Create a Career Development Plan Now! | Australian Universities

University is a time when you build the foundation for your future career. By choosing courses strategically and planning your path, you can position yourself for better job opportunities.

Your career planning can be aided by a simple template, with filled-in examples. We have that for you. The emphasis is on creating a forward-thinking and flexible strategy.

Dr Andrew Lancaster, Director of Mallory Careers, also offer his insights on how to create an education-based career development plan.

Career Development Plan Template (Free)

Keep your plan flexible! Jotting down notes can help clarify your thoughts and keep things well-rounded. You don’t need a rigid, detailed plan—most of it should stay in your mind. A few notes, however, could help you stay organised.

Here’s a simple template to guide your career development.

Self-Assessment
Note your interests, strengths, and the areas you enjoy.

Career Research
List potential career options or industries that appeal to you.

Career Goals
Write down your short-term and long-term career goals.

Education Plan
Jot down the courses or qualifications you’ll need to reach your goals.

Experience
List ways to gain practical experience, such as internships or part-time jobs.

Review and Adjust
Leave space for regularly revisiting and updating your plan as needed.

Career Development Plan Examples

Here are a few career development plan examples to help guide you at different stages of your education. These provide clear, flexible paths based on individual goals and circumstances.

The examples cover:

A career development plan template for a Year 10 student with strengths in maths and science, interested in business.
A career growth plan template for a Year 12 student strong in sociology, business, and English, preparing for university.
A career progression plan template for a first-year Bachelor of Business student focused on marketing and HR.

5 Steps of Career Development

Career development is an ongoing process that requires reflection and flexibility.

Begin with self-assessment. Think about your interests, strengths, and the direction you want your career to take. This will help you identify career paths that align with your abilities.
Next, research career options and industry trends. Talk to professionals and browse job ads to get a clearer sense of available opportunities.
Once you have an idea of potential careers, set goals. These should include both short-term steps, such as choosing relevant subjects, and longer-term objectives, like internships or additional qualifications.
Write down your plan, outlining the actions you need to take to achieve your goals.
Finally, review your plan regularly. Your goals may change as you gain experience or see new opportunities, so revisit your plan and adjust as needed.

How Do You Write a Career Plan?

Writing a career development plan helps keep you on track.

Start by choosing a career direction that fits your skills and interests. Once you have a clear path, set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Plan your education to align with the skills required for your chosen field. Dr Lancaster suggests adding courses that offer complementary skills, such as data analysis, project management, or finance.
Gain practical experience by pursuing internships or part-time work. These opportunities will help you apply what you've learned and stand out to employers.
As you progress, make sure to adjust your plan to keep it relevant. Interests and market trends may shift, so staying flexible is key.

Strategies to Land a Graduate Job

Landing a graduate job involves more than just getting good marks. Dr Lancaster encourages students to actively build their network and develop practical skills throughout their studies.

Gain real-world experience through internships, part-time jobs, or freelance work. Employers value candidates who have applied their knowledge outside of the classroom.
Build your network by connecting with professionals through LinkedIn or industry groups. "Talking to people already in the industry opens doors and helps you understand job trends," says Dr Lancaster.
Develop skills that are in demand within your field. Taking extra courses or learning through workshops can make you stand out to potential employers.
Apply selectively to jobs that match your qualifications and interests. Focus on highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences.
Stay adaptable as technology continues to change industries. Dr Lancaster advises targeting fields like cybersecurity, AI, and digital marketing, which offer growing opportunities.

About Mallory Careers

Mallory Careers, led by Dr Andrew Lancaster, helps Australians connect their education choices with career outcomes. The platform offers practical advice to guide students in making informed decisions about their studies and future careers.

By focusing on in-demand skills and job market trends, Mallory Careers supports students and professionals in planning their career paths.

For more information, visit Mallory Careers at mallory.com.au.