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Blu Ripples Career Counselling: Making the Dream happen! (Part 2)

Making The Dream Happen Part 2: Exploring and Establishing Your Goals: Career Counselling Blog Author Katherine Foster

There is an old saying, “Life is what you make it”.  Thus, life is about ideas and concepts and putting them into action so that we can make our dreams a reality.  Thus, ones question to you is, What Is Your Dream Job and How Are You Planning On Achieving It?

Some readers may have a very clear answer, and others may have a rough idea.  That’s OK.  Let’s start with defining the rough idea.

Step 1:             Clearly Define Your Dream Job

Let’s say your rough idea is “I want to be a Doctor”.  That is a wonderful ambition, but it is a very broad statement.  Let’s try and define this idea a little more.

1.1

What type of doctor do you want to be?

  • A generalist or specialist?
  • If you want to be a specialist, what type of specialist?
  • Be specific for example Oncologist
1.2

Where do you want to work?

  • Locally, interstate, internationally
1.3

Who do you want to work with?

  • A well-known and respected specialist in your chosen field?
  • A large or small group of colleagues? How many people make up this group?
1.4

Who do you want to work for?

  • A well-known specialist – private practice
  • Private or public hospital
  • General practice
  • Medical institute or research centre
  • Country (Regional) Hospital
1.5

What hours do you want to work?

  • A standard 8-hour shift over 5 days
  • Shift work/ rotating roster
  • 12 hours per day for a week or two and then have 3 or 4 days off
1.6How long are you willing to study for?
1.7What is your anticipated salary range upon graduation and let’s say in 10-15 years’ time?

OK,  so now you have defined and refined your Dream Job let’s break this down into two goals – First the big picture goal and secondly the first step goal.

Big Picture Goal

In 2025 I will be a highly successful, educated and practising Oncologist working with Peter Macallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne Australia, earning $200K pa.

First Step Goal

Achieve a UAI score of 95 in my HSC (2010), to apply and be accepted into Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery with Sydney University, Kingston campus, commencing my studies in 2011.

In closing, whilst this blog focused on a hypothetical aspiration of a Doctor the same principles apply to all positions.

Finally, remember if you are having difficulty defining a rough career concept, Blu Ripples offers Career Interest and Personality Testing to help you determine possible career options based on your skills and interests.  Why not call and make an appointment today?

Katherine Foster - Blu Ripples Founder; Published Self-Care Author; Professional Member CDAA, Member of ACA and Student Member of ASORC

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (2010 Version)

Katherine is the Founder of Blu Ripples, a Counselling practice in Sydney, NSW.

Initially commencing in 2003 as HR Aspects (Career Consulting Practice), Katherine rebranded her business to Blu Ripples in 2009 to incorporate Personal, Career and Workplace Counselling Services into her practice.

Katherine is a nationally registered Counsellor and a current Member of the Australian Counselling Association. 

Before commencing her private practice in 2003, Katherine predominantly worked in Human Resources and Administration.

© 2010 - Katherine Foster T/as Blu Ripples 
Updated 20 Oct 2023; Originally Posted 1 Oct 2010
Katherine's Photograph: 2023

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Blu Ripples Career Counselling: Making the Dream Happen (Part 3)

In this edition of Making the Dream Happen we explore Career Options to achieve your ultimate career goal. Author: Katherine Foster

In Blu Ripple’s previous Blog, Making the Dream Happen (Part 2), one encouraged you to define your rough idea into a SMART Goal both in terms of the big picture and the first small step capacity.

Assuming you have undertaken the first step, it is the appropriate time to determine your path.   Using the example outlined in Part 2, Oncologist, one perceives that you believe there is only one way to achieve this outcome.  Well, I am here to tell you there is always more than one way. It depends on how hard we look and investigate our options.

Did one get your attention?  Yes, there is always another way to achieve your dreams!

The first step in becoming an Oncologist is to attain your Bachelor of Medicine and then specialise – correct? 

Well, not necessarily!

What if you don’t get into the Bachelor of Medicine – then what? 

