#11 Career Planning

OK, so I wasn't going to keep this newsletter alive but every now and again I think of topic I want to share. Today, Career Planning.

?If someone handed you a blank blueprint for your career, how would you fill it in? Many of us spend years reacting to opportunities rather than planning intentionally. But whether you’re early in your career or pivoting after years in the workforce, taking time to map your goals, strengths, and network can dramatically change the trajectory of your career.

This month, I want to share a tool I developed for a client—a simple yet powerful framework to help you plan your career while refining your personal brand. While I can't upload the template for you here, just message me and I will send it over!

Here’s how you can get started:

1.???? What Matters to Me: Start by selecting ONLY 3 of your top priorities. Knowing what drives you will help you make aligned decisions. Note, these priorities can change over time.

2.???? Skills & Strengths: Think about the feedback you get from peers or managers. What are your superpowers that you should leverage in any role? These strengths should be relative to your peer group, they are what makes you stand out.

3. Evaluate Your P.I.E.: Performance, Image, and Exposure are simple categories that allow you to reflect on how you are perceived and give insight on potential gaps.

3.???? Map Your Network: Who do you know, and who should you know? Identify peers, mentors, and connections who can help you achieve your goals.

4.???? Set Clear Goals: Define your short-term (6-12 months) and long-term (2-5 years) aspirations. Be bold—your vision should inspire you!

5.???? Personal Statement: Sometimes it can be helpful to summarize the insights and intentions you learned by filling out the previous sections. A good summary statement will give you an elevator speech when asked about your goals, text you can include in quarterly updates and will help you focus.

6. Take Action: Choose 2-3 immediate steps to build momentum, whether it’s learning a new skill, asking for feedback, or taking on a challenging project.

In my experience, the people who succeed in designing fulfilling careers are those who take the time to pause, reflect, and make intentional choices. Your blueprint doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s a living document that evolves with you.

Thoughts? Questions? I love discussing this topic so please reach out!

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