It’s December and as the year is coming to an end, many of us will naturally start reflecting on our career progress throughout the year. Now this is an important procedure as it is key to making sure we are making progress toward our goals.
But how do you actually do a career audit and reflection process properly?
Well here is the exact (high-level) framework I use that you can leverage to effectively complete your career audit!
1. Reflection on Goals
Key Questions:
What were my career goals at the start of the year? How many of them did I hit this year?
What have been my biggest wins and challenges this year?
Am I satisfied with my progress? Why or why not?
2. Achievements
Always take stock of your achievements and milestones (for promotion and CV purposes)
Action Steps:
List your key accomplishments and milestones.
Quantify outcomes where possible (e.g., increased revenue by X%, completed Y projects).
Identify new skills acquired or significant growth areas (e.g., presentations, technical expertise).
Consider:
Are these achievements aligned with your long-term goals?
Did they help build your personal brand or add value to your role/organization?
3. Gaps and Challenges
Key Questions:
What didn’t go as planned?
What were your biggest struggles or areas of underperformance?
What skills or opportunities do you wish you had focused on more?
Consider:
Are there specific factors (e.g., external challenges, lack of resources, mindset issues) that contributed to these gaps?
4. Learning and Development
Action Steps:
List training, certifications, or experiences you’ve undertaken.
Identify skills areas where you’ve improved (e.g., leadership, data analysis, stakeholder management).
Consider areas where you’d like to upskill for the next year.
Key Questions:
Did you proactively invest in personal and professional growth?
Are your skills competitive in your industry?
What are the future skills needed for the next level in your career?
5. Network and Relationships
Key Questions:
Who did you build meaningful connections with this year?
Have you strengthened relationships with mentors, colleagues, or key decision makers?
Did you expand your network strategically?
Consider:
Were you intentional about networking and leveraging relationships to advance your career?
In 2025 where and who do you want to expand your network with?
6. Progress towards Long-Term Goals
Action Steps:
Revisit your career vision.
Evaluate how your current role, projects, or achievements align with making progress towards your career goal.
Key Questions:
Do you feel fulfilled in your role?
Are you on track for your 3-5 year career goals?
Does your current trajectory reflect where you want to be?
7. Set SMART Goals for Next Year
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART).
Break these into:
Short-term: 3–6 months
Medium-term: 6–12 months
Long-term: Beyond 12 months
Make 3-5 SMART goals based on Skill development, Career Goals, Networking
8. Action Plan
Key Questions:
What steps will you take to address gaps, enhance strengths, and pursue opportunities and achieve your SMART Goals
What resources, tools, or support will you need?
How will you measure success and stay accountable?
There you go. Hopefully, this framework will help you go into 2025 with some clarity and direction to achieve your goals.
