OGL 482 Pro-Seminar II

Module 6 Assignment:
Career Plan Template

Section 1: Creating your BHAG

Following the information in the “Good to Great Connections” PowerPoint presentation and all
of the additional information provided under the Module 4 content area, and taking your Personal
Mission Statement development efforts into consideration, carefully develop your own personal
long term BHAG (***one amazingly HUGE, your world changing goal***). The timeframe for
your BHAG is 10-25 years out, however it will depend upon your age. For example, a 55 year
old person might be closer to the 10 year BHAG, whereas a 30 year old or younger person
should be considering a BHAG 25 years out. This BHAG may be related to your overall
life/lifestyle aspirations, or it could be related to some organizational, protean, or
entrepreneurial vision you have for the future. Dig deep and and go beyond the job. That is up to
you. What it needs to be is BIG! HUGE! REALLY HAIRY! STRETCH YOURSELF! LOOK
BEYOND GRADUATE DEGREE! LOOK BEYOND A JOB! HOW WILL YOU MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD???? I RECOMMEND WE MEET TO DISCUSS IT TO
ENSURE ITS HUGENESS.

Answer the following:

1) What is your BHAG (***one amazingly HUGE, your world changing goal***)?

I successfully completed my Master's Degree that supports a high-paying career where

my family and I don't just survive but thrive! While this career allows me to make a good
amount of money, it should also provide me with an excellent work-life balance where I
am free to enjoy adequate time with my family and friends and serve my community. I
hope that this career supports my desire to grow and learn in everything I do and provides
me with a sense of accomplishment at the end of every day. I want to lead a life that
positively impacts others, which makes those who are close to me proud.

2) Why is this your BHAG?

I was able to arrive at my BHAG quickly because it is a reflection of what means the
most to me. I just analyzed all the data from my thematic analysis and designed it to
relate to my career because my work ethic is a significant part of who I am, and I couldn't
imagine a life without work. Knowledge is so necessary to me. Although I may not attend
school full time like I am now and hope to continue into a Master's Degree, I hope to
continue education throughout my career with courses that support innovations that may
be present in my career. I also will look to leadership for their valuable coaching to
constantly grow in my position and add value to my work. My family, who are my most

1
 considerable motivation, are included in my BHAG because they are why I do everything
I do, and I want them to be proud of my accomplishments and the way I live my life.

3) How does your BHAG align with your vision statement from Module 4?

"Positively impact the people I interact with each day."

My BHAG aligns perfectly with my vision statement from Module 4. I believe I will be
able to positively impact the people I interact with each day even more than I am now as
my life progresses. I will have more income which will lead to me giving more
monetarily. I will have more time to serve my community because I will have a job that
better aligns with work-life balance, and I will no longer be attending college, which
takes up a majority if not all of my life outside of work. Although I may not be in
customer service directly talking to customers every day, I will still interact with people
in different aspects of my life, including coworkers I hope to impact positively.

4) How does your BHAG align with your mission statement from Module 4?

Mission Statement: I will continuously learn and evolve and apply what I learn to add
value to every aspect of my life. Utilizing my instilled values, including work ethic,
integrity, empathy, and understanding, will aid in my mission to positively impact the
people I interact with daily.

My BHAG aligns perfectly with my mission statement as it addresses my passion for

learning and evolving, and continuously applying what I learn. I address this in my
BHAG through my desire to continuously learn in my career. Utilizing my instilled
values is addressed in my BHAG in my want to make those closest to me proud by how I
impact people. 

5) List your top five (5) obstacles in order from number 5 being least difficult and
number 1 being most difficult you need to overcome in order to obtain your BHAG
and explain the relevance of each one.

1. 1. Time constraints- I only have so much time in the day, and this session's health
issues have proven that I need to prioritize my health. I keep pushing myself even
when I need to rest and end up sick again, limiting my time severely. I have no
lack of commitment to reaching my goals, but I must develop a better schedule
that supports all my goals and needs in life. 
2. 2. Health issues- This session made me understand the importance of health if I
want to obtain my BHAG. I need to prioritize my family's health more than I do
anything else in my life. Over the last few weeks, my entire family has been sick.
I haven't been able to shake it. I am just trying to get through a day at a time until
the end of my classes, but I know this isn't a long-term solution. I must develop a
plan to prioritize and maintain my health when my assignments are complete.
3. 3. Overcommitment- I took three courses this session that I would typically be
able to handle. Still, I need to consider risks when committing to things to

2
 complete them with the quality I expect from myself. To obtain my BHAG, I need
to understand that I am not exempt from threats because I have not experienced
them in the past. Taking into consideration what I hope to achieve and possible
obstacles will help me plan accordingly in my commitments. 
4. 4. Responsibilities- My different roles require me to have a better balance. My
responsibilities to my children and husband include doing well at work and in
school. Supporting my children in their academics and athletics is a responsibility
I share with my husband, so I need to learn to trust him in this responsibility to
help me obtain my BHAG that will positively impact all of us. I also have a
responsibility to myself that I need to remember if I want to have the energy to
reach my goals. 
5. 5. Decisions- I need to decide on a Master's Degree that will support my career
goals, and that will not become obsolete in the near future. With the constant
technological change, I need to consider what makes the most sense for the time,
money, and effort I will be committing to the Master's Degree.

