Having a career plan is useful no matter where you are in your career journey. You can formulate a plan at the beginning, middle or end of your degree, or even well into your chosen career. A good career plan can keep you on track or help you change direction if needed.
So, where to begin? Evaluate your skills, values, qualities and motivations – the Choose Your Career Path resource can help you do this. You can also complete the online Explore Your Options Challenge, namely the Self Awareness, Making Decisions and Your Personal Brand modules.
Once you’ve evaluated your personal qualities and requirements, you’ll need assess the skills and experiences relevant to the career path that you intend to take. The Know Your Industry and Start Networking modules in the online Explore Your Options Challenge can help you get started with this.
Understanding how your skills and experiences align to your preferred career will help you to concentrate on obtaining those you don’t have or strengthening the relevant ones you do have. And remember, you’ll need to regularly re-evaluate your skills, values, qualities, and motivations as you develop and change professionally.
Not only will your circumstances change – industries will evolve, job roles will shift, and new opportunities will arise. A good career plan equips you with the skills to navigate these changes with confidence.
Your plan should enable you to develop transferable skills that are valuable across different roles and industries, ensuring that you remain adaptable and relevant. It should also include strategies on identifying key people in your industry who can help you along the way. Building a strong professional network becomes easier when you know who to connect with and why.
Remember that your career plan doesn’t have to be rigid or linear. It can, and probably will, evolve as you gain new experiences and insights.
Ultimately your career plan should enable you to make informed decisions, set achievable goals, cultivate growth, manage your resources efficiently, navigate uncertainties with confidence, and find fulfillment in your career journey.
If you’d like to have an in-depth discussion about how to create your career plan, book an in-person or over the phone Careers Conversation with the Curtin Careers team.
This article was written by Career Development Consultant, Graham Powell.
