We all need to manage our own careers; organisations will not do this for us.
Enhancing and managing your career is an ongoing process, not just something that you do when circumstances make it a necessity
Getting ahead in your current job
Even if you have been inyour present job for some time you need not get stuck in a rut.
- Make the most of existing opportunities such as internal training, appraisals or career development programmes offered by your organisation
- Work at developing your network of contacts. Think about how you can consolidate your position, or prepare for a move if necessary.
The next few years
It is sensible to have in mind a plan for the next five to ten years of your career.
- Think about what you want to achieve in the long term, and identify short-term objectives to help you get there.
- Use a plan of action to track and manage your professional development. Make sure your plan is specific, measurable, achievable and realistic. Monitor your progress from time to time, revising your targets if necessary. This can also provide valuable information for your annual appraisal within your current job.
- Be aware of factors that could affect your sector, through reading specialist magazines.
- Take on new challenges, either at work or in your leisure time.
- Continue learning, either formally or informally. Developing your skills, knowledge and abilities can be life-changing, whatever stage of your career.
Teach yourself
Those who are at the top of their careers will admit they are mostly self taught. However most of us will have some sort of higher education, this never fully prepares you for the real world. And most of your knowledge of your career will happen in your career. But what if you’re in the same job for years upon years? And what if you have exhausted all the information resources at your current role? Then you either have to spend your paycheque taking courses, or use the internet to learn more!
The internet is an amazing free resource of information. And teaching yourself will also prove to yourself that you are dedicated to your career and give you the boost and pat on the back for doing it yourself. Careers change, industry changes and technology change means you have to keep up-to-date with your career. You need to know what your competition is doing and how you can compete with this. Internet forums are also a good resource. Ask questions!