You need to become totally familiar with the overall picture of
your profession and the industry. Achieving this will help
you set and achieve your career goals.
To begin, you need to clearly define and examine your self, your
work experience and your expertise. Also, you need to decide
if you are interested in pursuing a lateral move, looking to
advance, or change careers. Ask yourself the following
questions:
Considering a Lateral Move or Career
Advancement
- What is it I really do?
- Does my current job title actually describe my profession?
- Will my profession sustain the changing marketplace or will it
become obsolete?
- How long do I have to work in my profession?
- What are the salary ranges of my profession?
- Is there additional training or education required or
recommended in my profession?
- Would I consider relocating?
Career Change
What would my ideal work be? What work environment do I
prefer?
What professions do they suggest?
What are my passions?
What professions do they suggest?
What comes naturally to me?
What professions do they suggest?
Whether you will remain in the same position, look to advance,
or change careers you need to know the latest developments relating
to the respective industry/field. There are ways for you to
gain information and knowledge about professional environments.
- Study the classified ads in newspapers and job postings on the
Internet. Find out what companies are in need of your
expertise.
- Read trade papers, trade journals and articles in local and
national papers and research websites. This information may
generate more questions and be used in your conversations.
- Develop sources with whom you could discuss your
findings.
- Network with professionals in your field and in professional
organizations. These are good sources to gather
information.
There are many factors that influence your profession, which you
need to be aware of and consider:
The Changing Job Market
Has this effected your profession? If so, how and will it
continue to be effected?
The job market has changed dramatically and will continue to
change. We are now competing in a global marketplace and
organizations have had to change to remain competitive.
Companies have to produce more with fewer individuals; therefore,
the workforce needs to be more flexible. Most companies are
cautious and conservative about adding to staff and increasing
current salaries. They are very selective in who they hire
which means the competition is tough. Name recognition is not
always a must. More new jobs are being created within small
companies; therefore you should explore these opportunities.
Big is not always better.
Technology
Technology has effected all professions in some way. New
skills will be expected of you and there is a need to remain
current. You need to know the impact technology has had on
your profession.