Which stage of career development involves actively pursuing desired job positions?

The stage of career development that involves actively pursuing desired job positions is the establishment stage. During this phase, individuals typically have gained the necessary education and skills, and they begin to apply for jobs that align with their career goals. It is characterized by taking concrete actions to achieve career objectives, such as job applications, interviews, and networking.

In the establishment stage, individuals focus on solidifying their roles within chosen careers, often moving beyond initial job placements to seek advancement opportunities. This is when they are committed to building their professional identities and reputations, making strategic career moves, and achieving a sense of stability and growth in their chosen fields.

In contrast, the awareness stage is about recognizing the various career options and understanding one’s interests without yet taking action. The exploration stage involves researching and considering different career paths, which may include internships and other experiences that provide insight but do not yet involve actively applying for specific positions. The maintenance stage occurs later in one’s career, focusing on sustaining job performance and managing career trajectory, but not actively seeking new positions.