Are you feeling stuck in your career? Unsure how to take the next step or make your aspirations a reality? You’re not alone. Many professionals, especially women in tech, face this challenge—but the key to breaking free is having a clear and actionable career plan.
In this post, I’ll share my personal journey, why career planning is essential, and actionable steps you can take today to take charge of your professional growth.
My Turning Point: From Stuck to Thriving
Years ago, I found myself in a role that didn’t align with my aspirations. I had just been promoted to Staff Engineer, but instead of feeling accomplished, I felt stuck. What I truly wanted was to lead, to make an impact beyond my immediate work—but I had no plan.
For four years, I stayed in that limbo. I assumed my hard work would speak for itself and someone would notice my potential. Spoiler: it didn’t happen. It wasn’t until I took proactive steps—setting clear goals, building relationships, and advocating for myself—that I finally stepped into a leadership role.
Why a Career Plan Is Essential
Here’s what I learned: hoping for recognition or waiting for the “right moment” doesn’t work. A career plan is like a roadmap—it provides clarity, direction, and the confidence to take charge of your future.
Without a plan, you risk:
- Feeling frustrated and stuck in your current role
- Missing out on opportunities because you haven’t communicated your goals
- Letting others define your career path instead of owning it yourself
With a plan, you can:
- Align your goals with your strengths and passions
- Identify opportunities to grow and add value
- Build confidence to advocate for yourself
How to Create Your Career Plan
Ready to take charge? Here are three steps to start building your career roadmap:
1.Define Your Goals
Ask yourself: Where do I want to be in 1, 3, or 5 years? What roles or opportunities excite me? Clarity is the foundation of your plan.
2.Map Your Environment
Identify key people—your manager, peers, and stakeholders—who can support or influence your journey. Understand their expectations and align your efforts with the company’s goals.
3.Communicate and Advocate
Don’t wait for someone to notice your potential. Be proactive in sharing your aspirations with your manager, seeking feedback, and taking on responsibilities that align with your goals.
Lessons from My Journey
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that fear of rejection often holds us back. When I was eight months pregnant with my second child, a management role opened up. I hesitated to apply, worried about how my pregnancy and lack of experience might be perceived. But with encouragement from my husband and a mentor, I pushed through my fears—and I got the job.
The takeaway? Opportunities don’t always come at the “perfect” time, but if you’re prepared and confident, you can make them yours.
Take Action Today
If you’re ready to take control of your career, here’s what you can do today:
- Write down one clear career goal
- Identify one person you can connect with to support your growth
- Download my FREE Career Planning Guide to start building your roadmap: https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/
Your Career, Your Future
Building a career you love starts with taking the first step. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. A clear plan, confidence, and proactive action can transform your journey.
👉 Ready to take charge? Watch my full video for deeper insights: https://youtu.be/jn1m0J9ylNU
Or listen to the audio version on my podcast: https://limorbergman.com/podcast/
Let’s Connect!
I help women in tech leadership roles navigate their careers, build confidence, and create actionable plans for growth. Want to learn more? Contact me or join my newsletter for more tips and strategies.
