Action Plan

Featuring A Unique Career-Matching Process

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MY UNIQUE DESIGN
ACTION PLAN

Have you ever heard the saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”? This colloquialism contains a great
deal of truth. Career Direct has developed this Action Plan to take all the “pieces of the puzzle” and utilize
them in building a plan toward success — not worldly success, but success in the eyes of the Creator. He
gave you these pieces so that you can live — and work — in your design.

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 ACTION PLAN OVERVIEW
MOVING FROM POINT A TO POINT B
The Action Plan provides a systematic method of compiling and comparing the most important factors
in career decision making. It will move you from merely reading your assessment results to making career
decisions. It will help you realize the relationship between the characteristics and requirements of a
particular occupation and your unique design. This process can be used over and over again throughout
your work life.

SPECIFIC Career-Matching MY DESIGN

OCCUPATIONS

Your commitment to complete this Action Plan and act on it will determine
the ultimate benefit you receive from the Career Direct process.

STEPS TO CAREER-MATCHING
Here are the steps you’ll take in the Action Plan to begin using your Career Direct Detailed Report:

1. The My Design Worksheet (pg. 5) will be used to write up a summary list of what you learned about
your design from your Career Direct Detailed Report.

2. The Brainstorming Occupations Worksheets (pgs. 7-8) are two options for storing your good ideas. When
you decide which potential occupations appear to be a good fit with your design you will note them here.

3. The Occupation Worksheet (pg. 10) is the template you can use over and over to list the details of a
specific occupation.

4. You will compare your My Design Worksheet with your Occupation Worksheets, decide which careers
are the best fit, and confirm your next steps.

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COMPLETING THE MY DESIGN WORKSHEET

On the next two pages you will see an example of the My Design Worksheet with instructions on where to find
information needed to complete the worksheet. Most of the information will come from the Career Direct
Detailed Report. (Note: The Career Direct Detailed Report is not printed in the same sequence as this list of factors.)

1. MY INTERESTS
Career Interest Groups: List your top Career Interest Groups from the General Interests section.
Ex: Education, Counseling, Performing/Communication, Business
(Remember to remove any Interests listed that would be considered a hobby or lifestyle only.)
Rank your preference (1 - highest, 4 - lowest):  People  Data  Things  Ideas

2. MY SKILLS
Top Skill Areas: From the Skills and Abilities section of the report, list your top Skill Areas.
Ex: Musical, Artistic, Writing, Working with others, Interpersonal
(You may exclude any Skill Area that does not pertain to you.)
Low Scoring Skill Areas: List your 2 lowest Skill Areas.
Ex: Marketing, Analytical

3. MY EXPERIENCE
Types of Work Performed (not in the report):
Ex: Sales Associate at Retail Store, Bookkeeper for parent’s small business, Youth Group Leader
This may include volunteer as well as paid experience.

4. MY PERSONALITY
High or Mid-Range Personality Traits: These will be found on page 6 in your report.
Ex: Innovative, Dominant, Conscientious, Adventurous, Introverted/Extroverted (mid)
Strengths: List your top Personality Strengths from the 1.4 section: Typical Non-Strengths.
Ex: Leadership-oriented, Quick-minded, Cautious, Straightforward and direct, Supportive of others
Non-Strengths: List your top Personality Non-Strengths.
Ex: Hesitant in making decisions, May take unnecessary risks, Slow to change

5. MY VALUES
From the Values section of the report, list your top values for each section.
Work Environment (Section 4.1): Ex: Well-organized, Stability, Outdoors, Harmony
Work Outcome (Section 4.2): Ex: Helping others, Security, Leadership, Recognition
Life Values (Section 4.3): Ex: Serve God, Family, Aesthetics, Serve Others

6. MY EDUCATION/TRAINING
Mark an X for any education or training you have completed. Circle the ones you are willing to pursue.
On-the-Job Training Apprenticeship Program Internship
Specific Certificate High School Diploma Two-Year Technical Degree
Two-Year Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree
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Ph.D./Other Advanced Degree

