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This Guide Helps You Create a Career Development Plan

No matter the industry, building a successful career that lasts until your retirement day requires a detailed plan. Failure to perform sufficient planning sometimes leaves you adrift without a sense of direction. It’s not a good place to be whenever an unanticipated change affects your career path, like being laid off.

With the goal of keeping your professional life on track, here is a guide to help you craft a career development plan. Leverage the insights within to set attainable career goals as well as the roadmap to achieve them. Follow this advice, and maybe the executive suite lies in your future.

Set Short-Term and Long-Term Professional Goals

As the first step in developing your career plan, set a few short-term and long-term career goals. Perhaps you want to earn an advanced degree in your field? That makes sense as a goal with a longer timeline. On the other hand, earning a relevant certification is something to accomplish more quickly. Certifications ultimately combine with your professional history to add a measure of depth to your résumé.

Craft a Plan to Achieve Your Career Goals With Timelines

Once your career goals are defined, you begin planning the steps to achieve them. Creating a timeline for each goal with milestones helps you track your efforts. Remember to periodically check your progress towards these goals and make any changes as necessary. Any career plan is ultimately an evolving document. Flexibility is important as you develop your professional life over time.

Leverage Any Company Professional Development Program

Work with your manager on career plan, especially if you want to take advantage of company professional development programs. Also, consult with your boss on long-term goals, like earning an advanced degree, if your company provides tuition reimbursement. A manager’s career insights definitely help your planning efforts. If your current employer doesn’t offer a meaningful career development program, consider looking elsewhere for a better opportunity.

Document Your Career Plan

Make sure you document your career plan. Use a word processor or even a spreadsheet. This makes it easier to check your progress and make any adjustments as necessary. It also helps distribution when meeting with your boss, mentor, or even a recruiter.

Ultimately, your own your career plan. It stays with you whenever you change jobs. Use it to guide you through the twists and turns of your professional life.

If you need help building your career, speak with the knowledgeable recruiters at Venteon. As one of the top staffing agencies in Michigan, we know the companies looking for talented candidates. Connect with us soon!

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