In addition to the many excellent career counselors and advisers, modern-day job seekers often make use of a career planning system to help them move in the right direction. These systems vary quite a bit, ranging from skill assessment and interest testing to personality analysis and education searches.

But most, if not all, have one goal – helping the applicant or job seeker find a rewarding position without a lot of wasted time and effort.

Some entries in the career planning system are excellent products from private companies. For a fee, these programs can help job hunters identify their real interests and passions, as well as help determine the skills the individual has to offer.

A percentage of these companies have systems that can be shipped to the individual for use at home. The package may contain workbooks, CDs, videos or DVDs. Included in the package will be detailed guidelines for self-study and self-assessment.

Other companies offer their career planning system as a Web-based, interactive program. The fee is usually paid by credit card or other electronic method. Many of these contain similar information, assessment tests, career explanations and so on, just as with the printed material mentioned above.

In addition to the private-company plans, a university may offer its own career planning system, aimed at those who want to explore different fields of work or want to change occupations. However, the university plans will also have extensive information and assessment material designed for those choosing a college-to-career path. These can be an excellent activity for recent high school graduates and community college graduates.

A perfect partner to the formal career planning system should include a less-formal, self-designed “system.” This plan should definitely include attendance at one or more career day events. As you prepare for these, keep in mind that professional appearance is quite important.

In addition to giving some thought to the clothes that will be worn, a visit to a career day event should always include some research into the employers who will be present at the event. While it may not be productive to spend a lot of time on all the details, more information is generally better than none or too little. Representatives will remember those who have solid knowledge of the business that may be their employer for life.

One of the items in every career planning system should be an organized, complete resume. Always have more than one copy available. Don’t be caught without a resume, in a situation that could open doors to a new career. As part of the resume tool, plan to submit your resume by electronic means (email, Web site). Many experts in the career-planning field note that a few employers discourage paper resumes. Computer access and familiarity with electronic communication are important parts of a career planning system.

Career planning portfolios are like resumes in scrapbook form. They are collections people put together to show their abilities, skills and achievements.

Career planning portfolios are extremely useful marketing tools because they are solid evidence of accomplishments. Traditionally career planning portfolios have been used by creative artists, actors and photographers. But they can also be used by journalists, business people and technicians.

Today many people have their career planning portfolios on computer disc. Career planning portfolios have become so important to modern job applicants that many high schools and colleges require students to assemble portfolios as a requirement for graduation.

What can career planning portfolios do?

* Demonstrate what you have accomplished in previous jobs or assignments, or even as a volunteer.

* Showcase your skills and abilities.
* Give you extra confidence as you prepare for an interview.

* What should be included in career planning portfolios? Of course, this depends on what skills, abilities and accomplishments you want to bring to the potential employer’s attention.

Here are some suggestions.

* Educational transcripts
* All diplomas, degrees and certificates
* Letters of recommendation
* Awards and certificates of merit
* Letters of commendation, letters of thanks
* Newspaper or magazine articles about your achievements
* Professional licenses, registrations and certificates
* Photographs
* Work performance records and job evaluations
* Programs from conventions or conferences you helped organize
* Work samples

When people are assembling career planning portfolios, they should keep in mind that portfolios must be flexible, and can be customized to suit the interview situation. There are a variety of options for packaging.

Some people use photo albums or binders. Others prefer accordion folders. Some portfolios can be stored on disc.

If you do use a computer disc, take your own laptop to the interview and be sure the battery is charged.

Be sure to write clear and concise captions for each item contained in your portfolio. The caption should help specify the skills used for that particular accomplishment.

Example: This is the certificate I was awarded by a local charitable organization for raising $5,000 for the town hospital. Next to the certificate is a photograph of me with fellow fundraisers at the dance and dinner I organized.

Highlight your achievements. When you prepare for the interview, be sure you can easily access those materials you especially want to show the interviewer. It’s a good idea to have a table of contents in your portfolio.

For information on how to construct a portfolio, check with the Educational Resource Information Center (ERIC). You can also get assistance from the Portfolio Library and other websites that are sponsored by university career centers and offer help to job seekers.

Never fear, if you have an interest in becoming a professional wedding planner, there is no shortage of information on a career in wedding planning. In fact, to say that this is a growing field is an understatement.

Over the past couple of decades, this career path has captured the imagination and interest of hundreds of hard-working people who offer their services at one of life’s biggest moments.

Probably the best piece of information on a career in wedding planning is this (at least according to many experts in the field): If you have the enthusiasm and the people skills, you can succeed as a wedding planner. But the first thing to do is understand just what is required of the professional planner.

A list of some key points might include:

* Enjoy working closely with people
* Enthusiasm for planning big parties is essential
* Negotiating ideas (and prices) is critical
* Mediate disagreements over details
* Arrange the small details and activities, all of them, and stay calm

The wedding planner will need some solid knowledge of the traditions and requirements of various religions, since the wedding is most certainly a faith-based event. The task of gathering information on a career in wedding planning has to involve keeping up with the industry through the many bridal and party-planning magazines, as well as through continuous networking among the residents of the community. Understanding the traditions and customs on which the society is built is very important.

But so is knowing what is new, and what the bride and family will expect to make the wedding better than any other.

Another very important piece of information on a career in wedding planning: Don’t expect to work “regular” hours. Most wedding planners and bridal consultants work long days, sometimes 12-14 hours when necessary.

Weekends and evenings are common work times, though the downtime during the week may compensate for this somewhat. Tip: Income is generally 10 percent of the cost of the wedding.

While there is some opportunity to study in this field, many wedding planners and consultants got into the industry through something related to weddings, such as clothing or floral design, interior decorating and so on.

Most experts will strongly urge market research to find out if someone else is offering the service in the area and to determine if you can build a business over time. There is a nationwide Association of Bridal Consultants that is considered the official organization of the wedding industry. This and similar organizations can help with additional information on a career in wedding planning.