Let’s talk about creating a career vision board that works.
With so many paths and functions to explore, from recruitment, learning and development, employee relations, compensation, compliance and HR analytics, stepping into the HR world can be exciting but can also be overwhelming.
The question is: Where do you start? How do you stay focused and intentional in your journey?
The answer? Have a career vision board!
In this newsletter edition, we’re diving deep into how to build a Career Vision Board that will help you stay inspired, strategic, and committed to your professional growth as an HR Newbie.
Why Do You Need a Career Vision Board?
Creating or having a career vision board gives you a visual representation of your goals, values, and aspirations. It keeps your “why” in clear view, aligns your efforts with your intentions, and keeps you motivated, especially during those “I’m confused or I’m tired” moments that every HR newbie experiences.
“Your HR career is a journey, not a race. Creating a vision board gives you a destination to work towards, and every intentional step counts. Let this be your visual anchor in this ever-evolving profession.”
What Should Be on Your HR Career Vision Board?
Here’s what you should consider including:
1. Career Goals
Your career goals should be both short-term and long-term.
- Short-term: E.g., “land an HR internship within 3 months”, “master an HR software”, “take a course on HR analytics”, “fine-tune 3 core HR skills”, etc.
- Long-term: E.g., “become an HR manager in 5 years”, “specialise in one HR operation”, “earn a global certification.”
2. Certifications and Skills to Acquire
For precision, include visual icons/images of the skills, certifications or platforms: CIPM, SHRM, HRCI, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, EDX, etc.
3. Books or Resources to Explore
Add images of the books you plan on reading or the resources you plan on exploring.
4. Mentors
Add photos or names of HR leaders that inspire you and why they inspire you.
5. Industries and Companies You Aspire to Work For
Include images of the industry and logos of your dream companies.
6. Milestones and Timelines
Write down your expected dates (timeline) for key milestones.
7. Ideal Work Environment
Would you want a full-time, part-time role? Would you prefer a nine-to-five, hybrid or remote job? Include it on your vision board.
8. Core Values
Include those core values that are non-negotiable. Values that will guide you as you advance in your career path/journey.
9. Financial/Earning Goals
Write your desired salary or income expectations. Include the currency you would like to earn in.
You should also include a round figure of the amount it will take to gain the certifications you included, courses you plan on registering for, and books you need to purchase.
10. Quotes and Affirmations
Include inspirational quotes, affirmations and words that resonate with your career aspiration and can motivate you.
11. Work-Life Balance
Include places you would like to travel to for rest, relaxation, and enjoyment when you are not working. Include games you enjoy playing and fun activities.
You should also include how many times a year you would want to plan these trips or engage in these activities.
How to Create Your HR Career Vision Board (Practical Steps)
Option 1: Physical Board
What you need:
- A corkboard, sticky notes, scissors, magazines, glue, and printouts
- Photos/names of your role models, quotes/affirmations, cut-outs of logos, skills, images of certifications, vacation spots, etc.
How to build:
- Divide the board into the number of sections you need
- Write the title/category for each session
- Use pins or glue to place items in each section.
- Hang it somewhere visible!
Option 2: Digital Board
Recommended Tools:
- Canva, Pinterest, Notion, or Google Slides
How to build:
- Use a free Canva template – choose a template that suits you
- Use images, icons, and colours that you prefer
- Add clickable links to resources, courses, companies, skills, etc.
Tips for Using Your Career Vision Board
- Review your progress monthly
- Update your vision board as you grow and learn
- Celebrate small wins: Ticking off one course or landing a job, mastering a skill is a BIG win!
- Share with your accountability partner or a mentor
#MyHRCareerVisionBoard Challenge
Create your Career Vision Board and post it on LinkedIn with the hashtag #MyHRCareerVisionBoard. Tag HR Newbies and inspire someone else to do the same!
We will be resharing our favourites throughout the week!