Career
management is a hot topic in business, but how many people really think about
what it means, who's responsible for it, and how to go about it in an effective
manner? If you ask your friends what they do to manage their career, how many
can give you a coherent answer? What does career management mean to you, and
what do you do to proactively manage your career?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to
"manage" something means to handle or direct something with a
degree of skill, to treat something with care, or to work upon or try to alter
something for a purpose. Therefore, to effectively manage your career,
you must skillfully direct your career with a purpose and with care.
A career that is successfully managed has a defined
direction and objectives. Milestones and goals are set so that progress can be
measured. Needs for growth and development are identified. Options and
opportunities are assessed according to whether they are likely to move the
career toward the vision.
On the other hand, a career that is not actively
managed tends to meander. Direction may be changed and changed again, but
without purpose or direction. Skills and abilities are not nurtured or
cultivated. Opportunities may be missed, while others may be taken despite the
fact that they do not bring meaning, enjoyment, or long-term progression.
Sometimes people think they do not have to manage
their careers because their company will do it for them, but this is attitude
can be self-defeating. You are your own best advocate. Do not relegate your
advocacy, support, and best interest to anyone else. Take control, and make a
commitment to yourself to be your own supporter and promoter.
Career management is not something you suddenly
achieve, or a point where you say "I'm done!" It is part of the
journey through life and work, something you do continually to ensure your
career and life reflects and honors your strengths and who you are.
To effectively manage your career, you'll first need
to do some basic career planning: clarifying your vision of your
career into the future, and identifying what skill gaps or other obstacles may
be standing in your way. You will want to set some goals and milestones so you
can track your progress.
Next, consider your personal brand at
work. Does how you're perceived in the office accurately reflect your
strengths, value, and career aspirations? Take a look at what you're known for,
your physical appearance, the projects you're working on, and when people ask
for your advice and assistance. If these are in line with where you're going,
great. If not, it's time for a personal brand make-over. These can take time,
as you'll need to pay attention to how you act, what you say, what you work on,
and how you look over a period of time, and adjust as needed.
Finally, constantly be on the lookout for opportunities
to grow in line with your career vision. While this includes
promotions and job openings, also consider volunteering for projects or teams
where you can gain additional critical skill sets, become known as an expert in
an area aligned with your vision and interests, or gain you exposure with
people who can help you in your career. Find a mentor within (or even external
to) your organization and solicit their advice and knowledge regularly.
Consider taking courses or getting certified if these actions are applicable to
your situation.
Remember that career management is an ongoing process,
and should be regularly reviewed, measured, and adjusted. Make it a priority,
and direct your career with skill, purpose and care.
If you liked this article, Lauren invites you to visit http://www.careerevolutiongroup.com
for additional resources and advice to assist you in strategically managing
your career and team. Sign up for the biweekly newsletter containing valuable
articles and tips, and receive the special report "Top 10 Ways to Rock
Your Role!" as her gift to you.
Lauren's passion and talent for helping people connect
the dots between their current job situations and their ideal outcomes led to
her specialization in the field of strategic career coaching. She has dedicated
the rest of her professional life to showing people how work can be enjoyable,
meaningful, values-based and balanced. Careerevolution Group was formed to
transform people's experiences of work so they can enjoy their success!
By
Lauren Still
Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lauren_Still/1207179
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