​Planning Your Career Path

It can be difficult to know what direction to take your career and where to discover your career options, especially when you’re just starting out. There are so many options and paths you can take, and it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Many people found that spending time at home during Covid-19 spurred them to make a career change to something they are more passionate about. Whether you’re just beginning your career journey or are looking to pivot into a different career, it can be challenging to know where to start.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve put together some top tips on how to plan your career path, so you can make informed choices and career decisions and enjoy a successful career in a great work environment.

​Here are our TRS Resourcing top tips for building your career plan:

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1. Research your options
   The first step to planning your career pathway is research. Take some time to explore different careers that interest you, and figure out which ones would be a good fit for your skills and interests. You might find that certain industries or roles appeal to you more than others, and that can help you narrow down your options.

   Talk to people who are working in your chosen field and see whether their experience lines up with your expectations. It’s also important to research and consider the average salaries for different roles and a specific job title. What are your financial goals and will this career path help you achieve them?

2. Define your goals
   What are your long-term goals for your professional career? It’s important to set a clear career goal for yourself and take the time to understand what success looks like for you. Then you can take the next step by working backwards from your long-term goal and breaking it down into short term objectives.

   For example, you want to be running your own successful business in 10 years. Then where do you need to be in 8 years? 6? and so on. Break it down and make a goal for each year that will bring you closer to your dream.

3. 

   Seek out the right advice and career guidance

   Your career path is unique to you, so you need to find the right people to provide you with personalised advice and guidance. This could mean working with a professional planner or coach, joining a support group or simply talking to friends who have embarked on similar career development journeys and work experience. Seek support from those you’ve met throughout your working life who you trust. Whether from your friends, family, or career advisors, it’s essential to have a network of support and encouragement around you.

   The key is to get started and not be afraid to ask for help along the way. With careful planning and some guidance, you can make informed choices about your career path and set yourself up for success.

4. Create a plan
   Once you’ve done your research and sought out advice, it’s time to start putting together a plan. This will help you make the transition into your new career smoothly and ensure that you’re on track to achieve your goals.

   Start by mapping out your short-term and long-term goals, and then break down the steps you need to take to reach them. Consider things like training, education and experience you will need to build in order to get there, as well as any personal or professional development that might be relevant.

   Build your plan one step at a time and follow through on your commitments. With the right planning and guidance, you can move forward with confidence and achieve your goals. Give each of your goals a timeframe, and stick to it.

5. 

   Take action
   Once you have your career action plan in place, it’s time to start taking action. It’s important to be proactive and put yourself out there. You might want to attend networking events or reach out to people in your chosen field. While building relationships with others is important, don’t forget to focus on your own development as well. Make sure you’re constantly learning and growing in your skills and knowledge.

6. Be flexible
   While it’s important to have a clear plan, you also need to be flexible and keep an open mind. Things change, and you might find that your plans need to change with them. When faced with new opportunities or changes in the industry, take time to consider what they might mean for your career path and whether they’re worth pursuing. If you decide that they are, then adapt your plan accordingly.

   With careful planning, flexibility, and a positive outlook, you can achieve your goals and pursue your ideal career path. Whether you’re starting a new job or looking to make a change, the key is to stay motivated and focused on what’s important to you. Don’t wait for opportunities to knock on your door – get out there and find them. While you may be rejected 99 times, it only takes one success to get you started on your dream career path. Read more about your options and explore careers with the Government’s career planning guide.​

​Brush up on your job search skills with TRS Resourcing free online resources

If you need help finding a job, we offer advice on every aspect of job searching: from applying for jobs to how to stand out in an interview. Build your job search skills by reading our TRS guides on What to wear to an interview, How to write a cover letter, and How to apply for Apprenticeships.

You can also access our free CV generator to create a standout CV in minutes or write a professional cover letter for any role with our cover letter generator.

Contact TRS

Starting your job search in Perth or Melbourne? Your next full-time job could be with one of Australia’s leading employment agencies.

“Find a job today by viewing our Jobs page or signing up for Job Alerts with TRS Resourcing’s recruitment agency online!”

To speak with TRS Recruitment Consultants, please contact the following offices:

​Labour Hire Melbourne 03 9917 3545
Labour Hire Perth 08 6205 3570

Read the complete guide “The Ultimate Career Guide for Job Seekers in 2022” here