ii. The Career Planning Cycle

The Career Planning Cycle helps us apply some concrete steps to figuring out where we might fit into the work world. If you follow the steps, you will learn about who you truly are, and can be, as a working professional. You will discover important knowledge about the work world. You will gain more information to help you make solid career decisions. You will get experience that will increase your qualifications. You will be more prepared to reach your professional goals.

Figure 12.5 You can use the Career Planning Cycle to consider and reconsider your approach and progress in choosing and moving toward a career. (Credit: Based on work by Lisa August.)

A Roadmap for Your Journey

Starting college is a great time to think about your future, but “What do you want to be?” isn’t always an easy question to answer. The Career Planning Cycle offers a clear, step-by-step way to explore career paths that align with who you are and where you want to go. Rather than a one-time decision, career planning is a process you revisit as your goals and experiences evolve.

The cycle includes five key stages:

• Learn About Yourself:
  This first step is all about getting to know yourself—your interests, strengths, values, and personality. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What matters to you in a work environment? Tools like career assessments, interest inventories, and personal reflection can help you uncover your unique traits and priorities.
• Explore Majors, Careers, and Jobs:
  Once you understand yourself better, it’s time to explore the world of work. What careers align with your interests and values? What education or training do they require? You might research job descriptions, talk to professionals, or participate in job shadowing or internships. This stage is about learning what’s out there and what might be a good fit.
• Focus Your Path:
  With information about yourself and potential careers, you can begin narrowing down your options. This step involves weighing the pros and cons of different paths, setting realistic goals, and deciding on a direction that feels both exciting and achievable.
• Try Things Out:
  Once you’ve chosen a direction, it’s time to start moving. This could include choosing a major, getting involved on campus, applying for internships, or building your resume. It’s where planning turns into progress.
• Launch to Success:
  Career planning isn’t something you do once—it’s a cycle. As you gain new experiences, your interests and goals may shift. Regularly reflecting on your progress and reassessing your path helps you stay aligned with what matters most to you.

This cycle isn’t necessarily linear—you might return to earlier steps as you learn more about yourself or the world of work. The key is to stay open, curious, and proactive. Career planning isn’t about having all the answers now; it’s about building the skills and mindset to navigate your future with confidence.

The short video below features a diverse group of students from the University of New Orleans sharing candid reflections on why they’re passionate about their chosen fields. Ranging from Biology to English to Engineering, the students highlight what ignites their curiosity and sustains their motivation—whether it’s hands‑on lab experiences, creative expression, or solving real‑world problems.

A major isn’t just a label on a transcript, but a journey shaped by community, mentorship, and personal discovery. Think about the major(s) you are most interested in. What aspects of a field resonate with you most? What does genuine passion look and feel like? Career planning begins with understanding what inspires you most.