How Employees Can Take an Active Approach to Career Development

Your greatest asset for career development could very well be the people around you. By talking with your peers and taking an honest, proactive approach to career development, you can continue to find your way and make valuable connections.

For some folks in corporate environments, it seems like there is no clear path to the top. Once you have secured a position at your company and found your niche, finding the next foothold for your career can be tricky. Fortunately, your greatest asset for career development could very well be the people around you. By talking with your peers and taking an honest, proactive approach to career development, you can continue to find your way and make valuable connections.

Seek Out Colleagues Who Are Changing Roles

If you are unsure about the next steps for your career, look within your organization for colleagues who are changing roles. Doing so both directs your attention to vacant positions and allows you to discuss what those roles are like with folks who have occupied them. The next time someone changes roles on your team, sit down with them and ask about their experiences. You may discover a position that is incredibly interesting to you, or you might find that an opportunity you once relished is actually not all that it seems. Either way, narrowing down your potential next steps can help you focus your research and planning efforts.

Consider Your Strengths and Areas of Improvement

Once you have a rough idea of the roles within your company that you might be interested in, take a look inward. Assess your strengths and weaknesses and consider ways that you should work to improve. You should not only strive to hone the skills that others in your industry possess, but you should also consider some of the ways to use your more uncommon areas of knowledge to your benefit. Lifelong learning is valuable in any industry, so focus on learning new skills and honing old ones to make yourself a more valuable and well-rounded candidate and employee.

Have an Honest Chat With Friendly Supervisors

Are you on excellent terms with your boss? If so, weigh the possibility of having a frank conversation with them about career development. The higher-ups on your team will have a greater understanding of the benefits, drawbacks, and requirements of the roles at your company. They may even have some unexpected recommendations for positions to pursue. If your immediate supervisor is not approachable, consider talking with more senior colleagues in other departments. The wisdom they share can be valuable, and you just might be on the right track to forging a strong networking connection.

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Lewis-Price is an SBA 8(a) certified staffing company committed to providing solutions to our clients and teaming partners alike. We staff diverse, engaged leaders in IT, cybersecurity, program management, training and other high-demand areas. We value integrity and intention. We provide engaged professionals ready to join your team. To learn more about our staffing solutions, please contact us at (703)727-9182. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.