The playbook for finding a new job or advancing in your current
position has been thrown out the window.
Today, there is no single, right way to conduct a successful
job search. This reality is driven by the dynamic,
ever-evolving pace of the modern job marketplace. Regardless of the industry,
location or job role, managing your career and job search is critical.
At University of Phoenix, the leading online university
for adult learners, career planning is an essential part of
the student experience. The
University uses a four-part process to guide students in
their career exploration: The Career Development Cycle.
Career
Development Today
Careers are fluid and flexible, and navigating the ever-changing
landscape can be challenging. Job seekers may find themselves in one of four
stages in the University of Phoenix Career Development Cycle: Imagine,
Investigate, Implement and Iterate. Here’s a closer look at each.
Imagine
This is the stage where dreams emerge. Students identify paths to
begin a career exploration journey by thinking about the following questions:
●
What do you want to do in your next job?
●
What jobs would be the best match for
you?
University of Phoenix students can start with exploring the PhoenixLink™ career portal.
The portal contains a built-in career exploration tool to help students assess
their interests and identify careers to consider.
Investigate
In this stage, students research careers that align with their desired
professional goals. This investigation includes asking yourself the following:
●
What job do you want to do?
●
What skills and education are required
for that job?
Career Services staff at University of Phoenix help students to
analyze their options and define goals that help them achieve career readiness.
Staff members assist students in acquiring the career-relevant experience and
skills necessary via learning opportunities and program-related projects.
Implement
To implement career advancement, knowledge becomes action. Students
finalize and complete their individualized plans and adapt to challenges they
may experience during the journey.
University of Phoenix offers a wide array of resources and
career-readiness tools to support students. These tools focus on important,
tangible parts of the career readiness process including:
●
Creating a personal brand
●
Writing resumes and cover letters
●
Providing interviewing and networking
tips
PhoenixLink is an important resource for students in this stage. The
online career portal gives students access to:
●
Job listings
●
A resource library
●
The world-wide University of Phoenix
alumni network
●
Mentoring opportunities
●
Career fairs and networking events
One tool embedded in PhoenixLink is Vault, which lets students find,
research and assess potential employers as well as see internship opportunities
and browse job listings.
Students who need additional career guidance can sign up for personal
career coaching with the University’s career advisors. In addition, academic
advisors can provide insights about University of Phoenix career services tools
and other resources.
Iterate
Career management is an ongoing process. At every stage of a career,
professionals should consider what their career will look like a year from now
or three years from now. Professionals should also keep alternatives in mind in
case their current employment no longer remains an option.
The iterate stage is one of self-reflection, goal-setting and career
decision making. University of Phoenix students and graduates can access
mentors and guidance or take advantage of reskilling and upskilling certificate
and single-course options.
To learn more about University
of Phoenix and its extensive career preparation and support
services, visit phoenix.edu.
