Looking For Your Next Opportunity
Building a successful career requires the same planning steps as any other important endeavor. Clear goal setting, thorough planning and effective execution
are the key components to the process. The steps you take to formulate objectives, develop a plan, and follow through on will determine your success. Thomas Jefferson said, “I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” Recognizing and following the basic principles of career management will enable you to react properly to almost any situation and keep your long-term objectives on track. Here are some guidelines that should be valuable:
- Self–Examination – Understand your needs both emotionally and financially. What are you passionate about? What energizes you and enables you to believe in what you are doing? What are your unique talents and abilities?
- Options – Your skills and experience will be well suited to a multitude of career directions. Look inwardly; understand your strengths and weaknesses, then research opportunities that are well suited to your strengths.
- Mapping – Think strategically and long-term about your career. Career development is not about compensation: it is about fulfillment. Build upon your strengths, shore-up your weaknesses and work with your colleagues to understand your effectiveness as a team member, your action plan will create itself. Your foundation must be solid and when it is, mistakes and setbacks will be transient.
- Self-Improvement – Focus on the differentiators – If you are in sales and everyone is being trained in the latest fad closing technique, attend a course in Purchasing. If you are an engineer with a Bio-Medical background who wants to move into management, eschew courses on SPC in favor of leadership training.
- Market – Networking with people throughout your industry is extremely important. Remember that successful people beget successful people. Make sure that you cultivate mentoring relationships with successful people. Always target excellence.
- Evolve – Examine, evaluate and refine your plan regularly. Be prepared for the unexpected opportunities and setbacks that will come your way. Find a mentor to help guide you and they will help you recognize others as advisors or industry experts. Your experience has brought you to where you are but the experiences of others will guide you to where you want to be.
