Chart Your Path: Step 4

4 Steps to Making Your Career Plan Work for YOU

"Let’s get started!"

January 28, 2025

If you haven’t read the first three parts of “Chart Your Path”, our series on Career Planning, please go back and read those posts. It’s important to complete these 3 steps so you’re ready to execute on your plan. Investing this time and effort will give you the clarity to guide your next steps. Ahmed knew that the work he put into developing his plan was worthwhile.

Ahmed benefitted from his discussions with his Board of Advisors. One his co-workers with whom Ahmed had worked for years, suggested that he start mentoring local high school students who were considering entering the workforce after graduation. Ahmed liked this idea because it was aligned with his values of giving back to his community and his skills in coaching and mentoring. He revised one of his short-term goals and even thought about how his volunteering could even improve his work as a people manager. He liked the idea of syncing up his professional goals with his goals outside of work.

Step 4. Revisit and Refine: When and How Often to Adjust Your Goals

You’ve done the work to create a solid plan, with input from your advisors. You have considered your values and strengths, developed professional and personal goals, and reflected on your path forward. Your plan is in motion. Now, it’s not only important to start executing your plan, but it’s also important to revisit your plan regularly so it stays aligned with your progress, aspirations, and circumstances.

Annual Career Plan Reviews: At the beginning of each year, reflect deeply on your long-term goals and whether they still match with your overall direction. Make adjustments to your medium- and short-term goals if necessary.
Additional Check-Ins: You may want to take a look at your short-term goals more frequently. It’s a good way hold yourself accountable for building the necessary skills to achieve that immediate next stop
Life Events: Major life changes (e.g., new job, family, relocation) might signal a shift in your professional and personal priorities. Your goals should adapt accordingly.

These reviews and revisions don’t necessarily mean you have to make significant changes to your plan. They are also a time to reflect on the great progress you have made. During your Annual Career Plan Review, take time to recognize the goals you’ve achieved and the growth you’ve experienced. Also leave room to be open that your path may shift over time. There’s always uncertainty in planning, and you need to be ready to make adjustments along the way.

Call to Action

Developing, maintaining and realizing your career plan is up to you. Yes, you will have help along the way, but ultimately, you’re the pilot. By investing the time and energy to understand yourself, set realistic yet challenging goals, integrate personal values, and seek the support of a trusted circle, you’ll create a career journey that is not only successful but also deeply fulfilling.

Your career planning starts now. Use our Planning Toolkit to walk you through each of the steps. Set aside enough time for each step, and also take time to remark on your progress.

Pre-Work Before Setting Your Goals (“Who Am I?”)
Set Your Goals (“Where Am I Going?”)
Build Your Personal Board of Advisors (“Who Can Help Me?”)
Revisit and Refine (“Let’s Get Started”)

Career planning can be challenging and daunting. But it doesn’t need to be! If you put in the right effort you will be well on your way to taking charge of your career!