HOW TO PLAN YOUR CAREER.

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Choosing your career is one of the most important decisions you will make but it doesn't end there, writes Nathalie Towner. You will continue to make choices throughout your working life. The day-to-day challenges of social work may take precedence over where your career is heading but it is important to make time to think things through. If you plan your career well, instead of leaving everything to chance, you are more likely to get the most out of opportunities.

The more you think about what you want out of your job the more likely you are to go in a direction best suited to you. "Social work is a difficult job and we need to think about what our strengths are so we can use them to best effect," says Pat Leach, senior practitioner, child protection (immediate needs) team at Ipswich Council. "If you work out how you can best fit into your organisation, you will increase your job satisfaction so it's important to know yourself and what you enjoy." When planning ahead you should consider everything that is important to you. Think of your own needs and responsibilities outside work and review these regularly. "If we are fulfilled we will try our hardest and deliver the best service for our clients," says Leach.

Gaining as much information as possible on any career move will help you make an informed choice. Jackie Keegan, social worker for Cheshire Council's adult and community service, switched to social work after 18 years in IT marketing. "I really had to think it through and go on a lengthy process of research and consider all the practicalities," she explains. She spoke to many people in the sector, particularly front-line social workers and did online research plus voluntary work to see beyond the theory.

We all get stuck in a rut at times so it's important to have goals that give us direction. To help you define your objectives, use all the help from other staff that is available. "Supervision has really helped me identify my learning needs," says Keegan. "It's important to take time out to reflect on where you want to go with your career." Good supervision will help you find where your strengths lie and should focus on your whole career not just your current role.

If you are ambitious and want to take on a more senior role, be honest with your team leader as they may let you take on more responsibilities in your current role. Offer to take on extra projects, especially any that involve learning new skills. Make the most of any study opportunities and keep your post-registration training up to date. Wherever you see yourself in the future, you will first need to master the job at practitioner level. "You can't move too quickly as otherwise you won't have the experience of what being a social worker is about," says Leach. "If you want to supervise staff or manage budgets you need to understand what is going on at ground level."

A career plan is an important tool but don't be too rigid about where you see yourself going. "The world of social care is changing rapidly," says Leach. "You can't be too fixed about where you're going to be in five years' time." She advises having a two-year plan but says thinking any further ahead is not realistic. "Concentrate on your job, get the most out of it, go for more training if it will make you better at your job and if at the end of two years you've done all you can it is time to move on."