Career Options: Exploring a New Career from Coursera

This course is for you if you are interested in researching a new career and acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in it. You will be asked to reflect on your experiences and critically evaluate what you currently know, what you need to acquire, and how to go about getting it. You will then identify groups and individuals that can serve and support you in exploring a new career. During this course, you will identify the elements of a well-structured career plan and evaluate career options by individual fit to determine how to effectively engage your network in your career journey.

You will design a tactical career plan and identify pitfalls in behavior, communication and appearance that can derail a new career. You will also develop a targeted cover letter and resume using a proven business format. Your experiential learning can also be a valuable asset, linking your personal experiences with your chosen career. We will help you define your career objective statement and align this with your strengths and goals. Finally, you will be challenged to research and identify your personal values inventory, and evaluate how to best navigate the current job market by using an innovative approach called career rockclimbing.

What's inside

Syllabus

What is Career Planning?: Career Exploration Infographic

Welcome! You are beginning a very important journey on your path to a meaningful and successful career. This course is designed to help you shape a career plan that can launch a new career, establish the beginning phases of an early career, or re-invent your existing career. This course, and your team of instructors, will ask you think deeply about your professional values. You will research hot careers and the skills necessary to succeed in them. We will ask you to reflect on your experiences, critically evaluate what you know, and determine what you still need to know. We will ask you to identify groups and individuals that can serve you in your career decisions and from whom you can learn about options within a career. Career Planning can be a deeply enriching experience. We are very pleased to join you in your journey. Module One introduces you to the course, explores the scope of career planning and discovers the different expectations people have of a career.

Hot Careers and Job Trends: Where the Future Lies

In this module, you will research trends in careers and describe the potential job market, areas of demand, salary potential, and entry requirements. This module will provide you with the tools necessary to identify and describe the different career tracks in your chosen field. You will connect with a Bridge Person (an individual who is already a professional in your chosen career field) and schedule a meeting with that person to complete a career conversation. The module includes instructions on how to identify and connect with a bridge person using LinkedIn.com, alumni networks, or a professional/business association along with information about how to schedule the meeting and how to select appropriate questions. At the end of this module you will be able to consider trends for deciding on a college major or training program, and for help choosing a new career.

Marketplace Realities: Who Am I Relative to the Job I am Seeking?

In this module, you will explore who you are relative to the job search, and your industry of choice. You will examine issues related to career choices and career planning, as well as learn which jobs have the greatest and least employment potential. Research careers and see the growth rate for each, view earnings at different levels of experience, and compare different regions. Research employment rates for people with your skills in different locations.

RightPathing Your Future: The Importance of Whole-Life Career Planning

In this module, you will learn how to think about career planning as both a lifelong and "whole-life" activity. You will learn about whole-life career planning by watching Rachel, a 20-year old college student, discover her unique talents and interests using the RightPathing Your Future approach. At the end of this module, you will learn the importance of assessing and understanding your hard-wired behaviors, work values, skills and passions, and then aligning them with both your personal and professional goals.

My First Steps: Defining Your Career Objective and Action Plan

In this module, you will learn about the importance of a Career Objective Statement and the elements that it contains. You will differentiate and describe the career field categories and the organizational category with which your interests align. You will reflect on your general and specific skills to create a skills inventory that matches the industry, organization, and/or field that you choose. You will be asked to explain potential careers associated with your interest including requirements, outlook, salary, and benefits. At the end of this module, you will be able to create a Career Objective statement for your unique professional level that does what a career objective is supposed to do while avoiding what it is not supposed to do. You will evaluate your objective statement according to your Career Exploration Infographic to ensure alignment with your strengths and talents.

Research and Values: Identifying Your Best Options

In this module, you will explore different types of research sources and approaches. You will begin to consider your own research approach on your given career choice. You will share the results of your search and examine any questions unanswered. You will explore personal and workplace values, and align your personal work and cultural values with your research results.

Career Rockclimbing: A Tactical Approach to Reach the Top

In this module, you will be introduced to the concept of "career rock climbing" which has replaced the traditional idea of "climbing the corporate ladder." In today's world, the career ladder has become a rock wall. Career success, no matter how you define it, requires you to be more creative and nimble as you develop and implement your career plan. This module will show you how to be more innovative and creative as you explore and prepare for your career.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores career exploration and planning, which is a crucial skill for personal and professional growth

Teaches how to identify skills and values, which is essential for career planning

Provides guidance on developing a career plan, which is a valuable tool for career management

Taught by experienced instructors who have expertise in career planning and development

Examines current career trends and job market demands, which is important for making informed career decisions

Requires learners to engage with resources and individuals, which promotes networking and professional development

Reviews summary

Career options exploration

Learners say Career Options: Exploring a New Career is a solid resource for those looking to develop or change their current careers. Students and learners mention the abundance of relevant resources and informational websites as key strengths of this course.

Many helpful resources

"The course is full of relevant resources and informational websites."

"This course is a solid resource for those looking to develop or change their current careers."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Career Options: Exploring a New Career with these activities:

Read a Book on Career Development

Show steps

This book provides a step-by-step guide to career planning and development.

