Making a Career Plan (And Staying Flexible): A Guide to Building Your Path and Embracing Change

“How do I make a career plan?”

This is one of the more common questions I get asked by clients or people I run into at networking events. 

It’s a great question because setting out a career path can feel like a big, daunting task. It’s like being handed a blank map and told to fill it in, all while knowing that the landscape might change along the way.

The good news? You can create a roadmap that works for you and leaves room for those unexpected twists and turns.

Whether you're just starting out, feeling stuck, or considering a major change, having a career plan can be empowering.

Here’s a simple guide to building a career roadmap that aligns with your goals and values, while allowing you the flexibility to grow and adapt.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Goals and Values

Career planning starts with self-reflection. Before setting specific goals, think about what truly matters to you.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of impact do I want to make?
• What values are non-negotiable in my work?
• What skills do I want to develop?

A client of mine, (name and details changed for confidentiality, of course) Sarah, had been in human resources for over ten years. She came to me feeling stuck in her role, wondering if she was missing out on something bigger. Through our conversations, we discovered that her real passion was in helping individuals find meaningful work, not just filling roles. This shift in focus allowed her to pursue roles more aligned with her values—and she ended up pivoting to a position in talent development, which was a better fit.

Step 2: Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Once you’ve honed in on your core values and interests, it’s time to set tangible goals. Try to think of your career plan in phases, like short-term, mid-term, and long-term objectives.

An example goal-setting approach:

1. Short-term (1-2 years): Skills you want to gain, certifications to pursue, or immediate roles that interest you.
2. Mid-term (3-5 years): Positions or projects that build on your skills, leadership opportunities, or salary growth.
3. Long-term (5+ years): Your vision for where you want to be ultimately, whether you're leading a team, starting a business, or mastering your field.

Quick Tip: Keep goals SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, if you want to improve your public speaking skills, set a goal to present at three company meetings over the next year.

Step 3: Build Your Network and Seek Mentors

A career plan isn’t just about you; it’s about who you connect with along the way. Networking isn’t just for finding jobs; it’s for learning from others’ experiences, staying motivated, and being open to new ideas.

Real-World Example:
I worked with a client named (name and details changed) Maria who was new to her industry and unsure about the next steps. She didn’t have direct contacts in her field, so we created a plan for her to attend industry events and reach out to professionals for informational interviews. Through those conversations, she not only gained insights into the field but also found a mentor who helped her navigate her early career decisions.

Step 4: Create a Learning and Skill-Building Plan

The job market changes quickly. Staying adaptable means making learning a priority in your career plan. This can include formal courses, certifications, workshops, or even side projects.

Recommendation:
Identify a few key skills that are either in high demand in your field or areas you genuinely want to improve. If you’re in marketing, this might mean diving into digital analytics. If you’re in HR, it could mean learning more about diversity and inclusion best practices.

As a coach, I like to remind my clients to make a skill-building plan that includes realistic timelines. Aiming to complete a certification by year’s end or attending one workshop per quarter is a great way to structure growth without overwhelming yourself.

Step 5: Review and Revise Your Plan Regularly

A career plan should be a living document. Life circumstances, new interests, or changes in the job market can alter your path. Set aside time every 6-12 months to review your plan and assess your goals.

Example from Experience:
One of my clients, Emily (yup, you guessed it, her name isn't actually Emily), started her career in a corporate setting with the goal of becoming a director. After a few years, she realized her priorities had shifted; she was more interested in work-life balance and meaningful impact than climbing the corporate ladder. Emily adjusted her career plan and found a fulfilling role in a non-profit organization, which was a better fit for her new priorities.

Staying Flexible: Embracing the Unexpected

In today’s world, careers are rarely linear. Embrace the possibility that your career path might not look like a straight line, and that’s okay! Flexibility allows you to pivot when opportunities arise or when your personal goals shift.

Your career is unique, and so is your journey. A well-thought-out plan, combined with an openness to adapt, is the best way to navigate an ever-changing career landscape. Remember that every experience—whether it feels like a step forward, backward, or sideways—is part of your story and growth.

Whether you're making a big leap or taking small, consistent steps, each move brings you closer to a fulfilling career. So take that first step, stay curious, and remember—you don’t have to have it all figured out to make meaningful progress.

Happy planning, and remember, Acorn Avenue is here to support you on your journey! 🌱