How to Create a Career Development Plan

If you are new to the workforce or are contemplating switching careers, a Career Development Plan can be invaluable in determining your next step on the path to obtaining a challenging, well-paying career. You can create a Career Development Plan in less than 10 minutes, and this plan can be quickly redesigned if your goals or situation changes.

Things You'll Need

• Pen Paper

Instructions

1. Determine your strengths, weaknesses and interests. This will help you narrow down possible career choices that you may be interested in.

2. Narrow your career selections down to one job that you really want. This will make it easier to determine the steps you need to take to landing a job.

3. Determine what education or certifications your job will require. What type of college degree will you need for this job? Will you need to pass any professional licensing exams? Will you need to join any professional organizations?

4. Determine how you will pay for the education or certifications that you will need. You may need to work at your current job for a while to finance your education. You may also be eligible for grants, scholarships or loans to pay for your education.

5. Map out your short-term and long-term goals and post this list in a prominent place in your home. Short-term goals are things that you will accomplish within the next year. Long-term goals are things that you will accomplish within the next five to 10 years. By posting this list prominently in your home, you will be able to review it often and keep yourself motivated.

Tips & Warnings

• Be flexible. Sometimes life takes an unplanned detour, which may change your plans. Don't get discouraged if your goals change or need to be adjusted. Just keep working toward your goal and tweak your Career Development Plan as necessary.