Planning Work: How to achieve professional goals

To feel professionally accomplished, it's important to set both immediate and long-term professional goals and stick to them. If you are dissatisfied or feel that you are unable to achieve those professional goals in your current position, it is time to redefine your career plan.

Establish your professional goals

First things first: sit back and redefine your career goals. These may have changed over the years as you have grown both professionally and personally. Ask yourself the following questions: What drives me to do good work? Where do I see myself in five years? What are the three most important qualifications I look for in a job? Trying to have a clear picture of what you want for the future makes it easier to move forward in your career path.

Expand your skills

Perhaps one of the reasons that has prevented you from moving forward and achieving the professional goals defined in your career plan is a lack of skills. Realistically assess your strengths and weaknesses. You may need to enroll in courses or obtain certifications in order to move forward in your career.

Evaluate priorities and plan the work

Now that your career goals are clear, it's time to honestly evaluate your current job. By holding this position, are you able to achieve the professional goals that you have outlined? If not, it's time for a change. Talk to your supervisors about possible opportunities within the company. You may take on new responsibilities or move to a new department. However, it may also happen that your career plan requires you to look around if you want to evolve.

Seek a better location

If you decide to start a job search, always remember your professional goals. Apply only for positions that you feel are truly suitable and compatible with your career plan. This choice may limit the number of places available, but in this way any offer you receive will be really interesting for you and will motivate you to apply. 

Stick to your career plan

Knowing what you want is an advantage when trying to change careers. If you stay aligned with your professional goals , you will be thrilled with the possibilities ahead. This kind of energy is an attractive quality for HR managers and it really works to your advantage during the application process. It also makes you a better employee. Monitor your progress often and review your career plan frequently, so that you will be able to deliver on what you want for your professional future.