Using a Decision-Making Model for a Career Change

Introduction: Decisions and Their Consequences

An individual's life, it is often said, is nothing but a reflection of the choices that were made. Individuals who make well-considered decisions are more likely to feel content and fulfilled, whereas those who are driven by impulse often end up taking many wrong turns in life. This observation is especially true of decisions made at critical junctures, such as one's choice of career. I recently had occasion to become highly sensitized to this fact when I was faced with a decision pertaining to my current career with the Navy. Although there were several aspects of my Navy service that afforded a feeling of contentment, I had begun to wonder whether I could lead a more fulfilling life through a career in business management at a multinational firm.

Since I was acutely aware of the importance of the decision I was about to make, I felt it was only prudent to let my reasoning be guided by a recognized and effective decision-making model. With this in mind, I researched various models and ultimately settled on the "Assess-Explore-Decide-Act" model as the one best suited for my purposes. I chose this particular model because it offered four clear steps designed to bring clarity to career decisions (UNSW, 2004).

Selecting a Decision-Making Model

I was also well aware that I would need to apply strong critical thinking skills at each stage of the process. As Parsons, one of the founding fathers of the counseling profession, once observed: "In the wise choice of a vocation there are three broad factors: (1) a clear understanding of yourself…; (2) a knowledge of the requirements…of success, advantages and disadvantages…; (3) true reasoning on the relations of these two groups of facts" (Hartung & Blustein, cited in Parsons, 2002).

Determined to thoroughly analyze my reasoning at each step, I began by assessing the outcomes I desired from a career (UNSW, 2004). I defined my desired outcome as a career in management — ideally with opportunities for global exposure — that would allow me to experience the people and cultures of different parts of the world. In addition, I realized that I wanted a career permitting more of a family life, an area that is significantly constrained by a Navy career.

Step One: Assessing Career Outcomes and Self

During this self-assessment phase, I also identified my key strengths: an analytical mind, strong organizational ability, and well-developed interpersonal skills — all well suited for a managerial role. However, I recognized a significant obstacle: I currently held only a high school diploma. This meant I would need to pursue a postgraduate degree in business management before qualifying for a management position at a multinational firm.

The next step was to identify and explore the options available to best achieve my professional and personal goals (UNSW, 2004). My first option was to remain with the Navy and advance through its management hierarchy. The second option was to leave the Navy entirely and focus on obtaining a postgraduate degree in business management. With both paths in mind, I gathered information on entry-level management opportunities available to MBA graduates in both the business world and the Navy. The data I compiled included the courses available to attain the required qualifications, the financial costs involved, the likely compensation structures for management roles, and the scope for travel and global experience.