Career Development Plans

All employees are encouraged to work with their manager to create a career development plan. The plan identifies specific development opportunities to help the employee obtain knowledge, skills, and abilities in the coming year. At the conclusion of the year, during the annual performance evaluation process, the employee and manager discuss progress made against the prior year plan and develop a new career development plan for the year ahead.

The development and completion of career development plans may include any of the career development and learning resources offered centrally by VCU HR, as well as school/unit provided professional development and external opportunities. Regardless of where you are in your career, career development plans are an integral part of working at VCU.

Procedures

Career Development Conversations

Employees work with their managers to create an annual career development plan that addresses personal and career development needs related to the employee’s current position or to prepare the employee for future career interests and aspirations. This is best When discussing career development, employees should share ideas for how they want to grow and develop professionally so that managers are aware and can best support their employees’ growth. 

Creating Career Development Plans

The career development plan that is created through this conversation identifies specific development opportunities to help the employee obtain knowledge, skills, and abilities in the coming year. This may include discussion of specific employment-related outcomes upon successful completion of a career development plan. 

Go to Talent@VCU to create your career development plan and access user’s guides.

Tracking Progress

The employee is responsible for tracking development activities and updating the plan as steps are completed. Progress towards career goals should be tracked directly in the plan. Employees and managers are encouraged to review progress and update the plan together on a quarterly basis.

Assessment

At the conclusion of the year, during the annual performance review process, the employee and manager discuss progress made against the prior year plan and develop a new career development plan for the year ahead. Managers can support and reward employees as they progress through their career development plan as part of the annual performance review process. 

Outcomes

The goal of career development is growth in all forms and an enhanced ability to succeed in your role. These competencies and skills will stay with you throughout your career and set you on a path toward the type of professional success you desire.

Successful completion of a career development plan may or may not result in employment-related actions such as promotions or other employee movement. Specific potential outcomes contingent on successful completion of a career development plan should be discussed by employee and manager in advance and logged in Talent@VCU.