586 Technology: Engineering Our World Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. One difference between corporations and sole proprietorships and partnerships is that shareholders are not responsible for the corporation’s debt. If the company fails, their personal assets cannot be used to pay the corporation’s debt. A franchise is a type of business in which the owner buys the right to operate a business from a franchisor. Well-known companies that sell franchises include McDonalds and Subway, but there are also smaller companies offering franchises. The business can be as varied as selling smoothies to operating a trampoline park. Factors to consider when buying a franchise include the expected growth of the business, training and support services provided by the franchisor, and the presence on social media. Developing a Career Plan Whichever type of career you are considering, you are more likely to achieve it if you have a plan. A career plan is a detailed strategy that will help you make the right choices to be successful in the career of your choice. Identifying Interests and Aptitudes When you were a child, you may have told people, “I want to be an astronaut!” or “I want to be a police offi cer!” These ideas were based on your interests. Interest is an excellent starting point for choosing a career. Most careers, however, require much more than just interest. You must have an aptitude, or natural talent or ability, for the work. Before you can create a career plan, you need to take a good look at your interests and aptitudes. Are you interested in mechanical objects and how they work? Do you like to build things? Do you enjoy solving puzzles? Do you like helping people? To begin work on your career plan, make lists of the things that interest you and the things you do well. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses In addition to interests and aptitudes, everyone has specifi c strengths and weaknesses. For example, some people excel at working with other people. Someone with this strength might be good working with the public or as a salesperson. Other people seem to be able to fi x just about anything. Someone with this strength would be good at service or repair jobs. It is important to know your weaknesses as well as your strengths. For example, if you are afraid of heights, you may not want to become a window washer. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses can help you choose a career that you enjoy and can do well. Creating Your Career Plan You may think it is too soon to begin working on your career plan. What if you change your mind about the career you want? You do not have to choose a specifi c career now. Keep in mind, though, that many exciting careers require advance preparation. You can do certain things now to make these careers possible later.