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Let’s be honest…
Some of us treat our careers like a “let’s see how it goes” experiment. We wake up, go to work, get paid, and repeat the cycle with no plan, no roadmap, no goals, no milestones —just…vibes.
The truth is, careers don’t grow on vibes — they grow on strategy. And before you dismiss the idea because “plans feel too rigid,” remember that a career plan is never set in stone. It can (and should) evolve with new trends, fresh insights, and the experiences you gain along the way.
The transition question: So, how do you move from “let’s see how it goes” to “I know where I’m headed”?
Know Yourself First
Photo by Paul Garaizar on UnsplashBefore chasing trends or hot skills, pause and assess yourself. Understanding your strengths helps you value yourself. Recognizing weaknesses prevents you from taking roles that drain you.
Ask: What energizes me? When do I feel confident? Where do I struggle?
Knowing this helps you find careers that fit naturally instead of forcing mismatches.
Try taking the 16 Personalities test to uncover your natural strengths and tendencies.
Quiz
Belinda is thinking about her next career move. She notices she feels confident when solving complex problems but gets drained in high-social-interaction roles. Before she starts applying for jobs, what should she do?
Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and energy drivers is the foundation for choosing a career path that fits you naturally. This helps you narrow your search toward roles that give energy (like analytical or problem-solving jobs) and avoid those that might drain you (like heavy social-interaction roles)
Match Who You Are with What the Market Needs
Photo by Christine Roy on UnsplashDoing what you love is important, but it’s not enough to build a sustainable career.
Industries evolve rapidly, and without aligning your passion with market needs, you risk becoming obsolete. For instance, photography has been transformed by drones and AI tools, and teaching is evolving with digital platforms like Rumie.
Remember, your career needs regular updates, just like your phone, to keep running smoothly.
Quiz
Desmond loves making handmade crafts and wants to turn it into a business. However, he notices sales are low, and people seem more interested in sustainable, eco-friendly products. What’s his best move?
Passion needs to be aligned with market demand to stay relevant and profitable. By merging his passion with market trends, Desmond can create products people want while still doing what he loves.
Did you know?
As you climb the career ladder, you’ll often move from tactical (hands-on, task-focused) roles to strategic (decision-making, long-term planning) ones. What you “love” today might evolve — and if you don’t adapt your skills to match new responsibilities and market needs, you risk losing relevance.
Plan Your Career Path
Without a clear direction, you might drift — flexibility is good; drifting is not.
Break your career into trackable stages:
Short-term (6-12 months): Gain a new skill or certification.
Mid-term (1-3 years): Move into a strategic role.
Long-term (3-5 years): Transition into leadership or start a venture.
Example Career Path
Entry-level designer → mid-level specialist → design lead 🎯
Sample milestones:
Entry level: build a portfolio of 10+ projects, learn key tools like Figma
Mid-level: lead a design sprint
Lead level: mentor a junior, present at a design conference.
Quiz
Omar wants to become a senior software engineer in 3 years. Right now, he has basic coding skills but no experience with system architecture. What should be his next step?
A career plan connects where Omar is to where he wants to be, with clear actions and timelines. Including learning opportunities ensures he gains the right skills efficiently, preventing wasted time or missed growth chances.
Did you know?
You can use this Career Development Plan Template to structure your own path and milestones.
Adjust and Adapt as You Grow
Your career plan should grow with you.
As industries shift, priorities change, or life takes a new turn, it’s natural to outgrow parts of your plan.
Here’s how to stay on track as you grow:
Reassess your goals — Are they still aligned with who you’re becoming?
Spot what’s not working — Drop what no longer serves you.
Update your strategy — Adjust timelines, roles, or skills as needed.
Stay open — Seek feedback, explore opportunities, and keep learning.
And remember: celebrating small wins fuels motivation and keeps momentum alive. ✨
Take Action
These resources will be a perfect guide for your career journey:
This Byte has been authored by
Omolafe Dabo
Learning and Development Coordinator
B.Sc