Let’s face it—creating a career roadmap plan can feel like finding a needle in a haystack made of deadlines, imposter syndrome, and what-am-I-doing-with-my-life moments. But what if I told you that in just 12 days, 21 career experts will share their winning strategies to help you craft a career roadmap you can implement right away and dominate the job search in 2025?
If you’ve been feeling stuck, uncertain, or straight-up burned out, this is your moment. The 12 Days of Career Goals isn’t just the leading online conference for advancing your career—it’s a 12-day transformation designed to help you rediscover your spark, set crystal-clear goals, and take bold action to shape the future you know you deserve. With the right career roadmap, you can take the guesswork out of your next steps and confidently build the career of your dreams.
In this Guide you will learn:
- What Is the First Step of the Career Roadmap?
- How to Make a Career Roadmap
- Discover Your Career Passion and Find Your Spark
- Leverage Your Transferable Skills for a Career Pivot
- Align Your Career with Personal Core Values for Success
- Build a Powerful Professional Network to Advance Your Career
- How to Find and Nurture Career Mentorships That Drive Growth
- Master Professional Development Strategies to Boost Your Career
- Set Career Goals and Create a Roadmap for Success
- Achieve Work-Life Balance and Thrive in Your Career
- Define and Build a Strong Personal Brand for Career Growth
- Create a Job Search Strategy That Lands Your Dream Role
- Prioritize Mental Health for Career Success and Fulfillment
- Reflect on Your Career Achievements and Plan for Future Success
Ready? Let’s start crafting a career plan that gets you closer to your goals with every step!
What Is The First Step Of The Career Roadmap
The first step of creating a career roadmap is all about clarity—getting crystal clear on what you want from your career and why. Think of this step as laying the foundation for everything else. Without clarity, it’s like trying to build a house on quicksand—it won’t stand the test of time (or job market trends).
Start by asking yourself:
- What does success look like to me in one year, five years, or even ten years?
- What are my core values, and how do I want them to align with my work?
- Am I pursuing a job or career path that fuels my passion and strengths?
From there, break your vision down into manageable, specific goals. For example, instead of saying, “I want a better job,” say, “I want to transition into a project management role in the tech industry by the end of the year.”
Every career roadmap needs inspiration and actionable steps—and that’s exactly why I’ve brought together career experts year after year. Their strategies aren’t just theories; they’re real, tested methods that have helped thousands of professionals like you take their careers to the next level.
The Magic of Last Year’s Career Roadmap Event
Let’s rewind to last year for a second. Over 5,000 professionals joined forces, not just to learn but to do. Real talk: people didn’t just walk away with tips—they walked away with results. Dream jobs? Landed. Promotions? Secured. Passions? Reignited.
Before we dive into the excitement of 2025’s event, let’s take a moment to revisit the powerful key takeaways from last year’s sessions. They’re a testament to the impact of this event and a taste of what’s to come.
How to Make a Career Roadmap
Creating a career roadmap might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Think of it like a journey where every step gets you closer to your dream job. You don’t need to tackle it all at once—in fact, breaking it into smaller, actionable steps makes the process way more effective (and less stressful).
Now, I know this all sounds easier said than done. That’s why I’ve structured the 12 Days of Career Goals to help you tackle it all in bite-sized, actionable steps. Over the course of 12 days, you’ll go from feeling stuck to having a fully fleshed-out career roadmap. Each day is designed to tackle a key piece of your journey, giving you clarity, tools, and strategies to make your goals a reality.
Day 1: Discover Your Career Passion and Find Your Spark
Discovering your career passion is the foundation of your career roadmap. It’s what aligns your goals with your values and ignites the motivation you need to pursue them. Without this clarity, it’s easy to feel stuck or directionless.
On the incredible kick-off session of "The 12 Days of Career Goals," Leadership and Career Coach Matt Mills, M.A., PCC, delved into the transformative journey of career fulfillment and self-discovery. His key tool? The Sparketype® assessment, a revolutionary approach to uncovering the essential nature of the work you’re here to do.
Matt explained, "What the Sparketype assessment does is it helps you find that work that makes you feel sparked, energized, engaged, fulfilled, and perform at your best." This tool is more than an assessment; it's a pathfinder to your professional contentment and peak performance.
