Why is Having a Career Development Plan Important?
You take charge of your life's direction
You align your career with your values
You set yourself up to earn more money
How To Develop a 5-Year Career Plan
1. Define Your Goals
First, think about the big goal! What do you want to do and be in 5 years?
2. Ask yourself these questions:
What type of organization would have this role?
Where would you live?
What kind of work environment?
Are you going to be an entrepreneur?
Add all the details most important to you.
3. Once the big picture is defined, work on short-term goals
Start by looking at job descriptions for that role.
See how closely you match the skills and requirements.
Make a note of commonalities.
Using this information, you can create short-term goals to build certain skills, obtain advanced education, and plan networking efforts.
4. Identify Milestones
For every goal you have, identify key actions and a timeline to achieve it.
It will help you hold yourself accountable
5. Find Mentors
Mentors are great at building our strengths and identifying areas of development.
6. Pursue Professional Training
To be successful in any career, you never stop learning and growing.
Here are some resources to help you get started with training in your field
Coursera
LinkedIn Learning
Industry Association
Recap:
How to Develop a 5-Year Career Plan:
Define your goals
Identify milestones to achieve those goals
Find Mentors to help guide your journey
Pursue Professional Training to acquire the Skills