How a Professional Development Plan Can Help You Reach Your Career Goals

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A professional development plan is invaluable for those looking to take their career to the next level. It allows you to assess your current skills and knowledge, explore new opportunities, adjust your professional roles, and document your development. But how do you create a professional development plan? Read on to find out.

Evaluating Your Knowledge and Skills

Taking an inventory of your current skills and knowledge is the first step in developing a professional development plan. This will allow you to determine which areas require extra attention or further education. To better understand these areas, consider taking a comprehensive online assessment test. Or, take advantage of any resources available, like courses or seminars that can help you progress in your field. Check out Breakfast Leadership Network’s available courses to start.

Going Back to School

If you decide that further education is necessary, consider enrolling in an online program designed for working professionals. Not only can this be done from the comfort of home, but it can also often be completed at your own pace, allowing you to remain employed while still reaching your academic goals. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs, which can help offset some of the costs of returning to school.

Documenting Your Professional Roles

As you progress through your professional development plan, it's essential to remember that technology and job market trends are constantly changing. Ensure that any changes in roles or responsibilities you make are documented so that they can be referred back to later. 

Recording Your Progress

Keeping track of milestones achieved throughout your professional development plan is essential. This can include certifications earned, awards received, and promotions achieved—again, anything related to advancing your career should be documented for future reference. Doing so will provide evidence of progress made and equip you with valuable data when evaluating potential opportunities.

Updating Your CV

Putting together a stellar resume to showcase your skills and experience is a vital step before seeking any new position. A free online resume builder can help you develop a professional-looking resume quickly and easily. You can choose from an extensive library of professionally designed templates and add your copy, photos, colors, and images. This may help increase your chances of success when applying for a job.

Starting a Business  

If starting a business is part of your professional development plan, it’s essential to research different business structures, such as sole proprietorship and limited liability company (LLC). One advantage to forming an LLC is the benefit of limited liability. Plus, you enjoy tax advantages and less paperwork than other business entities. You can save money in lawyer fees by filing yourself or using an online formation service, though you should check the rules and regulations for forming an LLC in your state first.

Whether you’re looking for a promotion within your current organization or launching a business venture of your own, having a well-crafted professional development plan can help you get there faster. By assessing current skills and knowledge, exploring educational opportunities, documenting roles taken and progress made, and updating your resume, you are better equipped with the resources necessary for achieving your career goals. No matter what challenges come up along the way, you will have everything you need to succeed.