How to Make a Plan for Career Advancement

When earning a degree, it may seem that obtaining your dream job is the end goal. However, life presents constant opportunities for career growth and changes as professionals continue learning and developing skills, all the while envisioning where you’d like to end up.

Career mapping has been traditionally associated with company employee-retention methods, but it can also be a useful method when individuals use it to set goals and stay motivated.

Assess Skills

Taking stock of your personal and professional skills can help with career planning and understanding of your  contributions. When assessing skills — whether at work, with a trusted friend, or by oneself — keep in mind the following aspects of development and progress: communication, teamwork, creativity, time-management, and decision-making.There are a few ways to conduct an assessment.

• Professional – Meeting with a supervisor for performance reviews establishes a measurable assessment of skills and progress in the workplace.
• Personal – Friends and family can help you identify practical skills and natural talents you use in your everyday life.
• O*NET Online – O*NET is a program provided under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. It boasts a database of occupations, and offers tools and resources to help people explore careers and assess skill sets.

Make the Most of Networking and Professional Organizations

Making connections with other professionals in a current and/or desired career field boasts many benefits. You and your network will be able to share job opportunities, advice, ideas, and common interests.

• Networking –  In this digital age, LinkedIn is often the first source many professionals use to connect with others in their desired career fields. Going to local events can also be helpful in making in-person connections.
• Professional Organizations – Joining a professional organization is one of the best ways to find out about employment opportunities, conferences, current standards, and policies specific to one’s career field.

Pursue Continuing Education

Learning doesn’t have to end with earning a degree. It can be a lifelong journey for people who are curious and focused on personal growth.

• Certification Programs –  For professionals who want to learn new skills but have decided not to pursue an advanced degree, or have already have done so, undergraduate and graduate certificate programs may be a great fit. Certificates provide some skills and credentials that can help professionals advance their careers, without committing to a full degree program.
• Industry Publications – Reading and subscribing to industry-specific publications will help you gain familiarity about leaders in the field, current and evolving standards, practices and policies, research, and relevant news.

Establish SMART Goals

Setting SMART goals — and goals in general — is an ongoing process. Interests, values, motivations, and perspectives change throughout life as a result of experiences. Checking in with and revising goals is helpful to measure progress and also make changes to these goals if needed.

There are many ways to assess skills, measure goals, and continue advancing toward the pursuit of your dream career. Assessing your skills, continuing to learn about your industry, and making meaningful connections with other professionals can be some of the best ways to achieve your career goals as they, and you, continue to grow and change for the better.