I am no expert, but over time I have learnt that it is easy to start running the corporate life marathon with no idea where you are, where you are going why you are going there and if its where you want to go!
What is your ideal role? is it in the company you work for or will you need to move into a different industry. How long are you at company X for? What are your objectives? What can Company X do for you while you deliver on your work?
Career goals, Career Objectives, Career Plan – all the same thing in my view.
Why do I need a career plan?
I will give you 5 reasons:
- A career plan gives you a sense of direction and purpose- there is an “end” product- a picture of ‘success’ in one area;
- A career plan comes in handy when you are offered a promotion, or a new job or when a sponsor comes your way (another topic for another day)- deciding whether its good for you or not;
- A career plan helps carve a structured personal and professional development plan. You have to start working on the areas that aren’t polished yet;
- A career plan gives you confidence in your journey, especially as you make it through a milestone at a time – all are worthwhile; small and big.
- A career plan shows you when you evolve- as you learn new things and as your interests change you are able to keep track and identify patterns in your own evolution.
How do I come up with a career plan?
It’s neither hard nor easy. It is what it is…. a plan. Remember it is not cast in stone and there isn’t a particular format.
How do you come up with one? Tips I have picked up from a friend (I’m also still learning):
- Document where you are now – your role/position;
- highlight 5-10 of your key accomplishments in that role or in your career generally;
- List your areas of interest – even if you have no idea what they are really about but have some interest – I had 3 and they weren’t fully related but they were link up in the end;
- Ask yourself, “In the next 12 months what area would I want/need to work on first”- write it down. Have a maximum of 2 things so you don’t get overwhelmed
- Then for next 2-3 years, what areas would follow: would you need to change Jobs? Would you need a transfer or secondment?
- The 5 year plan- where do you want to be in 5 years. Remember this is YOUR plan. If there is a role you want to work towards for the next 5 years- WRITE IT DOWN. Stop worrying about whether it makes you seem like you want to take other peoples jobs. (okay that came out a bit harsh). But yeah just write it down. If you want it, work for it.
How do I know if it is the right plan?
Truth is you don’t! However, we often resolve to craft our career along the lines of those things that speak to us! (in a weird way). You just know that, that’s something I’m interested in knowing and having it as part of my knowledge and skillset.
It is always a good idea to observe and/or engage with people who are already at the ‘end’ of what you have envisioned. To be able to decide whether that is something you are interested in.
“Careers are a jungle gym”, and you are likely to hit some dead ends as you go; have to start over and go through obstacles others may have not faced.
Don’t give up. Continue fighting (not physically) for that which you have set out for and for as long as it remains the plan. Plans do change because in the end our careers aren’t our ‘life’, they are part of it and if your life changes it most likely means that your career plan might have to take a quick turn.
Enjoy the ride! No one is you.
THE CORPORATE MILLENNIAL 