Creating a Winning Career Plan

The idea of a successful career is different for each person.  For some it is making a solid contribution to their company or community, for others it is having a professional title that reflects the hard work they have put in to rise to the top, and yet for others it depends very much on the amount of money they bring home each month.  Understanding then that there is no one career path that will satisfy everyone, creating a career plan is not only a good idea for plotting how to get to the ‘top’, it also helps you to determine what the ‘top’ means to you.

Here are four simple steps, from deciding where it is you want to go to succession planning to ensure you are not missed, to creating a winning career plan. These will not only provide you with valuable direction but will also create a check-in plan so you can periodically assess how you are progressing towards your ultimate goal(s).

Step 1 – Decide: where you want your career plan to take you

The first step in creating a winning career plan is very simply getting clear on what exactly it is that you want to do.  If you are currently a mid-level sales manager, but know that your ultimate goal is to work as VP of marketing, then you at least know where you are heading so that you can then begin to create a plan to get there.  Just as you need to have a destination when you get in your car to drive somewhere, you also need a destination for your career path.  In other words, where do you want your career path to take you?  This is the step where you can allow yourself to think in terms of possibility; no need to limit yourself, because the next three steps will help you plan out exactly how to make it happen.

Step 2 – Determine: the necessary steps on your career path

The next step in your winning career plan is to determine what you will need to do to move your career path in the direction of where you ultimately want to go.  This is where you are going to ask yourself questions like: 

• Is my current company where I will be able to achieve the careers goals I have created for myself?
• Do I need to continue my education in order to fill in any missing knowledge or to re-familiarize myself with the most up to date information in my domain?  This is the perfect time to reflect on options such as an Executive MBA that will solidify your basic business knowledge and build upon certain specializations.
• Am I in the right geographical location to pursue my career plan?

Step 3 – Do: get advice and practice succession planning

It is now time to take some action.  Start plotting out your career plan so that you can see if there are any holes or barriers that you may not have originally thought of.  Begin to seek out people who are currently carrying out a job/career that is similar to what you would eventually like to be doing.  Ask for their advice and if possible, their guidance on how you can get from where you are to where to where you want to be.  This is also a great time to look at succession planning so that you can begin to seek talent in your company or team and train someone for your role so that when you are ready to step up, there will be someone hand-picked and trained by you to take over. Good succession planning will make for a smooth transition, allowing business to carry on as usual.

Step 4 – Dedicate:  yourself to both your career and life goals

It is important to remember that a career plan that does not take into consideration your life goals as well can only ever be halfway successful.  A truly winning career plan will incorporate all aspects of your life and allow you to plot out a career that is both fulfilling and rewarding personally and professionally. 

As you move forward and begin to implement these four steps to a winning career plan, you will find that you may need to course correct along the way.  Your career plan will serve you well but always keep in mind that remaining flexible and open to change may be one of your greatest assets as you move along your career path.  Unexpected doors might open, you may have to alter your succession planning as a result of your chosen successor changing their plans or you may be faced with a change in your personal circumstances.

It is infinitely easier to course correct when you know where you are going, as opposed to wandering aimlessly and hoping life throws you a lucky break.  So start on your career plan today and see where the path leads you.

Get more tips and advice in the QS Top Executive Guide >