What is a professional project?
It's an action plan to help you find your way. Whether you're a student or already integrated into the world of work, the question of building a career plan remains complex. Indeed, this reflection can occur at any time in your life: at the end of your studies, when you're in a job, or at the end of your career. Building a career plan requires method and time. In this article, we'll give you some keys to successfully completing this step and launching yourself into the pursuit of your dreams.
1 - Take stock of your skills.
This is an important step in getting to know yourself better and understanding what you can do. But to do this, you need to ask yourself the right questions. What do I know?: qualifications, training, personal knowledge… What are my strengths, weaknesses, qualities, and flaws? What are my professional experiences, and what lessons have I learned from them? This can include internships, volunteering, and extracurricular activities, for example.
And finally, what are my values? To help you determine them, don't hesitate to ask for advice from those around you. These could be: resilience, creativity, empathy, determination, solidarity, justice, etc. In short, these are the words that best define you.
2 - Understand your desires.
The question to ask yourself here is what do I really want to do?
To do this, you need to define one or more sectors of activity. Don't hesitate to research market opportunities and challenges and read feedback from people working in the field to learn more.
Then you need to define a type of job. You need to understand how important work is in your life. Do you want responsibilities? Do you prefer to work alone or in a team? Do you want to be your own boss? What material, family, geographical, or financial constraints do you need to take into account?
Finally, you must define what type of company you want to work for: small or large, private or public.
3 - Take action.
Now that you've covered the theory and are gaining some clarity, it's time to take action. Here are some tips for putting your career plan into practice.
Use the right tools: CV, cover letter, LinkedIn, websites specializing in job offers (welcome to the jungle, monsters, etc.)
Do not hesitate to call on public organizations to help you in your research and in setting up your tools: Pôle emploi, Apec, BPI etc.
Also call on your network: family, friends, former colleagues... You should not neglect your network.
List the companies you're interested in. Don't hesitate to contact their colleagues via LinkedIn to find out more.
Keep your dashboard up to date to see who you contacted and when so you can follow up with them at the right time if necessary.
Finally, practice mock interviews with your loved ones to be prepared on the big day.
Now you're ready to take charge of your destiny. One thing is certain: with hard work, passion, and determination, you can succeed.
