Ways to Successfully Manage Your Career

Decades ago, American workers often stayed with one or two companies for the duration of their careers. The modern career path looks dramatically different — workers change jobs and even industries with increasing frequency. In this dynamic environment, actively managing your career is crucial to long-term success.

Make a Plan

The first step in managing your career is understanding what you want it to look like. Write down your dream job, and make a plan to obtain it. At a minimum, the plan should include necessary education, training, licensing, stepping-stone jobs and skill-building experiences. This process increases your awareness of the next steps, so you're better able to identify and take advantage of job opportunities when they come along.

Network

Networking can be a powerful tool in managing your career, as long as you don't wait until you're unemployed to start. Ask a question of a local industry luminary on Twitter, update your LinkedIn profile or reconnect with an old employer on Facebook. Then, branch out by attending your city's next chamber of commerce meeting or a networking event for for the nearest chapter of an industry organization. Focus on meeting new people, and be generous with your enthusiasm. Network continuously, and when you don't need anything from your contacts, put your energy into growing the relationships with your new contacts while creating a personal brand for yourself. With a strong network, you're more likely to hear about exciting new opportunities that enable you to make job changes and strategic moves on your own timeline.

Actively Build Skills

Take an active role in managing your career by staying current with the software and abilities listed on your resume. At the same time, work on new skills that are crucial to your career plan. Work in a dynamic industry? Follow the news and spot relevant technology trends, and use your personal time to learn new apps and programs. An updated skill set makes you a more attractive candidate and enables you to jump on new job opportunities immediately.

Be Self-Aware

In the fast-paced American workforce, it can be easy to get caught up in what you "should" do. To avoid losing sight of what you truly want, practice self-awareness. Take notice of small signs of dissatisfaction, such as a jaded feeling, a sudden dread of Mondays or boredom with tasks that used to be exciting. Look for solutions that fit within your current plan, such as asking for more responsibility, or consider moving to the next level earlier than expected. If you find that you're still unhappy or unfulfilled, have the courage to reassess your plan and move in a new direction. Successfully managing your career requires openness and flexibility.

Effectively managing your career is a lifelong process. By starting early and staying flexible, you can achieve a career that aligns with your personal and professional values.

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