Career Development Plan: What Is It And How To Create One?

23 October 2024

A career development plan is essential to create specific and measurable goals for your career.

However, creating a career roadmap can take time for a beginner and requires significant work. Even so, by creating one, you can better understand where you want to take your career forward.

In this article, you will learn about career development plans in general and how to create one. Apart from that, this article will also explain the benefits of creating such a plan.

Finally, you will learn how to create such a plan according to the demands of your career outcomes. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.

Career Development Plan: A General Overview

If you are reading this article, it is evident that you have certain career aspirations. Perhaps you want to rise the corporate ladder, or you are looking for ways to change industries. On the other hand, you might want to work for a business giant.

No matter what your career target is, a career development plan will give you a roadmap on which to focus. Basically, it is a document that consists of a description of your goals and your pathway. For instance, it includes descriptions of how to achieve a particular skill, prepare for a job, reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, etc.

How Does A Career Development Plan Work?

Generally, career development plans vary depending on your chosen career and what you need to go forward with. However, there are some things common in every plan. These include summary statements, short-term goals, long-term goals, current skills, developing skills, conceptual skills, resources, etc.

Here is a general outline of a career development plan:

Starting Point	Your current point in your career.
Destination	The point up to which you want to go in your career.
Gap	Hurdles/Obstacles you must overcome to reach your Career Destination.
Route	Steps to take if you want to close the gap between your Starting Point and Destination.

Basically, it would help if you had a personalized plan for yourself. This will help you identify specific goals for your career that you can achieve. Then, you need to design and implement the right strategies to achieve your career goals.

Benefits Of Having A Career Development Plan

The following are the major advantages of a career development plan you will benefit from:

A. Getting A Future Roadmap

Once you start creating your plan, you will have your end goals in mind. Hence, you will end up finding out how to achieve your goals. However, you will make random career decisions if you do not have a plan. This will take you further from your career goal.

B. Skill Gap Identification

You must definitely have some strengths that will help you in your career. However, it would help if you had some weaknesses as well. In this case, with the help of a career development plan, you can turn them into opportunities.

Basically, the plan will help you to fill gaps in your career. Thereby, you can become a strong employee for your organization and gain new skills.

For instance, if you are strong in coding, you can start developing your oral communication networking skills. For example, being good at soft skills can help you in interview prep.

C. Motivation

If you are happy with your plan, you can motivate yourself daily to push towards your goals and work harder. On the other hand, if you lack such a plan, you will not have a plan to focus on, and you can easily give up in no time. Here, you must understand that motivation is key no matter what type of goals you have.

Steps To Create A Career Development Plan

When you are about to create a career development plan, you are the one who is in complete control. Hence, you can choose how you want to proceed with the plan. Since you are using the plan per your unique needs, you must decide what you want to include or remove.

The following are the steps you must follow if you want to create your career development plan effectively:

1. Have A Good Idea Of Your Current Situation

Firstly, you must determine where you stand in your career at the current moment. Hence, it would help if you determine answers to these aspects:

Previous experiences (employment and learning)

What do you enjoy?

Your likes and dislikes.

What is your life’s calling or aim?

Do you like to work independently or in a group?

Things that motivate or excite you the most.

In this case, you must consider your current situation or employment position. Then, you must compare it with your past experiences, education, strengths, skills, desires, and values. As a result, this will serve as the basis of your future career potential.

2. What Are Your Goals?

The next step to consider when you are creating your career development plan is what your career goal is. Basically, it is what you want to accomplish with the plan. This will give you a sense of purpose and direction.

Additionally, when you break down your goals into smaller objectives, it will be easier for you to accomplish them. Moreover, ensure your goals follow the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) framework.

Furthermore, it would help if you also break down your goals into long-term and short-term goals. Here, long-term goals are the ones that you will achieve in the next five to ten years. On the other hand, short-term goals are the ones that you can achieve in one or two years or a few months.

3. Determine Your Current Skills

You know what skills you have or what you are good at. Hence, once you determine your current skills, you can find out what skills you lack but are important if you want to achieve your goals.

