| For the professional
Career plans must be flexible to account for changes in market needs, the economy, globalisation and overseas competition, company priorities, and required job skills. All these can affect what your current job and what it might be in the future.
The best advice would be to embrace a positive, flexible, forward-looking attitude. Be prepared for the next job, whatever and wherever that may be.
Downsizing, layoffs, and gaps between projects can transform into positive growth, new opportunities, and expanding skills if flexibility is part of your career plan. Other considerations for your career plan may include:
· Personal interests and values ·
Skills you have; skills you need · Personal goals for the next five, 10, 25 years · Financial needs or goals · Preference of work environment · Geographic preferences · Goals for growth (skills, experiences, finances, personal) Career management does not end once you secure a job. It is a life-long effort.
Once you are on the job, take control of your career. Seek advice for sure, but you have to be in control of decisions, particularly decisions on changes, progress, or relocation.
You have to keep your goals always in sight and see what works for you best.
What training needs or qualifications
augur your progress? What will add value to your profile and portfolio? What will give you satisfaction? These are questions that must be asked and answered - by you.
Understanding industry Take a good look at the industry you are in or planning to get into. What are the forces that shift the dynamics of your industry? What active role can you play in bringing about changes, introducing new concepts/ideas?
Have a look at how far you can go and at what pace. What are the industry's demands in terms of skill sets, qualification or experience?
For the student
Understanding qualifications: If you are planning on a new qualification, make sure you are aware of the course work, its rigors, the professional accreditation that it commands and above all, the graduate outcomes. Clarify opportunities for industry attachments and/or exchange opportunities. Internships or industry attachments usually give you a preview of real work environments and conditions.
That gives you the opportunity to evaluate and assess your gaps and readiness.
Job shadowing
This is yet another way to check out your suitability for the career you have in mind. A few weeks with a real time professional gives you a peek into what is in store for you.
Compare
Even it we have to buy a car we check out the options available based on our needs and budget. And this is real life we are talking about. We cannot afford to accept what is handed down to us without checking out and comparing the details. Your qualification and interests could lead to a range of options that you could choose. Compare each one of them academically and professionally.
Back-up plans
While choosing an academic plan, choose one that can help diversifying in case of need. If you choose something that is extremely restrictive and nichebased very early on, chances are you will be forced to move around in a tiny space without room for manoeuvre.
Start your academic build-up with a broad base tapering and specialising as you move along.
Keep track We need to know when we graduate how the industry has changed over the years. What are the differences in perspective to the ones you set out within the first place when you started? Are you still employable? It will be ideal to keep track of the changes and developments as you move along academically
It is also very relevant and important to keep pace with the development and advancement. Subscription to relevant periodicals and journals will give you access to the latest research and information and market trends.
You will not risk being seen as outdated or archaic.
Network Being a part of the relevant professional network helps you to stay up to date. You also have the opportunity to inter mingle with peers and professionals.
Go the extra mile Even as a student, challenge yourself to go beyond the scope of your curriculum to explore other areas. That will not only set you apart and bring greater recognition, it will also place you in a league above your peers. Remember, opportunities are for those who seek and challenge.
Any limits you place are only those of your own. All the best.
source kt career coach
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