What Is Career Management

What Is Career Management?
Career management is the lifelong process of investing resources to achieve your career goals. Career management is not a
singular event but a continuing process that is a necessity for adapting to the changing demands of the 21st Century economy.
Whether we are in the early phase of our work life or are a workforce veteran, we have probably heard the term career
management. We have also probably heard that in the future we need to be responsible for our careers. What we may not have
been told is what career management is and how we do it! Career management uses concepts similar to good financial
management. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that a disciplined investment, made on a regular basis, yields a greater
return. Although the tactics will vary, career management focuses on two key investment assets to manage throughout our
working years, our personal lifelong learning and our network of relationships.
Lifelong learning
It is often surprising to realize how much of our day-to-day work is now based around technology. Computers and other
scientific advancements have radically altered the way in which we conduct work. Even more amazing is the realization that
there are more scientists alive today than ever before and the projected rate of change will increase tenfold in our children's
lifetime. The ramifications of these advancements and innovations will ripple swiftly through the economy, obsolescing many
businesses and catapulting others into the limelight. How well we are able to adapt to these ongoing innovations will be directly
related to how current we keep our knowledge and skills. Consider how to vary your investments in time, energy and resources.
Examples might include: credentialed coursework (locally or through distance learning), topical courses for certificates, joining
cutting edge projects, attending conferences, or staying current in professional reading.
Network of Relationships
As we have moved to an information and service economy, relationships have become an increasingly critical asset. Not only
do our relationships help us accomplish our day-to-day tasks with colleagues, vendors, customers and competitors, these
relationships will be the source of information about how fields and industries are evolving. We also have relationships outside
of our work environments that may be affiliated with our hobbies, children, and spiritual or community networks. These personal
and professional relationships will transcend specific companies, industries and communities. How we interact, respond and
connect in all our relationships will impact our present performance and future opportunities. Very little is accomplished in
isolation. Networking uncovers more than 70% of current job openings.
Keeping connected and knowing how to build good relationships are more important than ever before. These skills can be
developed in applied communication courses, mastering contact management software, effective listening and genuine desire
to get to know people better.
Lifelong learning and relationship management form the backdrop of successful career management. Creating a vision and
plan are also essential to guiding informed investment decisions and establishing annual goals. The career vision we establish
should be broad enough to be flexible, but specific enough to be actionable. This career vision, built on a profile of our unique
traits, directs our choices to develop what we need to be satisfied and be able to successfully contribute in different work
environments over the years. To maintain our adaptability and employability, habitually establishing annual learning goals and
nurturing our relationships are the keys to productive career management.
6 Steps to Successful Career Management

In some respects building a successful career is no different from any other project. Clear goal setting, thorough
planning and effective execution are key ingredients in the recipe for success. Though expert advice can help you
with the process, in the end it is up to you to formulate objectives, develop a plan, and follow through to realize your
career goals. While you may enjoy your share of luck, success seldom falls in your lap. Furthermore, if you ignore the
basic principles of career management, an unexpected setback could badly damage your long-term prospects. Here
are six steps towards success in your career:
1. Take a good look at yourself. Understand your needs. What is important to you? What are you
passionate about? A career spans many years. It can be hard to maintain enthusiasm, excitement and energy
unless you believe in what you are doing. Look for the right balance in of career, earnings and fulfillment. Are
you aiming for the top or is family more important? What are your unique talents and abilities? It makes sense
to play to your strengths.
2. Research career options and prioritize. Discover what skills and experience various careers require
ahead of time. What is a good fit for you with your skill set?
3. Map a path from where you are to where you want to be. Think strategically and long-term about your
career. Don't place too much emphasis on compensation early on. It may be more important to develop the
skills and experience to "set you up." Your action plan should build upon your strengths and improve your
weaknesses. Establish firm bases for the future. If the platform is secure, you can usually survive a mistake or
setback.
4. Don't ignore ongoing training. Acquiring the additional skills, knowledge and education needed for your
new career is fundamental. Also consider getting some unique experience which will help differentiate you in
the market place.
5. Market yourself. Don't take an overly conservative or narrow view. Consider start-ups and smaller
organizations where you will get more responsibility. But always target companies that are excellent at what
they do, and that place importance on developing staff, particularly at the beginning of your career. Don't
forget to network! A well-developed list of professional contacts can open doors for you.
6. Seek ongoing career management. Continue to examine, evaluate and refine. The marketplace can
change quickly. Be prepared for unexpected opportunities as well as setbacks. Don't ignore the value of
mentors. Establish at least one quality mentor in the field you hope to pursue. Also, use advisors and experts
often. Their experience, advice and influence may prove invaluable.

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6 Steps to Successful Career Management

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