Having a career plan or framework in place is something every person needs. It may be mapped after school or when contemplating a career change, but ultimately, it can set us on the right path. If we honestly assess where we are, we can better know what we need to achieve in order to get to where we want to be.

If your goal is to be a manager in 10 years, it's important to set a timeline to get the credentials and experience needed to compete for such a position. Everything in a career map is dictated by direction and drive. Is there an area in your skill set that needs improvement? What are the opportunities in your field? How competitive is it and what will make you stand out?

In 40+ years of employment, there will almost certainly be changes to adapt to; developments to contend with. Yet, a career map can help us navigate such bumps, twists, and turns.

The career map can provide us with a foundation to lean on and reference. It's not necessary to arrive at our end goals through only one path. At times, a detour or alternate path may need to be drawn, but with a career map – the brass ring remains a fixture. Attaining it is what motivates us to continue on with our education and learning.

In a career map, you'll want to assess strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.With these three in focus, you can better see the "big picture."

• Strengths: Take inventory of your current skill sets as they relate to career goals. What of your knowledge base? Be honest in your assessment as it can help with targeting professional opportunities, both now and in the future.

• Weaknesses: Just as important is taking a look at are the areas in which you are weaker. Where do you need improvement in order to compete? Can it be achieved with more schooling or would an immersive work experience (i.e. an internship) prove more effective? What are companies looking for? Do you have the skill set(s) right now? If not, how best to get them?

• Opportunities: And finally, how do you plan on carrying out your professional development plan? It's important to assess what resources are available to you now, so that you can realistically put a timetable on how long it will take to achieve your goals.

If further education is needed, do you have the financial resources necessary? Will you have to wait a few years before returning to school? Does your company offer its own career program? Will self-study be sufficient for now?

Once these assessments have been made, next is drawing up a career map. A plan is only as good as its execution and in the case of your career, it's key to stay on-track. Consistently review and update the plan as needed. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you on target?
• Has the market changed?
• Are other professional opportunities opening up?
• What are your interests now?
• Is your career as fulfilling as you had hoped?

Asking such questions will help you navigate the professional terrain better and most importantly, keep you looking ahead. It is best to have a career map in place to keep you on the path fixed towards your dreams.