Factors Influencing Career Development Essay

A career includes all the roles you undertake throughout your life - education, training, paid and unpaid work, family, volunteer work, leisure activities and more. "Career" was traditionally associated with paid employment and referred to a single occupation. In today's world the term career is seen as a continuous process of learning and development. Activities that contribute to a career can include training, education, employment, work experience, community activities, enterprise activities, employment, volunteer work, leisure activities.
Constantly changing world of work
Rapid changes in information and communication technologies, increasing globalisation, and more competition, are all contributing to a dramatic change in working life,

Many people find themselves in need of professional advice as they encounter problems or must make decisions about their careers, for instance when they are thinking of looking for a new job or changing occupations.
Factors and Barriers that Influence Career Development
Several factors and the interactions between them influence career development and some may be barriers to it. These factors are:
Personal Characteristics
When you are in the process of choosing a career, you should do a thorough self assessment. It will allow you to learn what your personality type, interests, aptitudes and work-related values are. These traits, taken in combination, play a major role in career development and will help you find careers, as well as workplaces, that are suitable for you.
Socio-Economic Factors
Socio-economic factors can be a barrier to career development. They can significantly influence your ability to pursue a career that is otherwise a good match for you. For example, your financial situation may threaten to keep you from getting the necessary education. Fortunately, there are ways of overcoming barriers such as limited financial resources, namely student loans, financial aid and scholarships.
Physical and Mental