What is a career plan?

A career plan serves as a structured roadmap that outlines an individual’s career aspirations and the specific steps necessary to achieve them. It involves setting clear, achievable goals and determining the skills, experiences, and activities required to reach those goals. This can include further education, internships, networking opportunities, and skill development. By having a well-defined career plan, individuals can navigate their professional journey more effectively and make informed decisions that align with their long-term objectives.

The other options do not encompass the full scope of what a career plan entails. For instance, a job application relates only to the process of applying for a position rather than planning one’s career trajectory. A list of professional contacts is valuable for networking but does not provide a comprehensive strategy for achieving career goals. Similarly, summarizing work experience focuses on past accomplishments rather than future goals and the pathway to reach them.