Manage Your Career

 Manage your career 

Evaluate your career path   Deal with transition   Develop a network   Learn throughout your life

Manage Your Career: Evaluate your career path

Periodically evaluating your career helps you to assess the progress you've made and plan your next move. Are you where you want to be in your professional life? Is it time for a new job or should you stay put and invest your energy in learning new skills at your current job? Though everyone evaluates their careers differently, here are some helpful questions to ask yourself before you choose to look for a new job or begin to explore other careers: 

Past

• What have you liked most about jobs you've had in the past?
• What are the most and least appealing aspects of the companies you've worked for?
• What are the reasons you've left past jobs?
• What technical skills or industry-specific knowledge have you gained?
• Which of your personality traits or soft skills have employers liked?

 

Present

• Do you like your current career? Are you satisfied in your present job?
• Do you like the company you work for now and the goals it is trying to accomplish?
• What does your future look like in the company you work for now?
• What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the job you have now?
• Do you belong to any professional associations or participate in any career-related activities outside your job (volunteering, mentoring, training, etc.)?

 

Future

• Are there other careers you have a strong interest in exploring?
• Are there other companies you'd like to work for?
• Are there other jobs or departments in your current company that interest you?
• What skills and knowledge would you like to use more often? What skills and knowledge would you like to learn?
• What other types of work might be more satisfying than what you do now?
• What professional goals do you hope to accomplish in the next two years? Five years?

Manage Your Career:  Deal with transition

Change is constant in the workplace. New deadlines, a different boss, a promotion with new responsibilities, a demotion, or a lay-off are all examples of workplace changes. Sometimes it's expected and other times it is not. There is no way to completely prepare yourself for the changes you may face in your career, but there are strategies to ease the stress that sometimes accompanies changes.

 

• Get plenty of sleep. It is difficult to make up for lost sleep and being tired magnifies stress, so make sleep a priority. Also keep in mind that sleeping too much could also be a problem, so try not to overdo it. Contact a physician if you have question about how much sleep you need.
• Eat right. What you eat plays a big role in how your body copes with stress and fights illness. Avoiding junk foods and big changes in your diet will help keep you well.
• Exercise. Not only is exercise good for you, but it's a great tool for eliminating stress and anxiety.
• Pay attention to your body. The body often shows signs of stress that the mind hides. Pay close attention to any changes you see.
• Talk about it. Expressing your feeling and concerns about job transition with your friends and family will help alleviate your stress. Getting feedback from other people will also help to keep the situation in perspective.
• Focus on things you enjoy. It's not going to be easy to ignore, but doing things that you enjoy can help take your mind off of something you find stressful - even if it's only momentary.

Manage Your Career:  Develop a network

The idea of networking might make you cringe. It sounds formal and complicated. But it doesn't have to be. Below are some questions and answers to help understand what networking is and how to do it.

What is networking?

Networking is simple. Just keep track of people you know in your personal and work life. Especially people who might be a resource for you later when you think about or make job changes.

Why is networking important?

Networking is a good way to look for jobs and other opportunities. It's even more important when looking for specialized work or higher level positions. Networking can also help you find jobs that aren't widely advertised.

Who should be part of my network?

Anyone you meet or know can be part of your network. When you are looking for jobs or changing career paths you never know who will have what you are looking for.

How should I check in with contacts in my network?

How well you know your contacts will influence how often and in what way you stay connected. Sometimes a casual conversation is OK and sometimes a formal meeting or business letter is appropriate. Stay connected with contacts even when you are not job searching by offering to help with their career goals or sharing industry information.

How can I expand my network?

Take advantage of the people your contacts know. Ask people in your network about others who can help you get the information you need. Get in touch with schools and organizations you are or have been a member of; they will refer you to alumni, members, and other resources.

What should I say when I contact someone in my network?

If you don't know them well, explain who you are and how you know them. Tell everyone you talk to about your current situation and what you want. Be clear and specific so they recognize opportunities that will work for you. 

 

Manage Your Career:  Learn throughout your life

Being a lifelong learner does not necessarily mean you have to be enrolled in a school or formal training program. It means that you are open to learning new skills, technology and ways of doing business. People who are willing to learn new things about their profession or company are more likely to have job stability and continued career success.

 

• Find organizations and associations to help you stay up on new things in your profession.
• Find opportunities for professional development through short-term training or community education courses.
• Finding the right job is useless unless you know how to keep that job. Knowing what employers expect of new employees will help with job retention.

 

Maintaining the right attitude toward your work will affect how you react to job transitions and new opportunities.

Professionalism is not something only managers or people working in office settings should worry about. Workers in all industries can benefit from staying positive and understanding business etiquette. Having a professional attitude can help you to get along with coworkers, give better service to customers and advance your career. Below are some tips that can be used by people in any occupation.

 

• Treat others with the same respect and kindness that you would hope to have them treat you.
• Show enthusiasm and interest in all of your job duties.
• Maintain an appearance that is appropriate for your workplace and shows that you take pride in yourself.
• Pay attention to your telephone and email etiquette. Use grammar and style appropriate for business communications.
• When talking with employers and other professionals, remember to speak clearly and don't use slang. Talking to an employer the same way you speak to your friends might be seen as a lack of respect.
• Have realistic expectations and time lines for your career goals.
• Recognize opportunities to increase your skills or take on new projects.
• Learn from your mistakes but do not dwell on them.
• Don't blame others or let outside circumstances keep you from trying new things.
• Take responsibility for your actions but don't take things too personally.
• Find one or more people to support and assist you with your career goals.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Know what is expected of you and how your job performance will be monitored or measured.
• Know the priorities of your department or company and find ways to help.
• Do more than what is expected, instead of just doing enough to get by.