Career Planning
Before you take
your next career step, be sure you know where you're headed. Map out
your career and personal goals, and make sure the two complement, rather
than conflict with each other. Working with a career consultant from
Impact will help you get there faster. Here's what you need to do:
First, determine
your long-term goals.
- Why are you
in the field in which you are currently working?
- Are your talents
and personality traits being utilized?
- Are continued
professional education and training priorities?
Think about
the consequences
Don't make career
decisions in isolation. Be sure that your family is supportive of your
choices. You'll be able to move faster when an offer is made. And of
course, consult with your recruiter.
Actively manage
your own career
Between where you
are now and where you want to be is a world of uncertainty. But it doesn't
have to be that way. Take the bull by the horns. Take control of your
life. You know where you want to go. Take action to get yourself there.
Build an effective
personal career network
Word of mouth. It's
not only an effective sales tool; it's also an extremely effective networking
tool. For starters, identify and "work" your own career network.
Include:
Friends
Co-workers (past and present)
Professional colleagues
Suppliers or customers
Consultants
Recruiters
Teachers and classmates
- Actively maintain
a fresh, current network roster and cultivate your network.
- Reciprocate.
Always be willing to give at least as much as you take in the way
of information, introductions and referrals. It'll pay off in the
long run.
- Don't wear out
the welcome mat by calling too much.
- Remember, your
professional references should be part of that same network. Consider
them the creme de la creme and treat them accordingly.
Take a fresh
look at your skills
Things change quickly
in today's economy. Make sure your skills are cutting-edge. Research
career enhancement opportunities in your industry through associations
or training organizations.