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 MY DESIGN WORKSHEET
1. MY INTERESTS
Career Interest Groups: International, Management/Sales, Science/Health, Consumer Science

Rank your preferences (1 - highest, 4 - lowest):  1 People  3 Data  2 Things  4 Ideas

2. MY SKILLS
Highest-Scoring Skill Areas: Clerical, Analytical, Cross-Cultural, Organizing, Athletic

Low-Scoring Skill Areas:  Artistic, Marketing


3. MY EXPERIENCE
Types of Work Performed (not in the report): 


4. MY PERSONALITY

High or Mid-Range Personality Traits: Unstructured, Detached, Conventional, Cautious / Adventurous (mid),
 Introverted / Extroverted (mid)
Strengths:  Helpful to others, Self-reliant; confident in own abilities, Straightforward and direct; bold in
adversity, Focused and succinct in speaking, Able to make tough decisions and hold people accountable.
Non-Strengths: Stressed by having to make small talk with strangers, Can be insensitive to the needs of
 others, Impatient; generally not a good listener.

5. MY VALUES

Work Environment:  Challenge ,Travel, Adventure/Risks, Independence


Work Outcome:  Career progression, High income, Continuing education, Helping Others

Life Values:  Serve God, Family, Achievement, Friends


6. MY EDUCATION/TRAINING
On-the-Job Training Apprenticeship Program Internship
Specific Certificate High School Diploma Two-Year Technical Degree
Two-Year Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Ph.D./Other Advanced Degree
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MY DESIGN WORKSHEET (SAMPLE)

1. MY INTERESTS
Career Interest Groups:  Education, Counseling, Performing/Communication, Business

Rank your preference (1 - highest, 4 - lowest):  4 People  2 Data  1 Things  3 Ideas

2. MY SKILLS
Top Skill Areas: Musical, Artistic, Writing, Working with others, Interpersonal

Low-Scoring Skill Areas: Marketing, Analytical


3. MY EXPERIENCE
Types of Work Performed (not in the report):  Sales Associate at Retail Store, Bookkeeper for parent’s small
business, Youth Group Leader

4. MY PERSONALITY
High or Mid-Range Personality Traits: Innovative, Dominant, Conscientious, Adventurous, Introverted/
Extroverted (mid)
Strengths: Leadership-oriented, Quick-minded, Cautious, Straightforward and direct, Supportive of others

Non-Strengths: Hesitant in making decisions, May take unnecessary risks, Slow to change


5. MY VALUES

Work Environment: Well-organized, Stability, Outdoors, Harmony


Work Outcome: Helping others, Security, Leadership, Recognition

Life Values: Serve God, Family, Aesthetics, Serve Others


6. MY EDUCATION/TRAINING
On-the-Job Training Apprenticeship Program Internship
Specific Certificate High School Diploma Two-Year Technical Degree
Two-Year Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Ph.D./Other Advanced Degree
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 BRAINSTORMING OCCUPATIONS

Below are options for brainstorming occupations. Choose the style you prefer. These are two ways of organizing
and storing your good ideas and seeing potential patterns. For either option you will do the following:

1. Refer to the Part 2: General Interests section of your Career Direct Detailed Report. Here you will find the
General Interests bar graphs, followed by their descriptions.
2. Select the Career Groups that interest you most, which are often reflected in your highest Interest scores
(e.g., Management/Sales, Athletics, Artistic, Counseling, Religious, Consumer Science). List these under
Career Groups below.
3. Next, select specific occupations you would like to explore for each of those Career Groups. Add those
under Occupations (e.g., Travel Agent, CFO, Social Worker, Anesthesiologist). You may find many related
occupations by clicking the Find Occupations tab at https://www.ONETOnLine.org. Search by career
cluster, vocational family, industry, or STEM.
4. Reflect on these Career Groups and the specific occupations and pray about them. Discuss them with your
coach or consultant.

