Syed Waqar Hussain

If you just start thinking about your career planning with this new year, I can give you some useful tips regarding career planning. Most of us do not plan our career and of course un planned career produces un planned results always. So do not go on this mistake and plan your career right now by following tips.

1. Where are you right now?

Its not about that you are in college or in internet cafe, Its a question like what you wanted out if your career when you started? or what did you want to achieve and by when? or When look at your progress to date and what you have achieved, are you on track? If you’re not, then where should you be right now?

Also, think about what you’re doing now and the parts of the job that you enjoy and don’t enjoy. Then find out stuff what you’d like to change. Do not make flames on air, bring a paper and pencil write it down.

2. Set a goal, not goals

Yeah it is recommend to set a one goal to become very clear about it and it will be easily to track it down. Make long term goal such as 3 years or 5 years. You can make goal something that you be proud to have achieved and something that means a lot to you. Make a goal simple to understand, but yet challenging to achieve. It is also recommend to make a goal measurable not subjective. Like To manage a 500K project by 2015, To become project manager certified, To
become portfolio manager and run multiple projects.

3. Make Plan – an action plan

Without actions, you can not achieve your goal. This could be a hardest part. I does not mean that need to leave your job or change your life to do it. You just required to sit and think what about what it will take or required, to meet your goal and then simply go for creating a plan of attack.

If you have 3 year based goal then list 3 things that you need to do each year to meet your goal. Things should be easily achievable, otherwise you simply will not do them. For example it might be to get PMP certification, to become a project manager. Whatever it is I always suggest you to make a solid plan of attack to achieve your goal.

4. Be a Men, Stick with your plan

No no, I am not against women, it was just a sentence . Anyways, you are just a fresh starter with your goal and an action plan. Tell your family and friends about your goal. If possible involve your boss and get his/her response. Just collect many people as you can behind you to motivate you. Of course they will follow up you on daily basis about your progress towards your goal. Remember with the support of your family and friends you can achieve anything in your life.

5. Be smart and over

Yes, if you are an over-achiever then its a best way to start your career planning. You need to achieve more than was expected of you. If you can do this, then you will be the first to get promotions, pay rise and other benefits that help you to achieve your goal. Remember smart tools can be helpful to be smart regarding your career planning and projects.

So, do not think any more, just get paper and pencil and start thinking about your career. Follow me on twitter and facebook for more information.