ry the Personal Ansoff Matrix exercise below. When you are done tell me about your results:

Start by describing the career options you're considering. What did the personal SWOT and PESTLE analysis tell you?

How was it plotting your options on the Ansoff matrix?

Now stop and reflect upon how you feel about each option.

Which one appeals to you most? Is it worth the risk?

Link to the exercise.

MindTools $|$ Home

Essential skills for an excellent career

Here are the key steps from the MindTools website:

Step $1$: List Your Options

Start by making a list of the career options you're considering. Then, conduct a PEST Analysis

or SWOT Analysis to make sure you've fully explored them. Our article on Identifying Career Opportunities

has tips and strategies that can help you explore all your options.

Step $2$: Download the Worksheet

Download our Personal Ansoff Matrix here

Plot the options you're considering on it$.$

Step $3$: Analyze and Mitigate Risks

Look carefully at the matrix. Which of your options presents the most risk? Which is the safest one?

Identify the specific risks for each of your options. This might be as simple as brainstorming

possible risks, or performing an in$-$depth Risk Analysis

$.$

Once you have a better idea of the risks, draw up a contingency plan

to manage the ones you're most likely to face.

Now stop and reflect upon how you feel about each option. Which one appeals to you most? Is it worth the risk?

If you're having trouble weighing risk versus reward, tools like Decision Trees

$,$ Paired Comparison Analysis or Decision Matrix Analysis can help you identify which option is best for your situation. Additionally, our article 'Cautious' or 'Courageous' can help you better understand your propensity for risk.