Which term refers to the ongoing process whereby an individual sets career goals and identifies the means to achieve them?

• A. Career Development
• B. Career Planning
• C. Training and Development
• D. Compensation Programs

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is an ongoing, self-directed process in which a person defines where they want their career to go and lays out the steps to get there. This is career planning. It’s about setting goals and mapping concrete actions—like gaining specific experiences, pursuing education or certifications, seeking mentors, and choosing suitable roles—and then revisiting and adjusting them as circumstances change.

Career planning is distinct from career development, which is a broader, often organizationally supported journey of growth and progression, sometimes outside the individual’s own fixed goals. Training and development focuses on acquiring new skills, not necessarily on plotting long-term career steps. Compensation programs relate to pay structures and benefits, not career goals or plans.