The need for new expertise in problem solving in the work setting has emerged as a woman's issue because work outside the home has become a primary means for personal goal attainment for about half the women in the United States and because traditional career patterns and norms are ineffective. Career planning is the process of individual career needs identification and information gathering aimed at a meshing of specified individual and organizational goals through a defined plan of action. The process consists of the following five steps: (1) assessment; (2) diagnosis; (3) planning; (4) intervention; and (5) evaluation. Self-assessment with the help of popular resources may be best. Diagnostic labeling is a key to problem-solving strategies. Goals should be written, specific, and measurable within a specific time frame. Resources must be available if a workable plan of action is to be developed. Dealing with inferior leadership may require some specific strategies. The employee's options include: (1) promoting herself within her company (by writing for company publications, conducting seminars, and volunteering); (2) developing an influential reputation within the company (by being up to date on field-related information and sharing it); and (3) keeping up the quality of work and the relationship with the inferior supervisor. In any job setting she must also develop contacts; it is important to plant seeds for the next job move a year or two in advance. Evaluation is a check point to see whether goals/needs are met and to investigate the need for reprocessing any of the previous stages of the problem-solving process. (15 references.) (CML)