PCP factsheet

 After a Career Review which is conducted distance learning – one of several outcomes generally emerges

1. the Review was enough on its own to reassure, point in the right direction or give a clear starting point
2. it has become clear that there are too many things happening in the client’s life at this time to enter into more in depth career planning issues. Treading water or putting things on hold is an appropriate option if for example there are relocation, impending exams, weddings, babies due, illness or bereavement issues.
3. the Review has revealed that there are a lot more issues and options needing discussion in more depth
4. the Review has revealed career options or workstyles about which nothing is known even though they appeal in general
5. the Review has not really catalysed any new thoughts or approaches and there has been no perceived advancement in self knowledge or understanding about what is wanted from a career

In all but the last outcome – the Review has been either satisfactory or very successful.

Even in number 5 – paradoxically  this may still be a useful outcome in that it may be revealing that either a person is already absolutely on track and probably did not really need a Career Review in the first place. However at the other extreme it might also be possible that they have low insight into what is going on in their career and how supported reflection and audit (which is what the Review is about) can help to advance an unsatisfactory situation. If the latter category of person feels they still need support even though the Review has not seemed to have helped – seeking some coaching or counselling might be the next course of action. If there is a genuine complaint about our service on a Review we are keen to hear it and offer an incentive on the web site for you to provide this.

In options 1,3 and 4 above - but particularly 3 and 4 – there may be a need to progress to a Personal Career Programme.

FAQ

What do we cover?

During the meeting one or more of the following issues can be addressed 

• clarifying what is wanted from a career
• defining a clear career “vision” that is motivating
• discussing the options on the shortlist and whittling them down to a manageable number
• formulating a clear written action plan for each of the remaining items on the shortlist (we never only focus on one career option as part of the learning process about career planning is to keep several irons in the career fire so that as one researches and investigates them – if at any point one option becomes unviable or less attractive – then the others merely move up a notch)
• refining a realistic and manageable yet motivating timeframe for taking things forwards. Without having some discussion about this - one often feels one is not proceeding fast enough as careers planning etc does take time so it is counterproductive or even demotivating to expect it all to happen overnight. Conversely to have a timeframe and timetable in mind that is ok – not set in stone but that is something to work within – means that demotivation and inertia is less likely to set in.
• skills audit – most people have stronger or weaker career management skill areas and sometimes addressing one of more of these skills is paramount to achieving a resolution to a career concern or to make a career plan move forwards. Sometimes gaining these skills don’t just make a difference to career progress but also affect personal and professional life too (eg one doctor improved her relationship with her boyfriend dramatically after undergoing some interview rage training and another – a GP found that all his unwanted drug addict patients disappeared off his list when he address the assertiveness skill that he needed to speak up more at practice meetings)
• other : this could involved anything from how to tell a partner or spouse, peer or boss about a planned career move to how to gain a better balance between life and work
  

What will I get out of it?

This all depends on what you want to get out of it (the more clear you are beforehand about the core issues you need to address – the more we are likely to address them – so perhaps make a list of all the points you want to cover and bring this along) and also what you are prepared to put into it. If you feel that covering some or all of the above bullets would be helpful to you and you have gained something positive from the Review – you will certainly get a lot out of a PCP. But be aware that the PCP is not “the final solution”. It is the catalyst following on from the “audit” which was the Career Review. After the PCP you will need to allocate some time to putting into action what we both agree  needs to be done and which we both feel is realistic. 

How do I book a PCP?

To go ahead with a PCP we need to schedule a half day session starting at 9am or 1.30 (these are held in Richmond Surrey). This generally needs to be booked a week or two ahead as we can get quite busy (and at times when leave needs to be booked to attend – it may be necessary to book a date a month or two ahead).

All bookings must be accompanied by a £200 deposit which is non refundable in the even of cancellation of the PCP date booked less than seven days prior to the date.

Where more than seven days notice is given – the £200 may be used as a deposit for another date. No refund of the deposit is given if the PCP is cancelled completely with no further date scheduled with less than fourteen days notice.

How should I prepare?

As you will have already completed a Career Review you will be well prepared. However it can be helpful to bring along a brief (no more than one page) agenda of a few items or issue you would like to focus upon. You should also bring with you....

• The workbook
• The summary
• A CV
• Your payment for the balance due - £550 assuming you have already sent the deposit (cash or cheque on the day – credit card if pay in advance via the web site)
• Any other documents you may wish to share
• An example of anything creative you may have done recently or in the past that you are proud of (could be a photo of it if it is your garden or too large to bring!). One doctor brought her hand made earings, another his woodwork, another his thesis and yet another a photo of her children!!

And let us know any unusual health or dietary requirements you may need (we provide tea/coffee/ bikkies etc)

How much does it cost?

The PCP is £750 from December 1st 2003 which covers.....

• The pre meeting preparation of the career advisor you will see
• The meeting room hire
• The consulting time on the day
• A follow up summary
• A follow up discussion at any point up to three months after the PCP date

It may be possible to obtain some study leave or other funding from your workplace depending on how comfortable you feel in voicing your need for some career support.

Other options

These can be added to a PCP and include:

Email coaching (£200 per month for unlimited email correspondence)

MOT – another face to face meeting at any point within a year of the PCP (lasting two hours - £300)

A repeat Career Review at one year £220 (down from normal £250)

In summary

Not everyone needs a PCP after a Career Review and not everyone feels, even if they need it, able to justify the cost. However, averaged out over a year it is £15 per week or < £2 per day. So if your career is not where you want it to be –  you might benefit from investing in a PCP for an effective action plan and resetting career goals in a realistic, motivating way. We now take credit cards too – so a zero percent interest card for six months means you could pay it off at around £125 per month at no extra cost.