“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”- Abraham Lincoln

It is important to follow a strategic decision-making process when making an informed
career choice. Share this five-step process called the PACED decision making Process with your learners to help guide them in making the best decision for their future.

P – Identify the Problem
Are you deciding on a career, a course to study or an institution to go to?

A – Identify Alternatives
List all the possibilities and alternatives that you have.

C – Analyse the information (Criteria)
Write down your criteria e.g. must be on a public transport route or within a certain budget

E – Evaluate the situation
Weigh up your alternatives against your criteria.

D – Decide on a solution
Make your final decision.

Some things to remember when making your decision:
1. Research as broadly as possible, and make a list of what interests you to explore in more depth.
2. Narrow your criteria down according to your interests and priorities.
3. Check that the career you choose fits in with your morals and values, and your finances.
4. Make an informed decision.

You may go through a decision-making process a number of times, as this process is cyclical.
It is essential to check that you have made the correct career decision.