When developing a career strategic plan, you may find it helpful to follow these 4 steps:
1. Be realistic about your current work. Do a reality check by rating your satisfaction level using the following questions:
Current Position: Are you happy where you are?
Authority: Do you have enough, too much, too little?
Reward: Are you paid fairly?
Personal Performance: Are you doing your best?
Value: Do you value the way your organization works?
Supervisor: Are you pleased with management?
Prospects: Are there opportunities for growth?
2. Get clear on what you most value and want from your professional life. Write down your answers to the following questions:
Imagine it’s the end of your career. You’re being presented with a lifetime career achievement award. Former colleagues, family, and friends are there to celebrate.
What are they saying about you? What are your greatest achievements?
What 10 things do you most value in your work (e.g., working with a really smart team)?
What won’t you, under any circumstances, do (e.g., work for a boss you don’t respect)?
What do you want more of in your professional life (e.g., recognition)?
What do you want less of in your professional life (e.g., stress)?
What are 20 things you are passionate about in your professional life (e.g., making change happen)?
What are your 10 greatest professional strengths and most significant weaknesses?
3. Brainstorm and identify your career options:
Based on what you’ve identified about your current situation and your desired work, what are your options?
What are the external opportunities and threats: how do the current economic conditions, association trends, and your industry outlook affect you?
Who can you network with?`
How can you gather more information to make decisions?
Consider talking with an executive coach or a trusted friend to get other perspectives and spark new ways of thinking.
4. Create your plan and set SMART goals:
You’ve collected the information and considered the options. Now it’s time to draft your plan. Keep it simple. Make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timelined. You’re ready. Now start acting on your plan!
