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Most people change career paths at some point in their lifetime. The career you chose at university might not align with your values and lifestyle ten years down the line. Whether you’re looking to move up in your current company or delve into a different industry altogether – you need a career plan.
A career path can help you map out your personal and professional development goals over the next few years. Decide on a long-term goal, and outline the steps needed to achieve it. You may need to go back to university or attend training classes to gather the skills needed for the role. A little preparation and manifesting can set you up for an amazing career.
Here are a few tips on how to plan your career path.
Avoid taking jobs that get you nowhere.
If you’re about to take a new job, you need to consider whether it will help to progress your wider career. Career progression isn’t instant. Sometimes you have to start at the bottom of a company and move through the ranks over time.
Identify gaps in knowledge and skill.
Everyone has gaps in their knowledge and skill, especially when entering a new industry. You need to find your weaknesses and improve on them. If you want to work in a manager role, take a training course or an interim management solutions course to develop your skillset. Or start reading a few books and listening to podcasts about your industry to learn about current trends and challenges. Knowledge shows that you are passionate about the industry and take responsibility for your own education.
Reflect on what you like, dislike and need from work
It’s only natural for your values and aspirations to change as you get older. Perhaps the corporate world is no longer for you, and you want to venture into a new style of working. Find something that you enjoy and research the different careers within that field. Make a list of things you need and want from a job and refer to them when job searching.
Identify your transferable skills.
Look at your current skill set and consider which skills can be applied to other jobs. Your professional experience doesn’t vanish because you changed career paths. You still have a whole host of experience under your belt and need to use it to get into another role.
Think about other people
If you’re looking for a leadership role, you need to develop people skills. A manager role comes with a lot of responsibility to support and challenge your team. You are responsible for their professional growth and wellbeing.
Outline your career path now and identify your short- and long-term goals. Planning is the key to professional success. So to is contacting a staffing agency which can help with finding the right position to fit your goals.
