Career
Planning
Before you take your next career step, be sure you know
where you're headed. Map out your career and personal
goals, and make sure the two compliment, rather than
conflict, with each other. Working with a BLF consultant
will help you get there faster. Here's what you need to do:
First,
determine your long-term goals.
• Why are you in the field in which you are currently
working?
• Are your talents and personality traits being
utilized?
• Are continued professional education and training
priorities?
Think about the consequences
Don't make career decisions in isolation. Be sure that your
family is supportive of your choices. You'll be able to
move faster when an offer is made. And of course, consult
with your advisor.
Actively
manage your own career
Between where you are now and where you want to be is a
world of uncertainty. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Take the bull by the horns. Take control of your life. You
know where you want to go. Take action to get yourself
there.
Build
an effective personal career network
Word of mouth. It's not only an effective sales tool, it's
also an extremely effective networking tool. As a start,
identify and "work" your own career network. Include:
Friends
Co-workers (past and
present)
Professional colleagues
Suppliers or
customers
Consultants
Recruiters
Teachers
and classmates
• Actively maintain a fresh, current network roster
and cultivate your network.
• Reciprocate. Always be willing to give at least as
much as you take in the way of information, introductions
and referrals. It'll pay off in the long run.
• Don't wear out the welcome mat by calling too much.
• Remember, your professional references should be
part of that same network. Consider them the "crème de la
crème" and treat them accordingly.
Take a fresh look at your skills
Things change quickly in today's economy. Make sure your
skills are cutting-edge. Continually research career
enhancement opportunities in your industry through
associations or training organisations.