Brainstorming Option 1: List Format

CAREER GROUP  International CAREER GROUP  Science/Health

Occupations: Occupations:
1.  International business executive 1.  Pharmacist
2.  Interpreter 2.  Nurse
3.  Foreign service executive 3.  Biochemist
4.  Translator 4.  Biologist

CAREER GROUP  Management/Sales CAREER GROUP  Consumer Science

Occupations: Occupations:
1.  Marketing Representative 1.  Catering Manager
2.  Business executive 2.  Dietitian
3.  Buyer 3.  Interior decorator
4.  Manager 4.  Florist

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Brainstorming Option 2: Mind Map

1. The center circle is for your name.

2. Moving outward, the first set of circles can be your Career Groups (e.g., Management/Sales, Athletics,
Artistic, Counseling, Religious, Consumer Science).

3. The next set of circles would be specific jobs (e.g., Travel Agent, CFO, Social Worker, Anesthesiologist).

4. If you decide against any of these options, cross them out and make a note of why you eliminated them.

5. Look for patterns!

Business executive Interpreter

Foreign service executive

Buyer

Management/Sales International
Translator

Marketing Representative

Jewel

Florist

Science/Health Consumer Science

Dentist

Dietitian
Chiropractor Optometrist Beautician

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 COMPLETING THE OCCUPATION WORKSHEET

Now we are going to explore specific occupations. The information you need will be gathered from various
sources and entered on page 10.

A Few Ways to Gather Occupation-Specific Information:

Online Sources:
• Internet websites like https://www.ONETOnLine.org
• Google search examples: “Nursing careers for extroverts”, “Jobs in the medical field for unstructured”
• Company websites

Other:
• Books
• Your own experience or knowledge from a previous occupation or internship
• Library resources
• School career guidance center’s pamphlets or videos

After utilizing these resources, if an occupation fits your design, continue researching by connecting directly
with people and organizations. The most accurate information often comes from those who get up every day
and work at the specific job in which you might be interested.

Networking:
• Parents/friends
• An individual currently involved in the occupation of interest (See Appendix A: Informational Interview)
• School or career guidance counselor
• Company tours
• Veteran or current member of the military

These resources will not only give you information, but will also possibly point you to future opportunities.

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OCCUPATION WORKSHEET
Make as many copies of this worksheet as you need.

1. OCCUPATIONAL INTEREST
Name of occupation            Career Group 
Product or service provided 
Involves working with (1 - highest, 4 - lowest):  People  Data  Things  Ideas

2. SKILLS
Skills/abilities required for this occupation: 


3. EXPERIENCE
Duties and responsibilities/tasks of job: 



4. PERSONALITY
Probable personality traits required for this occupation: 

Probable strengths required for this occupation: 

Weaknesses that could be detrimental in this occupation: 


5. VALUES

Typical Work Environment: 


Possible Work Outcomes: 

Possible Life Values: 


6. EDUCATION/TRAINING
On-the-Job Training Apprenticeship Program Internship
Specific Certificate High School Diploma Two-Year Technical Degree
Two-Year Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Ph.D./Other Advanced Degree
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 BEGIN CAREER MATCHING

Now that you have completed an Occupation Worksheet, begin your Career-Matching process. The numbered
segments on the Occupation Worksheet (p. 10) correspond to the numbered segments on the My Design
Worksheet (p. 5). This allows you to compare the information on both sheets to determine if there is a career
match.

Simply place page 5 next to page 10 to see how the six segments align. Then, using a highlighter, mark the
items on the Occupation Worksheet that match the similar items on the My Design Worksheet. Compare the
fit. If there is a high correlation between the two, you may have found a career match—an occupation you
wish to pursue. If there is a match, turn to page 12, Step 3 and plan your next steps.

If this occupation is not a good fit, use this information to pivot to a similar occupation that will more closely
align with your design. Continue the process of career matching by filling out a new Occupation Worksheet.
Keep gathering information until you feel confident you’ve found your best choice and are motivated to
move forward to page 12 for the Test Drive.