Central to the discussion was the concept of introspection in career choices. Matt posed two crucial questions, "What do you want more of in your life or in your work? And what do you want less of?" Two incredibly insightful questions to help us discover what we're meant to do.
Why Finding Your Spark Matters
One big takeaway from the session was recognizing the significance of our feelings in our career journey. "Our feelings are huge clues. If things are not feeling the way they should, if you're unhappy, if you feel like you're stuck, first just know that it's okay."
Finally, Matt inspired action, stating, "Momentum comes from action, and motivation comes from action. So take that action and everything will unfold after that." This powerful statement reminds us that the first step towards change is often the hardest yet the most crucial.
Day 2: Leverage Your Transferable Skills for a Career Pivot
When it comes to building your Career success plan, knowing how to leverage your transferable skills is a game changer. Why? Because your skills are the bridge between where you are now and where you want to go. Career pivots don’t mean starting over—they’re about recognizing the value you already bring to the table and using it to open new doors.
Day 2 of "The 12 Days of Career Goals" brought us an incredibly insightful session with Anna Belyaeva, CEO and Founder of the Career Diet. Anna's empowering conversation revolved around leveraging transferable skills for career pivoting.
Why Leveraging Transferable Skills Matters
Anna began with a fundamental truth: "Career change always starts with looking inward. If you're unhappy, pause and reflect before taking action." This emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection in the process.
A highlight of the session was the reassuring message, "You do not have to start from scratch when pivoting careers. Leverage your transferable skills and show a pattern of success." Anna dismantled the myth that career pivoting means starting over. Instead, she urged attendees to recognize and utilize the skills they've already honed, framing these as key tools for success in new areas.
Shifting Focus to Your Dream Lifestyle
A particularly resonant quote was, "A star candidate is someone who knows they have options and that their job should revolve around their dream lifestyle." This perspective shifts the focus from merely securing a job to creating a career that aligns with one's personal aspirations and lifestyle goals.
Finally, Anna shared a crucial tip for job seekers: "In job interviews and resumes, show your pattern of success. It's not just about your skills, it's about how you market them." This advice shifts the focus from merely listing skills to strategically presenting them as evidence of past successes and potential future contributions.
Day 3: Align Your Career with Personal Core Values for Success
When building your career roadmap, aligning your career with your personal values is a non-negotiable step. Why? Because your values act as your internal compass, guiding your decisions and ensuring your work aligns with what truly matters to you. Without this alignment, even a successful career can feel hollow.
On Day 3 of "The 12 Days of Career Goals," we gained insights from Yauhan Mehta, a renowned Career Coach and Change Management Consultant, and dove into the critical role that personal values play in shaping our professional journeys.
Why Aligning Your Career and Values Matters
Yauhan underscored a vital truth: "Aligning your career with your personal values leads to satisfaction and fulfillment at work." This statement resonates deeply in today's fast-paced work environment, where alignment between personal and professional life is key to long-term happiness and success.
He also touched on the dynamic nature of our values, emphasizing that "Our values change and evolve over time, reflecting our growth both personally and professionally." This evolution is a natural part of our career trajectory, reminding us that what we value today might shift as we encounter new experiences and grow in our roles.
Yauhan highlighted the importance of being proactive in understanding and adjusting to these changes: "It's a constant process of alignment, realignment, and adjustment to stay true to our evolving values in work and life." This ongoing process ensures that we remain aligned with our core beliefs and aspirations, leading to more meaningful and satisfying career paths.
Lastly, he advised, "Spend time understanding your values to avoid feeling empty in a job you're good at." This profound insight encourages us to look beyond our skills and capabilities, focusing on what truly brings us joy and fulfillment in our professional lives.
Day 4: Build a Powerful Professional Network to Advance Your Career
Your professional network isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you grow. Building a robust network is a vital piece of your career objectives because it connects you to opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration that can accelerate your career like nothing else. Networking isn’t just a tool; it’s a strategy for career advancement and personal growth.
In the insightful Day 4 session of our series, Certified Career & Mindset Coach Natalie Serebrennik shared her insights on how to build a robust professional network. Centered around empowering themes, the discussion showed a path to overcoming common career challenges through effective networking.
