Top 5 Tips for Successful Career Planning

1. Evaluate your current job satisfaction

So many of us are stuck in a rut at work, but it's often hard to work out what you want to achieve or change. It may sound laborious, but maintaining a journal of your daily reactions to your job can be extremely beneficial. List situations that you like and dislike and you'll start to observe recurring themes, to help you identify areas for change. Try to relate your dissatisfactions to what you are doing; for example, check whether the discomfort is related to the content of your work, volume of work, your company culture, or the people with whom you work. After a week or so, review this to see what you should start to change and what career and jobs match your personal goals.

2. Assess your values and skills

Take a few minutes to think about what your core values, strengths and weaknesses are. Remember you'll probably enjoy your role more if it plays to your strengths and interests. Think about what jobs you've done well in the past, situations where you've particularly enjoyed work and received positive feedback from peers and superiors. Write these down and use them as a guide to the type of roles and working environments you'll excel in.


3. Always keep yourself updated

Remain aware of trends in professions you are interested in and be on the lookout for roles you may be able to apply for.

4. Investigate educational opportunities

Don't get complacent in your role or progression may slip past. Make sure you keep on striving ahead, challenging yourself and staying on top of your sector, to keep the role interesting and avoid getting stuck in a rut. Talk to friends and co-workers, to identify courses that can help you take the next step in your career. Alternatively, if you're looking to move to a different field, contact professional groups in the sector for suggestions. By challenging yourself and improving your skills base, you'll enjoy your role more and make yourself invaluable to employers.

5. Look for ways to develop your skills

To further your career options, it is important to develop your existing skills as well as acquire new skills. For example, if you are working as a finance assistant, you could enroll for advanced accountancy courses such as ACCA to improve your employability, and open up new opportunities in the sector. If money or time is tight, then look at learning while you earn with an online or distance learning course, or attend occasional one day or weekend seminars.