Develop your career

In this article I will provide guidance and advice on how you can develop your career and achieve your goals. Do you want a job or a career?

Firstly, you need to identify your skills and what type of role you are good at and want you to do. If you don't know, it may take a bit of time and you may have to try different jobs and roles to find your way. For me, it took me 5 years doing various admin type roles before I tried investigations and that was 25 years ago. Therefore, some people will know what their career focus is at a earlier stage than others but each of us is different so there is no right or wrong answers. In addition, we all have different career aspirations and goals but only you can dictate the direction and here are a few pointers to assist you:-

Control your destiny

This is your career and livelihood so take ownership and drive your career and set your goals and targets. Where do you want to be in 5 or 10 years time and what are you doing about it to make it happen. Don't leave it with your line manager to drive as it is your responsibility and it is your career. Document your plans and how you will get there - what do you need to do to?

Personal Development Plan (PDP)

Make sure you have a documented PDP and list all activities that you need to do to grow your knowledge to help you on the path to better things. Activities could include formal training, bench-marking, job shadowing, secondment, presenting at conferences, achieving qualifications etc. Set timelines for activities to be completed and you are more likely to complete the PDP.

Review you role

Are you in the right job or role in your current organisation? If not, is it time for a change. Are there opportunities in the business that suit your aspirations? If not you need to speak to your line manager and discuss your career opportunities and objectives.

Mentoring

I always recommend that you should seek out a mentor - who do you admire as a good business leader that you look up to and it does not necessarily have to be someone in your own department. A mentor will provide honest constructive advice to point you in the right direction to ensure that you remain focused. Don't go it alone as it is easier to have support on your journey. Have regular formal 1 to 1 meetings and document the actions and activity that you need to undertake.

Stand-out from the crowd

If you want to get on and develop your career I always say to individuals - What makes you different to everyone else and why should you be given the opportunity? Is it your qualifications, experience, achievements or knowledge? You need to be different than other candidates to make you a better proposition for the role.

Expertise

Become an expert in your chosen career as you will be relied upon and called to educate others in the business and will provide you with positive exposure that will get you noticed. Put yourself forward for projects where you will take a lead role to demonstrate your leadership and ownership qualities.

Apply for jobs

If you do not apply for the job then you will not get the job. Even the interview experience will help you and ensure that you plan and prepare. Have numerous examples of achievements which can be used for the competency based interviews. Apply for jobs that you want to do even if the job is several grades higher as even if you do not get the job, you are putting your name out there and you will get noticed. You may even be offered another similar job to help you on your journey.

Behaviours

Overall, behave and act in a respectful and ethical manner at all times in all situations as you will earn a place as a person to do business with and you will get that opportunity.