There is no way that can guarantee a successful career unless you take control. Your career is what you make of it. It is up to you to seek new challenges in your work place and adapt to the changes that take place around you. To enjoy your work and have a career moving upwards, you will have to have your own personal vision in place. You will need to chalk out a plan on what you expect from your career, what you wish to achieve, and how you plan to achieve it. There must be the motivation to achieve individual goals along with company goals.

To have the career that you always wanted, you will have to make plans. Now the plans have to be on three levels; on the first level you have the short term plans, on the second level there are the mid term plans and the third level involves long term plans.

Level One

This is the first stage, where you are required to make short-term plans. This usually ranges between 6 months to 2 years. Here, you increase your value to the company by learning everything there is about your profession. It is here that you develop contacts and learn the tools of the trade and face situations that are difficult to handle.

You will have to learn how to overcome situations and handle your role and responsibilities to the best of your ability.

Level Two

The second level consists of a plan for the mid-term of your career. This plan will come into force between 3 to 5 years on the job. By this time, you have become a veteran at your job. You may be highly efficient at your job - but now it is time to learn to be effective as well. This will require you to find the best ways to get the job done. You are free to use new methods and develop your own techniques to ensure efficient and effective work is done.

It is now that you must be prepared to adapt to changing environment. This may include technological, economic or even your social environment. You have by now carved a niche for yourself and are extremely comfortable at work.

Level Three

This is where you make your long-term plans before you get bored in your position. It usually starts 5 years or later. Here, apart from being bored, you also have the fear that your job responsibilities may become redundant. This is why you have to make plans to take control of your career. Here it is time for you to learn new methods again. Reinvent yourself and the way you conduct business. Attend training programs be open to new ideas and explore other avenues.

No one but you is responsible for your career progression; by following the 3 levels above, you'll be able to take control of your career and your destiny.