Career mapping can be highly beneficial at any stage of your career. Whether you are entering the workplace for the first time or you are a veteran of the rat race, career mapping can prove to be one an invaluable tool - particularly if you are thinking of switching careers.

A career map is a two-piece document that actually summarizes a person's career strategy. In short, it is like a road map that will guide you throughout your work life. You should refer to your road map when you want to reach a destination; similarly, you should use your career map when you want to go ahead in your career. A career map is particularly handy when you experience job loss through downsizing or layoffs - when you have a career map, you won't have to panic, because your strategy will already be in place.

Career mapping can help you go about achieving your goals with purpose and clarity, whether that is advancing in your current career or searching for a new one.

Overview

This point clarifies what it is that you would like to accomplish in the future - in as short as one year or as long as five - and gives you the route that you need to take to get there. There are times when you may have to change the map suddenly when you find a lucrative job opening or when you realize that you have taken a wrong turn in your career - so it pays to be flexible.

Marketing Plan

If you are presently working long hours and not making the kind of money that you want, it could be a matter of insufficient focus. Decide which aspect of your profession is the most valuable, and develop a plan to market your knowledge, skills and experience to get a position that's right for you.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Maximize your strengths through experience and reduce your weakness through education. If you are stuck, then you can consult a career coach or counselor.

Plan of Action

Once you know your goals, then you need to identify how you will get there. You can do this by talking to experts or getting help from a mentor. Similarly, you should seek advice from people in similar positions that are already successful.

Financial Plan

Analyze why you want to change your career and direct your strengths to influence your finances. Look at your present position and then set a pattern to monitor your progress.

If you want to change your career for the better, then it pays to have a plan. Having a career map is one of the best tools for getting you where you need to go.