Second nature to most Gen X and Y employees, it’s a concept many seasoned professionals are still grappling with.
Career Management requires each of us to become actively involved and take personal ownership of our careers.
Gone are the days when employers would tell us ‘how’ our career would progress and ‘when’ we could climb the next rung of the ladder.
The typical career path is no longer linear and clearly defined. Instead it will take most employees on a winding road that will be filled with detours, speed bumps and road closures that will make you wish you had a magic compass.
Know your professional assets
Know who you are and what you have to offer. Perform regular maintenance on your career and ensure the skills, training and experience you possess is positioning for the future. Complete in-depth self-assessment exercises to review your career preferences, working styles and values as available on www.careego.com.
Set realistic goals
There are many things in the employment market and economy we can’t control that have direct relation to our careers. While it’s important to set goals for your career, try and set goals that are realistic for you to achieve.
If you rely too heavily on your manager, or the company to fulfill your goal you may be disappointed with the outcome. While career management is a partnership with your employer, ensure you set a number of goals that you can personally control, like completing new training, upgrading skills, or reading monthly industry/professional journals and articles.
Be open minded
Achieving your current career goal may require you to be flexible and open minded. As organizations flatten and employment layers are shed, there may not be as many openings, or promotions available, so you’ll need to consider other options. Don’t fixate on your job title, but instead look at the accomplishments and experience you’ll gain in a position. Is there an opportunity for you to take on a special project, or stretch assignment? Is there someone you can seek out to be your professional mentor?
If you’re currently job seeking and you’re ultimate goal is to find full-time employment don’t automatically dismiss a contract or short term consulting opportunity. Many contract opportunities are extended and then evolve to full-time employment.
If these positions offer you opportunity to gain new skills and add value to your resume, they may be a good short term option.
Career Management should be conducted for the duration of your working life and not haphazardly when your career is in crisis or jeopardy. Perform regular check-ups on your career to ensure you are moving forward towards your goals.
Diane Cobbold
Career Coach - Careego.com