It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day duties of your job, but it’s important to step back every once in a while and look at the bigger picture of our own career.
- Are you happy?
- Am I adding any value to myself?
- Is your career developing according to your plan?
“Irrespective of any role any function you are, it’s important to look back and introspect how things are happening?”
While your boss and mentors can provide support, it is ultimately up to you to answer these questions and create your own action plan for getting where you want to go.
As you decide where you’d like to take your career, it’s often helpful to think through what you enjoy in both your personal and professional life. Maybe you’ve always liked numbers, creating processes or helping people. Whatever makes you happy, think about how you can leverage those interests and skills inside your professional career. It also defines how passionately you are taking your job
One should have strong convictions in their career. I would like to mention some of the most important strategies for effectively managing your own career development based on my personal experiences.
1. SET AND COMMUNICATE CLEAR GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS:
The most important part of getting what you want actually knows what you want.
Once you’ve decided on a clear path, identify and discuss goals with your
manager and mentors—this will provide meaningful dialogue during your reviews.
As you work to define these goals, use the following questions as your guide:
- What level of responsibility do you want to have?
- What assignments would you like to lead?
- What kind of challenges would you like to have?
- What type of company do you want to work for?
- What are your career aspirations Vs expectations?
- Is work/life balance important to you?
- What kind of people do you enjoy working with?
2. ASK FOR OPEN FEEDBACK:
Timely, high-quality feedback, whether it’s positive or negative, will provide you with a better understanding of where your talents create the most value. The ability to listen to honest feedback and adjust accordingly will go a long way towards increasing your value as an employee. Furthermore, this feedback should help inform the career path you create for yourself, even if that means refining your original goals. Taking feedback in the right spirit would help to perform well. One should also know their Glad / Sad / Mad situations.
3. EMBRACE NEW CHALLENGES:
You should always be working to proactively identify projects that help to advance your career. When a new opportunity arises and that opportunity fits your overall career plan, raise your hand and go after it! To generate the most meaningful impact for you and your company, be sure to understand the overall strategic vision of the organization and then determine how your career objectives can help the company achieve that goal. You must ready to challenge the status quo.
Create a portfolio of your accomplishments
Portfolios aren’t just for artists. Regardless of your industry, a work portfolio can be a great asset to career advancement. As a collection of your best work, your portfolio will tell a story beyond a resume or cover letter. It would also showcase your passion and commitment to your profession. You are the “Brand Ambassador for Yourself”
4. NETWORK:
Networking is an essential part of professional development and a valuable skill that will serve you throughout your entire career. A strong network enables you to discover new jobs, different industries, and helpful advice, all of which may open your eyes to new possibilities for your career. Keep an open mind—opportunities to network are all around you.
5. ENHANCING YOUR COMPETENCIES:
“Competency” across all levels would play a very vital role in career transformation. There is a huge difference between performance Vs potential. One can be rated outstanding performance but may not be the potential to take up the next level. So enhancing competencies based on the need of the hour is most important. It applies in both personal and professional transformation.
