Question

                                       Please fill opportunity and threats columns

Opportunities	External Factors (Forces beyond the control of any one person)	Threats *
	Economic How will an economic upturn or downturn affect your career? Ex: if you are a marketing executive for giant SUVs, then you may not do well in an economy where gas is $5.00.gal
	Social How do social trends affect your career choice? If you are the VP of Operations for a new restaurant chain; will the new consciousness about whole foods and lower carbs affect your menu choices?
	Political Does the political party in power affect your ability to prosper in business? Ex: Certain grant opportunities are affected by democratic vs. republican values. If you are a financial officer in a Not for Profit organization, will a change in the status quo affect your ability to secure successful grants?
	Legal When lawmakers in NJ mandated that hand held cell phone use was illegal while driving, the sale of headsets and other remote devices sky-rocketed. Are there any existing or pending laws that may benefit you or hurt you?
	Environmental Are there any environmental issues that may affect your career? Ex. If you career is in urban municipal government, brown-field remediation may either help or hurt redevelopment plans.

Answer 1

Economic

Opportunities: Economic conditions will provide opportunities to venture into a new industry. It may be a little difficult at first but it provides an opportunity to learn new skills and industry knowledge.

Threats: The main threat of economic downturn is that the possibility of job loss.

Social

Opportunities: The social changes provide opportunities to adopt to the new trends and become a trendy business. It may allow the company and me to create a new product line or category to cater to the trend.

Threat: The key threat of social changes is that there can be negative implication on cash cow departments. This may mean that there will be downsizing and other pressure at the job market.

Political

Opportunities: The political impact on career is comparatively less. Unless it is a labor related job then the political parties may play a certain role. However, for an individual like me the political implication is pretty limited among all the factors.

Threats: Just as political factors provide very little opportunity, it also provides little threat.

Legal

Opportunities: Legal system can provide massive opportunity and career boost if my current skillset’s competition is restricted. The key opportunity that the legal system provides is that it will create new avenues to practice skills and knowledge.

Threat: Unfavorable legislation can cause disruption in the industry. It can also provide a negative impact.

Environmental

Opportunities: Every organization is looking to become more green and environment friendly. There is plenty opportunity to add new initiatives to make projects green. This also adds to the resume and helps build a good profile.

Threat: In case I am in an industry that is in direct conflict with environment then there will be considerable pressure from society and the people.