Career Development
A job is for today. but a cm'eer can be for a lifetime. Will you always enjoy the work you do today? Will you be successful in the cm'eer you select? These questions cmmot be answered light away: however, certain skills and ani tudes can lead to a fulfilling work life.
Everyday you can peIform duties that contribute to your career success, Communicating and working well with others will enhance your chances for financial advancement and promotion. Flexibility and openness to new ideas will expand your abilities, knowledge. and career potential.
Develop efficient work habits. Use lists. goal setting. note cards, and other time management techniques. Combine increased productivity with quality. All of your work activities should reflect your best performance. This extra effort will be recognized and rewarded.
Finally. learn to anticipate problems and areas for action, Creativity and a willingness to assist others can help the entire organization and contribute to your work enjoyment and career growth.
Training Opportunities
Many technology-work situations did not exist a few years ago. Many of the job skills you will need in the future have yet to be created. Your desire for increased education is a primary determinant of your career success and financial advancement. Continue to learn about new technology and the global economy.
Various methods for updating and expanding your knowledge are available. Formal methods include company programs. seminars offered by professional organizations, and graduate and advanced college courses. Many companies encourage and pay for continuing education.
Informal methods for updating and expanding your knowledge include reading and discussion with colleagues, Newspapers. news magazines. business periodicals, and professional journals offer a wealth of information on business. economic. and social trends. Informal meetings with coworkers and associates from other companies are a valuable source of current career information.
Career Paths and Advancement
As with other financial decisions. career choices must be reevaluated in light of changing values. goals. economic conditions. and social trends. A successful technique for coping with the anxieties associated with career development is to gain the support of an established person in your field. A mentor is an experienced employee who serves as a teacher and counselor for a less experienced person in a career field. A relationship with a mentor can provide such benefits as personalized training. access to influential people. and emotional support during difficult times.
Your efforts to attract a mentor start with excellent pelformance. Show initiative. be creative. and be alert to meeting the needs of others. Maintain visibility and display a desire to learn and grow by asking questions and volunteering for new assignments.
A prospective mentor should be receptiye to assisting others and to helping them grow in both the technical and social areas of a career. Many organizations have formal mentor programs with an experienced employee assigned to oversee the career development of a new employee. Some mentor relationships involve retired individuals who desire to share their knowledge and experience.
Changing Careers
At some time in their lives. most workers change jobs. About 10 million career moves occur each year. People change jobs to obtain a better or different position within the same career field or to move into a new career field. Changing jobs may be more difficult than selecting the first job. Unless their present situation is causing mental stress or physical illness. most people are unwilling to exchange the security of an existing position for the uncenainty of an unfamiliar one.
The following may be indications that it is time to move on:
- Low motivation toward your current work. Physical or emotional distress caused by your job. Consistently poor performance ealuations.
- A lack of social interactions with coworkers.
- Limited opportunity for salary or position advancement.
- A poor relationship with your superior.
A decision to change careers may require minor alterations in your life (such as going from retail sales to industrial sales). or it may mean extensive retraining and starting at an entry level in a new field. As with every other financial decision, no exact formula exists for deciding whether you should make a career change. However, follow these guidelines. First, carefully assess the financial and personal costs and benefits of changing careers in relation to your needs and goals and those of your household. Giving up benefits such as health insurance may be costly to a family, but the expanded career opportunities in a new field may be worth the trade-off. Then determine whether a career change will serve your needs and goals and those of other household members.
In many industries, job security is a thing of the past. Company mergers, downsizing, and economic conditions may result in forced career changes. Layoffs cause emotional and financial stress for individuals and families. To cope with job termination while seeking new employment. counselors recommend that you
- Maintain appropriate eating, sleep. and exercise habits.
- Get involved in family and community activities; new career contacts are possible anywhere.
- Improve your career skills through personal study, formal classes, or volunteer work.
- Target your job search to high-growth industries or small businesses.
- Consider opportunities with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, temporary employment, or consultant work.
- Target your skills and experience to the needs of an organization.
