Goal Accelerator

Career Acceleration Plan

This workbook belongs to:

Name: Sehrish khan________

Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 2
The Starting Point – Where Are You Now?............................................................................................3
The Destination – Where Do You Want to Go?.....................................................................................5
The Route – How Will You Get There?.................................................................................................. 9
Employment Readiness Resources..................................................................................................... 12
Entrepreneurship Readiness Resources............................................................................................. 16
Progress Tracker................................................................................................................................. 19
1
Introduction
Welcome to the Goal Accelerator Career Acceleration Plan (CAP)! This workbook will be your
companion on the journey to achieving your career and personal growth goals. Throughout the Goal
Accelerator Programme, this workbook will help you identify your career goals, strengthen your skills
and knowledge, and map out a concrete plan to achieve those goals. The CAP is aligned with the
Goal Accelerator curriculum themes, and you will use the CAP during some of the sessions, so be
sure that you bring your CAP with you to every session.
The objectives of the Career Acceleration Plan are:
● Guide participants to establish a career and personal growth plan to reach their goals.
● Enable participants to track progress towards the core elements of their growth plan.
● Support participants to be employment or self-employment ready and enter into decent
employment or self-employment.
The Career Acceleration Plan begins with your Starting Point. This is where you will reflect on where
you are at the beginning of the Goal Accelerator Programme. In this section you will do a self
assessment to determine the skills, knowledge, and experience that you already have coming into this
programme.
From there, you will identify the Destination, or where you want to go, related to your employment or
self-employment pathway. You will make several goals related to where you want your pathway to
lead, and identify the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to achieve those goals and reach
your destination.
Finally, you will map out the Route, or how exactly you plan to achieve those goals and reach your
destination. In this section you will make a concrete plan on how you will develop the skills and
knowledge and gain the experiences needed for you to achieve your employment or self-employment
goals. You will also identify the resources that you have to support you on your journey.
The CAP also includes specific guidance and checklists to set you up for success on your
employability or entrepreneurship pathway. At the end of the resource, you will also find a Progress
Tracker, which will help you track your progress towards your career goals. This progress tracker is a
great tool to review with your mentor so that you can assess where your support needs might be as
you progress through the Goal Accelerator Programme.
The Starting Point – Where Are You Now?
Before you decide where you are going it is good to reflect on where you are now, or your starting
point. In this section you will identify and highlight skills, knowledge and experiences you already
have. This will help you understand your starting point and what you can build on as you go through
your employment or self-employment journey.
By the end of this section you will:
● Identify the skills, knowledge and experience you already have.
● Know your strengths.
● Identify your areas of improvement.

Self-Assessment
Current Skills
A skill is the capability to proficiently perform a task or activity, which is developed through learning,
practice, and hands-on experience. Skills encompass hard skills such as accounting, soft skills like
teamwork, and technical skills such as engineering.
We all have different skills that we can perform at different levels. Reflect on some of the skills you
have and the level at which you can perform each skill (e.g. Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced).
1. Communication skill____________________ (Skill Level: ____beginner_______________)
2. Time management _________________ (Skill Level: ______beginner_____________)
3. Teamwork______________________ (Skill Level: ____good_______________)
4. Research skills_____________________ (Skill Level: _______good____________)

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5. Content Creation______ (Skill Level: _______beginner____________)

Current Knowledge
Knowledge is the understanding and information that people have about different things. It can be
facts, skills, or information that you learn from school, books, experiences, or other people.
Think about the knowledge you have, the things you know, related to your career goals and how well
you know these things. List them down and rate your knowledge level (e.g. Beginner, Intermediate,
Advanced).
1. Basic understanding of human resource management concepts (Knowledge
Level:_____Beginner___________)
2. Introduction to labour laws and workplace ethics______ (Knowledge
Level:_____Beginner___________)
3. Basic knowledge of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram________ (Knowledge
Level:______Beginner__________)
4. _Organizational Behaviour_____________ (Knowledge Level:_______Beginner_________)
5. ______________________________________________ (Knowledge Level:________________)

Work Experience
Work experience is the knowledge and skills you learn and gain from doing a job or running a
business. It involves learning how to perform tasks, interact with colleagues/customers, and
understand how businesses or organisations run. Experience is about the practical knowledge and
skills you gain from being involved in activities, making mistakes, and solving problems.
Reflect on any work experience or business experience you have had in the past. What was your
role? What were the key skills or knowledge you gained from that experience?
Role
Tuition
teacher___________________________________________________________________________
____ _________
Skills and knowledge gained:
Patience and Empathy
Time management______________________________
Adaptibility____________________________________Problem-
Solving____________________________________
__________________
Role
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________
Skills and knowledge gained:
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
__________________
Role
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________
Skills and knowledge gained:

3
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
__________________

Reflection Questions:
1. What are your key strengths?
From the skills, knowledge, and experience you have highlighted, think about the things you are really
good at or the things you know very well. Your strengths are the skills and qualities that make you
special and capable. Remember, everyone has different strengths, and it’s important to recognise and
celebrate your own unique abilities.
Adaptability and Willingness to Learn
Problem solving_________________________ Time Management __________________

2. What are your areas for improvement?

Thinking about areas for improvement helps us grow and become even better at things we want to do.
It's okay to have things we're still learning or getting better at. These are areas where we can focus
and improve over time. From the skills and knowledge you have highlighted, what skills and
knowledge could you improve on?
Strong interpersonal skills (HRM)_______________________________________ Learning advanced
HR software (HRM)_______________________________________
Creativity in crafting marketing campaigns (Digital
Marketing)____________________________________ Gaining expertise in email marketing tools
(Digital
Marketing)________________________________________________________________________
__ __________________

The Destination – Where Do You Want to Go?

A goal is something you want to achieve or accomplish. It's like having a target or a dream that you
work towards. Goals can be big or small and they give you something to aim for to help you stay
focused on what you want to do or be.
Setting long-term and short-term goals can help you express your aspirations, plan actionable steps
and measure your progress. In setting goals for where you want to go it is important that these goals
are SMART; Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.
Specific - Clearly define the goal to provide a clear direction
Measurable - Establish criteria to measure progress and success
Achievable - Your goals should be realistic and attainable
Relevant - Align goals with broader personal objectives
Time-bound - Set a deadline to create urgency and maintain focus
By the end of this section you will:
● Have long-term and short-term goal you are working towards.
● Identify the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to fulfil your goals.

Goal Setting
Setting goals is an important step to mapping out your future career pathway. Goals help you focus on
what you want to achieve and will guide you in making choices about the right steps and actions to
take. Think about your long-term and short-term career goals below.

4
Long-Term Goals: Where do you see yourself in 2 to 5 years from today?

1.
HR Manager in a reputed firm

2.lead Digital Marketing Consultant

3. Start a digital marketing consultancy or freelance

business.______________________________________________
4.______________________________________________________________________________
___ __________________
Short-Term Goals: Where do you see yourself 1 year from today?
1. Complete a certification in HR analytics____________
2. Launch my first professional digital ad campaign

3. Secure an internship or entry-level role in an HR department.________________

4.________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
__ __________________

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience Needed

Now that you have identified some of your goals, think about the skills, knowledge and experiences
that you might need to achieve those goals. These can be skills, knowledge, and experiences that you
already have, or ones that you want to develop in the future.
Use the table on the next page to map out your goals and the skills, knowledge, and experiences you
might need to help achieve that goal.

5
 Goal Skills Needed Knowledge Needed Experience(s) Needed
Become an HR specialist Advanced HRM skills HR compliance and policies Internship or job in HR

Run marketing campaigns Advanced digital marketing tools Marketing metrics and analytics Freelance and project works

Improve employer branding Employer branding techniques Integration of HR and marketing Research and practical tasks
strategies

7
Reflection Questions:
1. What do you already participate in? What do you like to do? Do you already have a job? How might
these contribute to your goals?
______HR and marketing courses social media marketing experiments
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
2. Why are your identified goals important to you?
_________________________________________________________________________________
___________Combining HR and marketing expertise allows me to create innovative strategies to
attract and retain talent while promoting brand
identity______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
3. What will achieving these goals mean for your future?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_____________Growth as a multi-disciplinary professional, with expertise in two highly relevant
fields.____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
4. What are some of the biggest challenges or obstacles that you might face when trying to reach your
goals?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______Balancing learning with practical application.
Staying updated with constantly evolving marketing
trends.__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
The Route – How Will You Get There?
In this section you will identify and outline the actions you will take to close the gap between the skills,
knowledge and experiences that you already have, and those that you need to achieve your goals.
By the end of this section you will:
1. Determine the actions you need to take to address your skills and knowledge gaps.
2. Identify resources and institutions that can help with your skills and knowledge development.
3. Identify persons of support and how you will engage them.

Skill Development
For each of the skills you identified in the previous section as important to meeting your goals, identify
the actions you need to take to gain these skills. The actions could include taking courses, workshops,
or training programs. Set a timeline for gaining each skill.

Skill to be developed Action to develop skill By when (Date) Status

Example: Attending and complete 1st Dec 2024 In progress

Tailoring tailoring course

Advanced HR Enrol in HRM certification July2025 Not Started

 Management Skills course (e.g., SHRM, CIPD)

Talent Acquisition Attend workshops on Dec 2025

Techniques recruitment and on
boarding strategies

Social Media Marketing Take online or physical Jan 2025

courses

Analytics and Metrics Learn Google Analytics and April 2025

Tracking social media performance
tools

Knowledge Acquisition
For each of the knowledge items you identified in the previous section as important to meeting your
goals, identify the actions you need to take to gain this knowledge. The actions could include taking
courses, workshops, or training programs. Set a timeline for gaining this knowledge.
Knowledge to be gained Action to gain knowledge By when (Date) Status
Fundamental of HRM Enrol in an introductory
HRM course

Basics of Digital Marketing Complete an online or

physical certification

Labour Laws and Attend workshops or

Regulations webinars on labour law
compliance

Social Media Marketing Take a specialized course

Strategies on social media marketing

Gaining Experience
For each of the experiences you identified in the previous section as being important to achieve your
goals, identify the actions you need to take to gain this experience. The actions could include seeking
internships, job shadowing, volunteer opportunities, or part-time jobs. Set a timeline for seeking out
these opportunities.
Experience Action to gain experience By when (Date) Status
Conducting recruitment Seek an internship with an 2025 Not yet
processes HR consultancy firm

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 Managing social media Volunteer to manage social 2025 Not yet
campaigns media for a local business

Analysing employee Shadow an HR 2025 Not yet

performance data professional in a company

Resources and Support

Remember - You don’t have to do everything on your own! There are many resources and people that
you can guide you on your journey. Resources are tools that provide us with valuable information,
skills, and opportunities. They can be books, websites, workshops, or even people who specialise in
areas we want to explore. These people can become our mentors or coach. Mentors are like trusted
guides who offer wisdom, advice, and support as we navigate our own journeys. They share their
experiences and knowledge to help us learn and grow.

Mentors
Think about people in your network or within the programme that can support you through your
journey. Who are you potential mentors? How do you plan on approaching and engaging them?

Potential Mentors:

1.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________
2.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________
3.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________
Peer Support
Another great source of support and guidance can be our peers - people who are around the same
age or have similar interests and backgrounds as you. They can be your friends, teammates, or
others in your community who you spend time with and share experiences with. Identify peers who
can help and support you, be a thought partner or your biggest cheerleader. Also think about your
potential career path - are there any online forums or communities you can join?
Peer Support:
1.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________
2.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________
3.

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_________________________________________________________________________________
_________

Reflection Questions
1. What specific actions will you take to achieve your goals?
Enrol in relevant courses and certifications (HRM and digital marketing).
Actively seek internships and volunteer opportunities.
Network with industry professionals and engage in online
communities.____________________________________
2. How will you track your progress and stay motivated?
Maintain a checklist of goals and track deadlines.
Celebrate small achievements, like completing a course or
volunteering.____________________________________
3. What resources and support systems will you utilise?
_Online platforms like Coursera, Google Skillshop, and YouTube.
Mentorship from professors and industry professionals____________________
4. What resources or support systems can you tap into to help overcome your identified obstacles?
__Online platforms like Coursera, Google Skillshop, and YouTube.
Mentorship from professors and industry
professionals______________________________________________________________________
_________ ____________________________________
Employment Readiness Resources
The resources in this section are to support those participating in the employment pathway in the
Goal Accelerator Programme. These activities will help prepare you for the process of looking,
applying, and interviewing for a job. While this list is supportive, it is not exhaustive, and we
encourage all participants to work with their mentors to support them further through this process in
their local job market.
By the end of this section you will:

• Have a plan on where to look for employment.

• Have a CV, cover letter, and references ready for job applications.
• Be prepared for the interview process.
As you work through this section of the CAP, use the Employment Readiness Checklist at the end of
the section to track your progress.

Looking for employment

There are many ways to look for employment. In some cases there might be job listings on the
internet or in your community, other times it might simply be through word of mouth or referral. Seek
support from your mentor, family, peers, or other trusted individuals that could offer suggestions on
helpful places to look for jobs.
To help refine your search, it is good to know some potential employers that you might want to work
for. This could be the specific company (e.g. Standard Chartered Bank) or the industry (Banking). You
should also familiarise yourself with some potential roles that you could apply for. Think about your
skills, knowledge, and experience and then do some research into the types of roles that might match
these.
Identify your top 3 potential employers and roles below:
1. Employer:
Google_____________________________________________________
Role:

10
digital marketing associate ____________________________________________ 2. Employer:
Unilever
Role:
Recruitment Specialist___________________________________ 3. Employer:
Deloitte_____________________________________ Role:
Human Resources Analyst ____

Applying to a job
Once you have identified which jobs you are interested in and determined if they are hiring, the next
step is applying to the job. Every job application is different, however there are several key
components to job applications that you should have prepared: 1) your curriculum vitae (CV), 2) your
cover letter, 3) several personal and professional references.

Your CV
A CV is an important aspect of a job application to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and
experience. There are several essential sections that you should include:
1. Your contact information
2. A short summary or overview of your objectives
3. Your relevant work experience
4. Your education and/or certifications
5. Your relevant skills
Your CV can also include other, optional elements if you think they are relevant to the role which you
are applying to. This could include volunteer experience, programme participation (e.g. the Goal
Accelerator Programme), and hobbies or interests.

Your Cover Letter

A cover letter, or motivation letter, is an important element to a job application. It is where you can
express your interest for the specific role you are applying to, and share why you are a good
candidate for the role. Your cover letter should be concise, clear and well-organised, and typically no
longer than one page. You should write a new cover letter for each job application and make sure that
it is unique to the role to which you are applying.
The aspects of a cover letter include:
1. A header with your contact details
2. A clear greeting to the hiring manager
3. Opening paragraph – This paragraph should address the recipient and explain why you are
writing the letter
4. Middle paragraph(s) – These explain your qualifications and offer specific, relevant examples
of why your skills, knowledge, and experience make you a good fit for the role.
5. Closing paragraph – This is where you can express your gratitude and conclude the letter.
The cover letter is a very important aspect of a job application that can set you apart from other
applicants, so it is a great opportunity to share your accomplishments!

Your References
Many job applications require you to provide personal and/or professional references. These
references can also set your application apart and be a testament to your skills, knowledge,
experience, and personal qualities. You should ask several people if you can list them as a reference
or if they would be comfortable writing a reference letter for you. A reference should be someone who
can speak towards your skills, knowledge, and experiences, such as a mentor, coach, former
employer, or colleague. Think about your potential references and list them below:
1. Reference:
____________________________________________________________________________
Relationship:

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 _________________________________________________________________________
2. Reference:
____________________________________________________________________________
Relationship:
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Reference:
____________________________________________________________________________
Relationship:
_________________________________________________________________________

Interviewing for a job

Once you have made it through the initial application process, the next step is often to have an
interview with the potential employer. This is a great opportunity to share more about your skills,
knowledge, and experience, as well as your goals and aspirations. Interviews can often be a stressful
experience, but with some preparation you can go into the interviews confident!

Mock Interviews
Doing mock interviews is a great way to prepare for a real interview. This can help you practice your
introduction, confident communication and clear voice, and prepare to think creatively to answer
questions. Ask your mentor or a peer to practice an interview with you and prepare to answer
questions about your CV and cover letter.
Prepare Questions
Although interviews are an opportunity for the potential employer to ask you questions, it is also a
great opportunity to ask them questions. You should think about the questions that you have about the
employer, the specific role, expectations, and benefits and be prepare to ask them during your
interview. Write a few potential questions below:
1. About the Role:

What are the key responsibilities for this role, and what does success look like in the first six
months?
Are there opportunities for professional growth and development within this role?
2. About the Team and Culture:

Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with and the management style here?
How does the company support collaboration and communication within teams?
3. About the Company:

What are the company’s goals for the next year, and how does this role contribute to achieving them?

What makes this company unique compared to its competitors?

Wage Expectations

In some cases, potential employers might ask you what your wage or salary expectations are for the
role. You should have a market-specific expectation to share, keeping in mind your personal budget
as well as your qualifications. It can help to do some preliminary research to determine what the
average wage is for someone in the role that you applied to. You can also ask your mentor or peers if
they have any wage references or suggestions that could guide your expectations.

12
Employment Readiness Checklist
Task Progress Notes
Potential employers and In progress Shortlisted Google (Digital Marketing
roles Associate), Deloitte (HR Analyst), and
Make a list of potential Unilever (Recruitment Specialist).
employers and roles that align Researching more opportunities
with your interests, skills, and
knowledge.

Finalised CV In progress Update with recent education,and

Update your CV to reflect your workshop certificate
experience, skills, and
knowledge.

Finalised cover letter Not started -

Prepare and personalise a
cover letter for each job that you
apply to.

Reference letters
Confirm with 2-3 people that
they are willing to be your
references.

Mock Interview In progress Scheduled a practice session with a

Prepare and practice for your mentor. Preparing answers for
interviews. Prepare potential commonly asked questions and
questions that you would want refining my introduction
to ask the interviewer.

Target wage range Not started Researching entry-level salary ranges

Research the typical wage for HR and digital marketing roles.
range for someone in your role Initial range: 35,000 - 50,000 annually.
and prepare a target range.

Interview / work clothing - Professional clothing

Prepare your professional
interview outfit.

Entrepreneurship Readiness Resources

The resources in this section are to support those participating in the entrepreneurship pathway in
the Goal Accelerator Programme. These activities will help prepare you for the process of developing
a business plan, seeking financing for your business, and pitching your business idea. While this list is
supportive, it is not exhaustive, and we encourage all participants to work with their mentors and local
entrepreneurship networks to support them further through this process.
By the end of this section you will:

• Have a CV that expresses your personal skills, knowledge, and experiences

• Have a clear business plan for your business
• Have a strategy to source financing for your business.
As you work through this section of the CAP, use the Entrepreneurship Readiness Checklist at the
end of the section to track your progress.

13
Your CV
A CV is an important aspect of your career development pathway to demonstrate your skills,
knowledge, and experience. This is important for entrepreneurship as you are joining networks,
building your business plan, and seeking financing for your business. There are several essential
sections that you should include:
1. Your contact information
2. A short summary or overview of your objectives
3. Your relevant work experience – in both employment and entrepreneurship or self-
employment
4. Your education and/or certifications
5. Your relevant skills
Your CV can also include other, optional elements related to your interests. This could include
volunteer experience, programme participation (e.g. the Goal Accelerator Programme), and hobbies
or interests.