3
Section 2: Career Vision
Consider your long-term vision for your career. Respond to the following questions, and make
connections to your personal mission statement, your BHAG(s), the themes you developed in
Module 4, and the textbook/supplemental readings (as applicable).

Answer the following:

1) Analyze the type of career you want to have, in terms of an organizational career or
a protean career, make sure it is clear you understand the concepts as outlined in
the textbook. Why?

The type of career I want to have is most likely organizational because not only was I in
the category of highly organizational but because I genuinely believe that I thrive in a
career with structure and processes. My long-term vision for my career includes making
good money that supports my family and the lifestyle that we wish to have. I want to
continue learning in my career because education and growth are something that brings
me joy. After all, continued learning helps me to improve. In choosing an organizational
career, growth through education and innovation must stay valuable to me, and I should
continue to act on those instincts.

2) Analyze your career with an explanation as one that moves you up the organization
or one you develop seeking alternative career paths. If you see yourself taking an
alternative career path, which one(s) sound the most likely? Why?

I see myself moving to an alternative career path. I will strive to be a leader no matter
what position I hold. I will execute my vision of a position that supports my goals and
supports my team in their goals. I don't necessarily need to be in a position where I
manage others because I am more concerned with my abilities to help others on my team
than being in a position of authority. I would be happy if I could make good money and
have an excellent work-life balance in a lower-level position.
"They are authorities, and we do what they say because they have authority over us, but
we would not follow them. And I know many people who are at the bottom of
organizations who have no authority, and they are absolutely leaders, and this is because
they have chosen to look after the person the left of them. They have chosen to look after
the person to their right." -Simon Sinek

3) Discuss and explain if you see yourself working an alternative or flexible work
schedule/arrangement? If so, which ones and why?

I see myself working in a similar work schedule but with more flexibility. A career that
allows for autonomy and just getting my work done. I want to stay in my organization
because it benefits a three-day weekend, which has the potential to support a quality
work-life balance. The current job I hold in the organization takes a lot out of me

4
 emotionally. When I get to the weekend, I am usually sick and so emotionally drained
that my fatigue consumes me, and I sleep all weekend. Perhaps a position where I just
complete work may help me receive the full benefits of a three-day weekend. I know I
would like to stay remote because I have been pleased not having to drive to work every
day since my team went completely remote. I like getting my work done at home and
during breaks having the ability to tend to home tasks, and having homemade food.

4) Research and post current, or past, job postings from your local area, across the
country, or from around the world which illustrate how you might reach your
BHAG. Be sure to provide the Job Title, a small description and why it supports
your BHAG when you provide the URL. Websites such as CareerBuilder, Monster,
or Indeed might be a good place to begin. Also, career-specific websites such as
SHRM.org or AICPA.org often have job postings. Provide 2 listings for each of the
following time periods:

a. 2 years from today

i. Writers Work Writer

1. Writers Work connects anyone interested in writing, with the

companies that need them desperately.

a. This job supports my BHAG because it supports my

current skills and the development of these skills over the
next two years while I attend a Master's program. It would
allow me to continue learning based on the different
material I would be required to write. It would allow me to
make more per hour than I do now. It would allow me to
work when I wanted to and support my work-life balance. I
would be able to help companies and people with
meaningful and quality work.

i. WritersworkWriter

ii. Application Support IT Analyst II

1. Developing and implementing processes, procedures, and

strategies from specifications for systems that function or
communicate across multiple platforms; supporting computing
processes executed across multiple platforms and networks; and
utilizing monitoring, forecasting, trend analysis, and reporting
tools. Ensures all work is in alignment with City and IT long-term
strategies.

