Making a Career Journal

What is a Career Journal?

A Career Journal is keeping track of career goals, action steps, certifications, accomplishments, achievements, and references all in one area.

What’s the Purpose of a Career Journal:

A career journal is a great way to be organized and focused with a career path in mind.

What’s in a Career Journal:

• To brainstorm career goals and ideas
• Keep track of career progress
• Lessons learned
• Coaching strategies
• Advice from mentors
• A private place to vent career disappointments
• To keep positive affirmations and quotes
• To gain a new perspective
• Resume, cover letters, interview tips, interview questions, thank you letters, recommendations, references and certifications
• Mission statement and values
• Develop a career action plan
• To keep motivated and inspired
• To celebrate the small successes

How to Get Started:

• Get a larger binder; put all your career paperwork and ideas into it
• Then decide if you want to put all your information into a computer document, on-line journal, a book journal, or a binder
• Organize by categories
• Add to your career journal regularly
• Keep it in a secure place

Self-Reflection Questions for Career Journal:

• What did I learn?
• What did I accomplish?
• Did I receive any compliments?  If so, what was it and who said it?
• How did I make a difference?
• Did I have any setbacks and how did it affect me?

Take Away:

Having a career journal will keep you organized and focused on your career goals as well as helping you be ready for the next career opportunity.

When are you going to start a career journal?  

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