View What Color Is Your Parachute? Job-Hunter's... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
Complete the exercises in the book to help you identify your interests, skills, and values.
Develop a career plan based on your findings.

Practice Interviewing

Show steps

Practicing interviewing will help you feel more confident and prepared for job interviews.

Browse courses on Interviewing Skills

Show steps

Identify common interview questions and practice answering them.
Do mock interviews with friends, family, or a career counselor.
Record yourself answering interview questions and review your performance.

Attend Career Fairs and Networking Events

Show steps

Networking will help you connect with people in your field and learn about potential job opportunities.

Browse courses on Networking

Show steps

Research upcoming career fairs and networking events.
Attend the events and introduce yourself to people in your field.
Follow up with the people you meet and stay in touch.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend Career Development Workshops

Show steps

Attending career development workshops will help you learn new skills and strategies for career success.

Browse courses on Career Development

Show steps

Research upcoming career development workshops.
Attend the workshops and take notes on the key concepts.
Implement the strategies you learn in your own career development.

Research Careers and Start a Research Project

Show steps

Starting a research project will help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in a new career.

Browse courses on Career Development

Show steps

Identify your interests and career goals.
Research different careers that align with your interests and goals.
Develop a research question that is relevant to your career goals.
Design and conduct a research project to answer your research question.
Write a research paper or report summarizing your findings.

Volunteer in a Field

Show steps

Volunteering can help you gain experience and build your network.

Browse courses on Volunteering

Show steps

Identify organizations in your field where you can volunteer.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer regularly and make a meaningful contribution to the organization.

Create a Career Portfolio

Show steps

Creating a career portfolio will help you showcase your skills and experience to potential employers.

Browse courses on Portfolio

Show steps

Gather your resume, cover letter, and other supporting materials.
Create a website or online portfolio to showcase your work.
Promote your portfolio to potential employers.

Form a Study Group with Classmates

Show steps

Forming a study group will help you learn the material and prepare for exams.

Show steps

Identify classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Decide on a meeting time and place.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material and work on assignments together.

Career center

Learners who complete Career Options: Exploring a New Career will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Career Counselor

Career Counselors help people find and advance in their careers. They provide guidance on career planning, job search, and resume writing. This course can help Career Counselors succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand the career planning process, identify career opportunities, and develop effective job search strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Career Counselor

Recruiter

Recruiters find and hire new employees for businesses. They are responsible for all aspects of the recruiting process, including job posting, screening resumes, and interviewing candidates. This course can help Recruiters succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand the job market, identify qualified candidates, and develop effective interviewing techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter

Job Coach

Job Coaches help people find and keep jobs. They provide support and guidance to job seekers, helping them develop job search skills, prepare for interviews, and navigate the job market. This course can help Job Coaches succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand the job search process, identify job opportunities, and develop effective job search strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Job Coach

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for identifying and analyzing business needs, and recommending solutions that will improve efficiency and productivity. This course can help Business Analysts succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand business processes, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They provide advice and guidance on a variety of topics, including strategy, operations, and technology. This course can help Management Consultants succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand business needs, develop solutions, and communicate effectively with clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Organizational Development Consultant

Organizational Development Consultants help businesses improve their performance by improving their organizational structure and processes. They provide advice and guidance on a variety of topics, including leadership development, team building, and change management. This course can help Organizational Development Consultants succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand organizational behavior, develop organizational solutions, and facilitate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Consultant

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of topics, including strategy, operations, and technology. This course can help Consultants succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand business needs, develop solutions, and communicate effectively with clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and operate their own businesses. They are responsible for all aspects of their business, including planning, marketing, sales, and finance. This course can help Entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with the skills they need to develop a business plan, launch their business, and grow their business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create technical documentation, such as user manuals, training materials, and white papers. They are responsible for communicating complex technical information clearly and concisely. This course can help Technical Writers succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand technical concepts, write effective documentation, and communicate technical information to different audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. They are responsible for all aspects of marketing, including market research, product development, and advertising. This course can help Marketing Managers succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand consumer behavior, develop marketing strategies, and measure marketing results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They are responsible for all aspects of project management, including scope management, risk management, and quality management. This course can help Project Managers succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand project management methodologies, develop project plans, and manage project teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies. They are responsible for all aspects of sales, including sales planning, sales forecasting, and sales training. This course can help Sales Managers succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand consumer behavior, develop sales strategies, and manage sales teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing all aspects of human resources, including recruiting, hiring, training, and employee relations. This course can help Human Resources Managers succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand labor laws, develop and implement HR policies, and manage employee performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Life Coach

Life Coaches help people achieve their personal and professional goals. They provide support, guidance, and accountability to help people overcome challenges, make changes, and live more fulfilling lives. This course can help Life Coaches succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand the coaching process, develop coaching relationships, and facilitate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Life Coach

Trainer

Trainers develop and deliver training programs for employees. They are responsible for all aspects of training, including needs assessment, curriculum development, and instructional delivery. This course can help Trainers succeed by providing them with the skills they need to understand training principles, develop training materials, and deliver effective training.

See salaries and explore the career path for Trainer