Why Networking Matters
Natalie addressed a challenge so many of us face – imposter syndrome. She emphasized, "Imposter syndrome is common, but you overcome it by stepping out of your comfort zone and growing through networking." This powerful statement highlights the importance of stepping into unfamiliar territories as a growth opportunity.
Delving deeper into the human aspect of professional life, Natalie remarked, "Connections are everything in this world. It's the backbone of just knowing you're not alone." This quote resonated deeply, underscoring the significance of building a network not just for professional gains, but for emotional and moral support as well.
The Small Wins Count
A key takeaway from the session was about taking initiative and being proactive in networking efforts. Natalie advised, "You can't control someone's reaction, but you can absolutely control what you put out there. Lean into the benefits of networking by taking that first step." This encourages professionals to take charge of their networking journey, without being hindered by the fear of rejection or negative responses.
Lastly, Natalie offered a refreshing perspective on networking, saying, "Networking isn't about perfection. It's about learning from each interaction and appreciating the small wins along the way." This quote is particularly empowering for those who may feel intimidated by the process, reminding us that every interaction, whether big or small, is a step forward.
Day 5: How to Find and Nurture Career Mentorships That Drive Growth
When building your career success plan, mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for growth. A great mentor doesn’t just guide you—they challenge you, inspire you, and open your eyes to new possibilities. Mentorship is about learning from others’ experiences while taking ownership of your journey, making it an indispensable part of long-term career success.
On Day 5 "Find Your Career Mentor," we were privileged to hear from Sweta Regmi, a Certified Career and Resume Strategist, as she delved into the intricacies of mentorship and its profound impact on career development.
Why Mentorship Matters When Building Your Career Success Plan
Sweta talked about a pivotal concept: "Mentorship isn't just about taking; it's about mutual growth. Ask your mentor how you can contribute to their projects, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas." This insight is particularly poignant in our interconnected world, highlighting that mentorship is a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties.
She further explored the diverse sources of mentorship, advising, "You don't have to start at the top. Look for mentors at every level – colleagues, juniors, even family. It's about learning from those who have the experience you seek." Sweta's perspective encourages us to broaden our view of mentorship, recognizing value in various forms and sources.
Emphasizing the essence of communication, Sweta noted, "In mentorship, communication is key. Clearly articulate your goals and ask for specific support. Remember, mentors can't read your mind; you have to spell it out." This advice is crucial in today's era, where clear communication is the cornerstone of effective mentor-mentee relationships.
Lastly, Sweta touched upon the active role of the mentee, stating, "Mentors are not the ones who do the work for you. They show you what's possible and guide you, but you are the one who has to execute it." This statement underscores the importance of personal initiative and responsibility in the mentorship journey.
Day 6: Master Professional Development Strategies to Boost Your Career
Professional development isn’t just about learning new skills—it’s about positioning yourself for growth and success. Incorporating development strategies into your career trajectory ensures you’re not only growing personally but also becoming visible to the right people and opportunities. It’s the bridge between where you are and where you want to go.
On Day 6, keynote speaker and LinkedIn Learning Instructor Lorraine K. Lee shared her insights on mastering professional development. The session, rich with practical advice, unveiled strategies to enhance one's career trajectory effectively.
Lorraine tackled the often misunderstood concept of self-promotion. She advised, "Reframe self-promotion as sharing learnings. It's about showing what you've learned and how it contributes to the team's success, not just about showcasing your own achievements." This powerful perspective shifts the focus from individual glory to collective growth, a vital mindset for professional advancement.
The Power Of Professional Presence In Your Career Trajectory
She also delved into the essence of "Professional presence," defining it as how and where others perceive you. Lorraine emphasized, "It's not just about hard work, but also being seen by the right people in the right channels." This highlights the importance of strategic visibility in one’s career, beyond just diligence and hard work.
Another gem from the session was the concept of "Dual promotion." Lorraine described this as "Highlighting your achievements alongside acknowledging others' contributions. It’s not just about ‘me’, but about how we collectively succeed as a team." This approach fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, essential for collective success.
