SOLUTION:

Career SWOT Analysis

PURPOSE: Conduct a structured self-assessment using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) framework to identify clear steps and overcome barriers to your desired career opportunities.

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SOLUTION:

Career SWOT Analysis

PURPOSE: Conduct a structured self-assessment using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) framework to identify clear steps and overcome barriers to your desired career opportunities.

Print or Download Solution

Time: 30 Minutes - 1 hour

STEP 1: Dedicate 60 minutes to a quiet session with a notebook, digital tool, or a 4-quadrant SWOT template. Label quadrants: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. 


STEP 2: Spend 20 minutes assessing my current skills and gaps:

Strengths: List skills, experiences, or qualities that support your career goals (“Strong communication skills,” “2 years of project coordination”).

Weaknesses: Note areas holding you back (“Limited coding experience,” “Lack confidence in presentations”). Reference job descriptions for your desired role to ensure relevance.


STEP 3: Spend 20 minutes identifying external factors:

Opportunities: List possibilities to advance (“New projects in my department,” “Online courses in [skill]”).

Threats: Note obstacles (“High competition for [role],” “Limited time for upskilling”). 


STEP 4: Spend 20 minutes turning the SWOT analysis into a career roadmap. For each quadrant:

Strengths: How can I leverage them (“Use communication skills to lead a team meeting”)

Weaknesses: Plan to address gaps (“Enroll in a coding bootcamp by [date]”).

Opportunities: Pursue specific actions (“Apply for a stretch project in [area]”).

Threats: Mitigate risks (“Schedule 5 hours weekly for upskilling”).

Create 3–5 time-bound steps in your roadmap document.


STEP 5: Schedule a 15-minute meeting to share your SWOT analysis and proposed steps with your manager. Ask:

  • “Do these actions align with what’s needed for [desired role]?”
  • “Can you suggest opportunities to apply my strengths or address weaknesses?” 


STEP 6: Start with one actionable step from the roadmap. Dedicate 1–2 hours weekly, scheduling time in your calendar to ensure consistency. Track progress in your roadmap document.