A few decades ago, most college graduates sought jobs with large employers for a lifetime of employment and generous retirement benefits. The environment today is radically different. Jobs are not for life and individuals need to reinvent themselves constantly. Everyone must sharpen their skill set on a continual basis to stay relevant and earn a living.

To combat this, the Scottish Framework for Career Management was designed to support us to develop our career management skills, so that we can plot our own career pathways, develop our networks to support our career goals and identify the skills we will need to achieve these goals. In essence, through developing these skills, it should be easier for us to manage our career progression, and to secure the job we want. The framework is made up of skills, attitudes and capabilities that help support an individual to achieve career success. 

These skills are grouped under four themes:

• Self – Achieving a clear understanding of who you are, what is important to you and how you fit into the world around you.
• Strengths – Developing an understanding of what you’re good at and how you can use your strengths.
• Horizons – Learning to visualise, plan and achieve career aspirations throughout your entire working life.
• Networks – Understanding the importance of work and social relationships in building your career.

When combined, these competence areas describe a series of overlapping skills, attitudes and capabilities that support an individual’s career pathways. It is not expected or necessary that every individual should excel in all these areas at every point in their lives. Individuals are likely to exploit their strengths and use the competences that are most appropriate to their career stage and goals.

What is the aim of the Framework?

The Framework aims to:

• Define and describe career management skills so individuals can more easily recognise and articulate their skills.
• Support self-reflection so decisions are considered and appropriate, and 
• Recognise existing skills, strengths, and areas for development.

Career management skills are pivotal to enabling individuals to make and take on going decisions about work and learning that will shape their personal career journeys.

A tool called the Career Model Canvas has been developed to match the four themes of the Scottish Framework for Career Management Skills (CMS). In this WebQuest you will be tasked with filling out the Career Model Canvas for yourself to pinpoint how suitable your current skills and networks are for supporting your career success, as well as to identify what potential additional steps you will need to take in order to ensure your career success.

You can use the Career Model Canvas almost like a vision board, and to help you to plan what you want your future to look like, and how you will get there!

People develop career management skills in different ways and different rates. Developing career management skills is a continuous process that requires proactive engagement, self-awareness, and a commitment to growth. By investing in these skills, individuals gain the ability to make informed decisions, adapt to changes, and navigate their career journeys successfully. The Career Model Canvas is a tool that can help with this.

Identifying what is important to you both in your personal and professional life will help you narrow your focus on what future career is best suited to your goals. Your efforts will help you narrow your career focus and help ensure you are in a career that aligns with both your personal goals and professional aspirations.

Fill out the Career Model Canvas template. Some people prefer to print it out and write on it, while others type in their answers. Choose whatever suits you best.  At your own pace, we will work through each section at a time.

Good luck! Your chosen career is waiting for you!

We will work through the steps needed to fill out the Career Model Canvas. As there are eight sections, this might feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, it’s a lot easier to complete than it first appears!

Step 1: Decide what career or job you want to work in

The Career Model Canvas has eight sections that must be filled in. The first section is the job title or career that you want to work in. It can be extremely difficult to figure out what you want to do as a career and many adults spend their whole life trying to figure out what they want to do. As a young adult the pressure of choosing your chosen career can be immense. But using the career Compass Model can really assist you in narrowing your focus.

Read the following articles on deciding what you want to do and how to choose a career to help you do this:

• How to choose a career: https://www.coursera.org/articles/how-to-choose-a-career  
• How to choose a career in 7 simple steps: https://youtu.be/zhpcgpqWc1Q  
• What do I want to do?: https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-do-i-want

Step 2: Fill out the ‘Key Partners’ section of the Career Model Compass

When you have chosen the career or job you want to do, the next section that must be filled out is the Key Partners section. This includes an overview of networks in your region, nationally and across Europe where you can access advice on this potential career. Networking provides access to up-to-date industry insights and trends. By connecting with professionals actively working in your desired field, you can stay informed about the latest developments, technologies, and emerging opportunities. This knowledge helps you align your skills, education, and experiences with the current and future needs of the industry.

Some of the following links show the kind of career networks that are available. But try to find networks that are operational in your local area:

• Find your job in Europe: https://europeanjobdays.eu/en 
• ‘Graduateland’ is Europe’s largest career portal for students and graduates: https://graduateland.com 
• How to find a job in Europe: https://youthforeurope.eu/how-to-find-a-job-in-an-european-country/ 

Step 3: Fill out the ‘Key Attributes’ Section of the Career Model Canvas

Here you should list the key personal attributes that you have, that will be useful for your new career. You should describe who you are and what you can bring to this role. You should make a list of things that make up your personality which are important to you and will help you decide what career would suit you. Identifying your key attributes involves a process of self-reflection and evaluation. There are some steps to help you discover and understand your key attributes and they include doing things like reflecting on your personal experiences, previous accomplishments and feedback you have received from others. Ask people close to you like friends or family for their honest feedback as to what your key personal attributes are. Review your past experiences or accomplishments and ask yourself what parts of you were key to helping you achieve those accomplishments.