Lorraine also shed light on the evolving role of LinkedIn. She remarked, "LinkedIn has transformed into a platform for content, community, and conversation, not just job searching. It's a virtual office to build your professional presence." This insight is particularly relevant in today’s digital age, where online platforms play a crucial role in professional branding and networking.
Day 7: Set Career Goals and Create a Roadmap for Success
Setting clear, energizing goals is the cornerstone of any successful long-term career vision. Goals provide direction, focus, and the motivation to move forward, even when challenges arise.
On Day 7 of our empowering interview series brought us the incredible insights of TEDx Speaker and Women in STEM Coach, Prashha Dutra. Prashha's journey and her approach to goal setting are not just inspiring but also deeply transformative. Her words resonated with a sense of purpose, motivation, and clarity, making it an unmissable session for anyone looking to redefine their career goals.
The Formula for Career Success: Action × Belief = Results
Prashha introduced a transformative formula for achieving goals: "Action times belief equals result." Contrasting the common misconception "Action plus belief equals result," Prashha emphasized their multiplicative relationship. She highlighted that without belief, even the most strategic actions fall short. Prashha's approach is a call to action for reevaluating our strategies, urging us to consider the power of belief as an equal, if not more significant, contributor to our successes.
One of the standout moments was when Prashha discussed the "energizing piece of goal setting." She explained, "If a goal energizes you, it helps you wake up at 4:30 AM, keeps you creative, and drives you towards achieving it." This insight highlights the importance of setting goals that not only challenge us but also invigorate and excite us.
Prashha also delved into the importance of role models. "Surround yourself with relatable role models. If they can do it, so can you. Channel any feelings of jealousy into inspiration and self-inquiry." This advice underlines the power of positive influence and the transformative impact of turning envy into a source of motivation.
Prashha also shed light on the process of navigating through confusion, stating, "Confusion is the first step to clarity. If you're not confused, you're still in your comfort zone." This perspective encourages embracing uncertainty as a vital part of the journey towards clear, defined goals.
Day 8: Achieve Work-Life Balance and Thrive in Your Career
Work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a foundation for thriving in both your professional and personal life. Without balance, even the most successful careers can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. Incorporating balance into your career strategy ensures that your success feels sustainable and fulfilling.
In our Day 8 interview, career strategist and well-being expert Ana Goehner shared invaluable insights on achieving work-life harmony. For those seeking a balanced professional and personal life, Ana's wisdom is a guiding light.
Why Self-Care is Essential
Ana emphasized the importance of self-care: "Put yourself in your calendar... we show up differently when we do things that make us feel good." This powerful statement underscores the transformative effect personal time can have on our professional and personal demeanor. Ana encourages us to prioritize activities that bring joy and fulfillment, reinforcing the idea that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for a balanced life.
Communication in the workplace was another key topic. Ana candidly stated, "Your manager is not a mind reader. It's important to communicate." This highlights the need for open dialogue with superiors about workloads, expectations, and personal boundaries. Effective communication is crucial for a healthy work environment and personal well-being.
Focus on Priorities and Celebrate Wins
Ana's practical approach to daily tasks, encapsulated in the quote, "Set your priorities for the day... That's a win," offers a strategy for managing workload and reducing stress. By focusing on top priorities and celebrating small victories, we can enhance productivity while maintaining peace of mind.
Lastly, Ana shared a deeply personal moment of realization: "I looked myself in the mirror and I really felt like I need to do something about it." This quote is a powerful call to action for anyone who has deferred self-care or personal growth. It's a reminder that the journey to work-life harmony often starts with a moment of self-reflection.
Day 9: Define and Build a Strong Personal Brand for Career Growth
Your personal brand is your professional signature—it’s how you show up in the world, what you stand for, and why people remember you. Building a strong personal brand is a vital part of your career objectives because it positions you for growth, opportunities, and recognition. It’s not just about standing out; it’s about standing true to who you are.
In the Day 9 session with Tiffany Uman, Career Strategy Coach and Workplace Expert & LinkedIn Learning Instructor, viewers were treated to a masterclass on the art of personal branding.
Tiffany, with her rich background as a former Fortune 500 Senior Director, distilled her expertise into actionable insights, emphasizing the parallels between marketing a product and oneself. “When it comes to marketing a brand or marketing yourself, there's a lot of similarities," she noted, highlighting the intentional creation of a personal brand much like household names in the market.