What other options are open to you?

Other options may include applying to your preferred university as a Registered Nurse (RN) or at TAFE as an Enrolled Nurse (EN); or how about applying for a Paramedic’s position with the Ambulance Service?

Once you have obtained your alternate qualification and a certain amount of experience, you can apply to your preferred university for a placement in the Bachelor of Medicine. You will likely receive credits (Recognised Prior Learning Credits).  Alternatively, you could get into University as an RN or Paramedic. Then, after a year and if you maintain a high-grade average, you can change your course to the Bachelor of Medicine if you have undertaken a certain amount of similar units (RPLs also apply in this situation).  But speak to your university first about this to know what is involved.

One’s advice to you is that only your perception stops you from achieving your dreams – don’t give up on your plan. Find an alternative path to make it happen and if you are struggling contact us and schedule a Career Counselling or Career Planning and Report Session.

Katherine Foster - Blu Ripples Founder; Published Self-Care Author; Professional Member CDAA, Member of ACA and Student Member of ASORC

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (2010 Version)

Katherine is the Founder of Blu Ripples, a Counselling practice in Sydney, NSW.

Initially commencing in 2003 as HR Aspects (Career Consulting Practice), Katherine rebranded her business to Blu Ripples in 2009 to incorporate Personal, Career and Workplace Counselling Services into her practice.

Katherine is a nationally registered Counsellor and a current Member of the Australian Counselling Association. 

Before commencing her private practice in 2003, Katherine predominantly worked in Human Resources and Administration.

© 2011 - Katherine Foster T/as Blu Ripples 
Updated 19 Oct 2023; Original Post 7 Feb 2011
Katherine's Photograph: 2023

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Insightful Career Counselling Blogs

Career Counselling Blogs by Author Katherine Foster

Career insights to help you thrive in your journey!

Discover our engaging Career Counselling blogs, a treasure trove of insights, wisdom, and shared experiences designed to empower you on your career journey, no matter what stage you’re in. We delve into a range of essential topics, including job applications, recruitment strategies, effective career planning and management, labour market trends, and in-depth career exploration. Our content also addresses critical areas such as employment transitions, separation, redundancy, navigating career life cycles, and how to verify the credentials of career development practitioners and career counsellors. Learn about defining your career path, setting and achieving your career goals, and understanding how your personality type influences your professional journey.

Let Blu Ripples guide you towards a thriving career!

Discover our inspiring and insightful Career Counselling Blogs

Scroll down to uncover our captivating collection of Career Counselling blog articles that offer valuable insights! Select the one that captures your attention, and simply click the “Click Here” button to dive deeper and enhance your understanding. Your Career journey begins right here!

Should I apply for jobs now or wait until the Coronavirus runs its course?

Join us for an engaging discussion on navigating job applications, understanding boom and bust industries, addressing labour market challenges, and providing valuable resources for partners of ADF personnel.
Blu Ripples

Career Counselling: Corona Virus: How To Manage and Grow Your Career During The Pandemic

Explore 9 Key Strategies to Manage and Grow Your Career During the Pandemic; Author Katherine Foster was Interviewed by ABC Radio (Hobart) in 2020 on the subject of Career Change as a result of this blog
Blu ripples

Career Counselling and Career Planning: What Is Going On In Our Universities? The Need To Understand Self

Did you know that 53% of all students who undertake a Bachelor’s degree (in Australia) will not complete their course? Why is this occurring? We explore the possibilities and the need to understand ourselves.
Blu ripples

Career Planning and Development for Regional and Rural Community Members

Explore and discuss regional and rural labour markets, job opportunities, areas of growth and development, key transferable skills and more
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Understanding Labour Markets in The Job Search Process

Discover the essential role that labor market information plays in enhancing your job search. Understanding this data can significantly boost your chances of finding the right opportunity.
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Counselling Careers: Opportunities and Trends

Discover crucial national employment trends and invaluable labour market statistics tailored specifically to current and prospective counsellors. Insights include Employment Opportunities by AQF Level, Remuneration Scales by AQF Level and Where Are The Jobs?
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Exploring Counselling As A Profession

