Exploring Your Career Path

Hey SWEsters,

We hope you had a great holiday season and are ready to jump right back into our monthly coffee club discussions!

This month, in the spirit of new years, new beginnings and new resolutions, we want to focus on career planning, the importance of setting goals and the importance of the three year plan.

First, let's get inspired by a great TED talk! Then take a look at the following articles, send us some of your own in the comments section and get ready for deep dive discussions into career planning.

Why should I plan my career?

The Importance Of Having A Solid Career Plan

Almost everyone has some sort of significant goal or aspiration they hope to achieve in the future. For a significant number people, this includes some type of long-term career plan or dream job that they would like to obtain.

You Owe Yourself a Career Path Plan

Career pathing is the process used by an employee to chart a course within an organization for his or her career path and career development. Career pathing involves understanding what knowledge, skills, personal characteristics, and experience are required for an employee to progress his or her career laterally, or through access to promotions and / or departmental transfers.

How do I put together an effective plan?

Guide to Writing a Career Development Plan

Destination Dream Job: Creating a Career Roadmap

Whether you want to run your own company or snag the corner office at your current job, you probably have an end-goal for your career. But do you really know what you need to do to get there?

How To Make A Career Map That Actually Works

But... How far ahead should I plan?

Creating A Career Plan: Short-, Medium- And Long-Term

You've probably spent quite a bit of time thinking about what you want to accomplish professionally. If you haven't already put together a personal career plan, it's a good idea to set aside an hour or so and sit down to plot out your short-, medium- and long-term goals.

Don't feel like reading? Not a problem; here are some great podcasts to get into:

Smart Career Planning by Helen Chao on Apple Podcasts