Creating a Professional Development Plan to Keep Your Career Moving Forward!
Whether you’re working toward a promotion within your company or looking to further your career by switching employers, creating an action plan and timeline is a sure way to help you reach your goals. But how do you start putting that plan in motion? This week Wise Precision Business Consulting outlines the four steps you should take so you can pursue your professional objectives and reach the top.
Design a Career Plan
Where do you see yourself two, five, and ten years from now? Write down your career goals, create a timeline outlining when you’d ideally like to reach each one, and figure out the steps needed to achieve that milestone. Talk to your manager or supervisor, and get their input and advice on how to reach those career goals.
They may advise you to consider a lateral move within the company in order to broaden your industry knowledge before promoting you to a higher position or have you sign up for a training program (either within the company or led by a school or university) that will teach you the skills you need to climb the corporate ladder. As months and years go by and you reach your milestones, don’t forget to review your goals and adjust your timeline as needed.
Complete a Professional Development Course
Continuing education and career training will help you keep your skills up-to-date and your career goals on track. Furthermore, upskilling, learning new technologies, and keeping up with the latest industry trends can make your current position more challenging and interesting, leading to greater job satisfaction. Consider enrolling in online classes to further your professional development. Self-paced, online classes are ideal when you’re juggling career and family.
Join a Professional Association
Professional associations are designed to benefit people working in a particular field or industry. When you join a professional association, you have access to networking opportunities and support from other professionals in your line of business. Membership in a PA is invaluable when you’re just starting out and looking for advice, trying to find new clients, or looking for business partners to get a new venture off the ground.
And once you’re more firmly established in your field, think about becoming a mentor and giving back by sharing your knowledge with new members. You’ll gain credibility and show yourself as a dedicated professional, passionate about your industry and its people.
Write a Professional Résumé
Highlight all your skills and accomplishments with an eye-catching résumé. Some résumé builders even help you create a cover page, and that attention to detail will land you interviews with top recruiters in your field. Make sure your professional résumé passes the test of the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that most recruiters use as they sift through job applications, and optimize your chances of getting an interview by using the right keywords to describe your skills and qualifications.
Start a Business
When you are starting a new company, one of the most important aspects to consider is writing a business plan. There are several key elements that should be included in any good business plan, such as financial projections and how you’ll market your products or services and structure your business.
Also, you’ll need to designate a registered agent who can serve as your business’s point person for the government, tax agencies, and law firms. It’s a good idea to review the LLC Registered Agent requirements and make sure you’re in compliance.
Last but not least, you’ll need to consider startup capital. While there are many different avenues to explore, one of the most popular is to get a loan from a financial institution. To increase your chances of getting approved, it's essential that you have a good credit report. This will show lenders that you are responsible with money and likely to repay any loans that you take out.
Keep your career moving forward by planning ahead. Complete a professional development course, join a professional association, write a compelling résumé highlighting your skills and knowledge, and even start your own business.
Become a leader in your field, and enjoy greater job satisfaction.
Wise Precision Business Consulting guides retail executives toward a more robust bottom line, streamlined operational efficiency and heightened customer satisfaction! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions info@wiseconsulting.biz
We want to thank Aaron Mead for guest writing this article for our website. He is helping prepare young adults for the changing job market!
Aaron Mead has an important mission: to help young people prepare for successful careers in today’s tough job market.
Aaron helps develop lesson plans and other educational resources, all geared toward helping job seekers build the skills needed to excel in any workplace.
Contact Aaron Mead at amead@readyjob.org if you would like more information or visit his website Here!