Action Plan
At this point, you should have made a decision after researching careers that interest you. If you need assistance with the previous steps, please contact the Military-Affiliated Career Specialist.
Creating Your Action Plan
An action plan is a detailed outline that explains the steps needed to achieve your career goals. It's essential to clearly define your objective or career goal.
SMART Goals
- Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve
- Measurable: Establish concrete criteria or metrics for measuring progress and success
- Achievable: Set realistic goals that you can attain with effort
- Relevant: Align your goals with your values and long-term aspirations
- Timely: Set deadlines for achieving each goal
Let's Break it Down!
Developing Strategies
- Break down long-term goals into smaller, manageable tasks
- Determine which objectives need to be tackled first
- Identify the resources (time, money, networks) required to achieve each objective
Taking Action
- Create a list of tasks needed to achieve each objective
- Establish deadlines for each task
- Begin executing your action plan, starting with the highest priority tasks
- Be open to adjusting your plan as you gain new insights or encounter obstacles
Seeking Support and Feedback
- Find mentors or advisors who can offer guidance and support
- Connect with professionals in your field to gain insights and opportunities
- Regularly evaluate your progress and solicit feedback from mentors or peers
Continuous Learning and Improvement
- Seek out opportunities for training, courses, or certifications
- Use feedback to adjust your strategies and improve your performance
- Stay informed about industry trends and developments relevant to your career goals
Celebrating Milestones and Evaluating Progress
- Celebrate achievements along the way to stay motivated
- Regularly assess your progress against your goals and adjust your plan as needed
- Be willing to modify your action plan based on changing circumstances or new insights
Staying Resilient
- Stay committed to your goals, even in the face of setbacks or challenges
- Be adaptable and willing to adjust your approach as needed
- Prioritize your well-being to maintain the energy and resilience needed to pursue your career goals
Remember, creating an action plan is the first step towards accomplishing your career aspirations. Seeking support from a friend, mentor, or career specialist/coach/counselor can help ensure you have someone checking on your progress and providing honest, realistic feedback.
The Military-Affiliated Career Specialist would be honored to serve as your dedicated mentor.