How to build a career map

Creating a career map is about understanding a career goal in the context of what it will take to get there. Rather than trying to predict the future, the process is designed to help you state your long- and short-term goals and clarify what actions will lead you down that path.

Your Current Overarching Career Goal

Example: A director-level position in digital marketing department of a major retailer by three years from now.

Write everything you know about where you want to be at the pinnacle of your career. If you know specifically what job you want, write that down with details about when you hope to achieve this goal, and with what type of employer. If you are not sure about what the actual job would be, write about anything you are sure about, whether it’s lifestyle, the type of employer you will work for, or even how you will feel as a professional.

If you are not ready to assess your long term goal, start with a more tangible goal. An entry-level position, internship, elevated position, consultancy? This goal should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Based), including as much as possible about the actual job type, industry, and subject-matter focus as possible. Also, write down any characteristics you know you are seeking in an employer, and when you wish to achieve this goal.

My Next Career Step

Example: Transition into mid-level marketing position at current company or similar company by one year from now.

Your next career step should be more within reach than the overarching goal but may still require some additional work or study for you to get there.

Sub goal #1

Determine 3 viable and interesting jobs types to pursue by 2 months from now.

Sub goal #2

Obtain a mentor by 3 months from now

Sub goal #3

Conduct self-study on management skills on LinkedIn by 4 months from now

Sub goal #4

Talk to boss about career plans by 1 month from now

Sub goal #5

Develop social media marketing credentials through nonprofit volunteering starting next month

Sub-goals give you direct action you can take now to get moving toward your near- and long-term career goals.