If you desire a meaningful and inspiring career path, you must prepare for it like training for a marathon, by developing a comprehensive training plan that helps you endure race day and beyond. This is crucial in today's unpredictable work world where organizations are in constant flux, with many canceling employee development programs or adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. This book outlines the strategies and skills you will need to take responsibility for your future, providing an overview of the fundamentals of career development, including how to formulate a practical and useful individual development plan. The core of this book is an easy-to-browse guide to 51 essential skills such as communicating clearly, adapting to situations, advocating for yourself, managing time, convincing others of your ideas, continuous training, and long-term goals. In addition to skills, the book contains tips for keeping your career on track, charting a path beyond your current job, overcoming personal obstacles, finding your passion at work, and initiating skill development conversations with your manager. There are also guidelines for managers who want to bring out the best in their employees.