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Do you have a well defined career path? Many of us do not. When your career path is not defnied the tendency is to start off-roading. While off-roading is unpredictable and bumpy - it can be fun and you can still get where you are going (sometimes faster) while learning a lot. Here are some tips on what you can do when your career path is not defined:
Take Ownership Of Your Career
- Don’t sit back and wait for someone to define your career path, this is your job. Managers can help you identify areas that could be a fit for you.
- If someone is already in the role that you want, don’t give up on learning more about it. Tell them and your manager that you have an interest in this area and would like to learn more. Offer up your assistance if they need help at anytime. If you do offer assistance, remember they may ask for your help even if you are busy. Take what ever you can get, even if you are too busy. This will give you the opportunity to try something new to see if you like it.
- What are you good at? Identify what you are good at and excel at it. Read about it, learn trends and sharpen your skill.
Keep An Open Mind
- Take on every new opportunity that comes your way – especially if your manager asks you to take it on. Have
some blind faith and keep an open mind. The new opportunity may be a perfect fit. If not, at least you know this is an area you do not want to pursue. You may be surprised. This may end up being something you are good at and really enjoy. - Be open to constructive criticism. Listen to the feedback provided by others, even if you disagree with it.
- Talk with your supervisor about your interests.
- Be a mentor – or ask to be assigned a mentor.
Challenge And Continually Reinvent Yourself
- Take an honest look at your skills set. Does the inventory of your skills match was you would like to do?
- Learn a new skill and become a subject matter expert. Research and find others with this skill set. Besides the talent in your department, find others with this talent on Twitter and Linked In. Connect and follow them. What are they reading? Do they have a blog?
- Stay relevant – continue to learn new trends. A great way to stay relevant and reinvent yourself is through social media. If you are not familiar with using social media, I highly recommend this Social Media 101 post from Trish McFarlane.
- If you work alone or in a small department that does not have other people to learn from, social media is a great way to find other people with similar interests. Establish a relationship and ask for advice.
Remember, you can still be successful without a clear defined career path. Keep a great attitude, have fun and get ready to learn.
