The truth is simple: if you don’t take charge of your career, no one else will. Many of us spend so much time managing other people’s priorities – whether they’re our executives, our teams, or even our families – that we often forget to invest in the one person who can drive our professional future: ourselves.
And here’s another truth: if you don’t know where you want to get to, how will you ever get there? A successful career doesn’t happen by accident. It requires clarity, intentionality, and action. Without a clear destination, you’ll drift, hoping for opportunities to come your way instead of creating them.
So how do you take control of your career? You create a career roadmap. Think of it as your map and compass – a tool to guide you toward your professional goals, no matter where you are right now.
Here are 5 Steps to Create Your Career Roadmap
1. Start by identifying where you want to go. What does success look like for you in 1, 5, or 10 years? Be specific. For example, ‘I want to move into a Senior EA role’ or ‘I want to master AI tools to become the ‘go to person’ for that in my organisation.’ Your destination should excite and inspire you.
2. Take a realistic look at where you are now. What skills, strengths, and experiences do you already have? What gaps need to be filled to reach your destination? This self-assessment will serve as the foundation for your roadmap.
3. Break your journey into smaller, actionable steps. If your goal is to move into a leadership position, for example, your milestones might include:
• Gaining advanced training or certifications.
• Taking on more strategic projects.
• Building relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Developing skills like conflict resolution or team management.
Set a timeline for each milestone to hold yourself accountable.
4. Career growth requires investment. This could mean:
• Taking relevant courses or certifications.
• Attending conferences or networking events.
• Seeking out a mentor or coach.
• Reading books or following thought leaders in your field.
Remember: every investment you make in yourself pays dividends in your future.
5. Regularly check in with your roadmap. Are you hitting your milestones? Have your goals evolved? Life is dynamic, and so is your career. Adjust your plan as needed, but keep moving forward.
When you create a career roadmap, you’re taking control of your narrative. You’re not waiting for opportunities to fall into your lap; you’re actively creating them. This isn’t just about promotions or titles – it’s about aligning your work with your passions, skills, and values to create a fulfilling career.
So, take the time to define your destination, chart your course, and start the journey. Because if you don’t take care of your career, nobody else will.
Where do you want to go? It’s time to draw up your map and make it happen.
