It is a statement of fact that the people who achieve most in their careers are the ones who actively manage their careers. If you still think that your organization or employer is going to look after your future, then you may have a big shock coming. Things are uncertain enough without leaving your career to chance.
So that you are in no doubt about what you can do, here are 6 ways to actively manage your career and they are not particularly difficult, they just need systematic application:
1. You need to know clearly where you’re going;
2. You need to start planning how you’ll get there;
3. You need to understand and make the most of your options;
4. You need to find out if anyone knows about you;
5. You need to learn what others think about you;
6. You need to be able to measure your impact.
When you apply these 6 ways to actively manage your career, everything starts to fall into place and your activities become focused on doing your job with a purpose. Your organization gains from your input and you gain more clarity and skilled understanding which leads to a sustainable career.
Some pointers to help you apply the active career management strategy:
1. Do you know where you’re going in terms of the short, medium and long term; do you know what skills or new knowledge will be required to progress in your job and your company?
2. Do you know how you’ll get there? Do you have the right education and experience; do you network with individuals who have the information and skills that you need to understand? Do you keep up to date and read journals, newspapers and books on management and business in general?
3. Are you making the most of your options by understanding where and why work opportunities are increasing or declining. Are you familiar with company policies and practices on career development?
4. Does anyone know about you? Do you get involved in cross-departmental activities or problem solving groups and develop contacts in areas that do not have regular dealings with you?
5. What do others think about you? Do you have good relationships with your superiors, people who work for you and customers?
6. Do you measure your impact by seeking feedback on your performance? Have you had recent experience of how others might see you (via your network or a test job application)?
Things are uncertain enough without leaving your career to chance. Use the 6 ways to actively manage your career and be confident that you are enhancing your career and your employability together.
Peter Fisher is Coach and Webmaster for http://www.Your-Career-Change.com where you can download your free Special Career Change Report and 63 page PDF e-book “Big Book of Job Hunting Tips”.
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