Your career is one of the biggest plans you will make in your life. Whether you are a recent college graduate, a mid-career executive or a seasoned entrepreneur, planning your career and achieving important milestones along the way will aid you on your path to success. Setting well-defined, realistic short-term goals is critical to making your long-term goals achievable.
Considerations
To begin the process of career planning, you must first have your long-term objectives in mind. Although "career" oftentimes seems like a separate category of your life, all aspects are interconnected. It is important to consider your goals in each one of these aspects. The University of California Berkeley Career Center recommends evaluating your strengths and thoroughly researching your options before setting your career objective.
Goal Setting
Goal setting for your career is an effective way to motivate yourself, set up a structured game plan and monitor your progress along the way. After determining your long-term goal, break down the path to achieving that goal in small, sizable chunks. Be specific as to what those milestones are and when they should be achieved. Remember to be realistic so that they are feasible, but to still set them high enough to challenge yourself so that you stay motivated.
Take Action
Research opportunities through alumni career centers, business organizations or other resources that offer insight into the field you have chosen. Continue to build your skill set so that you are constantly adding value to yourself as an individual. Networking opportunities both in person and online can offer connections that take your career to the next level. Stay focused and results-oriented on achieving the milestones in your career plan, such as hitting a certain sales mark or nailing a new promotion.
Evaluation
Career planning is a constant process of action and re-evaluation. Keep in mind that your career goals should always be somewhat flexible. While you should not abandon a goal simply because the challenges it presents are daunting, your values and priorities will shift throughout the course of your life. The Stanford University Career Development Center offers several tests and worksheets for gauging your skills, personality, values and interests.
Positive Reinforcement
Celebrate your success when you achieve the smaller milestones you set for yourself. Do not be afraid to share your goals with your family and friends so that they can help support you on your path and celebrate with you when you achieve them. At every step, inspiration and motivation is key to propelling you toward your next success.
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