The SWOT analysis-- A key tool in the strategic career planning.

The SWOT analysis-- A key tool in the strategic planning process can also be applied to career planning. Tips, tools and techniques to assess your internal and external strengths and weaknesses will give your career planning a boost.

A SWOT analysis is an examination of four domains: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. Below are examples of what to assess in each domain.
Strengths - internal positive aspects under your control that you can capitalize on. Examples include work experience, education, technical knowledge, personal characteristics, good contacts and networks.

Weaknesses - internal negative aspects under your control that you may need to improve. Examples include little work experience, wrong degree, weak technical knowledge, negative personal characteristics.

Opportunities - external positive aspects that you do not control but which you plan to take advantage. Examples include positive trends in your field, opportunities by advancing your education, field is in need of your set of skills, opportunities for advancement or professional development.

Threats - external negative conditions that you do not control but the effect of which you may be able to lessen. Examples include negative trends such as downsizing or outsourcing, competitors with superior skills, experience or knowledge, limited advancement or professional development opportunities.

Be realistic when examining your successes and challenges--by inflating your success and minimizing your challenges, you'll have faulty information to work with. If you've been realistic in your self-examination, you will have a clear and valuable road map that shows you how to capitalize on your strengths and minimize or eliminate your weaknesses. You should then use this map to take advantage of opportunities and avoid or lessen threats.

For more tips, tools and techniques, visit http://www.tescjanewood.com
Jane Wood has nearly 20 years experience teaching, designing curriculum and managing large scale training units. She holds an MPA, with an emphasis in adult education and serves as a resource to Washington state agencies in training development, delivery and assessment. She teaches management, communication and social sciences at three local area colleges and is president of Oyate Research and Training.

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