Write Your Own Career Action Plan
Writing a career action plan can be an an effective tool in career planning and development, providing a way to synthesize and document the information pertaining to your particular career goal. There are many ways to put together a career action plan. Here’s one such way.
1. Introduction
Start with introducing your main career goal.
- What are your career-related goals both in the short term (one year or less) and long term?
2. Discussion and Analysis
Next, present your steps to achieving your goals, answering important questions along the way.
- What are the specific and measurable steps that you will take to reach your goals (include times frames)?
- Are your goals and the steps to be taken realistic?
- How much do your goals match up with who you are in terms of your interests, personality style, values, skills, attitudes and priorities?
- What significant factors will (or likely will) play a part in pursuing your goals (e.g., finances, emotional support, etc.)?
- What challenges or risks do you need to mindful of?
- What else do you need to do, or learn more about to enact your career plan?
3. Share
Consider sharing your career plan with those closest to you whom you can trust to give you honest feedback. By eschewing the “lone ranger” route and choosing to share your career goals, you can receive the valuable benefits of encouragement and support.
Below are a couple of examples of career action plans: