New Year's Resolution
It's December! In one month, we'll be trying to remember to write 2014 on our checks (if you still write checks). We'll be focused on making 2014 a great year - and keeping our 'newly committed to' resolutions. Weight loss; exercise; volunteering more . . . . . . common areas for our plans.
Let's add a category - Career Development
When we interview candidates, we commonly ask about current (and/or recent) career development activities. This is not a question we ask for fun - it is important to our clients that they hire people committed to their career success. Our clients want people who are up-to-date in their field.
Is being an 'avid reader' enough?
When we ask people about their education/career development beyond their degree (often completed long ago), hearing that people are avid readers of professional association e-mail updates is the most common response. While we all do that (if you are a member of any group, your in-box is full almost constantly), it does not set people apart.
Career Resiliency
Many years ago, the Harvard Business Review came out with an article and definition of the term Career Resiliency. The definition had four key elements:
- Continuous learning
- Keeping pace with change
- Taking responsibility for your own career management
- Being committed to the organization's success
This definition can still be applied today . . . . . let's add a few more key items for your 2014 plans.
- "One-A-Day®" - more than just a vitamin, you should do something to push your career forward daily. The reading of e-mails (being an 'avid reader') may be the answer here.
- Be passionate/get involved - join a professional association AND plan on attending a program at least quarterly (more often if possible). Most programs are an hour or two - and a great way to learn and network.
- Be comfortable with change - work to assure you are up-to-date in the latest technology in your field. We all talk about people who are not the fastest to adopt new ways of doing things. Make sure you are not the one talked about.
- Stay in school - no, you do not need to pursue another degree (although that is not a bad idea). Take a class; sign up for a webinar. Attend a workshop in your career field. Once or twice a year would be a great investment. It is also likely that your company will pay for it. Either way, the time and/or money is an investment.
- Stay in touch - we do most of our work with and through people. The busier we get, the more likely we are to eat at our desk AND not attend programs. Connect with people - and learn from and with them.