Asking for a Career Development Plan

Making a plan is a good way to take control of your career development and help steer your career in the direction that you want it to go. Thinking about where you would like to be in a year or ten years will help keep you focused on taking the steps that are needed. Whether you seek help from within your company or decide to visit an independent career advisor, making a career development plan can set you off in the right direction.

Knowing What You Want

Before you seek any help formulating a career development plan you need to have an idea of what you want to achieve from your career. Do you want to make partner by the time you’re 30? Do you want to find a better work/life balance? Would you like to steer or your role in a different direction? Whatever your focus might be, it is good to be clear about your career priorities so you can set about achieving them.

Asking For Advice

Good employers will be open to discussing your career development and encourage you to think strategically about your career. Talk to your manager about putting together a career development plan and that you would like their guidance. Taking the advice of those who are more experienced than you is always a good idea and it is beneficial for you to be seen as an enthusiastic and proactive employee. If you want to think beyond your company and consider seeking independent career advice.

Formulating Your Career Development Plan

Once you have asked your manager about putting together a plan or have sought independent advice, you need to focus on formulating your career development plan. You may want to give yourself time goals, highlight skills that you wish to achieve or chart the roles that you want to move into. Write your plan in a way that suits you but make sure you have some kind of quantifiable goals that you can measure your progress by.

Re-assessing Your Career Development

As you work your way through your career things won’t always go to plan. Promotions won’t fall into place, your priorities may change and you could find that you have new goals. You need to take the time to look at your career development plan and re-assess it. Forming a new plan and re-creating your goals doesn’t mean you have failed but that you are taking an honest, proactive approach to your evolving career.

A career development plan is a great way to take control of your career progress and stay focused on what you want. Decide what your priorities are and then approach your manager or independent career advisor about creating the plan. Put together quantifiable goals that work for you whether it is a time line, skills list or dream roles. As your career progresses, things won’t always go to plan so be ready to re-assess and update your plan. By being honest, open and focused about your career, you have more chance of reaching your goals.

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