CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN

At the end of the MM program, what position do you hope to secure? What industries do you find
appealing? What about organizations of interest?
Consider the roles that you would be qualified for right now. Are these the positions that you would want to
pursue upon graduation? Or are there others that are more appealing but out of reach given your current
qualifications? What can you do while you are in the program to be more marketable once you graduate?

CAREER GOAL: [STATE GOAL HERE]

Degree in Finance or Accounting

GAP #1: According to the job requirements of credit analyst, the applicants must have bachelor or
master’s degree in related fields.
CFA Certificate or CPA Certificate.
GAP #2: According to the requirements of the firms and financial institutions, the applicants must hold
or pursue CFA or CPA Certificate.
Canadian experiences and communication
GAP #3: Most financial institutions require the minimum of 2-year experience in related finance and
accounting. Although I had 4-year experience of credit analyst in Vietnam, I do not have any
Canadian experiences. In addition, communication is my biggest problem due to the
difference of communication style between Canada and Vietnam
These are questions to consider as you create a career development plan. Let us start with the career goal
upon graduation. For example, your career goal could be to be an Accountant. The next step is to address
some of the gaps in qualifications. Create and implement an action plan to address the 3 gaps identified in
the Matching Exercise (under the Assignments section on Blackboard).

This is a good time to examine whether the career goal is realistic. You might need to adjust. It might not
be feasible for you to achieve this goal given time and resource constraints. In this event, please book an
appointment to see an Odette Career Advisor to discuss options.
In the context of career planning, it is sometimes useful to start with the end in mind. Start with the career
goal upon graduation then work backwards in terms of the action steps needed to achieve that goal. These
can involve developing a skill, gaining experience through part-time or volunteer positions, getting
involved in extracurricular activities and making connections. The last point is critical. This is because 80%
of jobs are not advertised. Rather, organizations welcome referrals from current staff members, source
talent through other means such as networking events (i.e. Information Sessions, Case Competitions etc.).
Complete the Reverse Career Plan on the next page. Ensure that each goal is SMART: Specific,
Measurable, Achievable, and Time-Bound.
NOTE:
Sample Career Development Plans can be found under the Resources section of the Aspire Blackboard
page under the Career Planning folder.
 REVERSE CAREER PLAN

You Are Career Goal

Here PLAN Your Steps in this Direction (when you
graduate)

Goal: Semester 1 Goal: Semester 2 Goal: Semester 3 Goal: End of Semester 4 Goal:

Action 1. Achieve high GPA 1. Achieve high GPA 1. Achieve high GPA 1. Achieve the master’s degree with
Plan high GPA
Items: 2. Explore the Canadian labour 2. Seek for a part-time job or 2. Learn CFA Certificate (Level 1)
market. Focusing on the volunteer job, especially jobs 2. Achieve CFA Certificate (Level
requirements of a credit analyst related to banking service, 3. Enhance communication skill by 1)
position accounting, or other relevant fields participating in networking events
3. Seek for a co-op or internship
3. Learn about the economy in 3. Complete Bloomberg certificate 4. Participate in Case Competitions program
Canada through Odette

4. Enhance communication skill

by participating in networking
event

IMPLEMENT Your Steps in this Direction

IMPLEMENT Your Steps in this Direction