Career Development Plan · Example edition

Build evidence for the work you want to do.

This fictional product designer wants to become stronger at research synthesis and facilitation. The plan focuses on work they can practice and review rather than promising a title or promotion.

Focus	Practice	Evidence	Support
Synthesis	Summarize one interview set	Traceable themes	Research peer
Facilitation	Run a small decision session	Participant feedback	Team lead
Communication	Present one recommendation	Clear decision brief	Design peer

Choose a direction

Describe the kind of responsibility you want, the work it involves, and why it matters to you. Separate your interests from assumptions about what your employer will reward.

Make practice visible

Create a small portfolio of working evidence: a synthesis, an agenda, and a decision brief. Remove private material and obtain permission before sharing work beyond its original audience.

Review with someone

Ask for specific feedback on the skill being practiced. A useful review identifies what improved, what remains difficult, and the next opportunity to practice in real work.