So you have absorbed and worked on our first top tips but what is next? Read on to find out how to develop that strategic career plan further.
1. Create a Development Plan
Having reviewed the market and your own contacts what are the pathways that people have taken to reach the roles that they are in now? What development have they completed? This may not necessarily be qualifications but could be by gaining visibility of an industry through some voluntary work or by work shadowing a colleague in another area. Tap into different resources for funding such as the ILA Account through Skills Development Scotland(1). They are currently replacing the existing scheme with something different which should go live in October of this year - call to find out more information or contact Volunteer Scotland for voluntary positions - there are a wide variety of roles available(2)
2. Define Practice Opportunities
It is all very well to create a plan but you need to make it happen. What can you do to keep yourself motivated when the ardour of the first phase of enthusiasm is starting to subside. Ask people for opportunities for you to start using your new found skills - perhaps it is presenting at a team meeting or creating a spreadsheet to keep track of finances. What can you do to learn your skills and then practice them. Who can you involve in your plan?
3. Engage a Mentor
Perhaps considering a mentor to meet with you on a monthly basis would help - someone to bounce ideas off of and keep that momentum going. It could be a person that you know that has a career that you would really like to have - apart from giving advice they may also be able to introduce you to other people that may be able to help you in your quest. By showing your mentor your development plan and progress it will illustrate just how serious you are in attaining your career amibitions.
4. Keep communicating
Last time we talked about your network and the power that has. However, a lot of people take the time to develop their linked in profile and then do little with it afterwards. Any company is interested in how candidates develop their skills and make progress so by regularly updating your social network and immediate contacts around you is only going to be a benefit. Development, change, progression, strategy are all competences that are highlighted in job descriptions . What have you done to develop and strategically work on your skills to meet the demands of the market place in the future?
We wish you every success in the future and tap into our blog next week on the benefits of volunteering.
Think different, be different.
[1]https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/funding
[2] http://www.volunteerscotland.net