Would you like to reach the pinnacle of your career? I am sure the answer to this question will be Yes. And many of us believe that with hard work and a degree in hand we will be able to achieve success. However, this is not completely true. As much as hard work and education is important for us to move ahead in our careers, it is not the only thing that can guarantee us a rewarding and accomplished career. What we need is continuous planning of our professional choices which would eventually help us succeed in our lives. And this is known as Career Management. So, let us understand how we can plan our career the right way:
- Self-assessment: Career Management starts with a self-assessment process. You will have a fulfilling career only if your work is in alignment with your interests, skills and personality. So, it becomes imperative for you to know what you are looking for in a job. A job of your choice and interest will always keep you motivated and excited. Also, you need to be well aware of your talent, skills and abilities. Evaluating your skills and capabilities with the job role will eventually lead to a more productive and satisfying career.
- Set career goals: Take time to think about your career goals. Once identified, set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound) goals for yourself and work towards meeting your short- and long-term goals. Writing down your goals helps you remain focused and assures you do not overlook them. However, you may at times need to revise your goals because of evolving work environments and changes in your preferences and interests with time. Nevertheless, celebrate the achievement of your goals as this will keep your spirits high.
- Sharpen your Axe: Abraham Lincoln once said “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe”. This saying holds so true for all of us in today’s scenario. As once you have the desired opportunity, you need to ensure that you excel in that role and do not fail because of lack of knowledge or absence of right skill set. You need to be prepared for this new role. And thus, upskilling yourself is the mantra. One way to do so is by setting aside time regularly to learn new skills and refreshing your knowledge, also by keeping yourself abreast of all updates and developments in your industry. Your zeal towards learning should never fade away, no matter what position you reach in your career. This drive to learn will help you remain competitive.
- Believe in yourself: You may face certain obstacles and challenges in your career and there may be some failures as well, however confidence and faith in your abilities will help you overcome these hindrances. Do not get disheartened by any setbacks and consider them as opportunities for introspection and learning. The aim should always be to move towards your goals.
Career management enables you to design your career and help you explore new possibilities for yourself. So, rather than sitting idle and waiting for opportunities get in charge of your career.
Author Byline:
Joshika Rana is currently working as a HR Manager for a reputed hotel in Zirakpur, Chandigarh. She has an experience of over 13 years in HR and Learning & Development.
