Free Career Planning Template
Get started on your career planning journey today! Remember – success is the accumulation of little efforts made consistently over time.
Contents
- Skills Assessment
- Career Milestones
- Career Goals
- Career Aspirations
- Possible Career Paths
- Final Comparison
Skills Assessment
Understanding your skills is the cornerstone to any successful career plan. This could be in form of direct skills like proficiency in a specific field, for example, cybersecurity with a score of 75/100. It could also be indirect skills, like certifications and training completed in your area of interest.
Career Milestones
Reflecting on your career milestones can offer valuable perspective and motivation for future goals. Remember where you were 10 years ago, 5 years ago, 3 years ago and where you are now. Each step is a testament to your growth and resilience. Use these milestones as a springboard to propel you towards your future career goals.
Career Goals
Setting clear and achievable career goals is a crucial step in your career planning. What do you want to achieve in the next 3 months? 6 months? 1 year? 5 years? These goals will act as a roadmap for your career progress. Remember to make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Career Aspirations
While career goals are specific targets, career aspirations are about your long-term professional ambitions. What industry or company do you aspire to work in? What role do you see yourself in? What compensation package are you aiming for? And most importantly, why do you aspire to these things? Reflecting on these aspects will help you make informed decisions about your future.
Possible Career Paths
Exploring possible career paths can open up a world of opportunities. Identify the industry or company you're interested in, the roles available, and the key responsibilities associated with those roles. This will give you a clear picture of what to expect and what steps you need to take to reach there.
Final Comparison
Once you have all this information, it's time to compare and contrast. Assess how well your skills, desires, and possibilities match with the career paths you've identified. Make notes of any gaps or areas of improvement. This final comparison will inform your final decision and the next steps you need to take in your career journey.
Final Decision and Action Step:
After doing a thorough analysis, it's time to make a final decision about your career path. More importantly, determine the immediate action steps you need to take to start moving towards your chosen path. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.