Career Planning: Map Your Next Move

Want a career that fits your life and pays what you need? Start by figuring out the one thing you do well and enjoy. Pinpointing a strength gives you a clear direction and saves wasted years.

Begin with a quick self-assessment. List three skills you use daily, three tasks you avoid, and three subjects you enjoy. That list becomes your base for exploring jobs, courses, and industries that match you.

Quick steps to plan your career

Set a simple 1-year goal and a 5-year goal. Make the 1-year goal measurable: a certification, a new portfolio, or a role change. For five years, aim for a clear title or income band. Break each goal into monthly tasks and review them every month.

Research jobs that match your skills. Read job ads, note required skills, and spot recurring tools or platforms. If most listings ask for the same tool, learn it. Free online lessons and short courses often cover exactly what employers want. For example, if many roles ask for Excel, SQL, or a design tool, pick one and build a small project to show.

Network with purpose. Reach out to three people in roles you want. Ask for a 15-minute chat about their day-to-day work and how they got there. Most professionals will share honest tips and warn you about surprises. Keep those conversations short and focused so people are willing to help again.

Build a practical CV and a two-minute pitch. Your CV should show results: numbers, projects, or improvements you led. Your pitch should answer who you are, what you do, and what you want next. Practice it until it sounds natural. Tailor your CV for each job by mirroring keywords from the listing.

Tools, actions, and common roadblocks

Learn one new tool every quarter. Pick tools that appear in job posts or that make your current work faster. Keep a folder of projects and screenshots you can show in interviews. Small side projects beat vague claims. If you finished a tough school project like an IB extended essay, highlight research, time management, and problem solving—skills employers value.

Expect setbacks. Rejections and slow growth are normal. When stuck, recheck your goals. Are they too vague? Do you need a skill upgrade? Use setbacks as signals, not stop signs. Consider coaching or mentoring when making a big switch; a coach can shorten your learning curve and help you avoid common mistakes.

Use daily habits to stay on track. Spend 30 minutes daily on skill work, 30 minutes weekly on networking, and one hour monthly on updating your CV. Tiny, consistent actions add up and keep your profile fresh. Review progress every quarter and adjust goals when life or interests change.

Pick a career path that fits life, not just salary. Look at commute, hours, growth, and stress. A good plan balances money with daily life so you can enjoy work and stay healthy.

Start small today: choose one skill, make one contact, and set one measurable goal. Do that every week. You will see progress.