A successful career doesn't usually happen by chance. Career planning does just that for you.  But why is career planning so important?

  • Help to manage the direction
  • Get a specific idea about your target
  • Provides inspiration
  • Can fill your gaps identify
  • Gives you space for ongoing personal reflection


1. Career planning gives a roadmap

 Career plans describe how you will get from point A (where you are now) to point B (your ultimate career goal).  By setting a goal, you will be able to identify what steps you need to take to get there.  These actions can include things like evaluating job descriptions to see what you need to qualify for, participating in networking events to make new connections, and researching whether different organizations and industries are right for you.

 

 2. Career plans can fill your gaps identify

Speaking of the action to take;  Career planning helps you identify where you can get more information.  This may mean taking additional courses, earning a certificate in a new skill, or going to graduate school.  Elementary school is a great way to accelerate your career path and reach your career goals quickly.  It gives you the opportunity to fill different skill gaps at once, create professional connections that will support you for the rest of your career, and take you in a completely different direction.

 

3. Career planning gives you space for ongoing personal reflection

 How many times do you actually sit down to think about your professional development other than during your annual review?  A good career plan takes into account your strengths, weaknesses, values, and what you like and need in a career.  So you have the opportunity to identify what the world (and potential employers) has to offer, how your career plans fit into your life, and how you can grow (personally and professionally).

 

4. Career planning provides much-needed inspiration and direction.

 As much as you want to, your career path cannot be in a straight line.  Career planning will help inspire you through all the twists and turns and your career path will take you astray.  More importantly, when you are considering career or industry changes, this helps determine what will guide you if your choice really fits the plan.

 Will you start talking?  The easiest way is to start writing everything.  Whether you use our career planning guidelines or create your own, it is essential that you document your thoughts.

 There is no need to get in the way of your career plan.  It's important to set goals, make it a habit to review your plans every few months to make sure you're still getting what you want out of your career.  Also, following your career plan will not be a perfect process.  Don't try to get discouraged by possible obstacles on the way.  Regardless of what you may change, your career plan is there to guide you on the path to success!