Embedded Files
What is a Career Action Plan?
So you know who you are and what you want, you also now know what's out there. You now need to make a decision between options or need to prepare for your end goal, but how can you do that and keep on top of it all?
Make an action plan, of course!
A career plan will enable you to identify where you want to go in terms of your career and how you will get there. It is important to remember that the plan is on-going and should be continually reviewed and where necessary changed or updated, if your goals change for example or if you have to try a different strategy to achieve your objectives. There are various form of career plans but the following four elements outlined below should all be included. You my find it helpful to see a Careers Adviser to help you create your plan.
Current Situation
In this section describe where you are now. This might include a description of your personal circumstances, work experience, qualifications and anything else that is relevant to your plan. You could also include here details of any barriers to your objectives that you need to address. It would also be helpful to include a back up plan - if your plan does not work out exactly what else could you do?
Goals/Objectives
This section should have two parts: your main goal or objective (your long-term goal) and also short term goals that may need to be achieved first. This could be a search for knowledge or experience for example. Make sure to make these targets SMART- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. This will ensure that the goals and objectives are actually going to help you, not hinder you!
Actions
In this section you need to list all the actions you will take to reach each goal. Try to be as specific as possible stating what you will do and when you will do it. Also include actions other people may be taking on your behalf. If your plan includes this you will need an action for yourself with a date to check with them and change any actions as necessary. Remember- you are in control of the plan and responsible for it.
Date for review
Set a date to review your plan and be prepared to change it if it is not working. You may need to keep revisiting your plan to check you have done everything you needed on it.
Feel like you need help making an action plan?
Ready for the final step?
Page updated
Report abuse