The first element of Career Readiness involves understanding the importance of a developmental rather than a prescriptive approach.

Many students are rewarded in their elementary and secondary school years for being able to provide the correct answers on work sheets and fill-in-the-blank tests. So, it is not surprising when approaching career decisions that some of these same students want to remain on the worksheet or quick assessment route to obtain success. Unfortunately, this type of prescriptive approach offers little opportunity for career readiness.

It is highly likely that you will come across a persuasive people within the educational field that will claim that they have uncovered "the assessment" or a series of "work sheets" that are the exception to any limitation normally provided by a prescriptive approach. This may be an instructor whose belief in a linear approach to career development offers a simple way of getting through an instructional unit. It may also be other professionals with a passion for a product that they or someone close to them has a financial stake in. Unfortunately, no matter what the motivation of any of these people, their approach is delaying your ability to transition into adult learning and employment.

Quite simply, in the Career Readiness card game the first move is to discard the "prescriptive approach" that offers simple rules or procedures for career management.

In contrast, the card that you want to be holding is the one that offers a "developmental approach". This card recognizes that all of us are a work in progress. Therefore, there is no quick fix or one size fits all solution because as we mature and grow, our interests and abilities will evolve as well. For instance, a student who struggled with writing in secondary school may develop into a highly polished writer a couple of decades later. In turn, the career path of such an individual may also change as they realize that different occupational choices are now within their reach.

An important point associated with a developmental approach to Career Readiness is self empowerment. Ultimately, we are responsible for taking charge of our career paths and not giving the responsibility to anyone else. Even if we seek the help of a career coach or counsellor we are asking them to assist us and not take ownership for our career travels. We are responsible for identifying, planning and carrying out career decisions that work in both our work and personal lives. By taking the time to develop self awareness and getting a handle on the things that gives us satisfaction, joy, frustration, stress and purpose we are able to steer our careers in a direction that meshes with personal values, interests, aptitudes and desired lifestyle.

All of us will navigate many transitions in our adult lives. Some of these transitions will be a result of envisioning new goals and attaining them. Some of these transitions will be dictated to us by unanticipated developments. So it's best to realize from the start that those holding the upper hand will understand that career readiness is a process we navigate not a correct answer we find.

Tagged In: Adult Learners , Career , Parents , Planning , Success Strategies , Transition , Youth