Planning Your Career

Having an actual career takes a little more effort than just getting a job.  Although, there's nothing wrong with having a job that pays the bills and lets you go do something else that you like.  I had a friend that was a semi-pro cyclist. His career was cycling but he still had a job to keep a roof over his head.  But for most of us, we want a career that allows us to grow, learn and take on greater responsibilities, all while getting paid more with each step. Unfortunately, that doesn't just happen because you start working.  It takes some planning and goal setting to get things moving in the right direction.  

Related:  Enhance Your Job Skills

The obvious first step is to get training in whatever it is you want to do.  That could mean earning a degree (or several), going to a trade school or obtaining a specific certification.  However, in today's competitive job market, the right training may not be enough.  Lately, even entry level jobs are requiring some experience.  And a great way to get that experience is through internships and the best time to start doing them is while you're still in school.  This gives you the experience potential employers are looking for, shows you're motivated to work in your chosen field, and demonstrates your work ethic.


Once you've landed that job in your chosen field you still need to be looking ahead.  Decide what your next position should be and start laying the groundwork to get there.  Start by learning everything you can in your current position.  Take part in any relevant training your employer offers, become an expert in your field, and continue to learn throughout your career.  Ask questions and show interest in the work and projects of your coworkers as well as your manager.  Besides learning a lot, showing interest in others encourages them to be interested in you.  And people are more willing to give helpful opportunities to other people they like.  

These methods still work!

Which brings us to the next step, networking.  Constantly work on building your network.  Talk to people, ask about them, and show interest in what they do.  Make genuine connections with other professionals in your industry and offer to help them whenever you can.  If you help people with introductions, leads on open positions, and helping them land an interview, they're going to help you when you're ready to make your next move.  You may not even have to ask. It's human nature to want to reciprocate when help has been given already.  This is absolutely the best way to find your next position, even if it's at another company.

Related:  Networking and Online Dating

Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up to date.  If you get an award, accomplish a major goal or finish a project, make the updates right away. It's easier to do as they happen, while it's still fresh in your mind, than it is all at once years later while you're stressing about getting it done so you can apply for that great position that just came open.  Keep everything updated regularly and you'll always be prepared to act quickly should the perfect opportunity arise.

Your career is yours to create, build and direct.  No one else can do it for you and it won't happen by accident.  Make a plan, lay the groundwork and be prepared to act fast when an opportunity presents itself.  Don't let your career just happen to you, make it happen for you.