Here is a five-year plan that I see too much of. There is not any detail, and not a lot of thought goes into it. When making a five-year plan, you should think of where you want to be in five years, then put down what it will take to get there (scroll down for more detailed example).
Home Tim Houseknecht Five Year Plan Where I am today: 11^th grade. Goal: Earn a business or accounting degree.
	Education	Job
Year 1	11^th grade	Part-time
Year 2	12^th grade	Part-time
Year 3	College	Part-time
Year 4	College	Part-time
Year 5	College	Part-time

Here’s a five-year plan with more detail. Don’t be afraid to put detail (and thinking) into your five-year plan!
Home Tim Houseknecht Five Year Plan Where I am today: 11^th grade. Goal: Earn a business or accounting degree.
	Education	Work Experience
Year 1 (2006)	I am currently in 11^th grade. My goal is to graduate in 2008 with a New York State Regents diploma.	I would like to work part-time in a restaurant or retail store to gain some valuable job experience.
Year 2 (2007)	I will be a senior. I will be nearly done with my Regents requirements and will be taking some business electives.	I hope to continue work at the same business. I hope that I will be able to get some added experience in various positions at this business.
Year 3 (2008)	Jamestown Community College, Olean: I will enter their 2-year Business degree program.	I would like to secure an internship where I can use my newly learned classroom skills in a real-world environment.
Year 4 (2009)	Jamestown Community College, Olean: I will be in my second year Business degree program. I will graduate in May with an Associate’s degree in Business.	I hope to continue my experience at a business. I am interested in helping with accounting and other bookkeeping duties.
Year 5 (2009)	Continue on to a four-year degree: After I earn my Associate’s degree, I would like to enter a four-year school. I haven’t decided on a school yet, but I will explore this during my time at JCC.	As part of a four-year program, I would like secure an internship.

The second example will be much more difficult to write, but much more effective. Any employer or school official who sees that you’ve taken the time to think through the process will be very impressed!