Framework: How to make a Career Choice, a Guide to the PIC Decision Making Model
Abstract:
Making career decisions is one of the most significant and challenging tasks in a person’s life. With the ever-increasing complexity of the modern job market, individuals often find themselves overwhelmed by the multitude of options and information available. The PIC (Prescreening, In-depth exploration, and Choice) model, developed by Itamar Gati and Asher, provides a structured, systematic approach to career decision-making. This blog outlines the PIC model in detail, offering practical steps and guiding questions to help you make well-informed and satisfying career choices.
Career decisions can be daunting. With the vast array of options and the significant impact these choices have on our lives, it’s crucial to approach career decision-making methodically. The PIC model is an effective framework designed to simplify and enhance this process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your career choices using the PIC model.
Phase 1: Prescreening
1. Identify Initial Preferences and Constraints
Begin by reflecting on your interests, values, skills, and any constraints that may affect your career choices. Answer these questions to clarify your initial preferences:
- What are my primary interests and passions?
- What values are most important to me in a career (e.g., work-life balance, helping others, high income)?
- What skills and strengths do I possess?
- Are there any constraints I need to consider (e.g., geographic location, financial limitations, health considerations)?
2. Eliminate Clearly Unsuitable Options
Next, eliminate career options that do not align with your preferences and constraints:
- Are there any careers that clearly do not align with my interests and values?
- Which options do not fit my skills and strengths?
- Are there any career paths that are impractical due to my constraints?
3. Create a Short List
After eliminating unsuitable options, compile a shortlist of promising careers:
- What are the top 7–10 careers that seem promising?
- Why do each of these careers seem like a good fit based on my preferences and constraints?
Phase 2: In-depth Exploration
1. Collect Detailed Information
Gather comprehensive information about each career on your shortlist:
- What are the typical job responsibilities and tasks for each career?
- What are the educational and qualification requirements for each career?
- What is the job market outlook and potential salary range for each career?
- What are the working conditions and typical work environments like for these careers?
2. Compare Alternatives
Compare your shortlisted career options using the detailed information you’ve collected:
- How does each career option align with my interests and values?
- How well do my current skills and strengths match the requirements of each career?
- What are the pros and cons of each career option based on the detailed information collected?
- How do the job market outlook and potential salary influence my decision?
3. Assess Fit
Evaluate how well each career option fits your overall preferences and situation:
- Which career options feel like they would be most fulfilling and satisfying?
- Which options seem most feasible given my current situation and resources?
- What additional skills or qualifications might I need to pursue each career option?
Phase 3: Choice
1. Evaluate Alternatives
Conduct a final evaluation of your shortlisted options:
- Based on all the information gathered, which career options stand out as the best matches for me?
- Are there any remaining doubts or uncertainties about these options?
2. Make a Decision
Make your career choice based on thorough evaluations:
- What is my top career choice, and why?
- How confident do I feel about this decision? What factors contribute to this confidence?
Plan Next Steps
Once you’ve made your decision, plan the necessary steps to pursue your chosen career:
- What steps do I need to take to pursue my chosen career (e.g., further education, skill development, job applications)?
- What resources or support do I need to implement these steps?
- What is my timeline for achieving these steps, and how will I track my progress?
Conclusion
The PIC model offers a structured and systematic approach to career decision-making, helping you to manage the overwhelming amount of information and make a well-informed choice. By following the steps and answering the guiding questions, you can confidently navigate the complex process of selecting a career path that aligns with your interests, values, and skills. Whether you’re just starting your career journey or contemplating a change, the PIC model can help you make satisfying and impactful career decisions.
Source and Reference:
Gati, I., Levin, N., & Landman-Tal, S. (2019). Decision-making models and career guidance. International handbook of career guidance, 115–145.
