Individual Development Plan

Create your individual career development plan

We have provided this guide to help you create your individual career development plan and encourage you to review the below resources to learn more about each step in the process. These short LinkedIn Learning video pathways can help you:

complete a self- assessment of your strengths and interests,
consider how to turn those into a clear career goal,
find mentors and others to support you in achieving those goals,
identify and find professional development that will benefit you,
learn to advocate for yourself, and
successfully search for and apply for a position.

If you have questions or would like advice about designing your own professional development goals and action steps, contact Jasmine Laine (Jasminezink.laine@Mso.umt.edu).

Career Plan Guidance

Self Assessment of Your Professional Interests
Take time to thoughtfully plan the career you want, considering your strengths and what brings you joy and energy. Learn strategies to experiment and create opportunities for growth.
Setting Your Career Goals and a Plan to Achieve Them
Learn how to create clear professional goals, identify your current strengths and any skills you need to develop, and create a personal development plan to achieve your goals.
Building a Network of People to Support Your Career Goals
Understand how building a professional network and benefitting from a mentor and sponsor can be an important part of your career development.
Seeking the Skills, Knowledge, and Experience you Need
Identify your skills gaps and options for closing those by gaining new skills, experiences, and knowledge. Experiment to explore new directions and skills and learn how to ask for feedback.
Advocating for Yourself and Your Goals
Learn how to identify what you need and how to ask for it. Understand how to frame your request, how to prepare your case, and consider how it benefits the team as well as you. Learn salary negotiation techniques.
Successfully Applying for a New Position
Advice for applying for internal jobs, connecting your skills to job openings, writing cover letters, and responding to interview questions.