The Foundation: Strengths and Authenticity
Tiffany highlighted that the basis of a strong personal brand lies in recognizing and harnessing one's strengths and unique qualities. “The first and really the foundation of a strong personal brand is knowing your strengths and differentiating qualities," she advised, underscoring the need for authenticity in professional representation.
Tiffany also delved into the symbiotic relationship between personal branding and core values. She shared how these two elements keep professionals motivated and aligned with their career aspirations. “Your personal brand and your core values are like the guiding light that's going to constantly keep you motivated, engaged, and feeling empowered in your career," she explained.
Starting Your Personal Branding Journey
For those embarking on their personal branding journey, Tiffany suggested a practical starting point: reflecting on feedback received over time. This approach helps identify consistent themes and strengths that are integral to one’s brand. “A great way to start [defining your personal brand] is to think about feedback that you’ve received, both personal and professional," she said, emphasizing the value of external perspectives in self-discovery.
Day 10: Create a Job Search Strategy That Lands Your Dream Role
Landing your dream job isn’t just about sending out resumes—it’s about having a thoughtful, intentional strategy that aligns with your goals and values. A job search strategy is a key part of your career goals because it ensures that every step you take moves you closer to a role where you can thrive.
In an empowering session on Day 10, Jasmine Escalera, LinkedIn Top Voice, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, and Career & Confidence Coach, shared invaluable insights that are crucial for every professional, especially women in the workforce.
Empowering Women Through Representation
Jasmine's journey as a Latina in STEM, where she often found herself as the only woman of color in the room, has fueled her passion for empowering women in their careers. Her powerful statement, "The moments that inspired me to empower women were the moments where I didn't feel empowered," resonates deeply, highlighting the importance of self-worth and representation in the workplace.
Jasmine emphasized that true success in a job search isn't just about landing a job; it's about finding a role and environment that aligns with your personal and professional growth goals. As she puts it, "True success in a job search means defining it on your own terms."
Reframing the Job Interview
She also suggested changing our view on job interviews from seeing them as daunting to seeing them as an opportunity and a platform to "showcase your skill set and expertise." This mindset shift not only boosts confidence but also helps candidates assess if the job is the right fit for them.
The highlight of the discussion was her take on salary negotiations. Breaking the taboo, Jasmine advises, "In salary negotiation, knowledge is power." She advocates for open conversations about compensation, both within your network and with coworkers, to ensure you're able to ask for what you're worth.
Day 11: Prioritize Mental Health for Career Success and Fulfillment
Your mental health is the foundation for everything you do, from excelling in your career to finding joy in your personal life. Prioritizing mental well-being is a critical step in your career roadmap because it ensures that your success is sustainable and fulfilling—not just another source of stress.
In an enlightening and deeply personal interview on Day 11, we were joined by Linda Le, mental health advocate and founder of Creatively Quiet. Her insights into mental health, workplace dynamics, and personal well-being were nothing short of transformative.
Embracing Vulnerabilities for Growth
Linda emphasized the importance of embracing our vulnerabilities, stating, "It's okay not to be okay. You don't have to be on all the time. It's okay to have really bad days because when you allow yourself to break down, that's when the breakthrough comes." This powerful reminder challenges the stigma around mental health, encouraging us to see our struggles as gateways to personal growth.
Her perspective on work-life balance was equally impactful. Linda noted, "A job can suck the life out of you, turning you from a colorful person to a gray one. It's crucial to have a life outside of work, to be creative in your own unique way." This quote is a wake-up call for many, highlighting the need to find fulfillment beyond our professional lives.
The Power of Proactive Therapy
On the topic of therapy, Linda advocated for a proactive approach: "Go to therapy when life is good, not just when you're at rock bottom." She likened the process of finding the right therapist to dating or job hunting and emphasized the importance of mental health maintenance as a cornerstone of overall wellness.
Lastly, Linda spoke on behalf of introverts in the workplace, asserting, "Being introverted is not a weakness." She highlighted how diverse work environments that value adaptability can turn introverted qualities into significant strengths.