Sometimes it can be difficult to put a name on your personal attributes. It can help to read through a list of strengths and attributes and tick off the ones that apply to you. You can also show this list to friends or family and ask them to tick off the attributes they think match you. 

Don’t forget that identifying your key attributes is an ongoing process and may require ongoing reflection and refinement. When you regularly assess your skills and attributes it can help you to adapt to changing circumstances and discover new strengths and qualities that you may not even realised that you had.

• 10 essential skills you’ll need for career success: https://www.colorado.edu/today/2019/04/17/10-essential-skills-youll-need-career-success 
• Future proof your career: https://youtu.be/JVQ7RAr83ag 
• Top 10 skills that will help you get that job: https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/skills-for-getting-a-job/what-are-top-10-skills-thatll-get-you-job-when-you-graduate 
• Identifying skills and upskilling: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/identifying-skills-and-upskilling 

Step 4: Fill out the ‘Key Values’ Section of the Career Model Canvas

Here you should list what is important to you in a career, and in life.  List your intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and state what your personal goals are for this new career. Discovering your key values and understanding how they influence your chosen career is a process of self-reflection and evaluation. There are many steps to help you identify your key values and recognise their impact on your career. Some of these include reflecting on your personal priorities and how they influence your choice of a chosen career. 

It’s important to reflect on your core beliefs, principles and what brings you a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction both in your personal and professional life. Take time to reflect on the aspects of your job that are non-negotiable or essential to you. Understanding your key values and their influence on your chosen career is crucial for finding meaning and satisfaction in your work. By aligning your career choices with your values, you can create a more fulfilling and purpose-driven professional life. Regular self-reflection and reassessment of your values can help ensure that your career remains aligned with your evolving priorities and principles.

 
Read the following articles on motivation, and goal setting, which you might find helpful:

• What is the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation? https://www.verywellmind.com/differences-between-extrinsic-and-intrinsic-motivation-2795384 
• Understanding intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: https://au.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/intrinsic-extrinsic-motivation 
• Understanding the power of intrinsic motivation: https://hbr.org/2023/03/understand-the-power-of-intrinsic-motivation 
• A complete guide to goal setting: https://youtu.be/XpKvs-apvOs  
• How to set personal and career goals: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/setting-goals-to-improve-your-career 

Step 5: Fill out the ‘Value Proposition’ Section of the Career Model Canvas

Great work so far! You are now onto step five of the Career Model Canvas. In this section you should list your key strengths, taking time to highlight the skills and experiences that you can bring to this new career.  You should try to answer the question: ‘What sets me apart from other candidates in this role?’

Read the following articles on identifying your strengths and how to set yourself apart from other job candidates:

• How do you identify your strengths?: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/identifying-strengths 
• 5 ways to identify your personal strengths: https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-to-choose-my-next-step/school/5-ways-to-find-out-what-you-re-good-at/ 
• How to set yourself apart from other job candidates:  https://www.biospace.com/article/how-to-set-yourself-apart-from-other-job-candidates-/ 
• How to answer the ‘what makes you unique question: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-answer-what-makes-you-unique-at-an-interview-4774378 

Step 6: Fill out the ‘Soft Skills’ Section of the Career Model Canvas

The next section to fill out is soft skills; Here you should list the soft skills that you have and identify how they can be used in this new career. Soft skills are abilities and attributes you have as a person that makes you an effective person who works with others. Some soft skills include things like communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills.  Soft skills are extremely important to an employer and the softer skills a person has the more impressive they are to an employer. But it can be hard to think about the soft skills you possess. Take time to reflect on your experiences and interactions in various settings, such as work, school, or personal relationships. Consider instances where you excelled or felt confident in certain areas. Ask yourself what your strengths are when it comes to working with others?

Seek feedback from your friends and family or mentors. Ask them about your strengths and areas where they think you excel in terms of interpersonal skills or working with others. Remember that soft skills are transferable and can be developed and refined over time. It’s also important to note that self-assessment is subjective, and your perception of your own skills may differ from how others perceive them. Regular self-reflection, seeking feedback, and continuously working on improving your soft skills can help you develop a more accurate understanding of your strengths and areas for growth.

