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HOSA Career Development

1. Recognizing How to Begin the Process of Career Development (10%)

Career development is a lifelong process that involves planning, skill-building, networking, and decision-making. The first step is self-discovery—understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and preferences.

Self-Assessment: Understanding Yourself

  • Interests & Passions: What topics or tasks excite you? (e.g., if you enjoy helping others, healthcare might be a good field.)

  • Strengths & Skills: Identify skills that you naturally excel at (problem-solving, leadership, communication, technical skills).

  • Work Preferences: Do you prefer working alone or in teams? Do you like structured or flexible environments?

  • Personality Considerations: Are you more analytical, creative, or hands-on? The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Holland Codes can help identify suitable careers.

Research: Understanding Career Options

  • Industry Trends: Research career fields and understand growing industries. For example, healthcare, technology, and cybersecurity are expanding industries.

  • Job Requirements: Look at required degrees, certifications, and training for different career paths.

  • Earning Potential & Growth Opportunities: Compare salaries and career growth opportunities to align with your goals.

  • Job Market Conditions: Research job availability in your chosen field—some industries have more demand than others.

Setting Career Goals

  • Short-term goals: Gaining experience through internships, improving specific skills, networking.

  • Long-term goals: Securing a leadership role, becoming an expert in your field, starting a business.

Action Plan for Getting Started

  1. Conduct a personal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).

  2. Research job descriptions and career requirements.

  3. Set clear career and educational goals.

  4. Create a timeline for achieving milestones.

  5. Seek career counseling or mentors for guidance.

2. Identifying the Required Skills Needed for Career Development (12%)

Success in any career requires technical skills (specific to the job) and soft skills (general workplace competencies).

Technical Skills (Hard Skills)

  • Industry-Specific Knowledge: Doctors need medical training, IT professionals need coding knowledge.

  • Computer Proficiency: Microsoft Office, data analysis, programming languages, EMR systems (for healthcare).

  • Certifications & Licenses: Many fields require credentials (CPA for accountants, RN for nurses).

  • Project Management: Ability to manage time, resources, and teams efficiently.

Soft Skills (Transferable Skills)

  • Communication: Writing, public speaking, and active listening are essential in all jobs.

  • Problem-Solving: Analyzing situations and finding practical solutions.

  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Working well with others, even in challenging situations.

  • Leadership: Taking initiative, managing teams, and inspiring others.

  • Adaptability & Resilience: Adjusting to new technologies, workplace challenges, and job transitions.

  • Time Management: Prioritizing tasks effectively.

How to Develop These Skills

  • Education & Training: Online courses, college programs, workshops.

  • On-the-Job Experience: Internships, volunteering, part-time jobs.

  • Networking & Mentorship: Learning from industry professionals.

3. Describing Individual Preferences for Career Development (8%)

Understanding what you value in a job will help you choose the right career path.

Factors That Influence Career Preferences

  • Work Environment: Office vs. remote work, corporate vs. non-profit, structured vs. flexible.

  • Company Culture: Do you prefer a fast-paced or relaxed environment?

  • Job Stability vs. Flexibility: Government jobs offer security; startups provide innovation.

  • Salary vs. Job Satisfaction: High-paying jobs may not always provide personal fulfillment.

  • Geographic Preferences: Some industries are concentrated in certain areas (e.g., tech in Silicon Valley).

How to Determine Your Career Preferences

  • Self-reflection exercises – What work settings have you enjoyed?

  • Career assessments – Tools like Myers-Briggs or Holland Code can provide insights.

  • Job shadowing – Observe professionals in action.

4. Identifying Values Needed for Career Development (8%)

Your career values influence job satisfaction and decision-making.

Core Career Values

  • Integrity & Ethics: Employers value honesty and responsibility.

  • Commitment to Learning: Lifelong learning keeps skills relevant.

  • Accountability & Dependability: Meeting deadlines and being reliable.

  • Respect & Empathy: Essential for working with diverse colleagues and clients.

  • Innovation & Creativity: Problem-solving and coming up with new ideas.

  • Work-Life Balance: Managing career ambitions with personal well-being.

5. Understanding the Exploration Stage of Career Development (10%)

What is the Exploration Stage?

The exploration stage (typically during high school, college, or early career) is where individuals gather information about potential careers.

Steps in the Exploration Stage

  1. Self-Assessment: Identify interests and strengths.

  2. Research Careers: Use job market data to find growing industries.

  3. Gain Exposure: Job shadowing, internships, part-time jobs.

  4. Develop Skills: Take relevant courses or certifications.

  5. Network: Attend career fairs, join professional organizations.

Tools for Exploration

  • O*NET & Occupational Outlook Handbook – Government databases for career information.

  • LinkedIn & Professional Organizations – Connecting with professionals.

  • College Career Centers – Offer job listings and career counseling.

6. Describing the Relationships Required for Career Development (10%)

Key Relationships for Career Growth

  • Mentors & Advisors: Provide guidance and industry insights.

  • Networking Contacts: Colleagues, alumni, industry professionals.

  • Supervisors & Managers: Can provide opportunities for advancement.

  • Professional Associations: Groups like AMA (for marketing) or AICPA (for accounting).

How to Build Career Relationships

  • Attend networking events.

  • Engage on LinkedIn.

  • Join industry organizations.

  • Seek mentors through alumni networks.

7. Identifying the Stages of Decision Making (14%)

Career decisions follow a structured process:

Decision-Making Process

  1. Identify the Decision: Choosing a career path.

  2. Gather Information: Research industries and job roles.

  3. Evaluate Options: Compare salary, job outlook, work-life balance.

  4. Make a Choice: Select the best-fit career.

  5. Take Action: Apply for jobs or enroll in training.

  6. Review & Adjust: Reevaluate as needed.

Decision-Making Tools

  • Pros & Cons Lists

  • Career Assessment Tests

  • Informational Interviews

8. Determining the Tools Required for Career Development (6%)

Essential Career Development Tools

  • Resumes & Cover Letters

  • Job Search Platforms (Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake)

  • Professional Portfolios

  • Mock Interviews & Career Coaching

9. Understanding the Launch Stage of Career Development (16%)

The launch stage is the transition from education to employment.

Key Steps in the Launch Stage

  • Build a Strong Resume & Cover Letter

  • Apply for Jobs & Attend Interviews

  • Negotiate Salaries & Benefits

  • Adapt to Workplace Culture

  • Develop Career Advancement Strategies

Mistakes to Avoid in the Launch Stage

  • Not researching salary expectations

  • Lack of networking

  • Ignoring soft skills development

10. Recognizing the Skills Required for Career Management (6%)

Career Management Skills

  • Continuous Learning: Staying updated in your field.

  • Networking: Maintaining professional relationships.

  • Flexibility & Adaptability: Adjusting to industry changes.

  • Work-Life Balance: Preventing burnout.

  • Setting Career Goals: Regularly revisiting and refining career plans.