The ACA invited one, as a registered Career Development Specialist and Counsellor, to undertake a video interview and article, where one discussed 15 questions about the counselling profession. Read shared insights
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Finding The Right Career Path For You

Two individuals in their 40's embarked on a journey to change their careers, demonstrating three key behaviours that led to their successful transitions. Their story is a powerful example of how determination and the right approach can yield positive outcomes in the pursuit of new opportunities.
Blu ripples

Coping with Employment Termination and Redundancy

Facing termination and redundancy doesn’t have to be a bleak experience! Embrace the opportunity for change, evaluation, learning, and growth to navigate this transition positively and emerge stronger on the other side.
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The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Life lessons can be learned from the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences of work and life. Learn how we can harness them to motivate us to achieve our goals and succeed in our careers.
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Sorting The Chaff From The Wheat

Learn how to verify the legitimacy of Career Development Practitioners in Australia. We will delve into the various occupations within Career Development, highlight key factors to assess your personal needs and desires, outline crucial industry credentials and standards, and emphasize the significance of evaluating the practitioner’s expertise and experience.
Blu ripples

Is Your Career Counsellor Legitmiate?

Finding and connecting with a qualified Career Counsellor can often feel daunting and overwhelming. To simplify the process, explore these 5 essential tips for assessing a Career Counsellor's credentials and experience.
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What Is A Career Counsellor?

Explore what Career Counselling entails, the roles and responsibilities of a Career Counsellor, and how engaging in career counselling can enrich your career path, assist you in reaching your professional objectives, and contribute to your overall success.
Blu ripples

Job Uncertainty In the Australian Labour Market

Explore crucial strategies you can implement today to successfully navigate the turbulent storms of job uncertainty, unpredictable labour markets, and changing economic conditions.
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Why Is It Taking So Long To Find A Job?

Find out the typical duration needed to land a job and explore three main reasons that may explain why it's taking longer than you expected.
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That Job Should Have Been Mine!

Have you recently missed out on a job opportunity, promotion, or transfer? Are you grappling with career disappointment, grief and loss? Take a moment to reflect and embrace these valuable insights.
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Stop The Regrets and Start Pursuing Your Dreams

What dreams have you buried or given up on that would bring you fulfillment, happiness and joy? Sage career advice for following your dreams.
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Workplace Bullying, Abuse, Intimidation and Harrassment Action Plan

Discover our straightforward 5-step action plan designed to empower you in tackling workplace bullying, harassment, and intimidation effectively.
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Making The Dream Happen (Part 3)

In the 3rd edition of Making the Dream Happen we explore RPL's, Career Options and alternate career pathways to achieve your ultimate career goal.
Blu ripples

Creativity In The Recruitment Phase - Is There A Place For It?

A simple and resounding NO!! Discover how "creativity" can lead to significant challenges for applicants - yes that includes you too!
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HELP ME PLEASE!!! I Have No Idea What I Want To Do

Before diving into this article, make sure to gather some A4 paper, pens, and a ruler. You're about to engage in a simple yet powerful brainstorming career exploration activity designed to ignite your creativity and motivation!
Blu ripples

What Role Does Personality Play In Our Career?

In this concise blog, we highlight the benefits of understanding your personality type during your career exploration and advancement stages. Recognising and utilising your unique traits can significantly enhance decision-making, communication, and professional growth.
Blu ripples

Making the Dream Happen (Part 2)

Unlock the path to your ideal career by defining your dream job with clarity. Set ambitious overarching goals and actionable first steps that will empower you to strategically plan and ultimately realise your professional aspirations.
Blu ripples

What Career Path Should I Take?

In this concise blog, explore the vital role of career counselling in guiding you towards the right career path for you.
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Grief and Loss - Employment Termination

Discover how to utilise the SARA Model to effectively navigate and overcome the emotional challenges associated with job loss and separation, ensuring a successful transition to your next opportunity.
Blu ripples

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