Very few of us actually plan our careers. Usually, more thought is given to a summer holiday or decorating the bedroom. This is bizarre as you will spend around two-thirds of your adult (waking) life at work - your career goes a long way to determining your quality of life.
No one cares more about your career than you do. It is not something you can afford to be passive about; there are just too many variables. The company you work for could go out of business, be bought, or merge and the organisation’s priority will always be the bottom line.
Keep one eye on the job market
Though you may not actively be seeking a change, it is good practice to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the job market. Employers view 'passive seekers' as the most promising of potential new recruits. After all, if you are happy in your present job you are probably successful.
Keep your CV up-to-date and be aware of what is happening in your industry. Stay in regular contact with your network whilst continuing to grow and cultivate it. This way you will be prepared when you stumble upon a great job or are headhunted by a larger company.
Remember, SecondPost can keep up you up-to-date with all that is going on in all the job market, providing new vacancies, advice and the latest relevant news.
Assess yourself
It is vital to regularly assess yours career. This should comprise an audit of skills and qualifications you possess, significant achievements in your professional career (keep a written record of these), and a list of any professional bodies / institutions of which you are a member.
This will give you an idea of your professional marketability. Armed with a clear picture of your abilities and achievements, you can see yourself from a professional perspective. It also serves to highlight areas in which you can improve, thus keeping your career moving forward.
Set yourself targets
Break your career plan down into goals you can achieve in a year or less and goals you want to reach in five years or less. For example, you may aim to secure a raise within a year, and move into management in fewer than five. Having practical goals to aim for within a specific time frame will give your work more meaning, and keep you motivated. If you fall short of your targets then you will be in a position to take action and find out why, rather than drifting aimlessly in the same job year after year.
Consider your likes and dislikes; what part of your work do you particularly enjoy. Focus on these aspects and seek to manoeuvre your career in this direction. Can you sign up for training programmes or industry bodies that could help this transition?
Devising (and revising!) a career plan represents your best chance of progression. Being pro-active can make the difference between promotion and stagnation; the biggest barrier to a successful career is you!