. Term End Project (50%):

Career Planning & Management: Prepare an 800 word report indicating your detailed career plan. The activities done in the class are to be taken consideration while drafting the plan. This submission has to be made in the 7th & 8th week of the course in both hard and soft copy along with the presentation of 20-25 minutes for the same.

Before you complete your development and career plan here are some guidance notes for putting together your plan.

Where am I now?

Jot down not just your current situation (got a job/graduate position, looking for a job/graduate position, planning alternative experiences (e.g. travel or volunteering) but as much detail as you can quickly collate on your key skills, experience, values, knowledge and interests.

Where do I want to be over the next 5 years?

How do you see your career developing over this time frame? If possible, view this as part of a longer term plan and/or part of your 'bigger picture', i.e. family/friends/interests etc. However vague, jot down your thoughts. If staying in the same role is what you want over the next 5 years then fine - consider, for example, how you can be more effective and jot down what the difference would look like.

What are the gaps?

Think about how your skills, knowledge, experience and behaviour need to change: these are the gaps between where you currently are and where you want to be, i.e. your development needs.

Bridging the gaps

Actions can include: training courses, self-study, membership of professional bodies, career guidance, coaching or mentoring, additional experience (travel, volunteering)

Skills gaps can best be bridged by training, different experiences and roles,.

Behaviour gaps by coaching.

Knowledge by self-study, computer-based training, courses.

Experience gaps by different jobs, organisations, movement within large organisation/departments, career breaks (volunteering etc.).

Who will make it happen?

Do you need to enlist the support/sponsorship of to help you achieve your goal?

Your line manager/career advisor /personal tutor/mentor/ family/ network contacts?

Priority for you

Prioritize actions with whatever scale you feel works best for you – a 1, 2, 3 order of priority works well here:

1 = Crucial actions to bridge obvious gaps.

2 = Important actions to move me forwards.

3 = Nice to do, but not of significant importance.

When?

Along with prioritizing give a date to have achieved the action.

Where am I now? Where do I want to be in 5-6 years time?

What are the gaps in my:

Skills:

Experience:

Knowledge:

Behaviours:

How do I get there?

Gap Action Support Priority When

For SWOT Analysis: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_05_1.htm

For Personality Test: http://www.personalitytype.com/career_quiz