5
 a. Passionate about achieving successful results in a City that
prides itself on innovative, best-in-class services. The
ability to readily understand business processes and assist
customers with application implementations, integrations,
and support; be proficient with written and verbal
communications, customer service, teamwork, report
writing, and developing and maintaining technical
documentation; and be proficient in reading, writing, and
analyzing data. All employees of the City of Mesa uphold
and exhibit the City's shared employee values of
Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Combination of
training, education, and experience.

i. Application Support IT Analyst II

b. 5 years from today

i. Compliance Analyst - Bank

1. We are seeking an experienced Compliance Analyst. Provides

second-line independent oversight and guidance regarding business
products, services, and processes through a compliance framework
to ensure they are under regulatory requirements.

a. USAA knows what it means to serve. We facilitate the

financial security of millions of U.S. military members and
their families. This singular mission requires a dedication
to innovative thinking at every level. Bachelor's Degree.
This person may also work remotely in a 100% Remote
Work Environment. In partnership with the business and
key partners, continuously drives a strong culture of
compliance and demonstrates integrity and professional
judgment in protecting the interests of USAA and its
members. Gathers information, analyzes data trends,
identifies root cause(s), and provides information to the
business or project teams. Ensures documents, projects,
processes, or product initiatives align with regulatory
requirements and enterprise policy.

i. Compliance Analyst - Bank (Remote Optional)

ii. Cyber Information Systems Security Analyst

6
 1. We are seeking experienced Information Systems Security.
Professionals across the country to support information systems
life-cycle activities. The role requires a broad array of knowledge
and skills working with team members to support a Cyber Security
program in Gilbert, Arizona.

a. Master's Degree with 0 years of experience. The ideal

candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in Information
Technology, Cybersecurity, or Information System
Security and five years of experience with Assessment &
Authorization (A&A) activities within a classified
environment. Experience with system audits, vulnerability
scanning, and Risk Management Framework.

i. Cyber Information Systems Security Analyst

c. 10 years from today

i. Lead Financial Analyst

1. This role is responsible for driving our financial and operational

planning processes and related analytics for the Global Retail
Markets (GRM) U.S. organization. In this role, you will partner
with key Finance and Functional stakeholders to inform, influence,
and develop the annual Business Lines financial plan and regular
forecast updates.

a. At Liberty Mutual, our purpose is to help people embrace

today and confidently pursue tomorrow. Aim to help turn
passion into a rewarding profession. Support life and well-
being. Build strong, long-term professional relationships.
Support my effectiveness as a collaborator, communicator,
and strong project and time management skills. Will have a
minimum of 5 years of experience in planning, problem-
solving reporting, and other analytical roles. I have
demonstrated experience analyzing complex data sets and
with relational database tools.

i. Lead Financial Analyst

ii. UX Researcher, Candidate Management

1. We are seeking a qualitative-focused UX Researcher who can help

the Enterprise Candidate Management team understand the "why"

7
 behind the behaviors and attitudes of our different employers and
influence both strategic and tactical product decisions to help
employers hire efficiently and effectively.

a. The job offers much higher pay than I receive now. Indeed
is committed to helping people have a livelihood by
helping them to get jobs. The job description doesn't
explain schedules, but I believe that it supports a healthy
work-life balance since it is a remote position. I believe this
position would allow me to continue growing and learning
because it requires research.

i. UX Researcher, Candidate Management

d. BHAG Achievement Year

i. Cyber Security Analyst – Telework

1. Responsible for protecting a company's network and systems from

cyber-attacks by researching upcoming IT trends, creating
contingency plans, reviewing suspicious activities, reporting
security breaches, and educating the rest of the company on
security measures.

a. Knowledge of network, operating system, database, and

application security. Bachelor's Degree in information
technology, computer science, information assurance, or a
related field from an accredited college or university.
Analyze data/information from one or multiple sources to
conduct preparation of the environment, respond to
requests for information, and submit intelligence collection
and production requirements in support of planning and
operations. Conduct internal risk, vulnerability, and
compliance assessments. Assist with training activities and
preparation of awareness training materials. Develop and
communicate security metrics to assess effectiveness.

i. Cyber Security Analyst - Telework

ii. Senior Software Engineer- Backend (Remote Eligible) 

1. You will join forces with teammates to deliver high-scale

infrastructure and product features. Our team owns some of the
world's largest distributed systems that power a platform relied

8
 upon by many people worldwide. Your work here has a global
impact!

a. At least five years of software development experience.

Proven experience with software engineering best practices
for iterative development, testing, code reviews, design,
documentation, debugging, and problem-solving.
Experience collaborating on or leading complex projects
that impact multiple teams. You are curious and open to
new ideas. You love to collaborate, mentor and learn with a
great team. You care about delivering high-quality software
in a team environment. You want to iterate quickly and
safely on high-scale systems. You like to dig into
challenging problems and solve them together. You have
excellent verbal and written communication skills. No
matter how senior you are, you are always looking for
opportunities to grow and learn. You enjoy working both
collaboratively and independently. You empathize with
internal customers and have a strong customer focus. Enjoy
deep-diving into algorithms and complex data structures.

i. Senior Software Engineer- Backend

9
Section 3: Long-Term Strategy
Develop a strategy for moving toward your ideal future work/life situation and the realization of
your BHAG(s). Consider the timeframe for your BHAG(s). Provide a vivid description of life
“the way it will be” once your BHAG is realized.

