📣 Unit Introduction: Determining Direction

“The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating…”
– John Schaar

Many of us wish for a clear, predictable career path, but the reality is more complex. Careers rarely unfold in a straight line or on a fixed timeline. Planning is an ongoing process shaped by both personal choices and external factors.

It's normal to feel uncertain or anxious when the future is unclear. Taking small steps, like working through this unit, can ease overwhelm and build momentum toward your goals.

Purpose of This Unit

This unit supports you at any stage of your career journey through three modules:

• Professional Assets
• External Influences
• Career Planning

Though you can explore them individually, they’re interconnected. Self-awareness—knowing your values, strengths, and interests—is essential. So is understanding the labour market to identify viable opportunities.

We draw on key career development theories, including:

• Self-Directed Career Management (Hirschi, 2012)
• Systems Theory Framework (Patton & McMahon, 2016)
• Chaos Theory of Careers (Bright, 2013)
• Happenstance Learning Theory (Krumboltz, 2009)

This framework emphasizes that career paths are shaped by both intentional planning and chance events. Change and unpredictability are part of the process—but so is growth.

This unit offers tools and strategies to help you reflect, plan, and stay open to possibilities. If you feel stuck, connect with a Career Advisor through LibCal.

Watch: Dr. Jim Bright on career and life uncertainty (10:43).

Take the next step by proceeding to the first module: Professional Assets