Before starting this section, please download the Career Development Plan template.
You can fill it in as you go or complete it at the end.
Activity: Career Development Plan
What is career development?
Career development is an ongoing process of building your working life over time.
Your goals, interests, and situation will change — and your career can change with you. There is no single “right” career path.
Career development looks different for everyone.
As disabled people, we often face the same barriers as non-disabled people when looking for work, plus additional barriers.
You deserve work that:
- fits your values
- uses your strengths
- works with your needs and limits
This section will help you create a career development plan that suits you.
Why Focus on Career Development?
Taking time to think about what you want — and how to get there — can make a big difference over time.
Career development can:
Give you direction
Instead of just “going with the flow,” career planning helps you see where you’re heading. It gives you more control and a clearer path forward.
Increase motivation and confidence
You are the person most invested in your future. Setting goals helps you move from hoping for change to taking action.
Increase job satisfaction
People are usually happier at work when they:
- use their strengths
- do work they care about
Career development helps you work towards a goal that feels meaningful not just busy.
Career development is your personal journey.
You get to shape it.
What is a career development plan?
A career development plan is a document that:
- outlines what you want to work towards
- lists the steps needed to get there
It helps turn ideas into practical actions.
Watch the video below to learn more about career development plans.
Steps for Creating a Career Development Plan
There are two main steps:
- Clarify your goals
- Develop an action plan
We’ll look at each step in more detail below.
Use the template you downloaded to follow along.
Step 1: Clarify Your Goals
Before planning the path, you need to know the direction.
Start by thinking about your career options and choosing one to focus on. Try to put aside what others expect from you and think about:
- what matters to you
- what would feel fulfilling
Ask yourself: “What does success look like for me?”
Use SMART Goals to help you with this step
SMART goals help turn ideas into clear, achievable plans.
Specific
Be clear about what you want. Vague goals can lead you in the wrong direction.
Measurable
You should be able to track progress. Use clear actions and numbers where possible (for example: hours, money, timeframes). Avoid vague words such as “better” and “more”.
Attainable
Your goal should be challenging but realistic. Goals should stretch you — but not set you up for disappointment.
Relevant
Ask yourself: “Does this goal match what I actually want long-term?”
Time-bound
Set a timeframe. Deadlines help reduce procrastination and keep things moving.
Step 2. Develop an Action Plan
Now that you have a clear goal, the next step is working out how to get there.
Make a list of what you need to achieve your goal
Ask yourself:
- What qualifications or licences are needed?
- What skills, knowledge, or experience are expected?
- What level do I need to reach?
Tip: If you’re unsure, you can look at:
- My Big Tomorrow
- Career FAQs
- job ads on Seek
Identify any gaps
Compare the list to what you already have. Ask yourself:
- What skills do I already have?
- What am I missing?
- What experience or qualifications do I still need?
This is what your action plan will focus on.
Brainstorm action steps
Now decide what you can do to close the gap. This might include:
- learning new skills
- gaining experience
- completing training or qualifications
If you’re aiming for a role in your current workplace, you can ask your manager:
- What skills do I need to develop?
- Where are my gaps?
- How can I be a stronger candidate?
Ideas to help you get started
If you’re unsure where to begin, here are some options.
You might gain experience through:
- job rotations
- special projects
- on-the-job learning
You can also gain experience outside work, such as volunteering or creative projects.
You might learn through:
- mentoring or coaching
- working alongside more experienced people
- feedback
- observing how others work
This could include:
- workshops or short courses
- certifications
- online learning
- university study
- conferences or seminars
A Real-World Example
Select the + buttons below to read the real-world example.
You might start by asking yourself, “What do I want to be doing in three years?”
Your first answer might be: “I want to move into a management role.”
That’s a good starting point, but it’s still quite broad. To make it clearer, you can turn it into a SMART goal.
For example:
“I enjoy helping others and working on technology projects. So, my goal is to become a technical lead with at least three people reporting to me within the next two years.”
Next, you develop an action plan for becoming a technical lead within two years:
- Make a list of what you need to achieve your goal. You might need to do some research to find out what you need.
- Use the list to identify gaps in your knowledge, skills, experience, or resources (for example, leadership and communication)
- Plan your next steps (for example, running meetings, leading projects, building connections)
How others found their ideal careers
The following videos explain two methods in finding the right job for you.
Select the + buttons below to watch the videos.