December 15, 2011 2:00 AM
Article from The Sea Coast Online
The New Year often begins with thoughts of renewal. 2011 has been a difficult year economically. Companies have been battered and so have their employees. Many individuals are feeling out of control — in their job and in their lives.
While mere survival may be what motivates you now, it is not a positive long-term strategy. Now is the time to focus on your career. Too often, career takes a back seat to everything else. Employees often cede control of it to their company or boss. This is a mistake.
You must manage your own career and during tough economic times it becomes even more important. So what should you do?
What does it mean to manage your career? What steps should you be taking?
1. Take a close look at your career. Ask yourself is that what you really want to do for the rest of your life? Would you be happier doing something different? So often when I ask individuals how they got into their current career, they respond with a shrug of their shoulders or relay a story about how they took a job a long time ago and it evolved over time to what they are doing now. Though common, this is hardly a career plan.
2. Take stock of your skills, education and experience. Make sure your skills are up to date. Take the time to undergo a self-assessment. Regularly take courses and attend workshops. If your company will not support these initiatives financially, pay for them yourself. What better thing to invest in than yourself? And with improved skills, you become more valuable to your current employer.
3. Update your resume. Begin by making a list of your accomplishments and contributions to your company's bottom line. Include your skills and education. Your resume should showcase your talent. It is the best method to self-market your skills. Anyone who is reading your resume should instantly know what you can do for them. Remember, employers are not interested in individuals who can simply perform tasks. Employers hire and pay for individuals who can achieve results. Show it to your boss at review time or when seeking a promotion or raise.
4. Join professional associations. Associations, trade groups, chambers of commerce are excellent vehicles for learning new things and making new contacts. Now is not the time to be a well-kept secret.
5. Network, network, network. Getting out, talking to people is critical to your career. Knowing who to call with a question, to help solve a business problem, or to simply exchange ideas, is the power of networking. And if you should ever need to conduct a job search, you are more likely to find a job amongst your network than through the help wanted pages.
6. Plan for a second career. So often I hear how people dream that one day they would like to do something different. To make your dream a reality, you need to prepare now. Develop a long-range plan and begin pursuing it. Time has a way of getting away from you. Make this a New Year's resolution.
Managing your career makes you a more valuable employee now and prepares you for the future. A well-managed career will give you confidence, clarity and peace of mind. Begin the process today. Make the New Year your year.
Rick Dacri is a workforce expert, management consultant, and author of the book "Uncomplicating Management: Focus On Your Stars & Your Company Will Soar." Since 1995 his firm, Dacri & Associates has helped organizations improve individual and organizational performance. He can be reached at rick@dacri.com and www.dacri.com. Readers are encouraged to send comments, questions and ideas for future articles to Dacri at rick@dacri.com.
Article from The Sea Coast Online