Ask the Expert Dr. Kathleen Wells is a professional career coach and Director of Coaches That Care. She has coached thousands of clients through the stages of successful career development. Career Plan Q: Is there a model or a guide for developing a personal career plan. I would like to do this myself but need some help. Jackie A: You are very wise to consider doing a career plan. Excellent way to go. What I have my clients do is look at an end goal and go backwards. First I want to preface this by saying that you will most certainly change your end goals as you achieve them and push further. But for this exercise consider now what you would view as an end goal then go backwards. Here's an example. Say your field is finance and you intend to be CFO of a company you regard as solid and with similar work ethics to your own. Your steps might be as follows working from celebrating your new position as CFO back to being hired as an admin assistant in that department. Celebrate new position as CFO Work two years as chief accountant Complete your education and CPA certification at a night university Volunteer to be on any finance oriented committees at your company that will create experience for your resume and contacts to assist with promotion Work 1 to 2 years as an assistant accounting clerk while attending college to be a CPA Network with anyone you can at the company in which you want to build a long term relationship until you land a position that includes the ability to apply for "in-house" positions before outsiders can. Investigate companies in your area or areas in which you'd like to live and define your target/s See how this works. Begin with step number 7 and move up through the steps until you achieve your goal. Set your sights high! If you set low goals, you will achieve them. Set high goals and go after them with your heart and passion. If the fit is right it will work. If along the way you find this isn't what you thought you wanted, choose again! Replan and change direction.