How to Plan Your Career Trajectory

A career trajectory is a path a person follows in pursuing professional growth throughout their working life. The shape of a career trajectory, either horizontal or vertical, depends on a person’s unique career aspirations. A career trajectory encompasses all the jobs a person holds throughout their professional life, whether they move a person forward or backward along their career path. A successful career is largely dependent on having a solid development plan that outlines career goals, milestones, and an actionable plan for professional development.

There are two main types of career trajectories: vertical and horizontal.

• Horizontal career trajectory: A horizontal career trajectory involves lateral moves without a move upwards in position and compensation. You may have a horizontal career trajectory if you stay in the same job for an extended period of time or make a lateral career change by moving to a similar position in a different industry. Although a horizontal trajectory may look stagnant, it does have the potential for growth. For example, you may learn new skills while being in the same position over a long period, or be able to develop new interests by moving laterally to a job that better reflects your aspirations and skillsets. A horizontal career trajectory needn’t be permanent—in fact, many people are likely to have periods where their career trajectory is horizontal in between periods of vertical career growth.
• Vertical career trajectory: A vertical career trajectory is when you move up the career ladder, from an entry-level to a higher-level management position in a chosen field or industry. A vertical career trajectory may mean accepting a promotion from a current employer or starting a new job with a better job title, more pay, or that aligns better with your career development goals. A vertical trajectory follows a linear path, usually within the same field or industry.

Creating a career plan is an effective way to plan out your future career. Consider taking the following steps to fuel your career advancement.

1. 1. Identify your professional goals. What do you wish to achieve throughout your professional life? Your career goals will depend on your unique aspirations. Perhaps you’re interested in becoming a C-suite executive at a big corporation, or maybe you’d like to be more creatively fulfilled. You may also have non-work goals that impact your career path—maybe you’d like a job that allows you time to travel, or you may prioritize stability so you can support your family. Once you know what you’d like to achieve with your long-term goals, write down a list of short-term goals to help you make strides toward your ideal career.
2. 2. Develop necessary skill sets. Once you’ve identified your career goals, begin to pursue opportunities that allow you to develop the skill sets your ideal position requires. You can create new skills in a work environment or continue your education or training.
3. 3. Craft a strategic resume. Your resume is your first impression when applying to a new job, so it must align with the type of career opportunity you're hoping for. For example, if you know the job you want requires decisive leadership, tailor your resume to highlight your decision-making skills and management experience.
4. 4. Network within your desired career field. Networking is essential for finding new career opportunities within your chosen field. Identify people who are following your desired career trajectory or who are working in your ideal position. Ask them if they’d be willing to meet with you so that you can ask them questions about their career trajectory.

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