A blueprint for career development, even if you just started your job, can help you professionally. It’s like having a roadmap or GPS when you are traveling but focused on career growth. Whether you are a new hire or feeling restless in your current position, having a blueprint or map is valuable.
There are several avenues to creating your career blueprint. By following some simple steps, you’ll soon be able to visualize your desired destination. Here are a few actions you can follow to get started.
First, you must know your core values.
Identifying your values helps you gauge your current or potential job satisfaction. These values are career related and play a vital role in your decision making. They are your guide as you navigate through life and have a big impact on your career. If you don’t know your core values or align them with your work, you’ll find it difficult to find job satisfaction.
How will you identify your core values?
All you need is a pen and paper or a note taking app on any gadget. TheBalanceCareers.com suggests listing your values and ranking them according to what’s most important to you.
Some core values:
- Helping
- Job security
- Compensation
- Leadership
- Recognition
- Creativity or the ability to express
Examples of core work values are almost endless.
Second, ask around.
When you ask people, especially those with expertise or years of experience, you will gain a broader understanding of your career. If you are currently thinking about a career change, ask for advice from those who have made a change. This can help you know what to expect and potential mistakes to avoid.
If you’re currently employed, think about approaching your manager for help. They can usually give insight into the potential for growth at your current company. They may also have advice about the particular career you’re considering. Asking questions is also a way to let them know you’re interested in future available opportunities.
Asking other professionals or people you admire most in your field can provide unique and useful information. Your perspective can be limited, so this is a great way to accurately gauge your options. Plus, your manager or others in your professional network have a more objective view of your skills and potential. Requesting input from others is a great place to start.
Third, choose SMART.
Determining your values and asking others can provide a clearer view on how to proceed. But making a plan and setting goals helps you generate a reliable road map for career development. SMART career goals provide realistic guidelines to prepare for a career that best suits you.
Perhaps an entry-level finance job is your starting point, but you want to be promoted to a higher position at some point. This requires a SMART goal. You might ask yourself these questions:
S – what do I want to accomplish? Does this make sense for me personally?
M – what is my means to measure progress along the way?
A – can I achieve this?
R – is this realistic or how can I make it realistic?
T – what is my time limit or general deadline for this?
Once you have answered these questions, you’ll have a better idea of how to proceed.
Fourth, know your transferable skills.
Jumping into a new job or career can seem like starting at zero. However, it’s beneficial to identify skills that can transfer from one job to another. Everyday tasks that may seem mundane or useless can often be linked to a transferable skill. Think about your strengths as an employee. Attention to detail or time management could be a crucial skill. This is another situation in which asking your current manager or previous coworkers is helpful. Every task and responsibility contributes to your skills in some way. Identify your transferable skills and increase your employability.
Fifth, the final step:
Taking the above actions makes it easier to pinpoint where you are, where you want to go, and how to start your journey. With these tips, it’s easier to navigate your career potential and growth. Create a functional resume from all the points you read here. A better formatted resume that clearly shows your capability can get you that interview you need.
Creating your career blueprint helps you stay on track, meet your goals, and fulfill your career dreams. Starting it out with these steps can really help your career journey whether you’re starting it or changing it.
