Why it is important to have a career plan

What Is a Career Plan?

A career plan is a written document that outlines:

• Your career interests, including short-term and long-term goals
• Your strengths, skills, personality and experience, and how these align with jobs you are interested in
• The qualifications, experience and skills you need to secure your chosen role
• A review of the types of jobs that are in demand now and in the future

Writing your career plan down, rather than keeping it in your head, provides several benefits:

• It makes it easier to understand and achieve the steps required to reach your goals
• It builds confidence by reminding you of your strengths
• You can refer back to it over time to track progress
• You can update it as new opportunities arise or your goals change

Why You Need a Career Plan

A career plan is valuable throughout your working life. It helps you navigate changes such as:

• Multiple careers and employers. Most people will work for several employers and may change careers more than once. A career plan ensures you stay focused and adaptable.
• Changing job markets. Technology and global events continue to reshape the world of work. A career plan helps you prepare for these changes and identify transferable skills that can open new opportunities.
• Lifelong learning. Upskilling and reskilling are essential for staying competitive. A career plan helps you prioritise training and development.

Next Steps

Ready to create your career plan? Here’s how to start:

• Visit career planning websites for tools and templates
• Contact a careers adviser for personalised guidance
• If you live in western NSW, Skillset can help with:
  • Access to government-funded programs and local training opportunities
  • Skills development through apprenticeships and traineeships