There are a small number of people able to determine what they want to be when they grow up just as soon as they are able to talk, but the truth is, by the time they graduate high school, they change their mind at least five times. When a person first enters high school, their teachers and guidance counselors should lay out what classes must be completed in order to enter college. By the time one reaches their senior year, their career path(s) and a career outline that supports the path should already have been determined. In addition, a realistic set of goals should be created. An individual should research the best school that meets their career choices, know what college classes must be taken, and lastly should begin researching jobs for the chosen career choice. However, despite all this planning, a career path is still not actually defined until an individuals sophomore year in college. According to the article "Career Entrenchment the authors stated "many people choose their career at the age of eighteen or nineteen, before they know all about the available choices" (Carson & Carson, 1996). Career management is a necessity because an individual can plan their career early so they will avoid being forced into a job with which they are unsatisfied. The authors also stated that "Individuals too often select careers based on their perceived ability, experience, or skill" not by their interests (Carson & Carson, 1996). Thus, career management is an essential aspect regarding ones personal plans for the future. Individuals should always choose a career that interests them as opposed to one based on salary or perceived success. That way, changes can be made if they occur and a person will know how to balance their personal life and their career. Career Management for the 21st Century is a necessity because there must be a developed method of job search strategies and a developed back-up plan in case of career change. Job s...
