Overview
In your paper,
Identify your long-term goals. Where would you like to be between one and five years from now? Are you already in the career you want? If not, then what is the industry and role you would like to pursue for your career? If you are interested in starting a business on your own, what would you like for it to be? Do a little research here and find out if it is saturated in your area or if there’s a need.
Identify your current qualifications by exploring the skills related to this career. Which skills do you already possess that might translate into a career in your identified field?
- Identify the skills and knowledge you still need for a career in your identified field. What new certifications or training might you need? Can you map these skills to an existing career?
- Reflect on your resources. What barriers do you need to overcome to be successful? Discuss your desired salary and retirement outlook and align it to a career in your desired field. Does it fit? If not, can you adjust one or the other? Will you need to make sacrifices, earn a higher degree, or become certified? Note that and come back to it later.
- Are there individuals in your personal or professional network who can help you?
- How can you ensure you’ll make good, healthy, and sustainable choices for your professional self? What can you build into your career plan that will support your search for a career in your identified field?
How can you find ways to begin to put your career plan into action?
- Write down some of your core values and identify careers that may be a good fit for you.
- Identify the additional steps you will need to take to become more qualified for the position you would like to pursue. Set reasonable deadlines for these action steps.
- The Developing a Career Plan assignment