What does the toolkit comprise?

Career guidance essentials - tutor workbook

For those giving career support to others.

Taking up to two hours to complete in self directed learning format, this workbook is for anyone who is in a position of guiding doctors in their careers ? educational supervisors, college tutors, lead educators, clinical tutors, postgrad managers, associate deans etc.

The material takes individuals from little or no knowledge of the basics and principles of career guidance to a a more structured approach using checklists as well as avoiding some of the most common mistakes in delivering career support.

Career Support Pages

(FP-CS-PP)
The current format is a four page questionnaire specifically tailored for F1/F2. However other  versions are in preparation (and even the F1/2 version has been used effectively from medical student through to consultant).Uses include....
* self assessment
* preparation and reflection prior to any career discussion
* makes all career meetings - formal or informal - more effective
* gives a structure to the meeting - ensuring important issues are not sidestepped
* focuses both tutor and trainee (appraiser and appraisee) on career goals to be set
* gives a record for a portfolio and a reference from which further career thoughts can be gained
* gives feedback to tutor and trainee as to how effective using the pages format has been
* facilitates audit

Interactive elements of the toolkit

A tutor forum -  a private discussion list for career tutors (anyone in an advisory position to doctors regarding their careers) is due for launch in the latter half of 2007

Feedback questionnaires at the end of each workbook which we encourage all users to return to us - anonymously if they wish.

A current pilot evaluation of the FP-CS-PP has feedback evaluation forms which are returned to us.

Questions, suggestions and critique form to provide to juniors so that they can offer feedback on the effectiveness of the career support they receive

Career guidance essentials - personal workbook

A workbook requiring up to two hours to complete.

Designed to assist those who wish to seek career support more effectively.
Additional material to support the Career Support Pages.
Takes you from perhaps knowing little or nothing about how to plan/ choose a career to knowing where  to start and what things need to be considered in forging a career that meets the individual's own personal criteria of career success.
Emphasises the importance of achieving a balance between looking externally for information and looking internally at oneself as well as the crucial nature of taking one hundred percent responsibility for ones career (ie not waiting for others to solve it).

Powerpoint presentation and handouts

Designed to be used in group settings or for individuals to work through on their own.

Each about fifteen minutes long when run through consecutively (longer if a facilitator delivery style is used).

Designed to prompt and promote discussion about important career issues.

Topics include thus far

Career Planning Support 1 and 2, Your career is YOURS!, Interviews

Already in the pipeline "work-life balance", "teamworking"

Additional items

These are being added all the time - invariably due to user feedback. For example

Summary leaflet for the workbook (an aide memoire)

Letter proforma for tutors to adopt or adapt to help justify sessions/payment for legitimate activities relating to career guidance and support for colleagues.