Career Management Workshop

OBJECTIVES FOR THE WORKSHOP

After completing this workshop on career management, participants should:

„П Have a better understanding of themselves ÐŽV who they are, what they value, what they want from a job etc.

„П Have a better understanding of the external environment and the World Of Work ÐŽV training options, job opportunities etc.

„П Be able to formulate smart goals, in the long-term and short-term

„П Be able to formulate an effective action plan to achieve their goals

„П Be able to better plan and manage their careers

By doing this workshop the facilitator should achieve:

„П Experience in training

„П A better understanding of individualÐŽ¦s career planning and management problems

„П Better knowledge of the World Of Work and job possibilities that they can pass on to participants

„П Better knowledge regarding participants perceptions of the workshop due to evaluation

PREPARATION FOR THE WORKSHOP

Before the day of the workshop, a number of preparations need to take place.

Pertaining to the organization:

Ñ"ж A list of participants needs to be compiled.

Ñ"ж Arrangements need to be made with whoever will be opening the workshop.

Ñ"ж Talk to the Human Resources department about developments within the organization. Find out about future career opportunities for participants and the strategy of the organization. Also the facilitator needs knowledge possible further study options and training courses.

Pertaining to the participants:

Ñ"ж The following 3 questionnaires need to be sent out - Values Scale, Self Directed Search (SDS) and Career Orientations Inventory (CIO) - to be completed and returned by participants.

Ñ"ж The above questionnaires need to be evaluated and a feedback form attached, ready to be handed back to participants on the day of the workshop.

Make sure you have available brochures from adult learning institutions

and

Make sure you have enough workbooks for all participants

and

Make sure you have thoroughly read through this guide and understand it.

INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKSHOP

WELCOME BY MANAGER

The opening of a workshop is very important as it sets the atmosphere and tone for the workshop. A manager, possibly the HR manager, or even the MD should open the workshop. They should start by telling participants why the organization chose to do the workshop and stress its importance. Participants should be left feeling as though they are about to take a company supported initiative to better their careers in partnership with the organization.

OVERVIEW OF AGENDA

The Facilitator should then introduce themselves and thank the welcoming manager. The facilitator should then talk a little about the workshop, what will be done in the workshop and why it is important.

The following ideas can be used:

1. Give your name and talk about your experiences in giving the workshop. Thank participants for coming along.

2. Hand out participant workbook at this stage and encourage them to look at the agenda on the first page while you talk about each of the sections and what they entail.

3. State the learning outcomes of the workshop and possibly write them on a available whiteboard.

INTRODUCTION OF PARTICIPANTS

At this stage the participants need to introduce themselves. They should give their names, jobs in the company and expectations for the workshop at the very least. Possibly include: likes and dislikes; something about their personalities; an interesting, little known fact about themselves.

The following ideas can be used:

1. Sort participants into pairs (a group of three can go together if there are an uneven number of participants) and give them 2-5 minutes each to tell the group about themselves. After the time is up, get participants to stand up and introduce their partner and tell everyone else what they learned about him\her.

2. After standing and giving their name, job and expectations, participants can relate themselves to an animal and explain why.

When all participants have introduced themselves and before proceeding to the next section of the workshop, make sure you reiterate your objectives and address any unrealistic expectations that became apparent during the introductory phase.

SELF ASSESSMENT

Firstly, the facilitator needs to explain to participants that this section is all about exploring the self. Emphasize how important self-assessment is and that self-knowledge is the cornerstone of career planning. Encourage them to be honest as no one but them selves will see their workbooks and it will benefit them.

Secondly, the facilitator needs to explain the questionnaires and the attached feedback sheets. Tell participants how the respective rating sheets show their values, personality type and career anchors and how they can be helpful. Explain these are not absolute but merely an indication. Answer any questions pertaining to the feedback.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

At this stage participants need to begin writing in their workbooks. Using the section on pg.1 they must make a list of at least 10 of their own strengths and weaknesses. Reiterate