The term ´career development´ gets dropped on a regular basis nowadays. Lecturers talk about it, people at seminars wax poetic about it and career consultants intone wisely about the merits of having a good career plan.

Naturally, you find yourself talking about your ´career development´ to every second person, but what does it actually mean? What is this mythical plan that will make your professional life successful?

I am reminded of the Princess Bride when Vizzini, a character, keeps on repeating "That would be inconceivable". Only to have another character, Inigo say "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means". Because let’s be honest here, just how many of you or those who talk to you actually know what a ‘career development’ plan actually encompasses?

Well, wander no further for I have found the Australian Blueprint for Career Development, a 105 page document detailing every (or as much as they can fit) aspect of career planning in Australia. However, most of the document doesn’t really relate to your average Joe, as most of you will never need the knowledge of how to create a program that will assist in career development for the general masses.

So, in order to help those of you who cannot bear the thought of reading anything that doesn’t have much in the way of pictorial aids or magical wizards with wands; I bring you the one paragraph explanation on what Career Development is.

The text states that a career plan is not just your professional path but also your personal development. It is better to say that it is your life developmentpath rather than a career plan. The Australian Blueprint for Career Development states that "career development is a lifelong process of growth through life, learning and work". That is, it should incorporate every aspect of your life - your professional ambition, your personal dreams and any other extra curricular activities. It is the "complex process of managing life, learning, and work in the 21st Century".

So there, you have it, in all its condensed glory. To expand a bit, career development encompasses the following:

• You - who you are as a person
• Community - your community
• Environment - society

All of these factors play a role in how you perceive yourself, your visions and goals and the lifestyle you want. It can also constrain you, especially in relation to the wider society. For a successful career environment you must consider all of the above factors.

There are many ways to develop your career, however what I find to be the most important factor in my career development is to know myself. I review my life, and identifying what I want from it. Then I work towards my goals by researching, planning and seeking support from mentors and family. I admit that the ‘doing’ part of career development is always the hardest, but if you want to be successful, you’ll have to work for it.

Please do additional research. All I have done today is made a very brief description of career development. The concept may be simple but the process can be long and at times frustrating but bear with it and you will get there.

The following links can be of great help:

http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/career_development/
http://www.myfuture.edu.au/

Good luck!

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