If you’re looking for a higher-paying role, it may not only be about finding the right job, but also about developing yourself into the best candidate. 

The first step in any career development plan is to identify your career goals. What kind of role do you want? What industry or fields are you interested in? By having a clear picture of where you want to be, you can make more informed decisions about what steps to take to get there.

Once you’ve identified your career goals, take stock of where you currently stand. What skills do you have? What experiences have you gained so far? How do these align with your career goals? Looking at yourself and how you stack up against your goals will help you understand what you need to work on to reach your career objectives.

After assessing your current situation, you may find some skill gaps that need to be addressed. These are areas where you need further training or experience to reach your career goals. Identifying these gaps is crucial in outlining the steps you need to take in your career development plan.

If you found that you have gaps then you need to create a plan to address them. This might involve taking online courses, attending workshops, or gaining practical experience through internships or part-time jobs. Remember, the goal is not just to learn, but to apply your new skills in a way that makes you a stronger candidate for higher-paying roles. 

Mentorship can be incredibly valuable in your career development journey. A mentor can provide advice, share their experiences, and provide feedback that can help you navigate your career path. If you don’t already have a mentor, consider seeking one out in your desired field.

Also consider a sponsor. A sponsor mentors you but also actively works with you on your goals.  A good sponsor will introduce you to key leaders who can help your career, get you invited to events that will be helpful, and even give you the opportunity to share your expertise through including you in projects and work that they ensure you get included in.

Sponsors and mentors can also help you with connections.  Networking is another key aspect of career development. By connecting with others in your industry, you can learn about opportunities that might not be advertised, gain insights about trends in your field, and even get referrals for jobs.

Career development is not a one-time event but a continuous process. As such, it’s important to regularly review and adjust your plan as necessary. You might find that your goals change, or that you need to learn new skills as your industry evolves.

Creating a career development plan is a proactive step towards achieving your career goals. It requires introspection, planning, and action. But with this guide, we hope you feel better equipped to navigate this journey. Remember, at DCC, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need personalized advice or assistance.

We work with executives looking to make at least six figures on their career development.

Set up a call with our team of experts to explore this now.

“I recently on-boarded a new Vision Essentials leader to the coaching program.   She was very excited. And she said:   “I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the coaching program from everyone here. So I’m very excited to start.” Another leader who was very very reluctant to start the coaching program just told me:   “This coaching program, it’s really affecting everyone — in a positive way I mean.”   Of course, I’m not surprised given the high caliber of your amazing coaching skills, industry expertise, and dedication to developing effective compassionate leaders.   Thank you for all the excellence you are bringing to this program and to the leadership team at Vision Essentials.”

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