A deliberate process of 1) becoming

A deliberate process of 1) becoming aware of oneself, opportunities, constraints, choices, and consequences, 2) identifying career-related goals, and 3) programming work, education, and related developmental experiences to provide the direction, timing, and sequence of steps to attain a specific career goal. Viewed in this way, career planning is an activity performed by the individual to understand and attempt to control his or her work life.