How to Plan Your Professional Development
>> Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Having a development plan is essential if you wish to get ahead in your career. Firstly, it focuses your mind and gives you a tangible set of actions to work towards in your job. Research shows that those who write their goals down are far more likely to achieve them. Secondly, it shows your employer that you are serious about getting ahead and have future leadership potential. Finally, it gives you and your manager a framework against which your development can be measured.
Write Down Your Goals
Take time to sit down alone and identify your objectives and goals for your career within your organisation. Break these down into a series of one-year, three-year and five-year goals. Alongside these, build in a series of SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound) goals, to focus your endeavours and ensure you achieve your objectives. Also have a ten-year plan in place for your longer-term career objectives.
Write down details of any additional skills or work experience you need to meet your objectives. Use this to plan your search for courses and training you might need, such as professional development conferences, networking groups, qualifications and more. Think about projects you might like to volunteer for within the company, as these are a great way to get noticed. You can then start to develop a timeline against which you'll plot your goals and tasks. Set up calendar updates to keep track.
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Take time to sit down alone and identify your objectives and goals for your career within your organisation. Break these down into a series of one-year, three-year and five-year goals. Alongside these, build in a series of SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound) goals, to focus your endeavours and ensure you achieve your objectives. Also have a ten-year plan in place for your longer-term career objectives.
Write down details of any additional skills or work experience you need to meet your objectives. Use this to plan your search for courses and training you might need, such as professional development conferences, networking groups, qualifications and more. Think about projects you might like to volunteer for within the company, as these are a great way to get noticed. You can then start to develop a timeline against which you'll plot your goals and tasks. Set up calendar updates to keep track.