This process may be used again and again whenever you want to do the following:
• Make a career or occupation change
• Explore new opportunities that may be presented to you
• Pursue an educational path that will prepare you for a best-fit career
• Assess past and present roles for satisfaction and fit with your design
• Work with your current employer to shift your role to better align with your design

SIX INFORMATION SEGMENTS TO COMPARE

Your Design Occupation Worksheet
Interests, skills, experience, Covers categories of requirements
versus
personality traits, strengths, and information specific to
and values an occupation
Segment Segment

1. Interests versus 1. Occupation

2. Skills versus 2. Skills

3. Experience versus 3. Experience

4. Personality versus 4. Personality

5. Values versus 5. Values

6. Education/Training versus 6. Education/Training Required

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TEST DRIVE AND CONFIRM THE FIT

If it looks good on paper, it’s time to strategize your steps to confirm the fit.

1. Do you know how to investigate career opportunities or education/training courses available for this
occupation?
Yes. GO TO STEP 2 BELOW No. Resources include: A. https://www.ONETOnLine.org
B. Job shadowing
C. Interview family/friends
D. ______________________

2. Are you willing to seek part-time, temporary, or seasonal work in this field?
Yes. GO TO STEP 3 BELOW No. I need more information OR I will look into other career fields.

3. How motivated are you to pursue the preparation necessary to enter this occupation?
Very motivated Somewhat motivated Not motivated
Make a plan   A. Pray about this career field.   Pivot toward an occupation
GO TO STEP 4 BELOW   B. Think about why you’re   which more closely aligns
     not enthusiastic. Usually it   with your design and that
      relates to some aspect of your   you’re passionate about.
     design that doesn’t align.
C. Decide to investigate this
occupation further, pivot
toward a related occupation,
or put it on the shelf.

4. I will take the following actions (choose 1-5) :   Target Date:

A.   
B.   
C.   
D.   
E.   

Options to help you test drive your possibilities may include:

• Internships, externships, or creating your own experiential opportunity
• Volunteering
• Part-time employment
• Skills training
• Educational opportunities

Throughout your career-development journey, revisit this process of career matching.

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 ADDITIONAL WAYS TO USE
YOUR CAREER DIRECT DETAILED REPORT

In addition to pointing you toward career types that align with your design, consider using report results for:

Growing Your Career Development Skills

• Investing in Your Skills

– Starting in your major interest areas, identify areas of study or experiences to gain skills in these areas.
• Networking
– Speak to people in the field through informational interviews.
– Use the language from your report.
• Self-Branding
– Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to find connections.
– Polish your existing digital footprint:
>Google your name. Do these results reflect the parts of your design that you want others to
know about you?
> Delete or edit your social media accounts.
> Consider how your future sharing on social media reflects your design.
• Résumés and Interviewing
– Use your list of transferable skills (from Section 1.3 of your Detailed Report) on your résumé.
– Effectively communicating your strengths and abilities will allow your potential employer to
consider how well you might fit with their team or organization.
– Provide confirmation of your suitability for an occupation by offering your reliable and valid
assessment results.
• Understanding your Motivational Style through your Personality Traits and Strengths (1.2 Personality
Factors and Sub-factors).
– Achieving (under Conscientious) – Self-motivated (ex: personal goals, checklists)
–  mbitious (under Adventurous) – Externally motivated (ex: competitive goals, performance
A
comparison)
–  Indifferent and/or Content – You may view the Next Steps process as unnecessary. Find someone
to cheer you on as you get started and make progress. Each time you achieve a goal, find a way to
celebrate together.
• Understand how you process. Note your scores on whether you are Verbal/Quiet
(under Extroverted/Introverted).
– If you are Verbal, you will benefit from talking through your Action Plan and Next Steps with
someone you respect.
– If you are Quiet, you will need time to process your thoughts and ideas before bouncing your
ideas off of others.
• Growing your Spiritual Discernment

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– Reflect on your view of success by asking yourself some key questions, such as:
> What makes you feel valued, satisfied, and truly happy?
> What has captured your heart? Is it family, financial freedom, the opportunity to make a
difference, or something else?
> What motivates you?
> Why do you want to/not want to go to school?
> Why are you doing this program?
> Why do you want a job? Or are you looking for a meaningful career?
> What does success mean to you? What value does success hold for you?
> After answering these questions, is your heart where you want it to be? Are you where you
want to be?
– Pray through your Detailed Report. Give your plans to God to make your paths straight. Let Him
guide you on how to steward your God-given design.
– Seek Godly counsel. Make a list of people who can be prayer partners for you over the next
18 months or so. Decide how and how often you will communicate with them to keep their
prayer focus up-to-date.
– Seek God’s counsel in His word. Start with The Biblical Basis for Work.

