Effective career planning strategies can help you successfully overcome your competition and keep moving forward.

Navigating a career course can be compared to driving a car. In driving, the very first thing is to know where you are heading. You then prepare yourself to handle any jolts, jerks, and bumps by buckling your seat belt and getting on your way to your destination.

In terms of your career, this will mean determining what you specifically desire as the core activities and responsibilities in your work life and what your ultimate career goal is. Once you determine this, you can start working toward your goal according to the plan you have made for getting there.

Here are some powerful and effective career planning strategies to help you achieve your desired goals.

1.Determine the direction you want to move in. Figure out exactly what you want to do, what clicks with you and what you are passionate about.

2.Identify the need for professionals in your chosen field. Conduct research for present and future career prospects based on market needs that exist in your chosen field.

3.Evaluate your own skills in the field. Even if you like the field that you wish to pursue, your aptitude may not be sufficient to propel you to the heights you seek. You must therefore objectively assess your skills and abilities vis-a-vis your chosen career.

4.Define your target/goals. Once you have identified your career mission, you need to align your career goals with this. Goals should be realistic. Big goals need to be broken down into several small ones. Goals cannot be vague desires but must be specific, concrete, and detailed.

Write them down to make it a commitment. Unwritten goals are just desires. You must believe in your goals. If you don't, you will never reach them. Set a target date for completion of every goal.

5.Make a suitable plan to market yourself. Research the geographical area where you desire to work to locate employers who are hiring or may want to hire people in your chosen field.

Apply, detailing the special skills and abilities you possess that will benefit that employer if he hires you.

6.Develop a network of contacts. These contacts can be friends, relatives, church members, neighbors, and former co-workers who can provide information about suitable jobs.

7.Remain focused and strong. Prepare yourself not to be deterred or destabilized by obstacles, however tough, as you move toward your goal.