Have you ever struggled to answer the question: "What are your long-term career goals?"

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If you thought "yes", then you need a career plan!

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What is a career plan?

A career plan is a guide that you can create to help you map out key steps and strategies for career success. It can help you achieve your short-term and long-term goals.

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A career plan can also help you figure out what type of career you want to pursue.

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It could be a vision board, a spreadsheet, or even a checklist!

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Why is a career plan important?

Creating a career plan supports your long-term goals by:

  • Helping you make informed decisions about your future.

  • Clarifying if you need any formal training and education before or during the pursuit of your career.

  • Identifying what soft skills and hard skills you have and what type of experiences you need to bridge any gaps.

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How do you start creating a career plan?

  • Start by defining your long-term goals and develop SMART goals.

  • Ask yourself key questions and reflect on your skills.

  • Research jobs and conduct informational interviews to get more details about jobs you may like.

  • Visit your country's website on labor market information to learn more about labor statistics.

Flaticon Icon Check out Statistics Canada for careers in Canada.

Flaticon Icon Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics for careers in the U.S.

Quiz

When creating a career plan, you should ask yourself the following questions:

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