A feedback-based visual roadmap
for the next phases of career planning

Εκπαιδευτικό Πρόγραμμα
60-90 minutes/ not specified as it can last up to a few days
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A few large sheets of paper, minimum size A3, or 2 whiteboards
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Markers and pens of different colours
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Sticky notes of different colours
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Optional: Tape to attach sheets of paper to walls, or adhesive putty
What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?
The Extension Insight Roadmap visualises the next steps after applying for a job or graduating, making them easier to follow. Using feedback and lessons learnt from job applications and education, it provides insight and creates a roadmap for future actions. This includes information on events, actions and activities to be carried out, such as which employers to contact, how to update your CV, portfolio and LinkedIn profile, who to involve, and a timeline for implementation. The Extension Insight Roadmap can use information obtained from the Feedback Map tool.

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Prepare a large sheet of paper, several sheets taped together, or a whiteboard. Add the heading 'My Extension Insight Road Map'.
Gather together all the feedback you received when applying for a job. If you have already used the Feedback Map tool, you can use it for this purpose. Otherwise, take a moment to yourself and start writing down any feedback you can remember. Put one finding per sticky note and write a few words on each note. If you already have written feedback, transfer that information onto sticky notes in a similar way. Also write down your experiences of the job application process.
If you are a recent graduate, use feedback from your studies instead of, or alongside, any professional experience.
Group the feedback and experiences into themes. You can use another sheet of paper or a whiteboard for this. What themes emerge? Consider the experiences you have had and the feedback you have received.
Look at the results and think about your career interests and goals. Circulate and number the feedback, experiences and elements that you consider to be key for your Extension Insight Roadmap, or mark them with coloured sticky notes.
Do the same for the feedback, experiences and elements that do not interest you or that you do not wish to pursue. Use a different colour for these.
Take another large sheet of paper and start drafting your extension insight roadmap.
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Think about your goal. Is it a short-term goal involving a few steps, or a long-term goal involving many steps? Do you have any alternative goals? Write your goal down in one sentence, as well as the reason why it is important to you.
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Add the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. Using sticky notes is practical because you can move them around, change their order, and add or delete them as needed. This encourages flexibility in your thought process.
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Add any obstacles or hindering elements that may hold you back, such as gaps in your skills or knowledge, a lack of access to guidance or education, personal issues, and external or societal factors, such as societal trends.
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Continue adding more detailed descriptions of events, actions and activities to your roadmap. These could include updating your skills by re-entering education, updating your CV, portfolio and LinkedIn profile, researching a specific industry and applying for a job in another town. Add these below your phases, between them or as new phases, if necessary.
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Add the organisations and individuals that you would like to approach, and explain why. These could include the employment office, careers advisers, former colleagues or fellow students, for example.
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Finally, add the timeline and any other essential elements.
Take a look at your road map and think about your professional identity and career goals. Make any necessary changes until you are happy with it. Highlight important elements and note down anything else that stands out.
You can continue to update your extension insight roadmap as the process evolves. As you make progress with your plan, you can mark completed areas.
Steps for using this tool
Tips and hints for using this tool

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It is a good idea to take a break when working on your extension insight road map. This will give you the opportunity to come back to it later with a fresh perspective, and you will not feel as much pressure to finalise it straight away. You can take a few days, or more if you need to, for this.
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You can also ask a friend, trainer or some other person for their opinion and feedback on your Extension Insight Road Map.
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If you wish, you can create an electronic version of your Extension Insight Road Map once it is finalised.
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Reference: Service Roadmap by Service Design Tools











