you are.

• Values – Identify what matters most to you (e.g., work-life balance, helping others, financial security).

• Interests – Reflect on activities you enjoy and topics you’re curious about.

• Strengths – Determine what you’re naturally good at through feedback or assessments.

• Traits – Understand personality characteristics that shape your work style (e.g., introverted, detail-oriented).

• Ambitions – Define your long-term career dreams and the kind of impact you want to make.

2. Explore Options (Green Section)

Use your self-knowledge to discover what’s possible.

• Occupational Research – Learn about job duties, salary ranges, required education, and growth outlook for different roles.

• Industry Trends – Explore emerging fields, evolving technologies, and job market changes.

• Career Options for Degree – Look into various paths your current or future degree can lead to, including nontraditional roles.

3. Get Focused (Blue Section)

Create a roadmap to move forward with intention.

• Decision Making – Compare your options based on fit, feasibility, and alignment with your values and goals.

• Goal Setting – Break long-term ambitions into actionable short- and medium-term goals (SMART goals are great here).

• Action Planning – Develop a step-by-step timeline for tasks like networking, gaining certifications, or applying to programs.

4. Take Action (Orange Section)

Put your plan into motion with hands-on experience and professional connection.

• Gain Experience – Pursue internships, volunteer work, job shadowing, or freelance gigs to build skills and confidence.

• Job Search Tools – Create or update your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letters, and portfolio. Learn interview skills.

• Connect with Employers – Network at job fairs, informational interviews, or online platforms. Reach out to alumni or professionals in your field.