Proactive Career Development ~ 10 Key Areas to Assess Yourself and Plan for

On one of my daily walks, my well-being-fix, a tiny stone found its way into my walking shoe. Despite knowing what to do to remove it, and despite the discomfort, I walked almost four kilometres with it before getting home. I don’t have a convincing response to the question: Why Ennie? Instead of simply stopping, I kept pushing the stone to the front, to the back, to the side and at one point even trying to have it nicely “settle” into the groove of my foot for a while. Despite knowing what to do, I just didn’t stop and deal with it🙈.

Many of us approach intentional career planning and proactive career management the same way. We know needs to be done or where to find support, but we delay taking disciplined action. We shift important career planning tasks down the to do list, back up, then onto a side sticky note, and eventually tuck them away into some discreet corner of our lives to gather dust. Then, when an opportunity arises or we are suddenly forced to look for a new job, we are simply not well positioned to put our best foot forward.

Instead, we make excuses, procrastinate, avoid, partly implement our plans, fail to hold ourselves, and we deprioritise our own growth. In the end, we miss out. Too often we consciously or unconsciously sabotage ourselves.

To assess where you currently stand, I have created a 10 Point Proactive Career Development Checklist. This career self-coaching guide can be used annually, quarterly, monthly or even weekly to set and review your career development priorities.

Here is how to use it:

• If you answer YES to any of the assessment areas, then there is no need for you to act on it.
• If you answer MAYBE/partly or NO, then consider taking action to strengthen that area.

Career Self-Assessment Checklist

1. Self-Awareness & Self-Knowledge

I am clear about who I am , what I like and don’t like in my career options, what I am good at, and what I want to achieve in both the short ands long term = my Career Goals. I have identified and written down my passion, purpose, vision, values, identity, personality, skills and other resources available in my life. I use this self-knowledge when making decisions about career development actions, job search plans, and learning opportunities.

2. Career Research

I regularly track labour market information and trends in my sector, stay alert to opportunities in my workplace, and know how to tap into the hidden job market or even create my own career opportunities, e.g. positioning myself for self-employment. I keep up to date with developments such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, automation and other digital trends that may impact my profession and career path.

3. Career Development Plan

I have a recently developed and/or updated Career Development Plan that clearly outlines my vision, purpose, values, career goals and actions. My plan also identifies  my Accountability Partner or Team, the habits and systems I am putting in place to achieve my goals and the obstacles that I currently face or may face in the future, along with strategies for addressing them.

4. Career Management Package and/or Job Search Package

I maintain an up to date Career Management Package, which includes a Job Search Plan, an updated CV/resume, sample cover letters, updated LinkedIn profile and I regularly do interview practice.

5. Career Portfolio

I have a Career Portfolio that contains lifelong evidence of my knowledge, skills, experience, competencies, achievements, awards and recognition.

6. Career Identity and Personal Brand

I am clear about my Career Identity, I can share my Career Story, and I have a Personal Career Brand that I actively work on. I use my voice to promote my ideas in person and online, and I can market myself. I am a recognised Expert or Thought Leader in my field.

7. Lifelong Learning

I consistently practice Lifelong Learning by consistently taking learning actions daily, regularly share knowledge, and develop core skills – both technical and soft skills. I also know how to acquire any work experience (paid or unpaid) to support my career goals.

8. Social & Professional Networks
I have an active social and professional network with at least 15 key roles that I engage with regularly. I can leverage these connections—family, friends, mentors, coaches, advisors, peers, and sponsors—to activate opportunities or job search leads whenever needed.

9. Social Contribution
I contribute my knowledge and skills through volunteering or community work, and I intentionally integrate what I learn from these experiences into my career. I also help others grow by supporting their career or life development.

10. Work-Life Integration & Inner Growth
I actively take steps in each of the 10 areas of wellness and practice Work-Life Integration. I continuously work on overcoming self-limiting beliefs, such as managing my inner critic, addressing low self-esteem, overcoming imposter syndrome, and strengthening confidence. I also respond promptly to toxic work environments or relationship challenges to protect my well-being and career growth.

How balanced are your Wellness Areas

How did you measure up? ~ number of 💯% YES answers did you have out of 10?

Remember, any MAYBE or NO responses highlight areas to consider in your Career Development Plan. 

Closing Reflection

Your career is not a one-time project—it is a lifelong journey that requires attention, courage, and intentional action. Just like removing that tiny stone from your shoe, the steps you take today—no matter how small—can relieve unnecessary discomfort and set you on a clearer, more empowering path.

Remember, saying YES to yourself means making time to plan, act, and grow. Saying MAYBE or NO simply points to where your next opportunity for growth lies.

So, pause and ask yourself:
✨ Where in your career journey are you tolerating the “stone in your shoe”?
✨ What one step can you take this week to move closer to your goals?

Your future self will thank you for the actions you choose to take today.

JOIN THE COACH ENNIE & ECLC CAREER GROWTH COMMUNITY

Gain access to tools, tips, and a supportive space to explore your values and discover how they align with your life and career journey.

Join the WhatsApp Community here:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/CI1MEbdzX2G0zMvsZHNvdq

Once inside, join groups that are tailored for your journey:
1. Career Planning, Development and Management

2. Leadership Development and Team building

3. Wellness-Centred Life Planning and Personal Management

4. NGO Workers: Career Coaching and Advice

5. Job Search and Employability Support

Ennie Chipembere

Coach, NGO Institutional Development Consultant and ECLC Director

E-mail: ennie.chipembere@eclcglobal.com

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ennie-chipembere-chikwema/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EnnieCareerCoach

X: @EnnieChipembere