Day 12: Reflect on Your Career Achievements and Plan for Future Success
The final step in your career roadmap isn’t about taking on more work—it’s about taking stock of what you’ve accomplished and setting the stage for your next big leap. Reflection and celebration are just as important as goal-setting because they provide clarity, build confidence, and energize you for future growth.
In an inspiring Day 12 session, Kendall Berg, Career Progression and Leadership Coach 'That Career Coach', delved into the art of celebrating achievements and the nuances of career growth.
Why Reflection is Key When Creating Your Career Success Plan
Kendall emphasized the importance of self-recognition, stating, "It's crucial to pause and recognize your own achievements and success. Constant improvement is great, but don't forget to reflect on your growth and impact." This powerful reminder encourages us to balance our drive for constant improvement with moments of reflection on our personal and professional growth.
A highlight of the session was Kendall's perspective on celebrating employee achievements. She advises, "The best way to celebrate employee achievements is by providing opportunities for growth, not just more work. Invest in their goals and dreams to show genuine appreciation and support." This approach shifts the focus from merely increasing workload to fostering an environment where growth and appreciation go hand in hand.
Kendall also delved into the realm of personal branding, a critical aspect of professional development. She notes, "Your personal brand should reflect the pattern of your successes and be communicated consistently. It's not just about your tasks, but the impact and value you bring." This insight is a call to action for professionals to consciously shape and communicate their personal brand, reflecting their unique contributions and successes.
Building Relationships to Celebrate Success
Lastly, Kendall highlighted the power of relationships in career progression. "Celebrate your career achievements by building relationships and sharing them in an authentic way. Your achievements can empower others to advocate on your behalf." This advice underscores the importance of authentic engagement and networking in building a successful career.
About The Author - Theresa White
Hi, I’m Theresa White, and I’m on a mission to help people find careers that excite them—without starting over from scratch. After years of feeling unfulfilled and stuck in my own career, I finally discovered what I was meant to do: guide others to clarity and confidence in their professional lives. Now, I wake up every day excited, knowing I’m helping people build careers they’ll look back on with pride and joy.
I’m also the host of the annual “12 Days of Career Goals” online conference, a transformative give-back initiative that equips professionals with the tools and inspiration to take charge of their careers.
Last year, this event touched the lives of over 5,000 people. This year, I’m expanding the mission to reach 25,000 individuals, bringing hope and actionable strategies to those navigating the challenges of today’s job market.
Featuring insights from 20+ globally recognized experts—including best-selling authors, LinkedIn Top Voices, and career strategists—this event is packed with tools to help attendees set clear goals, build confidence, and create meaningful change. I’m so proud to lead this initiative and bring together such an incredible community of professionals eager to thrive.
FAQs About Career Trajectory Plan
What is a career roadmap?
A career roadmap is a strategic plan that outlines the steps, skills, and milestones needed to achieve your professional goals. Think of it as a guide that helps you navigate your career journey with clarity and focus. It includes short-term and long-term objectives, identifies key resources, and provides actionable steps to ensure your career aligns with your values, passions, and aspirations.
What is your first task in career planning?
The first task in career planning is self-assessment. This involves reflecting on your skills, interests, values, and goals to understand what you want from your career. Identifying what motivates and excites you, as well as what environments and roles align with your strengths, sets the foundation for making informed career decisions. Without this clarity, it’s difficult to create a meaningful and effective career plan.
What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a career?
The most important thing to consider when choosing a career is alignment with your values and long-term goals. A fulfilling career isn’t just about salary or prestige—it’s about finding work that resonates with your passions, utilizes your strengths, and supports the lifestyle you want. Understanding how a career fits into your overall vision for success and happiness ensures you’re choosing a path that’s sustainable and rewarding.
Your Career Roadmap Plan Starts Tomorrow
2025 is coming. Are you ready to meet it with a plan, purpose, and momentum? The 12 Days of Career Goals isn’t just an event—it’s your launchpad.
👉 Register Now for Free and join thousands of driven professionals ready to step into their next chapter.
Free Resources
- How to set up your work goals for 2025 in 12 days
- How to gain career clarity and find your purpose
- 7 Barriers Between You and Your Dream Job… And How to Break Them
👉 Ready for career clarity in record time? Request a free consultation with me today.
