Career planning is a process that helps you to identify your goals and develop strategies to achieve them.  

It’s a proactive approach to career management that allows us to take control of our professional development and make informed decisions about what our future could look like.  

It gives careers purpose. 

It also helps you have a more fulfilling job and career, increase earning potential, and create a sense of direction. 

With a career plan, you’re also better equipped to make informed decisions about their education, job opportunities, and long-term career goals. 

A well-planned career strategy can also help individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses, prioritise goals, and develop a plan to achieve them. 

 

So how do you create a career plan? 

 

Start by identifying the specific career goals that you would like to achieve in the next two years.   

Think SMART.  The goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Once the goals are identified, it is essential to work out the skills and qualifications you will need to achieve them. 

 

Review your current situation and work out any additional skills or qualifications you may need to achieve your career goals.  

This may involve taking courses, attending workshops or conferences, or seeking out opportunities to gain hands-on experience.

It is important to research the skills and qualifications required to succeed in your sector and invest time and effort into developing and actioning them. 

 

Are there any potential obstacles or challenges that may arise in achieving the career goals?  

Develop a plan to overcome any obstacles and develop strategies to mitigate any risks that may prevent you from achieving their career goals. 

 

It’s important to seek feedback and guidance from others who have experience in your industry.  

This may involve reaching out to a mentor, networking with professionals in the field, or seeking out career coaching services. 

 

Regularly review and update your career plan.  

It's always good to monitor your progress, celebrate achievements, and revise the plan as you go along.

It doesn’t necessarily need to be the same plan you had at the beginning. Your thought processes and life can evolve over time or suddenly change. 

 

Career planning is a fantastic process that provides you with the tools to take control of your professional development to make informed decisions about your future. 

 

Sometimes you can simply have no idea what to do and where to start, and just react to your environment or circumstances. Although this is fine, you can also be at the mercy of the market and your current employer. 

 

So, to finish off, having a career plan can help you identify their goals, develop the necessary skills and qualifications to achieve them, and overcome any obstacles that may arise. 

Investing your time into creating a two-year career plan, can create a sense of purpose and direction, increase your earning potential, and achieve your long-term career and life goals.