An overview of strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats in a career ecosystem
Programa de formación
3 hours
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A flip‑chart or a whiteboard or large sheets of paper (minimum size A3, or multiple sheets taped together).
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Sticky notes
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Markers in different colours
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Tape and possibly adhesive putty
What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?
The SWOT analysis examines how a person fits into a certain labour market, their current position, and the most important opportunities and challenges. This helps to understand how environmental factors affect employment and educational opportunities, with the aim of creating more realistic career plans containing clear, actionable steps.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Create a SWOT analysis using a whiteboard or a large sheet of paper. Draw a four-box grid. Write 'Strengths' (S) in the top left box, 'Weaknesses' (W) in the top right, 'Opportunities' (O) in the bottom left and 'Threats' (T) in the bottom right. Strengths and weaknesses relate to you, while opportunities and threats relate to the environment. The environment can refer to the environment in general or a specific region. If you are focusing on a particular region, write its name above the SWOT analysis table.
Fill in each box with information about yourself and your environment/labour ecosystem. Use bullet points or short sentences. Alternatively, you can write your findings directly on sticky notes, which are easy to replace and move around.
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Strengths: What are you good at? What qualifications and experience do you have? Add anything else that might be important.
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Weaknesses: What are your gap areas? In which areas do you lack skills or competencies? Are there any challenges in your personal life? Add anything else that you think might be important.
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Opportunities: What job, career, training, and educational opportunities are available in your region? Which sectors and organisations operate in the area? What networks and support services are available, and is there anything else you think might be important?
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Threats: What kind of labour market threats and negative societal trends exist? What external constraints do you face, such as those relating to transport and childcare?
Observe your SWOT analysis and write down five realistic scenarios related to your chosen career environment. These may be neutral, positive or limiting. What opportunities or limitations does your environment create for you? What other features should you consider when planning your career path? Based on these, what actions should you take to proceed with your career options? Save your findings for the phases 4- Career path opportunity identification and 5- Planning and implementation of the Career Compass toolkit.
Steps for using this tool
Tips and hints for using this tool
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You can find information about the environment online. You can also use AI, but be critical of the results.
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You can review and update your SWOT analysis regularly. Using sticky notes is a practical way to do this.
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SWOT analysis was originally developed by Albert Humphrey at Stanford University in 1965.
