Step 1: Make a Career Plan
Want to find satisfying work? Start by thinking about your long-term career goal and the short-term activities that will help you achieve it. These pieces will make up your career plan.
- What is your long-term career goal?
- What are short-term activities to reach this goal?
- Write these down in your career plan.
Sample Career Plan
- Long-term career goal: Project Manager
- Short-term activities
- Learn more
Talk with three people in this career to develop a list of realistic activities within one month - Develop related skills
Take an online project management software course within six months - Practice skills
Use the software at work or as a volunteer experience - Get experience
Ask my boss for a small project that I can manage within six months - Gain education and training
Finish my degree within two years
Step 2: Follow Your Career Plan
You've set your career goals and defined the steps necessary to achieve them. Now follow your written plan.
- What do you need to make your career goals real?
- Determine that your career goals are realistic.
- Look for careers that match your interests, skill set, and salary requirements.Explore the job market and look at lists of growing or in-demand careers.
- Set realistic time frames and adjust them as needed.
- Make sure your activities are specific and achievable.
- Just do it! Make it happen with your time, energy, and money.
- How will you reward yourself for achieving even your smallest activities?
- Who will support you and help you?
- Don't just write down your plan. Tell people about it and get their feedback and support.
Step 3: Review and Update Your Career Plan
You may run into roadblocks or want to change your mind. Don't be discouraged!
- Take a look at your career plan and adjust it as needed.
- Change your activities if they aren't working for you.
- Take a different path to achieve your goals.
- Understand that the world of work changes quickly and so can you.
Once you achieve your career goals, reward yourself and rethink your goals. Careers are a life-long journey.