How do you find out which skills to develop? – Read job postings that you want to achieve and those that are dependent on your current position. Here, you can find out the skills that those job positions need. This way, you can develop your skills and prepare for those positions.

For example, say you are a marketing manager and good at search engine optimization. However, you know that you have to be strong in content marketing. Hence, you can look for skills a content marketer needs to develop. Thereby, you can learn those skills accordingly to make a career leap.

4. Gather Your Resources

You can take advantage of many resources if you want to achieve your career goals. Understand that you do not need to meet your career goals alone.

For instance, you can start by determining whether your current employer offers a career development program. Moreover, you can explore various opportunities to meet mentors from your field. For instance, many companies/organizations offer mentorship programs for their employees.

Apart from that, you can also consider participating in career development classes or workshops. In such cases, you must not be afraid to ask questions since you learn from other experts.

5. Start Working

No matter how many plans you make, you must be willing to put in the work to make progress toward your goals. On the other hand, consider involving your supervisors and managers in checking in with them daily. Here, you can ask them to share their perspectives as well.

Hence, as you start working towards your goals, seek guidance. Moreover, do not shy away from trying something new along the way.

6. Track Your Progress

Working on your career goals and focusing on professional development are difficult. Hence, you need to keep track of your milestones. Once you keep track of your milestones, you can achieve them one by one.

Furthermore, celebrate once you achieve a milestone. This will motivate you from time to time and keep you going. You do not need to go too hard on yourself. Understand that you can develop your career and have fun simultaneously.

7. Revisit Your Plan

Refrain from expecting your plan to be foolproof. Hence, you must make your plan flexible enough to adapt to new situations. For instance, as your circumstances change, your goals might evolve. Hence, in such situations, you must modify your career plan. Additionally, review your plan every four months and revise it as needed.

Creating Your Plan: The Way Forward

When you create your career development plan, it will be unique to you. However, no one can deny that some career goals are difficult to meet. Hence, you must stay disciplined and persistent no matter how good your plan is.

The best way to achieve such goals is to break down the goals into smaller objectives. Once you accomplish each objective, try to reward yourself. This will keep you excited in the long run.

Do you have more suggestions on creating a plan for a successful career? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.

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Soumava Goswami

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

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15 High-Paying Careers: Six Figure Jobs to Consider in 2024

Six figure jobs are the ones that pay anywhere from $100,000 to $999,999. Here, the salary number is six digits. For most people, having a six-figure job is a dream. This is because it gives them enough options to be financially secure and have a better lifestyle than most. In this article, you will learn about jobs that offer six-figure salaries. Here, you will learn about fifteen different jobs from various sectors. Apart from that, you will also get a general overview of six-figure salaries and why they matter. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. What Are Six Figure Jobs? - A General Overview When considering what career you want, you look for the ones that pay a good salary. Here, you might search for a job that has a good salary potential, especially the ones that are called six figure salary jobs. Basically, a six-figure job is one that has a salary of six figures. That is, the salary ranges from $100,000 to $999,999. Currently, the healthcare sector has some of the highest-paid jobs and a bright future. Now, you might think that the difference between the two numbers is huge. Also, a big change within this salary range will greatly impact on your financial stability and lifestyle. Moreover, $100K might seem very small compared to $999,999. But even $100,000 per year is a dream for many in the United States. Hence, starting with jobs that pay 100K a year can be a really good step forward. That is why many people aim to earn a six-figure salary early in their careers. It would help if you did the same, and as you grow and take on more responsibilities in your career, you must negotiate your salary accordingly and increase your income. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) says there will be significant growth in the healthcare sector in the next few years. Hence, some of the highest-paying occupations in this article will belong to the healthcare sector. Moreover, outside the healthcare field, the best-paying job is for a corporate chief executive. Top 15 Six Figure Jobs in 2024 in the United States The following are the top six figure jobs in the United States (as of 2024): 1. Cardiologist The job of the cardiologist is to treat diseases of the cardiovascular system. These are the surgeons who treat heart conditions. However, being a cardiologist is difficult. This is because the individual must go through four years of medical school and six to eight more years of specialized cardiology training and general internal medicine training. Apart from that, you also need to clear the American Board of Internal Medicine certification exam. 2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon These surgeons treat different types of diseases, defects, and injuries around the mouth and the jaw. Here, it would help if have a four-year dental degree and further specializations. 3. Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologists are physicians who apply anesthetics and analgesics to manage pain due to surgery. However, since these individuals follow the procedure of operating rooms, they have long work hours. Also, their work is quite unpredictable. To become an anesthesiologist, you must complete four years of medical school and a four-year residency in anesthesiology. Furthermore, this system might change depending on your specialization. 4. Orthopedic Surgeon (Not Pediatric) The job of orthopedic surgeons is to perform surgery for rheumatic and other similar diseases. Generally, these individuals work in hospitals or private clinics. Hence, the schedule can be hectic and lengthy. To become an orthopedic surgeon, you must go to medical school after graduation. Moreover, you also need to spend time in a surgery center and then get a state certification. 5. Emergency Medicine Physician Generally, the job of emergency medicine physicians is to make on-spot medical decisions to treat serious injuries or prevent deaths. Since these individuals must act immediately, the job can sometimes be extremely hectic. To become an emergency medicine physician, you need to complete a four-year medical school after graduation. Afterward, you must complete a four-year residency as an ER physician. Also, it would help if you cleared a licensing exam post-residency. 6. Radiologist The job of a radiologist is to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases using technologies like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), X-rays, Nuclear medicine, and Ultrasound. Here, the individual mainly needs to work in an official setting. Here, they interpret reports and images, as well as recommend diagnoses. However, you must spend thirteen years in education to become a radiologist. Here, it would help if you had a bachelor’s degree, followed by medical school, residency, and fellowship. Also, you need a license and board certification. 7. Dermatologist People go to dermatologists when they face problems with skin, hair, and nails. The job of a dermatologist is to perform dermatological and medical surgery functions. Basically, a dermatologist might practice privately or might be a part of a hospital. Dermatologists get a bachelor’s degree followed by a medical one like other physicians. After getting a specialization, these individuals must go through three to nine years of internship. Moreover, there is also a need for a state-level certification. 8. General Surgeon The job of an experienced general surgeon is also among the various six figure jobs. Here, you need to review X-rays and other reports and communicate with the patient about diagnostic procedures. If necessary, you must prepare for surgery and complete it with the help of other surgeons. Like other healthcare professionals, you need to complete four years of medical school after graduation. Additionally, you need a three-year residency and a multi-year internship in the surgery department. 9. Pediatric Surgeon There is a need for a pediatric surgeon when there are fetal abnormalities, birth defects, injuries, and diseases. Apart from that, pediatric surgeons also treat newborns and infants. They generally work at children’s hospitals. If not, they work privately. However, there is mostly a team of professionals working together. To become a pediatric surgeon, you must complete five years of adult general surgery after completing your medical school. After that, you have to complete additional training in pediatric surgery for two more years, followed by certification. 10. Obstetrician-Gynecologist According to WebMD, “Obstetricians focus on pregnancy and related health issues, while gynecologists focus on general reproductive health. These two types of medical professionals work together closely.” These healthcare professionals also diagnose and treat problems that happen in the female reproductive system. To become an Obstetrician or Gynecologist, you must complete an obstetrics and gynecology residence program after completing your bachelor’s degree and graduation. 11. Neurologist A neurologist specializes in disorders of the brain and the nervous system. For example, they treat Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and epilepsy. However, due to subtle surgeries and pressure situations, the job can be hectic at some times. If you want to be a neurologist, you must complete your four-year medical degree and pass the MCAT exam. After that, you need neurological surgery residency along with board certification and licensure. 12. Ophthalmologist (Not Pediatric) An opthalmologist helps treat diseases and eye problems. Apart from that, they also offer vision solutions to treat eye problems. These also include glasses and contacts. Generally, ophthalmologists work privately. They not only see patients in their offices but also perform surgery. It would help if you also had a bachelor’s degree and a four-year medical degree. After that, you must complete your internship between three and eight years. Moreover, after passing the state medical board exam, you can apply for a medical license. 13. Pathologist Physician Pathologists are those doctors who diagnose diseases and conduct laboratory testing using tissues, body fluids, and organs. Most of them work in clinical labs, hospitals, and clinics. However, depending on the type of work, pathologists might have pressure work situations. 14. Orthodontist They work to provide corrective measures for the teeth. Hence, they often receive referrals from patients as well. To deal with teeth problems, these doctors look at reports, apply braces and mouth guards, and offer other treatments for the teeth. To become an orthodontist, you need to complete your dental school program. Furthermore, you must also get clinical experience for a few years to get your license. 15. Psychiatrist The job of a psychologist is to treat issues related to mental health. However, there are certain specialties for psychologists, depending on what they want to treat. While some of them work on children, others work on consultation, forensics, addiction, psychoanalysis, and many more. Bottom Line As you can see, the top 15 six figure jobs are all in the healthcare sector. Hence, if you want to get a six-figure salary at a job early on, you must get one of these specializations. You can do that after you get a medical degree and residency as a healthcare specialist. Furthermore, you also need to get a license to practice. Do you have more suggestions on the best six-figure jobs? Consider sharing your information in the comments section below. Read Also: These are the Top 15 Best Paying Trades Jobs in 2024! Top 11 Most Dangerous Jobs in the World In 2024!

How Long Does It Take To Become An Orthodontist?

What You Need To Know Before You Decide To Become An Orthodontist?

In actuality, orthodontists undergo specialized training that qualifies them as specialists in tooth straightening. They must complete two to three additional years of coursework. Then, they can become an orthodontist and obtain a certification in orthodontic care. Orthodontists treat a wide range of dental alignment problems, commonly referred to as "malocclusion." This comes after receiving their license and certification. For patients of all ages, they employ precise clinical techniques to align teeth safely and effectively and create healthier dental structures. If you've ever received orthodontic treatment, you've probably seen the amazing outcomes these skilled medical practitioners help you achieve. Even though becoming an orthodontist is a difficult, competitive, and costly career path, orthodontists benefit from high pay, excellent work-life balance, and a welcoming, social, teamwork-based environment. Are you interested in this field? Do you want to know how long does it take to become an orthodontist? Keep reading to learn how to work in this area of medicine. How Long Does It Take To Become An Orthodontist? The study that goes into orthodontics is pretty massive, and it remains a lifelong process. Orthodontists take up a subject that costs an incredible sum but pays too well in the long run. If you are curious as to how long it takes to become an orthodontist, you are not alone. Education And Training Requirements In order to become an orthodontist, there are levels that need to be crossed. Here, we are discussing it in detail. This should give you an idea of how long it take to become an orthodontist. Finish Dental School To Become Licensed In order to become an orthodontist, one must first earn a doctorate in dentistry and obtain certification as a dentist. You must complete a bachelor's degree (though some colleges offer a combined degree program) in order to get admission to a dental school. You will also need a passing score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Like medical schools, dental schools are extremely demanding and competitive. Additionally, they are expensive. Depending on the program, a dental school degree can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000. Fortunately, the majority of dental professionals discover that the expense of school eventually pays off because dentist as well as orthodontist have high salaries. According to the U.S. News, dentists make a median salary of $151,850, while an orthodontist's salary is $208,000. A doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) are the two categories of doctorates. Depending on your program, the distinction may exist, but you can practice dentistry with either certification. Dental schools typically offer four-year degrees. Typically, the first two years go by in a classroom, studying topics like oral pathology, anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, and radiology. Students will study under a licensed dentist for the next two years in order to gain experience treating patients in a clinical setting. Orthodontic Residency In their final year of dental school, prospective orthodontists apply to orthodontic residencies; upon earning their DDS or DMD, they will become certified dentists and be eligible to start an orthodontic residency. In addition to taking and passing the National Board Dental Examination, dentists who choose not to pursue further education must also fulfill their state's licensing requirements before they can start practicing. Although dentists are still capable of providing orthodontic treatment, they lack training in this area specifically. As a result, the majority of dentists working today are registered orthodontists who have finished a residency. The term "orthodontist" is exclusive to those dentists. An orthodontic residency is your next step when becoming a licensed orthodontist for those who want to work as full-time practitioners of orthodontics. It is often attached to a university. How To Get Into An Orthodontic Residency Program? It's tough to get into an orthodontic residency. Only one spot is available for every fifteen applicants, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. The best method to secure a spot in an orthodontic residency is to graduate in the top percentage of your dental school class. A prospective orthodontist may submit multiple applications before being admitted to a program. The National Board Dental Examination is the national licensing exam that dentists must pass in order to be eligible to apply to most residency programs. Unless you failed the exam and had to retake it before applying to schools, you won't need to take a break between dental school and your orthodontic residency because this exam is valid during dental school. The American Association of Orthodontists' database has a list of orthodontic residencies that have received CODA accreditation. Both the United States and Canada offer the programs on this list. Most states accept orthodontic training from Canada. However, individuals who have received orthodontic training abroad will probably need to retake their studies in the United States. That, if they want to practice dentistry or orthodontics there. Residency programs range from 3-5 years, depending on the organization. Orthodontists receive extensive training in both the art and science of orthodontia during their residency. They learn about the proper alignment of dental, jaw, and facial mold, as well as how to move teeth in a safe and effective manner. How many years does it take to become an orthodontist, you ask? Their time learning the science is much shorter than their time in practice. Orthodontists who complete a residency program will have treated hundreds of patients, providing them with extensive knowledge in this field. Salary Of Orthodontics While some orthodontic residencies don't charge their residents, others do. If they do have compensation, it usually takes the shape of a stipend, which is a modest yearly sum used to pay for conference travel or some other necessities. Compared to university residencies, hospital residencies are more likely to provide a stipend. Due to its exceptional location and exceptionally high stipend (first-year residents earn over $51,000), this program is highly competitive. For example, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.. This program provides top-notch training along with a $60,000 stipend for the duration of the residency. Getting The License You will be qualified to begin orthodontic practice after completing an orthodontic residency successfully. In order to accomplish this, you need to have fulfilled both the state licensing requirements in the state in which you plan to practice dentistry and the national dental board exam. Like dentists, orthodontists must meet the same licensing requirements. Orthodontists have the option of earning board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), though practice in the United States does not require board certification (only in Canada does). Written and clinical exams are required for orthodontic board certification. Visit the American Board of Orthodontics website to find out more about obtaining board certification. Before starting their residency, the majority of orthodontists had already passed the National Board Dental Examination. Throughout their careers, all practicing medical professionals are required to recertify and complete continuing education requirements. States have different requirements for licensing, but most of them ask you to pass a "jurisprudence exam," which measures your familiarity with the dental laws of that state. The state-by-state licensures database maintained by the American Dental Association provides information on dental licensing requirements in each state. Additional clinical exams or requirements may apply. Staying Licensed Just like all other medical professionals, orthodontists must maintain current licensures through regular recertification and continuing education. Dentists and orthodontists are required by law to complete 40 hours of professional education annually in most states. In order to give their patients the best possible care, dental professionals are kept up to date on the most recent clinical and research advancements in their fields. The requirements for renewing a dental license vary by state; for more information on how to maintain your license current, contact the dental board in your state. Wrapping Up So, how long does it take to become an orthodontist? Residency programs vary in length, from three years to five years. Throughout their residency, orthodontists learn from experts in the field to ensure safe and efficient advancement. It provides them with a thorough understanding of this specialty. This entails staying updated about conducting clinical examinations, obtaining and analyzing diagnostic records, providing appropriate direction for dentofacial orthopedics, etc. Key traits that an orthodontist should have include patience, effective written and verbal communication, and the capacity to clarify difficult ideas. These come in handy when dealing with children and teenagers, who make up the bulk of orthodontic patients. You need to apply for and obtain a separate orthodontics license from your national registering body or dental board in addition to your dentist license. It might call for passing a test. After earning your orthodontics degree and license, you can easily find employment or open your own practice!If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how long does it take to become an orthodontist, ask us below. We would love to hear from you! Learn More About: Why Going To The Dentist Is A Must? The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Best Dentist In Vaughan Radiant Smiles: A Guide To Different Types Of Dental Implants

Is Business Services A Good Career Path In 2021

Is Business Services A Good Career Path In 2021? In terms of career opportunities, it is difficult to beat business services. An individual with a business degree can provide valuable skills to accountancy firms, banks, non-profit organizations, corporations, and other domains. When choosing any career path, you should deliberately consider all the aspects of that particular career path and then decide whether you are willing to take the same in the long run or not. Business professional is one of the most flexible categories of employment, offering many work opportunities and environments. However, business services can be a good career path if you are determined to this service and willing to continue the same in the future. Is Business Services A Good Career Path In 2021 According to the research, there will be more than six lakhs of jobs for business services by the end of 2024. Today, it is worth discussing different business services career choices that are available. So, the answer to your question “Is Business Services A Good Career Path?” is Yes. It is because you will find many career options in this path. Some of the entry levels jobs in business career paths are Accounting Assistant, Management Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Assistant Buyer, Sales Representatives, and Financial Analyst. Even the entry-level jobs in the business services are very high. Therefore, you can imagine how much experts or high-level, experienced individuals are paid for the post. Top Reasons Why You Should Start A Business Career You should carefully consider what the top aspects of business careers that can offer you in the long run are. Now, it is not possible for everyone to work from 10 am to 6 pm in the United States. This is the reason why millennials go for business services such as investing in real estate investment trusts, finance consumer services, or holding their own clothing stores as their career path. Thus, some of the major reasons why you should consider business services as your career path are listed below: 1. You May Have The Opportunity To Retire Relatively Young Unlike jobs, you have the excellent opportunity to retire relatively young in business careers. Those individuals who do jobs retire in their fifties or late forties. Actually, the high salaries in jobs enable individuals to work long hours. On the other hand, in business services, you are the owner of your own job. There is no one above you to give you any pressures or targets that you need to meet at the end of the month. You can also retire at your own will. This is the benefit of choosing a career in the business path. 2. Business Careers Give Many Opportunities For Advancement There is no doubt that business careers give many opportunities for advancement. This is actually an opportunity to challenge yourself and also other millennials of your age. You may always like to do the work as you want and not how others put pressure on you to do the same. This way, you get to improve more than in the job career. 3. It Is Easier To Switch To A Different Job Mid-Career Another reason why business services is a good career path is that it is easier to switch to a different job mid-career if you aren’t satisfied with the work you are doing. The skills that you have acquired in business can be useful to other industries. This makes it easier for you to adjust to the areas you are interested in. 4. The Opportunity For Specialization Is High Yes, the opportunity for specialization is high in business service careers. You will have many services to specialize in if you enter into a business studies program. You can specialize in areas such as business finance, accounting, human resources, marketing, management, etc. 5. You Are Not Tied To A Specific Field The best advantage of business service is that you are not tied to a particular field for a long time. Leaving a job becomes difficult because you have many bills to pay and meet your needs. A career in business gives you more flexibility than any other career. It is because you have the right to make any decision, unlike careers in jobs. You will understand the benefit of this when you will meet with experienced individuals in the same field. The Final Verdict I have tried my best to answer your question, “Is Business Services A Good Career Path In 2021?” The above-listed reasons will help you to understand the same. However, if you come across any doubts, don’t hesitate to mention them in the comment section below. Read Also: Is Energy A Good Career Path Is Business Services A Good Career Path Is Basic Industries A Good Career Path Is Other Consumer Services A Good Career Path Is Hotels/Resorts A Good Career Path Is Packaged Foods A Good Career Path Is Precious Metals A Good Career Path In 2021 Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path? – Top Utility Jobs

Career Development Plan: What Is It And How To Create One?

Career Development Plan: A General Overview

How Does A Career Development Plan Work?