Work Planning and Career Development

Western Sydney University values work planning and career development as essential tools for guiding and supporting staff in their professional growth. The process helps staff navigate career pathways, access development opportunities, and align their work with the University’s strategic goals.

The Work Planning and Career Development Cycle

The Work Planning and Career Development (WPCD) cycle is a continuous process that begins each year with staff setting their work objectives and development plans. Throughout the year, staff document their achievements and engage in ongoing discussions with their supervisor, leading up to a self-review at the end of the cycle.

The graphic below outlines the key stages of the WPCD cycle.

Why Complete the WPCD Process?

Engaging in the WPCD process provides several key benefits:

  • Career Development
    The WPCD process empowers staff to set and track their work objectives and development plans, offering a structured approach to career growth.
  • Regular Feedback
    Ongoing discussions with supervisors foster a culture of transparency, support, and continuous improvement, enhancing job satisfaction and professional development.
  • Recognition of Achievements
    Documenting accomplishments throughout the year highlights contributions and ensures that hard work is acknowledged and celebrated.

Using MyCareer

All stages of the Work Planning and Career Development cycle must be completed through MyPerformance menu in MyCareer. Step-by-step instructions to set objectives and complete performance review in MyCareer are available in the following guides:

For further information about the WPCD process, contact the Office for People.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I have a new supervisor?

Complete your Self Review and discuss with your current supervisor obtaining feedback from your previous supervisor. You or your supervisor need to email your previous supervisor a copy of your Self Review for them to provide written feedback. You can also ask your HR Advisor to make your old supervisor a co-planner in MyCareer

What do I do if I am a new supervisor?

You can ask your staff member to nominate who might best know their work and seek feedback from that person. Use the performance review discussion as an opportunity to get to know your staff and talk about their plans for next year.

I am on extended leave; do I need to do a Self Review?

You can have your Self Review deferred by the head of unit and this will be recorded in the system as not completed. A request can be made to allow your supervisor to complete the Supervisor Review without you having completed the Self Review. This request should be directed to your HR partner. In some cases, the task to complete a self-review can be reviewed by the HR Advisor.

My supervisor is on extended leave; what do I need to do for the Self Review?

Your Self Review will be submitted to the acting supervisor if they are in the role for longer than 90 days. Otherwise, print your Self Review and discuss it with the head of unit. This can then be forwarded to the Office for People to be added to your file.

Your acting supervisor or head of unit / Dean can request an extension.

I cannot see My Staff in MyCareer; what do I do?

This can happen if you have been in the role for less than 90 days. Ask your staff to forward you a copy of their Self Review. Your feedback can then be uploaded (as a pdf) to the staff's Self Review area. Otherwise, contact the Office for People to check that the system identifies you as the Supervisor.

I submitted my objectives to my supervisor but I cannot see them; what do I do?

It may be that your supervisor has not approved them in the system. In this case, skip the first step (Academic/Professional Portfolio) and complete step 2 (Academic/Professional Staff Review). You can attach a pdf copy of your objectives to your review as well as forward a copy to your supervisor.

What do I do if I have more than one role at the University or have been in another role prior to the Self Review?

You should complete your Self Review, save a pdf copy and forward it to your other supervisor. Any feedback provided can be attached to the Self Review.

Could I have an extension to complete the Self Review?

The Self Review will be closed off in MyCareer on the closing date. If you are not able to meet the deadline, please contact your supervisor and your HR Advisor.

I am on probation; do I need to complete a Self Review?

No. Staff on probation at the time of the Self Review process should complete the probation review process instead.