1) Critically think about and then list out (not a narrative format) the interim steps or
milestones you have laid out for yourself that will aid you in reaching your BHAG
(you should have at least 10 to earn a rating of excellent and be referenced by time)

1. Complete and pass Session B at Arizona State University

2. Graduate with Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership on May 9, 2022

3. Begin searching for open positions in the field I want to work in

4. Enroll in Master of Science (MS) in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

program

5. Begin the first course of the Master's program on May 19, 2022

6. Begin to apply and interview for entry-level positions in cybersecurity on June

16, 2022

7. Secure a position in an entry-level position in cybersecurity.

8. Earn a promotion from my entry-level position towards a position as a

cybersecurity analyst.

9. Graduate from Master's of Science program on September 20, 2023

10. Earn a position as a Senior Cyber Security Analyst.

2) In addition to career-related roles, consider your other life roles in relation to your
career goals. Revisit your responses to the Identities Exercise that you completed in
Module 1 of the course. Based on your long-term strategy what are the 3 most
precious things you are willing to sacrifice, besides time, to achieve your BHAG?
Why?

1. Health
I have already proven that health falls short on my priority list when reaching
goals. I will continue to put my education and work first. I will concern myself with
working hard to fulfill my academic and professional goals to achieve my BHAG.
Getting out into nature through walking, hiking, and gardening will be sacrificed until my

10
 assignments and work are complete. I won't be able to eat as healthy as I would if I were
to make homemade meals.

2. Friends and Family

I will have to sacrifice attending events with family and friends. I will need to be
picky about the family gatherings I choose to participate in. I will also need to lessen the
amount of visiting my friends and traveling. Lastly, I will have to sacrifice my
volunteering to reach my BHAG even more intensely than I have had in the last few
years.

3. Work
I am an overachiever in much that I do. I will have to understand the overall
benefit of reaching my BHAG outweighs taking on extra responsibilities and roles at
work. To support my BHAG, I will have to weigh the benefits of the tasks and roles
presented to me and decide whether they will ultimately reinforce my BHAG or not. I
will need to continue to work in a position where my leadership supports my education
and career goals.

11
Section 4: The one to two year plan
Using a SMART goals-based approach, as well as project planning and management skill best
practices, create a detailed project plan for at least two specific goals. At least one must be
related to your long-term BHAG. The other may be related to some other aspect of your career
development or career-life integration. Both of these goals need to be things that you are
passionate about accomplishing.

Your selected goals and SMART plan (see SMART goal information provided in the module)
should be structured based on a one to two-year timeline. It should include specific milestones,
action items, sub-tasks as well as task-related interdependencies as applicable. With respect to
each goal, critically think about what specifically are the things you will do in the next one to
two years to achieve these goals.

Develop a clear and detailed SMART plan, with facilitating goals and steps/actions required
to accomplish your selected goals. It should be evident, by looking at the format and structure
of your plan, that you have developed some significant skills respect to project management.
Include Gantt charts (T) or other visual project representations as you see fit, and be sure to
address your approach to tracking/measuring your progress (M).

1) What is your #1 Goal? (at least one of the following must be related to your BHAG)

Graduate from Master of Science (MS) in Information Assurance and

Cybersecurity Program

S Apply for, be accepted and enroll in the Master's Program

M Completion of the individual courses

A I proved I could earn a degree by completing and passing courses while

working.

R I wouldn't be able to attain my BHAG without earning my Master's Degree in

Science.

T Starting in May 2022, completed by September 20, 2023

12
 2) What is your #2 Goal? (at least one of these must be related to your BHAG)

(Insert your #2 Goal above and provide short answers below describing your goal in
terms of the SMART model. Finally, provide a Gantt chart using the tools provided).

Becoming a Senior Cyber Security Analyst

S Exceed expectations of qualifications to become a Senior Cyber Security Analyst by

completing all certificates and experiences required across the board from numerous job
descriptions.

M I will measure my progress by referring to my Gantt Charts and updating as needed.
 
A I will continue to work hard and build the skills and qualifications necessary to earn
this career. My past work ethic proves my ability to reach this goal.

R This goal supports my BHAG by allowing me the opportunity to continue learning and
growing, which brings me joy. It also will ensure I make enough income to support my
family, our passions in life, and our community. I believe this is a role where I can have a
healthy work-life balance. 

T Based on my Gantt chart, I believe I can achieve this goal in five to six years. I hope to
gain experience while continuing my education by completing my Master's Program and
the various certificates that support this position.

13
Sinek, Simon. (2014, May 19). Why good leaders make you feel safe. [Video]. TED.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmyZMtPVodo

14