Career Development: Take Control

Summary of Issue

The development and control of your career and the direction it goes is in your hands. Yes, there are other people that have an influence on your career; such as, your boss, family and even friends. The work environment has changed dramatically over the last few decades and rapidly since the early 90’s. According to the author, Meg Wilson, “the entire scope of the environment has changed and will continue to do so. The result is increased emphasis for you to manage your own career development” (Wilson, 2000). The introduction of the internet and e-commerce has created a whole new area that 10 years ago wasn’t even thought of.

Ms Wilson states, career management is an ongoing process and involves a three phase approach that are continually in cycle (Wilson, 2000). The first step is assessment. This step involves taking a look at your current job and deciding if this is right for you. It is a wise idea to consult people you trust and whose advise you respect to provide honest feedback into your strengths and weaknesses. I certainly wouldn’t overlook my boss and ask for his opinion in how you are doing on the job. Knowing what you want and your abilities to attain them is crucial in moving to the next phase.

The planning phase can be the longest and most drawn out. This phase involves exploring what options you have. One of the keys to this phase is brainstorming ideas, writing everything you think of on paper to get to a decision and an action plan. You must be able to answer who, what, where, when, why and then especially the how to achieve your goal. This phase can be short, say one week to over a year or even longer.

The final phase is action. This phase is no more than implementing the action plan that you developed in phase two. Of course, even the best laid plans may go astray and you’ll need to adjust and review. Career management should never end but continue to be explored. The days of working for a company from high school or...