You might find the following articles on soft skills helpful:

• What are soft skills? https://resources.workable.com/hr-terms/what-are-soft-skills
• How to highlight your soft skills: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-are-soft-skills-2060852
• 7 ways to sharpen your soft skills: https://post.edu/blog/7-ways-to-sharpen-your-soft-skills/ 

Step 7: Fill out the ‘Transferrable Skills’ Section of the Career Model Canvas

Phew… You’re doing great. Just a few more steps to go before you have completed the Career Model Canvas! The next section is Transferrable Skills. Transferrable skills are skills that you have gained from other experiences in your life. They could be from playing an instrument, playing a team sport, from a volunteering role, from one of your hobbies, extra-curricular activities, or part time job. 

These skills are just as important to an employer as the skills you have picked up through your education, and sometimes even more important! Include examples of how you will use these transferrable skills in your new career. For example, if you play a team sport you are very familiar with teamwork and communication skills. Explain how you will apply these skills in your new job. Remember, you may have more transferrable skills than you are even aware of! Make a list of your transferrable skills so you are aware of them and how you can apply them to your new role.

• Identifying your transferrable skills: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2022/08/16/changing-careers-identify-your-transferable-skills-in-three-simple-steps/?sh=79296489568b 
• How to identify your transferrable skills: https://youtu.be/7heQ4y_Co-I 
• How to use transferrable skills to land your next job: https://www.coursera.org/articles/transferable-skills 

Step 8: Fill out the ‘Revenue’ section of the Career Model Canvas

The next section is Revenue. Here you should research and summarise the salary potential of this role and estimate the opportunities for advancement in this sector for your own career. Researching the salary potential of your future career involves gathering information from various sources to gain insights into the typical earnings and compensation in your chosen field. Look at job postings and recruitment agencies that specialize in your target industry. Engage with professionals who are already working in your desired career field.  Pay attention to the salary information provided in job descriptions, as employers often disclose salary ranges to attract qualified candidates.

Keep in mind that salaries can vary based on geographical location. Research the local job market and cost of living in the areas where you plan to work, as this can impact salary expectations. Remember that salary potential is influenced by several factors, including your qualifications, experience level, geographic location, company size, industry demand, and negotiation skills. It’s essential to gather multiple sources of information to form a well-rounded understanding of salary expectations within your future career field.

Read the following articles on job salaries and how to figure out how much you should be getting paid:

• Asking for a salary range: https://www.betterup.com/blog/asking-for-a-salary-range  
• Six ways to figure out how much you should be getting paid: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/02/6-ways-to-figure-out-how-much-you-should-be-getting-paid.html 
• How to find a salary range for a job: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/how-to-find-salary-ranges-for-jobs 

Step 9: Fill out the ‘Growth Potential’ section of the Career Model Canvas

The final stage in the Career Model Canvas is Growth Potential. This section asks you to think about the potential growth of your chosen career. Begin by researching and estimating the potential growth in this sector in your country, across Europe and globally. The growth potential in a career depends on various factors such as industry trends, demand for specific skills, technological advancements, and economic conditions.  A career with growth potential provides avenues for continuous learning and skill development. It may involve opportunities for professional training, certifications, workshops, or further education to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. The ability to expand your knowledge and expertise is essential for career growth. Consideration of the industry’s growth and demand for specific skills is also crucial. A career in a high-growth industry or in a field with a shortage of skilled professionals is more likely to offer rich opportunities for career advancement. It’s important to note that growth potential can vary across industries, companies, and individual circumstances. Factors such as job market conditions, economic trends, personal performance, networking, and seizing opportunities can significantly influence one’s career growth potential.

Read the following links on career growth and how to ensure you choose a career that has growth potential:

• How to make sure your next job offers career growth: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecenizalevine/2018/08/30/how-to-make-sure-your-next-job-offers-career-growth/?sh=4819031a33a6
• Tips on progressing your career: https://www.roberthalf.com.au/career-advice/career-development/progression
  Level up employee career growth: https://www.zavvy.io/blog/career-growth 

Step 10: Career Model Canvas completion

Well Done! Now that you have completed your Career Model Canvas you should feel more confident about beginning your journey towards your new career. The Career Model Canvas works best when you continue to reflect on it and ensure that your career is still fulfilling your needs. Print it out and put it somewhere you can see every day.

Let’s talk about what you have learned:

• Did you find this activity a useful way to map your future career prospects?
• Do you feel the Career Model Canvas is something that you can use going forward?
• Mention 3 things you have learned about career management and how will you use this information in the future?

Congratulations! Not only have you filled out the Career Model Canvas, but you have used it to identify your key skills and characteristics that will help make you stand out in the job market! Get ready to secure your dream job!