Home > Training and Education > Asking for a Career Development Plan

Asking for a Career Development Plan

By: Emma Jones - Updated: 19 Jul 2015 | comments*Discuss
 
Career Career Development Plan Career

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 10 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, 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 some Ggoals, 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 recreating your goals doesn’t mean you have failed but that you are taking an honest, proactive approach to your evolving career.

Summary

Here's an overview of how to get the right career development plan:
  • Decide what your priorities are
  • Approach your manager or independent career advisor about creating the plan
  • Put together quantifiable goals that work for you whether it is a timeline, skills list or dream roles
  • Be honest, open and focused about your career

A career development plan is a great way to take control of your career progress and stay focused on what you want. As your career progresses, things won’t always go to plan so be ready to re-assess and Update Your Plan.

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
Hi I would like to become an real estate agent . I need to know is it possible to get evening or online courses. I have currently company for interior and exterior refurbishment. So I need some advice. Thanks Dave
Dave - 19-Jul-15 @ 12:33 PM
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice...
Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Latest Comments
  • Rich
    Re: Working with Animals
    Good Morning. I am 55 years old and have been working in social care for the last 12 years. I have always loved animals and have a high…
    25 February 2024
  • Alpha
    Re: Becoming a Mechanic
    I love this content, it was helpful, check this out also.
    31 January 2024
  • Angelina
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    Hi I'm 31 years old and have a disability I'm looking for work experience either in a nursery or as a receptionist at a…
    8 October 2023
  • Nimmi
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    Hi i am looking for work experience in account assistant position. Thank you
    26 September 2023
  • Nimmi
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    Hi I am looking for work experience in account assistant as I am having Acca and BA degree qualifications. I am available…
    26 September 2023
  • Shaz
    Re: How to Become an Insurance Broker
    Hi We would like to start private hire insurance business. I need more information about this. Can you please contact me…
    19 September 2023
  • Bron
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    would like some help or advice on how to gain more experience that will help me get back into work
    16 June 2023
  • Rob
    Re: Becoming a Mechanic
    Hi. I'm 57 and have been working at a dealership for just 4 months. I love cars and would be an honour to be able to service or repair them!…
    28 April 2023
  • clarkey
    Re: Becoming a Mechanic
    I have just started back at college on my final year. I am on level 3 Motor vehicle and I am a 57 year old woman. You are never too old. Go…
    22 September 2022
  • Philipsmac
    Re: Becoming a Carer
    I live in Lagos Nigeria. I would like to register for social care training program. After graduation, does the certificate qualify me to migrate…
    13 September 2022