Question

It’s a Plan! In this activity, you will create a formal career plan. It may not be 100 percent accurate if you aren’t sure what career to pursue right now. It’s okay not to be sure, and if that’s the case, consider this a temporary plan until you discover what you really want to do in life! In order to create it, you need to consider the following topics: What are you passionate about? What do you hate or absolutely don’t want to do? What sort of factors could influence your choice (consider physical limitations, requirements you may not be able to meet, etc.)? Once you’ve found something that fits within the limits determined by your responses to the questions above, think about how to achieve your career goals. Your plan needs to cover the following points: What educational steps do you need to take to achieve your career goals, if any? What sort of entry-level jobs can act as steps toward your goals? After gaining some experience, what jobs should you pursue at the midway in your career? What obstacles or limitations might you face in pursuit of your chosen career? What is your “ultimate” career goal? Approximately how long will each of the steps above take you? Get feedback and revise your plan accordingly. For this activity, answer all of the questions above and use your responses to the numbered questions to create a coherent career plan. Your plan should cover the phases of a career, from your education all the way to your “dream job.” Make sure you identify limiting factors and those that may influence your choices. And don’t forget to show your plan to someone! Their recommendations could help you create a more realistic plan. So the final step in this process is to show your plan to a friend, family member, or classmate, and have them critique it. Ask whether they think your plan is realistic, whether you missed anything important, and whether or not your plan is achievable! You may want to be the president of the United States by the age of 27, but by law you need to be at least 35! Make any adjustments to your plan based on the feedback you receive before you hand it in.

Answer 1

### Career Plan

#### 1. Passion and Interests
- **What are you passionate about?**
I am passionate about sustainability and environmental conservation. I enjoy activities related to outdoor education, community gardening, and spreading awareness about climate change and its impact.

#### 2. Dislikes and Limitations
- **What do you hate or absolutely don’t want to do?**
I dislike roles that require a lot of administrative work or desk-bound tasks. I also do not want a career that involves extensive travel, as I prefer to be rooted in one community.

- **What factors could influence your choice?**
I have a physical limitation that makes standing for long periods challenging. Additionally, I want a career that allows for a good work-life balance to participate in my community activities.

#### 3. Career Goals and Pathway

**Ultimate Career Goal:**
To become a sustainability consultant for organizations, helping them adopt eco-friendly practices and policies.

#### Educational Steps
1. **Obtain a Bachelor's Degree** in Environmental Science or a related field (4 years).
- *Courses to focus on:* Environmental Policy, Ecology, and Sustainable Practices.

2. **Gain Relevant Certification**
- Obtain a certification in sustainability (approximately 6 months to 1 year).

#### Entry-Level Jobs
- After completing my bachelor's degree, apply for:
1. **Environmental Technician (1-2 years)** - Assisting in research and surveys.
2. **Sustainability Coordinator (1-2 years)** - Implementing sustainability programs at educational institutions or NGOs.

#### Mid-Career Jobs
After gaining experience (approx. 4-6 years total), pursue:
1. **Sustainability Analyst (3-5 years)** - Evaluating and reporting on sustainability initiatives within larger organizations.
2. **Environmental Consultant (3-5 years)** - Working with businesses to minimize environmental impact.

#### Obstacles and Limitations
- Limited availability of top positions in smaller organizations may require relocation or additional certifications.
- Physical limitations could make certain fieldwork strenuous, which may necessitate a focus on policy and consultancy roles rather than on-ground fieldwork.
- Competition in sustainability fields can be fierce.

#### Timeline Summary
1. **Bachelor's Degree**: 4 years
2. **Certification**: 6 months to 1 year
3. **Entry-Level Job Experience**: 2-4 years
4. **Mid-Career Jobs**: 4-8 years
5. **Total Time to Reach Ultimate Goal**: Approximately 10-15 years

### Feedback and Revision Process
- **Show Plan to Others**: Share this plan with friends, family, or career advisors to get insights.
- **Get Critiques**:
- Is this plan realistic with the current job market?
- Are there critical skills I might have overlooked?
- Are there internships or volunteer opportunities I should consider at the entry level?

Based on the critiques, I will adjust timelines, consider additional skills or experiences that enhance employability, and possibly explore alternative routes to my ultimate goal if necessary.

### Final Adjustments
After discussions, I might consider:
- Online courses for ongoing skill development.
- Internships during my degree for better job opportunities post-graduation.
- Local networking events to connect with industry professionals.

This plan is a living document and will evolve as I gain more experiences and insights into the sustainability field.