Making a visual representation of your career trajectory and/or goals is a common practice called Career Mapping. Larger organizations with more established HR systems might even help you produce a possible career map with the help of software tools. This can be built from the organization layout of roles at the company, and show you possible career progression opportunities. Yet, if you have this starting point, it is easy to create one yourself.
What is it?
A career map is a visual representation to have a clearer picture of your career journey and the steps you need to take to achieve it. Often employers and employees work together to build plans that support the company’s and the employee’s goals. Career maps help identify and outline specific career paths that benefit your personal development while positioning you for growth within the company.
According to a 2022 Gartner study, only 25% of employees are happy about their career path at their current organization and are leaving for better employee development plans. Examining a path for growth and advancement leads to more engaged and motivated employees who want to stick around longer.
Steps to Creating a Career Plan and Map:
- Self Assessment – Self Assessments are the first step to assessing your skills, interests, and values. Knowing yourself if the basis to knowing where you want to go and setting goals. When conducting a self-assessment consider personal development goals and possibly the goals of your current organization. Why the goals of the organization you ask, because a company will champion people in roles that add value to the company and align with the company’s goals.
- Do Research – Research roles you are interested in based on what your dream job looks like. Create a list of positions, skills needed, education or certifications, and how you can attain them.
- Goals and Planning – Set SMART goals to move through your future career goals step-by-step. Your career map could contain roles that are three levels away from your current job, so you want to have clear goals, and potential timelines, to keep you on track as you move along your career journey. Career mapping tools are available online and can help you see forward, sideways, and backward moves. Not everything has to be a promotion, sometimes you need to move sideways to get needed skills or experiences.
- Career Map – Do a Google search on “career map” and you’ll find lots of templates and examples. Pick one that works for you and has elements that will keep you on track, informed, and motivated. It’s not a one size fits all. In all cases, you should:
- Define starting point
- Define end goal4
- Identify how to get from your start to end goal
Finally, share your career map and goals with company leadership and mentors who can help you realize these goals. Even if they didn’t start a career mapping conversation with you, they can be a valuable asset. Get sponsors & mentors to help pave the way, provide advice, and open doors to development opportunities. Even if your next goal doesn’t have you at the same company in the future, you can likely gain development, experience, or training right where you are at. Making a career plan and map is easy and personal, so don’t wait for your supervisor or HR to initiate the process.
