Career planning is a fairly new concept in Russia, as the state made such decisions in the Soviet Union. In general, Russians are inclined to feel glad if they have a well-paying job at all and not be so worried about the direction it’s taking them in.

But nowadays, success comes with identifying the right career path. It is essential to choose a career and work environment that suits you from the start, and not just go where the money is. The right career will bring motivation and confidence, and opportunities will come your way as a result.

Artyom Denisyuk of recruitment agency Coleman Services says candidates who know what they want and who have done their homework will naturally do better in job interviews. He notes that interviewers often expect to know what the candidate hopes to get out of the job in the long term and what he’d like to be doing in a few years time.

Denisyuk adds that there is a period of about two or three years after graduation when it is understood that individuals will be trying out different careers, but that it looks bad if the period goes on for any longer.

It is obvious that a career cannot be planned down to the finest detail; there will always be external circumstances (both opportunities and obstacles) that will affect your course. Naturally you shouldn’t force yourself to stick to a plan if it’s not working out.

In sum, while being flexible, is essential to define immediate and long term career goals and do your best to insure you move in a positive direction.