We may define career as the "occupational positions a person has had over many years." Many people look back on their careers, knowing that what they might have achieved they did achieve, and that their career goals were satisfied. Others are less fortunate and feel that, at least in their careers, their lives and their potential went unfulfilled.

Employers have a big effect on employees' careers. Some institute formal career man­agement processes, while others do little. We can define career management as a process for enabling employees to better understand and develop their career skills and interests and to use these skills and interests most effectively both within the company and after they leave the firm. Specific career management activities might include providing realis­tic career-oriented appraisals, posting open jobs, and offering formal career development activities. Career development is the lifelong series of activities (such as workshops) that contribute to a person's career exploration, establishment, success, and fulfillment.

Career planning is the deliberate process through which someone becomes aware of his or her personal skills, interests, knowledge, motivations, and other characteristics; acquires infor­mation about opportunities and choices; identifies career-related goals; and establishes action plans to attain specific goals.

Career management as a process for enabling employees to better understand and develop their career skills and interests, and to use these skills and interests most effectively both within the company and after they leave the firm.