How to Develop a Course Plan

Creating a course plan takes no skill. What it does need, however, is effort and time. When interviewing students, BestColleges.com found that 39% were unsure of what they wanted for their future. This is why it takes time. Plenty of people don't know what they want right away, and that is okay! Take the time to assess and explore. Remember that although this plan is to set you up for one main goal, you don't have to follow it exactly. Your opinions and surroundings can change! There is no “right” way to start a career.

The Course Development Process

As discussed earlier, this is a process. Assess and explore yourself and your options.

Assessing

Don't forget that this plan is about you. What do you like? Not to say there won't be bad days, but it isn't for you if you don't have fun doing it. There are online tests that you can take which tell you some jobs that may fit you. A website I would recommend is educationplanner.org. They take in your preferences and try to find the most suitable career and path for you. Think about the classes you will need to take, the activities you could partake in, and the goals you have set for yourself. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is an excellent resource for any information you may need. For example, they highlight the classes you need to take for your specific career. Make sure to fit graduation and general education requirements into your plan as well, there's no use in creating a plan without knowing the basics.

Exploring

You must explore constantly. Preparation is needed to do your job well. There are many things you can do in high school or college like: Internships: There are internships for just about anything. This will keep your skills refined and you will get experience first-hand. Jobs: These jobs can be as little as being a dog sitter. They will ensure organization, responsibility, communication, and leadership skills. These are valuable skills to have going forward. Give yourself room to learn and improve. Again, there is no “right” way to start a career. If you need help getting started, do some research! There is no better advice than from the people who know you best: your peers, parents, teachers, or counselors.

Discipline > Self Criticism

Many people will say school isn't important. But, I believe every year is as important as the next. With this being said, don't be too hard on yourself. One “bad” grade does not define you or your future. Put in your best effort, and that will put you in the best position. There is a difference between discipline and criticizing yourself. Find like-minded people and join clubs that you are interested in! This will help you find out more about yourself.

Pencil & Paper

Generally, when I need to start anything like a to-do list or even an article, I pull out a notebook and a pencil. I brainstorm and jot down any thoughts I have. It can start messy and become organized over time. Don't overwhelm yourself with “perfecting” it. Consider everything you've learned about yourself, your requirements, and what you wish for your future. You can't be wrong.