In these times of maximum change with many of us experiencing up to five or more careers in our working life-time, it is even more important that we manage our own career. The following tips for strategic career management will ensure that you are both marketable and fulfilled in the work you do.
 
1. Think like a business owner – even if you work for someone else!
You can no longer count on your employer to manage your career for you – you must do it! What problems or needs can you solve? Anticipate trends and needs, and act accordingly. Think always of where you can add value to your organizations business and services. By contributing more value, more opportunities will come your way and of course you will get a great reference – which is absolutely critical for your next step.

2. Build your career capital.
Kerr Inkson of Massey University suggests we should all become “career capitalists” – creating out own career security through continual investment and development of our career capital –through building our skills, knowledge and contacts. What is your R&D strategy for future skills development?
 
3. Nurture your network.
Have lunch with someone you know professionally at least once a month. Keep your name on the “radar screen” so that you can immediately tap that network if you are facing redundancy or wish to change jobs – and can return the favour for them! 25% of us will change jobs each year, so it’s just a question of time when your turn is up!
 
4. Learn a new skill.
If you haven’t learned a new skill – job-related or not! – in the past year, it’s time. We live in an era of lifelong learning, and if you don’t keep your skills fresh you not only lose marketability – the challenge and fun of your job evaporates into the staleness of daily routine.
 
5. Find ways to be more valuable, even in your existing job.
Take on a new project, head a committee to plan the company picnic, or set up information-gathering meetings with people in other parts of the company to learn more about what they do.
 
6. Demonstrate your value proactively when annual review time comes.
Rather than relying on vague statements about feeling like you’ve improved over the past 12 months, keep a record (file, folder, or computer document) of your accomplishments during the year. You can use these both to support a request for a promotion or raise at annual review AND to keep your resume current in case a new job opportunity comes along.
 
7. Keep yourself current on trends in your company and industry.
Do you know the top 10 companies in your field? Where the new products or services are headed? Do you regularly read your industry publications? This knowledge will make you more valuable to your existing employer, enable you to challenge yourself with new assignments, and facilitate a transition when you need to make one.
 
8. If you’re seeking a new job now, don’t limit yourself to the published (or advertised) market!
Develop a network that goes outside your existing industry or profession, and don’t be afraid to ask people for help. But be specific: “Who do you know that I should be talking to? This is my goal…” is a great approach.
 
9. Keep your resume up to date.
See secret number 6 above for tips on this.
 
10. Decide where you want to be in 5 years – and start taking steps toward your goal.
“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll probably get there,” as the saying goes. If you could create your ideal life, begin living it right now and be where you’d love to be in 5 years, where would it be? 
 
If you would like assistance in maximising your career success, check out the Career Analysts website www.careeranalysts.co.nz  or call Career Analysts on 356 9758 for an information pack on career coaching. Ordo you want to be a career coach? Join our free newsletter at www.careeranlaysts.co.nz for more information.