Tips for Mapping Out Your Career Path

Do you have a career path mapped out, helping you navigate how to achieve your career goals? If you don’t, you might want to consider how you plan for a long vacation or even a quick getaway. You mapped out those trips, right? Well, just as it’s important to know where you’re going on vacation and how you will get there, it’s even more important to lay out plans for your career as well.

Map out Your Career Path – An Aerial View

While it is crucial to spend quality time thinking about your goals and creating your career path, you also to need to remember you don’t have to get too specific. Don’t create rules and boundaries that may hold you back from achieving success, but continue to evaluate the steps you are taking in your career so you don’t go on too many detours.

No matter what stage of your career you’re in, if you’ve never created a career plan or map before, you can start any time!

What to Include in Your Career Path

Here are some tips on what you should include as you map out your career path. These elements will keep you going in the right direction, no matter what life may bring your way.

  • Your Value Proposition

Consider what makes you marketable to employers. From work history to transferable soft skills, companies are looking for well-rounded people to join their teams. In this area, you can include volunteer experience, extracurricular activities and nonprofessional jobs as well.

If you feel you aren’t doing enough to demonstrate your value proposition, get active in your community or Meetup groups so you can enhance it.

  • Your Strengths & Weaknesses

Remember, your career plan is created specifically for your own reference, so it’s a perfect place to list your strengths and weaknesses. This comes in handy if you are given a few job opportunities and are unsure what to do. Consider which job aligns with your strengths and weaknesses (personal or professional), and this can help give you a clear picture of what the better choice is for the next step in your career path.

  • Your Career Goals & a Timeline

This is a very important step in mapping your career path. While you don’t have to get too specific, it is important to consider the milestones you want to achieve along the way. Do you want a promotion in X years? Maybe you want to go back to school for another degree or certification by a certain age. Be sure to brainstorm milestone goals along your career path, then break those goals down into smaller steps and set realistic timelines to achieve these goals.

  • Any Networking Resources

Another important part to your career path is keeping a list of your networking resources. From colleagues to mentors to business membership groups, there are a variety of ways to make valuable connections in your field. As you move along your career path, this list will undoubtedly grow. Anyone who you consider placing on this list, you should also try to maintain contact with so you won’t become a stranger!

Fulfill the Next Step on Your Career Path

For professional guidance to achieve your career goals, or to find a job that will fit your career path, contact Pro Talent Group.

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