Start Your Career Planning Now

Start Your Career Planning Now What do you see yourself doing 3-5 years from now? And how will you get there? If you havent thought about the answers to these questions, now is a really good time to start career planning. You create a plan for almost everything else you do, why not plan out your career? If you are relying on your boss or company to map this out for you, think again. They dont have the same level of interest in your development. They are concerned about their own growth and development. Career Planning Leads to Success In order to manage your career, you need to establish goals. Theres research that suggests that people who actively and purposely manage their career achieve greater results than those who dont. People with career goals outperform those who do not have goals or who only have a weak commitment to their goals. Those with goals are more optimistic, and therefore are more resilient. Those with goals are more focused, work harder at job search, are engaged and are more successful at finding new roles. People who engage in career management generate more job interviews and more offers. They obtain higher salary offers and are more realistic about their job expectations. They are more effective in job interviews. 9 Ways to Get Started You and I can make thousands of excuses for not investing more in our careers. We can hold on tight to a job we dont enjoy, we can limp along in a job we know isnt going to get us anywhere, or we can take out our compass and map and put on our hiking boots for a great adventure.Will you chose the easy route or the harder one (which is actually more rewarding in the long run)? Here are nine ways to begin managing your career! Keep one eye on the future at all times! Not just your employers future, but YOURS! What will your next move be? Are you thinking like a free agent? Actively Use LinkedIn LinkedIn isnt just for job search. Follow industry news! Join industry-related groups and participate in discussions! And connect with people you meet in person to cement your connection. Know What is Trending Outside Your Industry Maybe social media isnt widely used in your industryyet! But could it be used? Could you be the one to innovate and adapt its usage? Always keep your eyes and ears open for new technology that could increase productivity and marketability for your employer. Then learn how to use the technology! Read Nothing says stagnant more than someone who doesnt read. Pick up a classic or a new release, it doesnt matter. Create a reading list of books that will help you grow and learn new ideas.Amazon.com Widgets Take On Special Projects Proactively seek the opportunity to take on new projects (inside or outside of work). You know what your interests are! Dont over-think this. And dont make excuses as to why you cant or that your company wont let you. Lend a hand doing something you love doing and are good at! Network, Not Just When YOU Need It All too often, people who are new to job search scramble to build connections with people and then you know what happens when they get a job? They stop networking as if they wont need it again. If you turn networking into a regular activity and carve time into your schedule to do it, thats the best workout you can give yourself! There are no excuses for not networking. Things Change SO Quickly- Be Flexible What you and I both know is that the world is changing so fast. This demands you stay flexible and remain open to new possibilities! Have An Exit Strategy Sometimes you have to take a J O B to pay the bills or acquire health insurance or get people off your back. Look for the good in these opportunities. Perhaps it is learning about a new industry or just meeting new people. Set a time-frame for yourself to find a new, more rewarding job. If you stay in a job you dont want to be in you run the risk of getting fired or worse, losing self-confidence.