the career book
What is a career?
Understanding your strengths and interests, as well as the
world of work, is an essential starting point when deciding
on which career path is for you. So, what is a career?
A CAREER is the sequence and variety of occupations
and roles (paid and unpaid) which one undertakes
throughout a lifetime. More broadly, career includes
life roles, leisure activities, learning and work.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT is the process of managing
life, learning and work over the lifespan.
Whereas …
A JOB is a paid position requiring a group of specific
attributes and skills that enable a person to perform
tasks in an organisation, either part-time or full-time,
for a short or long duration.
An OCCUPATION is defined as a group of similar jobs
found in different industries or organisations.
Some truths about career decision-making:
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Career decision-making is not magic!
No one else can make the decision for you.
You must be actively involved in the process.
It is never too late to start.
There is not one ‘ideal’ occupation for you. There may
be several occupations that will give you the satisfaction
you want from work.
• In all likelihood you will have several occupations during
your working lifetime. The career decision you are
making now is not a lifetime decision.
• Think where am I going to start, not where am I going
to finish my career… your career is a journey, not a
destination!
1.01 Globalisation of careers and employment is here to stay
1.02 Know the times in Australia
1.03 Let’s find out more about today’s Australia
1.04 Australia’s changing workforce
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