A visual representation of career,
jobs and industries of interest
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A sheet of paper, ideally A3 size, and heavier weight, or a cork board, computer file or Pinterest, or digital whiteboard if working virtually.
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Optional: coloured papers and pencils/ pens/ markers, glue. textures, photos, colour swatches, sticky notes, magazine to be cut for pictures and text, and any other inspiring materials.
60 minutes
What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?
A vision board represents individual’s desired future jobs, industries, careers, and learning paths that align with skills, interests and goals. It is a visual reminder and motivator for career goals, helping to stay on track and focused while working towards them. A vision board is a collage containing images, quotes, words, photos, affirmations, magazine clippings, textures and drawings that inspire and motivate while working on one’s career path.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Take a large sheet of paper, ideally A3 size, or another surface on which to create your vision board. Prepare your materials, such as pictures from magazines and photos, as well as markers, images and graphics from computer files and internet searches.
Define the purpose of your vision board and your career goal. For example, does it represent a specific job, industry or career path? Is education part of it? Your goal should be aligned with both your current skills and interests and your potential future skills. Write your goal as a heading at the top of the paper.
Collect inspiration keeping your career goal in mind: Look for images, words, symbols, colours, and other materials that represent your career goals, skills, and interests, both directly and metaphorically. You could start by asking yourself:
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Which roles match your strengths and which industries align with your interests? What do these roles look like? How do they make you feel? Which words could describe them?
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Which courses, training, or education might you pursue? What pictures and words represent these?
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What skills, characteristics, mindset, mentality and personality traits will you need for your future career?
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Where do you see yourself in the future?
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How does your future job or career make you feel?
You can also include time-related information, such as a timeline of your goals for the year. Add an 'anchor', a visual symbol, word, or image that immediately reminds you of your main career goal and helps you stay focused.
Take a moment to check whether the board reflects your true vision. Does it motivate you, excite you, and trigger positive emotions?
Continue working on the vision board until you are happy with it. Leave it overnight and review it again the next day. Make any final adjustments before securing everything in place.
Steps for using this tool
Tips and hints for using this tool
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Revisit and update your vision board regularly. A vision board is a living tool. Add, remove or rearrange elements as you grow, learn and adapt.
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Photograph each version of your vision board. Keeping a record allows you to look back and see which goals you have already achieved and how your vision has changed.
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Use your vision board to articulate your career goals. You can use it to help you in job interviews and it can also be included in your portfolio, on your website or on your LinkedIn profile.
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Share your vision board with others and ask for their feedback. Their insights may help you to refine your goals further.
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Tailor your vision board to a specific employer when needed. For example, if you are preparing for a presentation or interview.
