If you were going on a holiday, you would plan where to go, how to get around and the budget required for your adventure. If you were building a house, you would make sure that all the materials were available, that the process was safe, and that you had somewhere to stay while construction took place. These things take just a fraction of the time that your career does, so why would you not have a plan in place for that?

Career planning is an important and is often an overlooked part of professional life. It is a process that helps map out not just goals, but the steps, skills and even people required to help you get there. Career planning should occur at all stages of your career, no matter what industry you are in, or the seniority of your role.

Here are some general tips to get your planning started: