OGL 482 Pro-Seminar II

Module 6 Assignment:
Career Plan Template
Section 1: Creating your BHAG
Following the information in the “Good to Great Connections” PowerPoint presentation and all
of the additional information provided under the Module 4 content area, and taking your Personal
Mission Statement development efforts into consideration, carefully develop your own personal
long term BHAG. The timeframe for your BHAG is 10-25 years out, however it will depend
upon your age. For example, a 55 year old person might be closer to the 10 year BHAG, whereas
a 30 year old or younger person should be considering a BHAG 25 years out. This BHAG may be
related to your overall life/lifestyle aspirations, or it could be related to some organizational,
protean, or entrepreneurial vision you have for the future. That is up to you. What it needs to be
is BIG! HUGE! REALLY HAIRY! STRETCH YOURSELF! LOOK BEYOND GRADUATE
DEGREE! LOOK BEYOND A JOB! HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS
WORLD????

1) What is your BHAG?

In the next 10 years I want to become an important part of the non-profit machine. I want
to not only work for one organization but to gain experience and perspective through a
myriad of jobs, volunteering and research. This would mean revolving most of my time
around my work and there for it will be crucial for me to mesh the two into a cohesive
balance of life and career. This way I can appropriately manage my time as a professional
and a family member. My passion to help advocate for others is matched by my need to
be there for my family and friends and to keep my commitments on both ends. This will
be a tango for the entirety of my professional career and I am ready for that.

2) Why is this your BHAG?

I have spent the last decade of my life in and out of higher education as well as hopping
from job to job. In my younger 20’s I did not know what I wanted to do I just knew I
wanted to have fun. The first few years of college for me did not help me solve this
question. It was through failing and picking myself back up that I saw the type of support
and motivation that worked for me and I wanted to share that with the world. The most
important part of becoming a full and healthy human-being in a productive environment
is developing a support system, even if its just you and your house plants. Through non-
profit work I will be able to finally analyze where the problems are rooted and how we
can better serve our communities in order to fight homelessness, addiction and

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 generational poverty. Through the progression of these issues we will also see the rise of
positive social movements that have room to breath among a healthy, connected and
active society.

3) How does your BHAG align with your vision statement from Module 4?

It is identical to my vision from the start of the course as well as each module including
#4. I have known for a few years now that I wanted to move into the non-profit sector in
order to have a larger impact on my community and eventually global ones as well.
“I am at my personal best when I am helping others, being of service and learning as uch
as possible in the process. I have a passion for socia justice and a desire to impact the
world in everything I do. I want to create a culture of getting involved, being active and
keeping eachother accountable”
4) How does your BHAG align with your mission statement from Module 4?

As with my purpose statement, I truly feel my BHAG is aligned with my mission.

I have strived to go down a path that will lead me to knowledge, understanding, impact
and influence to help me change what no longer serves our growing and diverse society.
Homelessness and generational poverty are like a sinking boat, you need to plug all of the
holes in order to stop the water from rising and then you need to bail the remaining water
out of the boat. This metaphor shows you how you cannot just simply plug a hole and
expect a problem to go away, when there are more than just one cause to a chronic issue.

“The mission of my work is to leave the people I come in contact with better off than I
found them. This extends to friends, family, co-workers and community members/clients.
‘Helping the Homeless’ is a broad and simple statement I utter when people ask me
where I plan to go in my career, but it is much more complex than that. In order to truly
help the nationwide homelessness issue, we must first examine the systematic ways in
which human being are being left behind and mistreated”
5) List your top five (5) obstacles in order from number 5 being least difficult and
number 1 being most difficult you need to overcome in order to obtain your BHAG
and explain the relevance of each one.

Obstacle 1: most difficult- Financial Obligations

Unfortunately I have experienced the same plyte many students experience upon
graduating and starting the job hunt. I am finding that my options for salary are lower
than I would have liked. In order to make ends meat I will either have to secure a second
form of income (waitressing, online art biz…). The bets way for me to achieve this would
be to work from home or remotely. After the 2020 pandemic this is a much more
common attribute of non-labored office work. I would also consider a hybrid office
system as well. This would give me the free time to spend on another form of income.

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If I am unable to find the right position to accommodate a second job, I will have to make
sure I am not taking below my means as far as salary. I will need to hunt for th higher
paying organizations as well as negotiate my salary. Where I currenty live the minimum
wage is $15, but because of this many out dated or small business employeers have
chosen not to pay much higher than minimum wage for even their most senior
employees, ESPECIALY in the non-profit sector. However, at 29 years old with a packed
resume and a degree under my belt I am confident I will be able to secure a position that
pays me a higher wage than I currently make ($17/hr). Between student loans, cost of
living and starting a nnew chapter in my life – the financial aspect is very high on my list
of priorities for now…

Obstacle 2: Being taken seriously as a petite and young appearing, new professional.
It may sound petty, however this is an issue I have faced time and time again in my past.
In positions of authority I have found that older people and women in particular have a
hard time with me being in a position above them. I have tried to remedy the situation
many times, however my appearance has kept me from earning the respect I need to
command a room. I know that this is something I can work on with in my personality in
order to make more space for myself in the world, especially the professional one. I want
to exude calm and collected while also being firm and consistent with kmy authority.
Everything I do will be deeply rooted in positive and effective organizationl ethics.

Obstacle 3: Becoming more educated on diverse populations and demographics

This requires me to do research on their cultures, struggles and frustrations around living
as a homeless or low income persons. Understanding the ins and outs of the addiction or
unemployment problem that is rampant in many communities across America. I want to
make sure that I am actively learning about health care statistics and policy as well as
other types of legislation that heavily impacts the less fortunate in this county and in my
state.

Obstacle 4:Earning the trust of my employers and te communities we serve

It can be difficult to earn the trust and respect of the people you are serving because they
are used to being looked down on or mistreated – even by others who were there to
“help” them. These people see systems as inefficient machines that keep them trapped in
a life they cannot live up to. They have been failed and left behind as if they are beyond
repair. I personally find it beneficially for everyone to take care of and try to heal as
many lost humans as we can to comabet this issue and THEN we can hold accountable
those still atctively choosing to distubrthe peace, commit crimes etc. But right now we
have an ocerwhelming amount of our Ametican citizrns living below the poverty line and
they do all they can only to never come out ahead of their [often generational] baggage.

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Obstacle 5: least difficult- Finding satisfying and impactful work in Seattle, WA
In the greater Seattle area, there is quite the homeless, addiction and low in come issue
that has been on the rise my entire life. Everyone else sees the gentrification they show in
the media and listen to the statistics about how Seattle is a booming metropolitan city
with so much potential. What you do not often hear about is the struggle of the native
Washingtonian who cannot afford the higher cost of living. The corporate giants that call
themselves our savior are just changing our skylines and moving the long time residents
further and further into low-income struggle and even homelessness. With many
programs in and around the city I have n doubt that I will be able to find meaningful work
that is aligned with my vision and the mission I have set out for myself.

By gaining hands on experience in the field I will be able to futher develop my

understanding around the issues and how I can be of service. I would like to also see how
I can help the issues of the organizations that are trying to fight these issues. My goal is
to always be the person who is helpful and can bridge the gap between human beings and
beauracracy. This is something that is not normalized enough. However, if there is a
position that suits me in an area that is need, I wouldnot hesitate to consider it. I would
make a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of relocating as a new graduate and if the
plunge did not financially harm me, I would be mor than happy to do so. Especially if it
as a temporary relocation.

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Section 2: Career Vision
Consider your long-term vision for your career. Respond to the following questions, and make
connections to your personal mission statement, your BHAG(s), the themes you developed in
Module 4, and the textbook/supplemental readings (as applicable).
1) Analyze the type of career you want to have, in terms of an organizational career or
a protean career, make sure it is clear you understand the concepts as outlined in
the textbook. Why?

I will need to craft and shape my protean and flexible career type over a course of time
and in a series of modular events. The first step I plan to take is to get my footing
working in organizations that serve the community. I am willing and able to serve them
in any capacity I am needed as long as I ma able to pay my bills and feel like I am living
a somewhat balanced life. I understand that I will need to learn quite a lot in the
beginning of my career and will have to put in more hours to get things done and do the
grunt work. As long as I am of service to someone on the totem pole, then I am apart of
the helpful and generous whole.

Once I have gained experience I will need to decide if I would like to take one of three
paths with my career. I can seek out project management positions (and acquire
certificates) with in my desired company or industry. Another option that is high on my
list would be to learn more about human resources in these organizations and what
requirements there might be to work in that department. The last option I have been
toying with is to go back and get more school in order to become some sort of social
worker or advocate. All three of these possible goals will require me to really narrow my
focus during the time of experience and try out a lot of different things when I can to see
where I want to take myself in 5-10 years.

2) Analyze your career with an explanation as one that moves you up the organization
or one you develop seeking alternative career paths. If you see yourself taking an
alternative career path, which one(s) sound the most likely? Why?

I have often asked myself if this type of work will affect me mentally. I suffer from many
severe mental health disorders that I have successfully managed throughout my life.
However it does leave me highly sensitive and empathetic to others. I will neeed to make
sure I avoid positions where my passion and emotion may not be what is needed for the
job to get done. I coul try to overcome this issues, but it seems to be a weakness I have
yet to overcome. I a not bad at telling others what to do, however – firing someone? I am
not sure I could do this in many scenarios. It can be difficult to fight against struggle only
to turn around and take away someones financial freedom. This is an internal struggle I
have yet to come to terms with. I do not think that I would change career paths in a
drastic way. I will still look to become helpful to any one or any entity that is looking to
positively serve the community. I have always wanted to work at a smaller company

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 where it may be easy to work up the ladder. Yet this also leaves me at risk of disagreeing
with colleagues that are like family to me. This is where a larger company may be more
fitting. I am still unsure of this but I do plan to start at a smaller operation at first.

3) Discuss and explain if you see yourself working an alternative or flexible work
schedule/arrangement? If so, which ones and why?

I would be ok with working flexible and alternative work schedules if the flexibility was
symbiotic. Where I am currently employed we have a give and take with our flexibility.
We are seen as whole humans and are given time off when we need it no matter what it
is. In return we are always there for our bosses even if it meant overtime. I am still going
to operate under this mindset in the future where I work and plan to only give my
precious time to an operation that valued me as much as I valued them and our work.
There have been times I have worked 70 hurs weeks, as well as night shifts or even early
morning swing. Whatever the job needs is what I will do, for a time!

4) Research and post current, or past, job postings from your local area, across the
country, or from around the world which illustrate how you might reach your
BHAG. Be sure to provide the Job Title, a small description and why it supports
your BHAG when you provide the URL. Websites such as CareerBuilder, Monster,
or Indeed might be a good place to begin. Also, career-specific websites such as
SHRM.org or AICPA.org often have job postings. Provide 2 listings for each of the
following time periods:

2 years from today

Warehouse Associate – Careers - Food Lifeline

U.S. Federal Government Relations Intern - Habitat for Humanity

5 years from today

Human Resources Internship- Internships - The Borgen Project

Non profit leadershipintern- Internships - The Borgen Project

10 years from today

Coprporate Relations Officer – A stepping stone on the pathway to Director of Relations. -

Careers - Food Lifeline

BHAG Achievement Year

Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, a high paying position of power that allows
me to leave ipact and legacy for future generations.- Careers - Food Lifeline

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Section 3: Long-Term Strategy
Develop a strategy for moving toward your ideal future work/life situation and the realization of
your BHAG(s). Consider the timeframe for your BHAG(s). Provide a vivid description of life
“the way it will be” once your BHAG is realized.

1) Milestones

• Color coordination shows relationship and correlation between steps

Financial Secure a position Experience many Become &remain Give back in
that allows me to positions and types financially stable more ways than
grow my of work to narrow just with work
knowledge and focus 5-10 years and time [$]
experience
3-5 years 15-20 years
1-2 years

Educational Homeless isssues Diverse Legislation that Low income

and how they demographics and heavily impacts struggle and cycle
relate populations these issues as wel as
generational
Never stops. Never stops. Never stops. poverty

Professional Secure a position Experience many Become more Have lasting

that allows me to positions and types educated on a connections in
grow my of work to narrow myriad of topics multiple
knowledge and focus that allows me to organizations,
experience become more industrys and
3-5 years helpful. social circles I
1-2 years come in contact
5-10 years with

Never stops.

Personal Have lasting I have a personal I want to leave an I want to help

connections in desire to mesh and impact on the progress society
multiple balance my home communities I forward.
organizations, life with my work. come in contact
industrys and with 5-10 years
social circles I 5-10 years
5-10 years
come in contact
with

Never stops.

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2) In addition to career-related roles, consider your other life roles in relation to your
career goals. Revisit your responses to the Identities Exercise that you completed in
Module 1 of the course. Based on your long-term strategy, what are the 3 most
precious things you are willing to sacrifice, besides time, to achieve your BHAG?
Why?

For a period of time I would be willing to sacrifice social obligations that are outside of
my immediate family. I would give up my monthly music events and the abundant
travelling of my youth in order to achieve my goals and hopefully live an even greater
life in the future where I am able to share my experience and wealth with others. I do
believe there comes a time in every persons life where retirement is necessary whether it
be for their body or their mind – it arrives like a freight train for many. One day you are
in charge and the next you are barely able to put your socks on. It happens to the best of
us. I plan to set myself and my family up very well for my older years that are inevitable.
This will require a lot of social sacrifice. The notion that it is temporary is what fuels me.

Another thing I am willing to sacrifice is immediate wealth and abundance. I do not need
a career straight out of college that pays me a wage fit for a globe trotter. Like anyone
else I have bills and financial obligations. The student debt clock is ticking and time will
run out! However, once my basic necessities are met I find myself in a blissful content
feeling. My desire for eventual wealth only stems from wanting to save for retirement as
well as give back monetarily when I am no longer able to provide my time and attention.
I will have to make sure I enstill good values in my family when it comes to finances so
that I can prevent them from the very struggle I am trying so hard to alleviate around us.
It can be a tricky balance between enjoying your life and spending beyond your means.
There are curveballs in life and a healthy bank account can help pay emergency medical
bills and avoid bankruptcy. It truly can happen to anyone.

The hardest sacrifice of all will be my already formed opinions and biases about the
systematic issues in this country. I will need to put my politics and personal beliefs aside
in order to work with others across the aisle and come to agreements. Much of the work
that NGOs do does have a lot of beauracracy and legislative paperwork. I will need to
remain focused, and passionate without becoming jaded and burnt out by the forced
diplomacy with people I perceive to be against social aid/justice/funding programs. It can
be tough to accept that we live in a society where everyone with a voice gets in your way,
but it is the way of the world, unfortunately.

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Section 4: The one to two year plan
Using a SMART goals-based approach, as well as project planning and management skill best
practices, create a detailed project plan for at least two specific goals. At least one must be
related to your long-term BHAG. The other may be related to some other aspect of your career
development or career-life integration. Both of these goals need to be things that you are
passionate about accomplishing.

Your selected goals and SMART plan (see SMART goal information provided in the module)
should be structured based on a one to two-year timeline. It should include specific milestones,
action items, sub-tasks as well as task-related interdependencies as applicable. With respect to
each goal, critically think about what specifically are the things you will do in the next one to
two years to achieve these goals.

Develop a clear and detailed SMART plan, with facilitating goals and steps/actions required
to accomplish your selected goals. It should be evident, by looking at the format and structure
of your plan, that you have developed some significant skills respect to project management.
Include Gantt charts (T) or other visual project representations as you see fit, and be sure to
address your approach to tracking/measuring your progress (M).

1) What is your #1 Goal? (at least one of the following must be related to your BHAG)

(Insert your #1 Goal above and provide short answers below describing your goal in
terms of the SMART model. Finally, provide a Gantt chart using the tools provided).

a. Specific (provide details about the goal)

i. To eventually secure a high paying position of leadership in an industry

that is of service to the community in a heavil impactful way.

ii. Non-profit sector, big or small team

iii. Protean-Org Hybrid career path

b. Measurable (explain how you’ll measure your progress or completion)

i. Each year that passes I will ask myself what I have changed or achieved
since entering the professional work force

ii. I will set weekly, monthly and even yearly goals for myself that I can
analyze over time on how close or far I am from reaching them

iii. The amount of people I leaving a lasting impact on

iv. The amount of life long connections I make

v. The life I am able to provide for my family as well as the quality time I
will be able to spend with them

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 vi. Am I inspiring others to take action after I am gone, will I leave a legacy
no matter how small

c. Attainable (explain why this is possible)

i. My goals are possible for me because I am a person who feels her best
when she is of service to others. I am my most mentally healthy and sound
when I know I am directly contributing to the world being a better place.

ii. I am extremely driven and I do not give up easy. I learn from feedback,
mistakes and failures.

iii. I have sought out education and crededntials to help me on my path and
will continue to do so when necessary

iv. Work. Life. Balance.

d. Relevant (explain why this matters to you)

i. My goals are extremely important to me because I hve worked so hard to

build a stable life for myself having experience periods of low income
struggle, poverty and homelessness.

e. Time-Based (provide the timeframe in which you’ll complete this goal)

i. 2021-2025

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