Part 1 - Making the Most of Your Current Situation
What if you didn't have to change employers to move forward in your career? Well, that's exactly what we're saying. You don't have to keep changing jobs or be considering opportunities outside your current place of work in order for you to progress. Bring your employer on-board, include them in your career plans. If you're not open, how do you know you're not able to achieve your goals with them?
Where do you start? Well, what do you want to achieve?
Identify what you want to achieve in your career so that you can begin to formulate a plan and set realistic long-term and short-term goals for yourself.
Make your employer aware of your goals
Once you’ve identified what it is you’re looking to achieve, ensure your employer is aware. When was your last one to one and were you honest about what your career plans are? If it has been a while since you last had a one to one, you can request one. It’s always a good idea to have that honest, open conversation with your employer and set goals alongside them, if you can, with their support. If they're aware of what you're looking to achieve further down the line, it won't come as a shock to them if you decide to move on if they're not able to support your growth. If you give them a chance, they might just be able to offer you the career development you're looking for - whether that's qualifications, training or a promotion.
What can YOU be doing to help you in achieving your goals with your current employer?
If you’re looking at taking the next step in your career, look at what you can be doing to show that you’re ready for progression. Look at how those above you got to where they are and the steps they took. Aim towards achieving symbiotic harmony with your employer and align your goals with theirs if possible. Look at whether there is scope to grow within the company. That doesn’t necessarily mean climbing the ladder in one area, you could look at other areas that you could diversify into as well, especially if you’re in a smaller company. Discuss if it’s something that your employer could offer and would be willing to support.
What can you do to prove your worth and show you’re ready to take the next step with your employer?
Make sure you are excelling in your current role first. What about supporting the wider team, being someone that everyone can rely on, showing initiative, sharing ideas or perhaps working towards the next qualification? Employers will have certain expectations from employees before they will invest heavily in their professional development. Remember that promotions aren’t given, they’re earned.
Exercise
For support on figuring out your short and long term career goals, download the "Step 1 - Wheel of Prosperity" graph and follow the steps. We also find that completing the downloadable "Wheel of Life" can help with providing insight into your priorities and career plans because this works best when you include your personal life and goals in your planning too.