Chances are we all have specific career aspirations or goals. Maybe you hope to land a management position one day in future. Or perhaps you’d like to change industries or work at a startup or Fortune 500 company. No matter what you have in mind, a career development plan can come in handy. You can think of it as a roadmap for the future of your career. Keep reading to find out how to create a career development plan and why it’s worthwhile.
Firstly we will discuss what a career development plan is, so we can have a better understanding what this article is about.
What Is a Career Development Plan?
Career development plan also known as a professional development plan, a career development plan is a document that describes your career goals and the path you’ll take to achieve them. In the past, human resource departments and management teams used career development plans to support their employees’ growth. These days, however, more and more individuals are creating their own career development plans.
In simple words we can also explain CDP as a list of long and short-term goals that employees set for themselves in either their current role or pre-emptively for their future jobs. It includes a variety of experiences that employees must have, to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
As you develop your career development plan, you’ll need to consider the current state of your career, your goals and what you need to do to move forward.
While career development plans vary greatly, many of them include a variety of sections, such as a summary statement, short-term and long-term goals, current skills, developing skills and resources.
Benefits of a Career Development Plan
There are several remarkable advantages of a career development plan, which are:
- Identifies Skills Gaps
While we likely have many strengths, there’s a good chance you have some weaknesses as well. A career development plan may help you turn those weaknesses into opportunities by encouraging you to fill skills gaps and become a more experienced employee. For example, your plan may expose that while you’re a pro at written communication, your oral communication skills could use some grooming.
- Inspires Motivation
Once you have a career development plan you’re happy with, you’ll be more motivated to work hard and push yourself to the limit professionally. If you lack one, you may find it easier to get discouraged and give up. Motivation is key regardless of how realistic or far-fetched your career goals might be.
- Provides a Roadmap for the Future
If you take the time to create a career development plan, you’ll know exactly what your end goals are and how you can achieve them. Without one, you’ll be more tempted to just “go with the flow” and make random career decisions that may or may not propel you toward your definition of success.
Tips In Creating an Effective Career Development Plan
When it comes to creating a an excellent career development plan, you’re in total control. This means you can choose how to go about it. Since it’s your unique plan, the process is up to you. However, below are several steps you might want to consider.
Step 1. Determine your goals
It’s the moment to think about what you wish to accomplish. This will give your plan purpose and direction. As you write down your goals, make sure they follow the SMART framework. A SMART goal is (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.)
It’s also in your best interest to break down your goals into short-term goals and long-term goals. Short-term goals will establish where you’ll be in a few years while long-term goals will indicate where you’ll be in the next five to 10 years.
Step 2. Consider your present-day situation
First and foremost, think about where you currently stand with your career. To do so, you may want to ask yourself these questions.
During this step, you’ll want to asses your current position and compare it to your past experiences, desires, strengths, skills and values. It will act as a basis for your future career potential.
Step 3. Explore your resources
You don’t have to meet your career goals on your own. In fact, it’s important to take full advantage of a variety of resources to help you out. Find out if your current employer offers a career development program. You can also explore mentorship opportunities at your company or certain organizations. Another option is to participate in career development workshops or classes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn from others.
Step 4. Evaluate your current skill set
Now, consider the skills you’re confident in as well as the skills you need to develop in the future to reach your goals. To help you gauge your skill set, read job postings that are related to your current position and positions you wish to land down the road.
If you’re a marketing manager, for example, you might be a pro at pay-per-click marketing but need to improve on search engine optimization. Be honest with yourself about which skills you’re proficient at and which ones require some more learning and experience.
Step 5. Work toward your goals
During this crucial step, you’ll have to put in the extra work so you can make some progress toward your goals. You can always get your managers and supervisors involved and check in with them on a regular basis to get their perspective on how you’re doing. As you work toward your goals, try new approaches and seek as much guidance as you need.
Step 6. Revisit your plan
A career development plan is not an art. It should be useful but also flexible enough to adapt to new situations. As you grow and your circumstances change and goals evolve, your career plan may require some adjustments. If possible, review your plan every six months or so and revise it as necessary.
Step 7. Track your milestones
It’s a bit difficult to work toward your goals and develop professionally. That’s why you’ll want to keep conscious tabs on your milestones (achievements) and celebrate them along the way. Let’s say you become an expert at a computer program that will further your career. Treat yourself to a meal out or an experience on your bucket list. This will keep you motivated to continue your working hard.
Recommendations for Effective Career Development Plans
Not all career grooming plans are created equal. These tips can help you ensure yours sets you up for success.
- Don’t Get Discouraged
- Build and Foster Your Network
Don’t wait for others to assist you with your career. Instead, be proactive and develop relationships with a group of people who are interested in your growth and willing to provide you with the guidance you need to succeed.
- Celebrate Wins
- Invest in Learning Opportunities
Knowledge is power and important if you’d like to grow your career. It’s up to you to invest in learning opportunities, such as courses, certifications, podcasts, books, meet-up groups, seminars and mentorship programs.
Conclusion
In today’s competitive job market, a career development plan can be a helpful tool that organizations can use to help staff stay on track to achieving their professional goals. In return, it lends to a happier workforce and lower turnover rates, making it a win-win for employers and employees alike.
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