Business Plan
Your business plan is essential to starting your own business. It is a resource that outlines your
business idea and strategy, value proposition or competitive advantage, funding requirements, and
financial projections. Having a clear business plan is necessary as you pitch your business idea and
seek financing. Your plan should include the following sections.
1. Business Idea – Clearly outline the problem or need that your business is addressing, how
and why your business is a solution, and what the value proposition is of your product or
service.
2. Market Analysis – What is the need in the market? What are some similarities with other
businesses? How will your business fit into the market?
3. Target Customers – Outline your target customer base. Who will purchase your products?
How will you reach them and promote your product or services?
4. Financial projections – You should include a basic financial projection. How will your
business make money? How much do you need to start? What are your anticipated revenue
and expenses?

Business Pitch
A business pitch is a key part of promoting and financing your business. This should essentially be
your business plan in narrative form with a specific “ask”. You might use your pitch with potential
financers or investors in your business or potentially to attract customers. Your pitch should have a
compelling argument as to why your business is important and what the value is, and your audience
should believe in your business and be compelled to support you by the end of your pitch. You can
use the outline below to structure your pitch.
1. Business Information – Basic info such as the name of your business and contact
information.
2. The Concept – A short, compelling overview of the business.
3. The Problem – The problem or need that your business addresses. What do customers
need? What does the market need?
4. The Solution – How will your business solve the problem or meet the need stated?
5. The Competition – What are other similar businesses and how does your business stand
apart? What is your competitive advantage?
6. Product/Service – What is your specific product or service? What are the features and
benefits?
7. Business Model – How will you attract customers and build revenue?
8. Financial Forecast – Provide a basic budget and projected financial forecast. What will it
take to make a profit?

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 9. The Ask – Be clear about what you are asking from your audience. Are you asking for
financing? What is the cost? Are you asking a customer for their business? What would you
like them to buy?
Often, you do not have much time to make your pitch. You should practice reciting your pitch and
using clear, confident, and concise communication and language. In some cases, you might also be
able to supplement the verbal pitch with a slide deck or handout to support your pitch.

Business Financing
All businesses have an associated start-up cost. This might be to buy some materials, tools, space or
resources that you will need to get your businesses started. It is important to make a plan to strategise
how you will secure the financial resources to start your business. You might have one source of
financing or multiple. Use the space below to outline some potential financing options.
1. Financing Option 1:
___________________________________________________________________
Amount:
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Financing Option 2:
___________________________________________________________________
Amount:
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Financing Option 3:
___________________________________________________________________
Amount:
_____________________________________________________________________________

Business Registration
Depending on the local regulations, you might have to register your business as a legal entity. It is
important that you do the research on what is required in your context and how to go through the
steps to legally register your business.

Marketing Plan
As you begin to think about the launch of your business, the need in the market, and your target
customers, you should craft a marketing plan. A market plan should detail how you plan to engage
and attract potential clients or customers.
You should think about both your messaging and also the outlets that you will use to broadcast your
message and advertise your products or services. What is your messaging? How will you catch the
customers’ eyes and make your product or service look attractive? Will you use word of mouth,
advertisements, social media? Use the space below to brainstorm some creative messaging and
advertising.
Entrepreneurship Readiness Checklist
Task Progress Notes
Finalised CV
Update your CV to reflect your
experience, skills, knowledge,
and entrepreneurial aspirations.

Business Plan
Develop a comprehensive
business plan outlining your
business idea, market analysis,
and financial projections.

15
Business Pitch
Prepare and practice your
business pitch for potential
investors or partners.

Financing Options /
Investors
Map out potential financers or
investors for your business.

Licenses and/or permits

Determine the legal
requirements to start a
business.

Marketing Plan
Develop a marketing plan to
gain customers.

16
Progress Tracker
Use this progress tracker to help set monthly, short-term goals as you progress through the Goal Accelerator Programme and towards your career goals.
Each month, you should take the time to reflect and identify any key milestones achieved, key challenges, any areas for improvement, and your action plan
for the next month. This tracker can be a great tool to review with your mentor to identify your support needs.
Month Key Milestones Achieved Key Challenges Areas for Improvement Next months’ action plan
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