To move forward in your career you need to be organised, persistent and determined. Professional development to build management and leadership capabilities and optimise potential should be a priority in career planning.
Identify a career path
Think in terms of a career MOT – consider what you want from your work, whether your current role fulfils your needs and aligns with your values. Successful career planning is built on self-awareness, so think about your strengths as a key part of your personal brand.
Chart a career path for yourself, where do you want to be next year, in five years, what will success look like? Understand what’s important to you and how you envision your career evolving, then start by learning what is available in the company, from network contacts and figure out what skills and knowledge your career path requires.
Commit to a professional development plan and take ownership of your career capital and stated long-term development objectives.
Articulate goals
Identify the goals that will enable you to follow the career path you have chosen. You can then seek out training, stretch assignments, secondments, coaching etc. that will afford you the experience to expand your skillset and develop towards the roles and career you want. Use a skills-based development approach to create a dynamic action plan.
A rigorous analysis of your skills, experience and capabilities will help focus on goals that are aligned with your values and strengths. Think seriously about your career; focus and decide on what steps need to be taken to achieve your goals and ensure that you are moving in the right direction.
Plan and manage your time
Professionals have good time management skills. How you manage your time determines the quality of your output and you want to improve your performance at work and catch the eye of those who can help you achieve your career path goals. Ask for help with networking, mentoring and coaching opportunities.
Review your ongoing learning and development objectives. What would you like to change, improve or add to your skillset? Acquiring relevant skills will be helpful at performance reviews, enhance promotion and job applications, and demonstrate your drive, ambition, enthusiasm and commitment to your career.
Broaden your horizons
Good employees actively want opportunities to learn and grow, seek out different experiences, try new things, new projects and geographies. This diversity of experience is really important to employers now; they want employees with learning agility who proactively seek to learn and grow as human beings in order to do their best work.
To grow professionally you need to challenge your perspectives, biases and opinions. The greater the diversity of your experience and the wider the range of your network, the better the career opportunities you are likely to encounter. Look for opportunities that will enable you development; don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice, ask to work on projects that interest you or with people who inspire you.
Network for success
Build a network of contacts and advisers who can offer insights and provide feedback as to how your skills and experience could translate into different roles and areas.
The stronger your professional network, the more likely you are to meet people who will help your career growth. Aim to make new contacts and build a robust professional brand; don’t lose contact with former co-workers or bosses. Attend events, trade shows and conferences that will help you meet and exchange contacts with other professionals.
In short
Set your goals and plan how you will reach them. You are in control of your destiny if you take ownership and enhance your skills and experiences to meet your aspirations.
