# Career Planning Worksheet *Use this printable worksheet to clarify your career goals, identify the steps needed to reach them, and create an actionable plan. Print it out, fill in the blanks, and keep it somewhere you’ll see often.* --- ## 1. Self‑Assessment: Who Am I? | Strengths (What I do well) | Interests (What I love) | Values (What matters) | |----------------------------|--------------------------|------------------------| | • _______________________ | • _____________________ | • ___________________ | | • _______________________ | • _____________________ | • ___________________ | | • _______________________ | • _____________________ | • ___________________ | **Reflection Prompt** Write 2–3 sentences summarizing the common themes you see across the three columns. *Example:* “I’m strong at analytical problem‑solving, love working with data, and value continuous learning and ethical impact.” --- ## 2. Ideal Career Vision **A. Desired Role & Industry** - Title: _______________________________ - Industry/Field: _______________________ **B. Desired Work Environment** - Size of organization (startup, mid‑size, large corporation, nonprofit): ___________ - Remote/Hybrid/On‑site: ___________ - Company culture (collaborative, fast‑paced, mission‑driven, etc.): ___________ **C. Lifestyle Goals** - Salary range: $________ – $________ per year - Typical work hours: ___________ per week - Work‑life balance priorities: _______________________________________________ **Reflection Prompt** Describe your “day in the life” in this ideal role (3–5 sentences). *Example:* “I spend my mornings analyzing market trends, afternoons meeting with cross‑functional teams to develop product strategy, and end the day reviewing KPI dashboards.” --- ## 3. Skills Gap Analysis | Required Skill/Competency | Current Level (1‑5) | Desired Level (1‑5) | Gap (Desired‑Current) | Action to Close Gap | |----------------------------|--------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|----------------------| | _________________________ | ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5 | ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5 | __________ | __________________ | | _________________________ | ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5 | ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5 | __________ | __________________ | | _________________________ | ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5 | ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5 | __________ | __________________ | **Reflection Prompt** Which gap feels most critical to address in the next 6 months? Why? --- ## 4. Goal‑Setting (SMART Goals) | Goal | Specific | Measurable | Achievable | Relevant | Time‑Bound | Milestones | |------|----------|------------|------------|----------|------------|------------| | 1. ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ___ / ___ / ___ | • ___
• ___ | | 2. ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ___ / ___ / ___ | • ___
• ___ | | 3. ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ___ / ___ / ___ | • ___
• ___ | **Reflection Prompt** Pick one goal and write a short “implementation statement”: *“I will ___ by ___ (date) by doing ___ each week.”* --- ## 5. Action Plan & Weekly Tracker | Week (Date) | Key Action(s) | Resources Needed | Expected Outcome | ✅ Completed | |-------------|----------------|-------------------|------------------|--------------| | 1 (____/____) | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ☐ | | 2 (____/____) | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ☐ | | 3 (____/____) | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ☐ | | 4 (____/____) | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ☐ | | … | | | | | **Tip:** Review this table every Sunday; move unfinished tasks to the next week. --- ## 6. Networking & Mentorship 1. **Identify 3 Potential Mentors** - Name: ______________________ – Why they’re a good fit: ______________________ - Name: ______________________ – Why they’re a good fit: ______________________ - Name: ______________________ – Why they’re a good fit: ______________________ 2. **Outreach Plan** - Method (email, LinkedIn, event): ______________________ - Drafted Message (key points): _______________________________________________ 3. **Networking Events (Next 3 months)** - Event: ______________________ – Date: __________ – Goal: ______________________ - Event: ______________________ – Date: __________ – Goal: ______________________ **Reflection Prompt** What value will you bring to each mentor relationship? Write one sentence per mentor. --- ## 7. Review & Adjust | Review Date | What’s Working? | What’s Not Working? | Adjustments Needed | |-------------|-----------------|----------------------|--------------------| | ___ / ___ / ___ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | | ___ / ___ / ___ | ______________________ | ______________________ | ______________________ | **Reflection Prompt** After each review, rate your overall progress (1‑10) and note one “next step” for the upcoming month. --- ## How to use this worksheet 1. **Print & Fill Out** – Print a copy (or two) and use a pen for the fill‑in sections. 2. **Set a Weekly Routine** – Spend 15‑30 minutes each Sunday completing the “Weekly Tracker” and planning the next week. 3. **Keep It Visible** – Post the worksheet on your wall, fridge, or in a planner so you see your commitments daily. 4. **Quarterly Review** – Every 3 months, complete the “Review & Adjust” section to keep your plan aligned with any new opportunities or changes in priorities. 5. **Share Selectively** – Show the goal‑setting and networking sections to a trusted friend, coach, or mentor for accountability and feedback. *Remember:* A career plan is a living document. Update it as you grow, and celebrate each milestone you achieve!