Is career planning right for you- and how to do it

Introduction to Career Planning

When it comes to shaping your career, there are two broad paths you can follow: a planned approach and an organic approach. Neither is right nor wrong, rather each suits different personalities and stages of life. Understanding these approaches, and knowing when to use which, can help you make confident, well-informed decisions about your future.

The Planned Approach

The planned approach involves setting an objective (a job title, financial target, set of responsibilities or skills etc) and plotting a route to get there from where you are now.

Planning works better for individuals who:

• have a clear vision of where they want to be at some future stage of their life/career;
• feel unsettled as to whether or not they are doing the right things if there isn't a clear route ahead; or
• feel stuck in a rut or are looking for a career change.

The Organic Approach

With the organic approach you don't set yourself targets but consider opportunities as and when they arise.

The organic approach to a career tends to suit people who:

• struggle for a clear vision of what they will find particularly enjoyable or fulfilling;
• find self-imposed targets to be an unnecessary stress; or
• believe there is too much uncertainty for meaningful planning ahead to be possible.

Planning at Nodal Points in Your Career and Life

When you have choices which will result in you specialising (or not) in a discipline then planning will help avoid regrets down the line. Salaries, work life balance, future opportunities etc can be very different depending on which route you take and it isn't always easy to switch once you have gone down a path.

At these nodal points, it is worth mapping alternative future career paths and considering them in relation to your motivations. Take time to think about what your role might look like in 3, 5 or even 10 years' time depending on the paths you choose. Consider both positive and negative elements with all paths. Sometimes a clear winner will emerge, other times a clear loser. Either way, you will make better decisions.

Does Planning Accelerate Your Career Development?

"Sometimes but not always" is the unhelpful answer.

Not only does planning avoid 'detours' that can slow career progression, but it demonstrates a conviction and a commitment to that career path which may position candidates well for promotion. Many hiring managers also value the clarity and ambition of these candidates so long as their vision is informed, realistic and pragmatic.

A Four Step Method on Planning Your Career

• Set your objective - identify what motivates you (money, job title, power, passion etc) and set a realistic target e.g. a salary of £75,000 per year.
• Set a timescale - this is optional but it can be motivational i.e. £75,000 by aged 50.
• Plot the career path - starting at your destination plot your career path back to where you are now. The path may be job titles, skills development, experience or a combination of the three.
• Assess and amend the plan - determine whether the career path is realistic, will fit with your broader life goals and whether it still appeals. Recognising you may need to make trade-offs, revise it until you are happy.

Career planning can be beneficial, but it's essential to find the right approach for your individual needs and stage of life.