Matthew 6:19-21 warns us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves
break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not
break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (NIV).

As you can see, the Career Direct Detailed Report is an invaluable, life-long tool.

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 CONDUCTING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

Before you invest time and money pursuing additional education or training, it is imperative that you
speak with people in your potential field(s) of interest. One incredible way to elicit information is through
Informational Interviews (optimally, three to six).

Your parents and/or coach will play an important role in identifying people in their network who you can
interview – friends, relatives, neighbors, or even someone you find in an online search! After identifying
people to interview, take these seven steps:

1. Conduct research: To prepare for your conversation, investigate the individual and their employer/
company using the internet and/or print resources.

2. Make the contact: Send an email or make a phone call to request a 20-minute appointment.
Remember that you are seeking career information and ideas, not a job. Before you talk to any contact,
CREATE A SCRIPT. This will give you more confidence and show that you value their time.

3. Make a powerful first impression: Show up on time, dress for success, polish your greeting, smile,
and treat everyone you meet with respect. Practice your handshake and be ready with your Elevator
Speech when asked “Tell me a little bit about yourself.” To prepare, review the Typical Strengths/
Non-Strengths section of your report (Sections 1.3 and 1.4).

4. Prepare for the interview: Come with prepared questions. Your parents/coach can help you compose
and rehearse a list of relevant and important questions. There are many lists of sample questions that
can be found through an online search. Revisiting your Career Direct Detailed Report and/or your
My Design Worksheet can help you generate specific questions to test how well the occupation fits
your design.

5. Finish strong. End the meeting on time. Ask them if you may contact them with further questions.
Also, request two referrals. (This will allow you to continue your exploration by gaining additional
contacts and relevant information.) Thank the interviewer by name, stand, smile, and extend a
confident handshake. (Rehearse your exit.)

6. Follow up with gratitude: Handwrite a thank-you note to every person you contact and send within
24 hours of your interview. These contacts often become the foundation for future job shadowing,
internships, or employment.

7. Reflect and maintain momentum: Journal what you learned from your experience, what else you
would like to know, and the next steps you plan to take. Contact every new referral you receive. Keep
a log of your contacts, their addresses, and titles. Connect with them through business-related social
media platforms.

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THOUGHTS TO PONDER AND CONSIDER

AS YOU ENGAGE

Embrace the revelation.

The Career Direct assessment provides beneficial information about your God-given strengths,
weaknesses, interests, skills, and gifts. It may reveal new information, or it may confirm what you
already know. This enables you to wisely evaluate occupations compatible with your design.

Do the work.
An assessment is not an end in itself. Shortcuts, procrastination, or failure to acquire sufficient
information will produce insufficient results or inaccurate conclusions. Ultimately, you must work
through the process of career evaluation and then execute your plans.

Manage your career for life.

The Career Direct Detailed Report provides insight and language to use in your résumé, interviews,
and self-branding. This will empower you to manage your career for years to come.

Gather a multitude of Godly counselors.

It is wise to get input from others—a Career Direct Consultant, parent, coach, counselor, spouse,
relative, or friend—someone who knows you and who will level with you. Godly counsel is essential.
Again, prayer should be an integral part of all that is done.

The buck stops with you.

It’s up to you! No one should make a final decision on a career or occupation solely on the basis of
an assessment finding or report. Assessments are not infallible. Additionally, don’t let others make
your career and education decisions for you. Strengthening your wisdom and discernment is vital as
you own your decisions.

Thank you for choosing Career Direct to assist you in your career journey.
May it help provide the wisdom and guidance that you need to make
sound decisions that will enable you to thrive in your work.

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