Here's how you can craft a career plan that aligns with your long-term goals.

Start with the really big picture: what do you care deeply enough about to commit yourself fully to it? In other words, what are your values? Most of us spend our lives fiddling around the edges of our potential without ever coming to grips with the really big questions such as 'What do I stand for?' and 'What difference do I want to make while I'm here?' We have a genius within us that we keep firmly chained. As Leonardo da Vinci said, "All great Acts of Genius began with the same consideration: Do not be constrained by your present reality." Individually, we have greater opportunity to realize our potential today than ever before. The earlier we get started, the better.

Here’s a plan to align your career with your long-term goals: Understand Goals: Discuss aspirations and perform self-assessment. Set Objectives: Create SMART short-term goals and develop necessary skills. Job Search Strategy: Optimize your resume and LinkedIn, and develop a tailored job search plan. Interview Prep: Conduct mock interviews and provide feedback. Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and continuous learning. Network Building: Build and leverage a professional network and join relevant associations.

It's important to identify your current skills and decide what skills to develop, you could: Think about what you do in your current job. What aspects you enjoying and would like to continue. Reflect on your past education and work experiences. Think about the skills you've gained in daily life. Talk to people who know you well outside of work, for a different perspective.

Goal setting provides a sense of direction and focus, which helps in altering the behaviors and attitudes required to accomplish the objectives. It gives you momentum and a thrust that pushes you in the direction of self-mastery to improve every day and be resilient in challenging times. Here are my 5Cs for setting goals that get you there: Clarity. Confidence. Challenge. Consistent.

It is extremely important to learn new skills and develop yourself on a regular basis. Whether you're a professional or a graduate, in your job hunt, your skills matter. They tell potential employers what you can do, how you can do it, and even who you are. All skills can generally be divided into two main types: hard skills and soft skills. And you'll need both for any pathway you choose.

A deeply fulfilling career helps us to become the person we want to be. Therefore, it's a good idea to look for opportunities to engage in and use skills that you either know you enjoy or that you think you might enjoy. For purposes that you care about. And whether you're paid or not. Many years ago, after a rich level of career experience internationally but before choosing to work in career management, I helped a young man who was struggling to work out his career direction. He valued the support deeply and I enjoyed helping him. It ultimately helped me to recognize that this was the work I wanted to do. Decades later, we have both benefited - and the fact that we are good friends is a bonus!

One thing I've found really useful is by Professional networking. It is a process by which you expand your knowledge and capability by interacting with other professionals in your career field. Think of networking simply as talking with people, getting to know them and letting them get to know you. This allows an opportunity for sharing best practices, sharing experiences. Also career progression opportunities.