An inspiration board for
your career goal
Programa de formación
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Flipchart paper or a large sheet of heavyweight paper (ideally A3 size)
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A large piece of cardboard or corkboard
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A computer file, Pinterest board or digital whiteboard
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Printed pictures from the internet, press photos (from magazines or newspapers), etc.
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Tape or glue
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Markers and pens in different colours
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Computer and internet access
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Optional: coloured paper, textures, photos, colour swatches, sticky notes, text and other inspiring materials.
30-60 minutes
What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?
An inspiration board is a collection of images, words, symbols, magazine clippings, textures, quotes, drawings, colour swatches and visual elements relating to your personal career goals, interests and future direction. Each image can offer a different perspective, inspiring meaningful reflections and providing motivation, empowerment, and energy. Inspiration boards help you stay on track with your career planning, providing inspiration during your job search, when receiving feedback, and when facing obstacles or feeling stuck.
Steps for using this tool
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
Think about your career goals and what you want to achieve.
Prepare the board and materials you need for your work. The board can be made of paper, cardboard or cork. Alternatively, it can be electronic or based on Pinterest.
Explore different online and printed resources to find images that reflect your career goals or 'dream career'. You could use magazine photos, markers, fabrics, computer graphics, images from the internet, play money, sticky notes or any other materials that visually represent the direction you want to pursue. As you collect materials, ask yourself:
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What kind of feelings and emotions could be associated with my career? Are there any colours, shapes or items that could inspire you?
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What symbols and images represent my career goal?
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What inspires, empowers and energises me, and makes me feel positive?
Start layering images, text, letter cut-outs and other materials to create your inspiration board. Continue working until you are happy with the result. Finally, glue everything onto the paper to finish your inspiration board.
Reflect on the images you have chosen and the overall board.
Take a picture of your board to carry it with you.
Tips and hints for using this tool
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Update the vision board whenever necessary.
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You can look at the vision board before important events, such as job interviews.
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Leave the board overnight, then look at it again the next day and make any final updates before finalising it.
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You can share an invitation link to your inspiration board and encourage your social media followers to comment on it.
References:
ServiceDigiCulture. (n.d.). Inspiration board. ServiceDigiCulture Toolkit and Training. Retrieved from https://www.servicedigiculture.eu/toolkit-inspiration-board
Tschimmel et al., (2017) D – Think Toolkit. Design Thinking Applied to Education and Training. (p. 143). Retrieved from:
