How do you communicate your career development plan to your manager or employer?

2 Draft your plan

Once you have a clear picture of your situation and your goals, you can draft your career development plan using a template or a format that suits you. A typical career development plan includes the following elements: a career vision statement, a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), a SMART goal setting (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound), an action plan with steps, resources, and timelines, and a review and evaluation process. Be realistic, flexible, and concise in your plan and avoid vague or unrealistic statements.

3 Schedule a meeting

After you have completed your draft, you need to schedule a meeting with your manager or employer to discuss your career development plan. Choose a time and place that is convenient and comfortable for both of you and prepare an agenda and a copy of your plan in advance. Be respectful of their time and availability and avoid scheduling the meeting during busy or stressful periods. Also, be prepared to answer any questions or concerns that they may have about your plan and to listen to their feedback and suggestions.

4 Present your plan

During the meeting, present your career development plan in a confident and professional manner. Start with your career vision statement and explain why it is important to you and how it aligns with the organization's mission and values. Then, highlight your SWOT analysis and show how you have assessed your current situation and identified your areas of improvement and potential. Next, outline your SMART goals and action plan and demonstrate how they will help you achieve your career vision and contribute to the organization's objectives and performance. Finally, describe your review and evaluation process and how you will monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

5 Negotiate and agree

After you have presented your career development plan, you need to negotiate and agree on the details and expectations with your manager or employer. Be open to their feedback and suggestions and show that you are willing to compromise and collaborate. Ask for their support and guidance in implementing your plan and identify any resources or opportunities that they can provide or facilitate. Also, ask for their input and agreement on the review and evaluation process and how often and how you will communicate your progress and results. Make sure that you document any changes or agreements that you make in your plan and confirm them with your manager or employer.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?