How to Write a Career Plan

It's fair to say that for the majority of people, the job for life no longer exists. This means there are plenty of exciting opportunities to change jobs or even careers but to get the most from these changes it pays to have a plan in place.

Developing a career plan can be straightforward as long as you are honest about what you really want from life. Knowing what you want is the key to getting it. Where do you want to be in three, five and ten years time? Be truthful about your career needs right now.

• Do you crave the stress and buzz of a high-flying career with a major multinational?
• Do you want to be in control and manage your own business?
• Do you want to be home by five everyday?

What you want from life will change with time as will your priorities. Before you plan where you want to be, take stock of where you are now.

1. What do you like about your current job?
2. What do you dislike about your current role?
3. What career development opportunities are there in your current organisation?
4. Do you feel well rewarded and recognised for your contribution?

Try this exercise for two weeks. Everyday, write down two things about your job that you enjoy. Make it as simple as possible, for example: "I enjoy talking to people on the phone", "I enjoy the buzz of closing a sale" or "I enjoy the level of responsibility that I have in this position"

After just two weeks you will have a very good picture of what parts of your job you do enjoy and why. It may help guide you to finding a new role or adapting your current remit to one that encompasses more of the things you enjoy doing. Similarly, do the exercise again but this time writing down activities that you think you would enjoy doing as part of your job that you don't currently do and compare the two lists.

You may find that you really do enjoy being just where you are. If this is the case then make sure that you are valued for your contribution to the company. Identify what you need to do to keep your skills up to date.

If your ambitions are to move on and up, then you need to consider what skills you will need to reach that next level. Set yourself a skills checklist - note down the skills, experience and qualifications that you will need to be able to do your target job. What are your weaknesses? List any skills gaps or specific experience that you will need in order to prosper in your identified role. Do you need to gain some more qualifications?

Could you take a secondment (a temporary move to another office linked to your company) or move department to get the relevant experience? Once you have identified the weaknesses begin to think about how you will close those gaps. Could you get your employer to sponsor you to gain the further qualifications? Could you take on new responsibilities within your current role? Could you get involved in other activities that will raise your profile?

If your current company cannot provide you with the opportunities you need then do move on. Do not be afraid of change. If you instigate it and you have clear objectives of what you want and where you want to be then spending the time finding that ideal job will prove more than rewarding when you get it.

By developing a career plan you can feel in control about where your worklife is heading which in turn will make your whole life feel more structured and organised. Good luck.