Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Conduct a thorough self-assessment of skills, values, and career interests.
• Analyze current market and industry trends to identify future opportunities.
• Develop clear, long-term career goals and measurable 1-year action plans.
• Identify and prioritize critical skills needed for future roles.
• Create a compelling "career story" to articulate experience and ambition.
• Establish a robust internal and external networking and mentorship strategy.
• Develop a personal risk assessment plan for career changes and transitions.
• Utilize strategic professional development to close skill gaps effectively.

• Early to mid-career professionals planning their next move.
• Individuals contemplating a major career change or industry pivot.
• Employees seeking promotion or greater internal visibility.
• Professionals returning to the workforce after a break.
• Anyone looking to take proactive control of their professional future.

• Individual self-assessment and values clarification exercise.
• Group workshop on translating long-term vision into SMART goals.
• Role-playing a challenging informational interview.
• Peer review and critique of draft career action plans.
• Case study analysis of successful career pivots.
• Presentation on a researched high-growth role and the required skills.

Unit 1: The Foundation: Self-Assessment and Vision

• Understanding Your Career Drivers
  • Deep dive into personal values, strengths, and professional interests.
  • Conducting a career-focused SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).
  • Defining long-term (5-10 year) career vision and success metrics.
  • Identifying career non-negotiables (e.g., work-life balance, organizational culture).
  • The importance of continuous self-reflection in career planning.

Unit 2: Analyzing the Market and Opportunities

• Researching the Landscape
  • Techniques for researching salary bands and role requirements.
  • Identifying emerging industry trends and high-growth skill areas.
  • Mapping current organizational roles to desired future positions.
  • Conducting informational interviews to validate assumptions and gain insights.
  • Understanding the difference between vertical and lateral career moves.

Unit 3: Creating a Strategic Career Roadmap

• Goal Setting and Action Planning
  • Translating vision into SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.
  • Creating a 1-year tactical action plan focused on skill acquisition and visibility.
  • Developing a skill-gap analysis and targeted training plan.
  • The role of stretch assignments and internal projects in career growth.
  • Building a professional portfolio to showcase accomplishments.

Unit 4: Strategic Networking and Mentorship

• Building the Support System
  • Identifying and engaging internal sponsors and mentors.
  • Developing a networking strategy focused on quality over quantity.
  • Mastering the art of the professional "ask" and follow-up.
  • Leveraging informational interviews for intelligence gathering and relationship building.
  • Maintaining professional relationships even when not seeking a job.

Unit 5: Managing Transitions and Risk

• Executing the Career Plan
  • Strategies for managing a professional job search or internal promotion process.
  • Developing a clear, compelling career narrative (resume, cover letter, interviews).
  • Assessing and mitigating the personal and financial risks of a career change.
  • Planning for continuous skill evolution and avoiding professional stagnation.
  • Developing a personal brand statement that reflects the career goal.