Have you thought about career advancement recently? If you have, you are not alone. Many employees are wondering where their career will go, and how to move forward in their career this year. You can start by making a career advancement plan that clarifies what you want and the steps you can take.

Step 1: Look Back

Every career advancement plan needs a good foundation based on what you have already accomplished. Before you look ahead to what you want, take some time to look back at your career journey to date. Write down each career/title you have held, the skills you developed and used in that career, the areas you succeeded in, and the areas where you struggled.

It is easy to forget what you have accomplished when you are always looking forward. Taking the time to inventory your journey, successes, and struggles will give you a good context for looking at what you want next. It can also remind you of jobs you used to enjoy, and give you some insight into the type of work you find rewarding.

Step 2: List What You Want

Next, begin your career advancement plan with some short-term and long-term goals. There is a slew of information available on making goals, and it is easy to get bogged down in the details. Instead, think about the work you found fulfilling in the past, and areas you would like to continue to work towards. Do not worry about the ‘how’ right now. (That’s next!) Just focus on what you really want from your career. Is it a raise? Better working conditions? More responsibility? A completely different field of work? Write these things down, and prioritize them.

Step 3: Make Your Plan

Make a plan for achieving your goals. You can either begin with the easiest goal, or the most important to you. Either way, set out each step towards the goal. If your goals align with your current career path, ask for your employer’s input and support. You can also talk to others in positions you admire, and ask them for the best steps to take to reach your goals.

Step 4: Go For It!

Now it is time for action! Look at what you can do today to make progress towards your goal, and then do it. Keep close tabs on your progress. Whenever you complete a step on your career advancement plan, cross it off your list and celebrate your accomplishment!

Your career advancement plan can be as detailed or as simple as you would like it to be. It is your plan, and you have the freedom to create a plan that suits you. Remember to take into account your career history and successes when you list what you want. Make a plan with clear steps to follow, and include your employer when it is practical to do so. Then start taking action steps towards your goals and enjoy success along your journey.

Personal growth and development is an important part of career success. We offer Internal Empowerment training that uses proven principles to develop a strong, confident presence, develop healthy relationships, and achieve personal and professional goals. Contact us today for more information. We are looking forward to connecting with you!