Take the Next Step in Your SBM Career with EdExec Live

Whether you’re aiming for the next step in your career or exploring a completely new role, a well-thought-out career map is essential

While a career plan outlines the ‘what’—your goals, objectives, and milestones—a career map focuses on the ‘how,’ guiding you through the steps to achieve them.

Getting Started

Your career map should clearly outline the steps needed to bring you closer to your goals, whether that means obtaining professional accreditation, learning a new skill, or brushing up on an old one you haven’t used in a while. Think of it as your personal GPS, guiding you toward growth and success. A well-crafted map not only helps you stay focused but also provides a sense of direction when the path ahead feels unclear.

Before creating your career map, take the time to reflect on some key questions that will shape your journey. For example:

What are your realistic timeframes? Consider how long it might reasonably take to achieve each goal and break it into manageable milestones.

What obstacles are standing in your way? Identify the barriers—whether they’re skill gaps, a lack of resources, or even mindset challenges—and think about how to address or overcome them.

What does success look like to you? Envision your ideal outcome so you can align your efforts with your personal and professional aspirations.

Building a Network

Connect with the people around you. Remember, your career journey is shared by others who may be at different stages along the way. Those further ahead can offer valuable insights, drawing from their own experiences to help you navigate challenges and share best practices. Meanwhile, those who are earlier in their journey can provide mutual support as you both face and prepare for new opportunities.

Staying on Track

Identify your waypoints – the key markers that guide your journey from where you are now to where you want to be. Start by taking a realistic look at both your starting point and your ultimate destination. Breaking a long-term goal into smaller, more manageable steps can make even the most ambitious targets feel achievable and less overwhelming.

Let’s face it: life rarely follows a straight path, and unexpected challenges or detours are inevitable. By setting smaller, incremental goalposts along the way, you create a flexible roadmap that allows you to recalibrate if you veer off course. These waypoints can serve as anchors, helping you regain direction and maintain momentum even when the journey gets bumpy.

What Next?

So, you’ve mapped out your career path, but now you’re wondering how to take that first step forward. The Career Mapping For SBMs seminar at EdExec Live will explore essential skills for growth, career progression opportunities and strategies for long-term success in school business management. The first event takes place in Manchester on 12th February, but don’t worry if you can’t make it – there are seven more events to choose from, giving you plenty of chances to join in and take your career to the next level.

Don’t miss out – there’s still time to book!