Making a career plan

When should I start planning?

The good thing about career planning is, you can never start too early but it's hardly ever too late either.

Starting early does have its advantages though: you'll have more choice, you won't miss closing dates and won't have to wait around. Altogether, it could be a lot less work and there might be a lot less panic! So, check out our tips on what you could be doing right now.

If you are reading this page when you're just about to graduate or have already graduated, never fear. Not all jobs have early closing dates and, even if you've missed something, there are always things you can do until the next round. You'll probably even improve your chances! Check out our Virtual Library for tips on options with your subject or come and speak to a Careers Adviser about what you could be doing from here.

You will probably repeat this process many times in the course of your career, particularly as "jobs for life" become less and less common. However, it is good practice to review your skills, training, achievements and overall career path and it is even compulsory with many employers.

How do I make a career plan?

Making a plan is all about goal setting first, establishing what you want to achieve at any point in time, and defining the time period you are interested in.  Setting SMART goals can help keep you focused and motivated and you can download guidelines and a goal setting activity sheet to get you started.

Career plans for your time at University

These plans could involve setting out your ideas about what you want to achieve while you are at University including things like skills you'd like to develop and experiences you'd like to gather.

Career plans for when you leave University

These plans involve setting out your ideas about what you want to be doing with your time after you leave University which could include planning activities such as postgraduate study, taking some time out or planning the type of job you'd initially be keen to do. 

Career plans for the bigger picture

If you have some longer term goals set already (could be things like reaching a certain level in a particular profession, working for a particular organisation or earning a particular salary level), or are keen to set some longer term goals, then these can give you a focus for devising the more immediate plans mentioned above.

Further Information

Our virtual library contains searchable resources available online and at the Careers Service.  Use the links below to find the resources related to career planning.

Resources on Career Planning