Have you ever considered the amount of time we spend on things like the holiday the social gathering, weddings etc and almost no time is spent on career planning? well… here’s the answer, ….because people do not know how to do it. They don’t know how to plan for their career.

Here are a few tips to give you insights on how to take charge and manage your career. Read on…

♦ It’s a career, not a job that you are after, always remember that.
Most people get carried away in their job hunting and forget that a career needs to be developed regularly. You have continued to better your self in the subject of your field in order to stay relevant or you will end up not having a job and a career. Make it a point to learn more and more about your file. Volunteer, go for training, be active adapt to the new systems and stay relevant.

♦ Develop a vision.
Where do you want to be in the near future? If you listen deep down in your heart are all the answers. Creating a vision makes you active rather than passive and this will get you closer and closer to your goals. Here are some of the steps you can take in order to develop a vision.

1. Self-assessment.
It’s obvious, right? You cannot know what you what if you do not know who you are, simple.. ask yourself these questions. Who am I? what motivates me? Get to know yourself.

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2. Do your research.
Find out what is needed or what it takes for one to reach where you want to.

3. Take time to create your vision.
Don’t rush it. Take your time. Think about it when you go to bed. Think about it again in the morning, on your way to work, for a week, two. Finally, sit down and

4. Write it down.
This makes you visualize it. The more you see it in your mind, then likely you are going to attain it.

♦ Use other people to help you plan your career.
No one can do it alone. Surround yourself with positive people who see it for you. Choose a role model, get a mentor, or copy the successful people in your field.
Another crucial element is networking. Go out there, be seen, be heard, be alert to talk about yourself and be interested in hearing stories of others as well. Break out of your shell and execute your plan to reach the greatest heights of your career.

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Now… let us answer the question of the importance of career planning,
Planning makes where you are going clearer.
It equips you with the necessary information you need.
It opens you to other possibilities you would never discover.
Above all, planning gets you what you want.

Those who plan their careers and stick to their plans are in a better position to succeed than those who don’t.