Do you need to plan your career or can you just let it happen University of Manchester Careers Blog

Do you need to plan your career or can you just let it happen Some people plan everything Im sure you know someone who lives their life by lists and makes a revision time table and sticks to it. We all behave in different ways,   so if you are the type of person who lets life unfold why would you suddenly change your behaviour because you are planning the next stage in your life? Do you really need to have a plan for your life post University? Economists, geographers psychologists will know about models to explain behaviour, there are careers models too that explain how people make choices. Many of these career models talk about planning (a lot) and the steps you go through.Yes and then there is the real world! I wont deny that not having a plan (AKA any ideas)  can sometimes make things more  confusing and  it could take a little longer to get your post University life off the ground. BUT it doesnt stop it happening and it can be a great way to  try different things  and work out what you want along the way. Advice for non planners You may or may not have some ideas what you want to do with your life after university, but you dont yet have a clear strategy for getting what you want. Tips Be open minded be prepared to try something out even if you cant see yourself doing it for ever. Take a chance! Be ready to take advantage of opportunities when they come along. Keep your CV up to date. Think about what you want out of life, what has meaning to you? Money, travel, making a difference, etc. Reflect on the experiences you have already had and think about what makes you excited, happy, challenged. Challenges Because you dont have a fixed  plan it can be easy to let opportunities pass you by because you dont recognise them as something for you. Seize them! If  you live in the moment, looking to the future can seem daunting or just not for you.  Dont let it stop you talking to people or exploring options that COULD   be part of your life in the future. You dont need to decide immediately! Dont reject options that sound like they need a bit of planning, it may not be your preferred  way to work  but if the end justifies the means, just do it!  Advice  for planners You may have some ideas of specific careers you are interested in or have  a goal in sight, dont let it blind you to other opportunities though. Tips Know yourself understand what you want in the future so that you can plan a route to get there. Explore different jobs and careers research the entry routes so that you know what skills or qualifications are needed. Plan to get experience that will help you gain relevant skills or gain insight into a career area. Schedule time to do applications for jobs or courses. Challenges Dont narrow your choices too much, have a plan B. Be prepared to take advantage of opportunities that may not be on your masterplan. Be prepared for the unexpected, sometimes companies dont give you much notice for interviews. Factor this in! Things dont always go the way  we want them to, dont give up, be flexible and resilient and try again.  In conclusion Dont get freaked out by friends who have their life mapped out, thats just the way they work. You can do things a different way and we are here to support you however you choose to plan (or not plan) your next steps. All Careers advice I don't know what to do Undergraduate Undergraduate-highlighted career planning careers employability Getting started job hunting job market jobs Options