12. Strategic Career Planning: Navigating the Now, Next, and Long-Term
Strategic Career Planning allows you to navigate your career with intention and foresight. Think of it in terms of three horizons: now, next and long-term. Are you maximising your potential in your current role? What are your long-term aspirations? And what’s the next step that will move you toward achieving those aspirations?
Whether it’s building specific functional skills, transitioning sectors, or exploring new roles, planning your path ensures you stay aligned with your goals and values, rather than leaving your career to chance.
Awareness:
- How long have you been in your current role, and what signals (eg timing or organisational changes) indicate it might be time to move?
- What upcoming changes in your organisation or sector could create opportunities or threats for your career?
- Are there any learning and development opportunities in your current role that align with your aspirations?
- What are your long-term goals in terms of seniority, impact, function, sector, country, or personal purpose?
- What’s the next best role to move you closer to those long-term goals?
Agency:
- Seek out a new learning opportunity in your current role to expand your capabilities.
- Research potential next roles: what key skills, experience, and relationships will help you get there?
- Network intentionally – reach out to people who can provide insight or help make introductions in the direction you want to go?
- Set a 6-month or 1-year milestone to reassess your progress and course-correct if needed.
Recommended Resources:
- FRAMEWORK: Designing Your Life: Odyssey Planning 101 – Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
- ARTICLE: The ‘shape’ of you – using career anchors to understand how your career should look – Inform.ed The University of Edinburgh
- BLOG: Building Career Resilience: Mastering the three horizons approach.
