Blog Post: Taking the Reins of Your Career

Last year, when I was let go from my job, I was given the opportunity to work with a career transition coach so I could land a new job.  The coach spoke of career transition in steps -- research (both myself and prospective companies), crafting the resume, interviewing, negotiating, and, finally, landing.  It was the last stage that caught my ear -- what to do when one lands the job.  I mean, besides not Tweeting my displeasure about the commute, they spoke of maintaining an Accomplishments Log (the better to proclaim your achievements to your new boss), and of continually maintaining your network.

This sparked a discussion within ASTD-OC's Career Management Special Interest Group (SIG) leadership.  Often, when we think of Career Management, we think of dusting off that resume, activating the network, figuring out which tie to wear to the next interview.  My career transition coach convinced me that career management is an ongoing process. One's resume should never get that fine patina of dust associated with career complacency. One's network should always be active.

Petti van Rekom, Ed.D., CPT, thinks that career management should even be more than that.  "The workplace has changed. Your job expectations have also changed.  Therefore, the biggest mistake you can make is to believe that you work for someone else. You need to take control of your career and recognize that you are Self-Employed," she shares.
 
"Whether you work inside an organization or for yourself, you’re the leader of your life.  Finding financial security, job satisfaction, meaningful work, etc. – is an ongoing journey, not a destination.  As such, you need a travel (i.e. career) plan that allows for detours and unexpected situations."

With that spirit of career management, we've invited Petti to speak at our October Career Management SIG meeting.  This kick-off meeting, held in Santa Ana on October 6, is titled: "Launching  Your Business."  We'll discuss the components of a self-employment (i.e. career) plan, focusing on your personal work expectations. Resources you can use to put together your plan will be suggested.  You’ll have the opportunity to assess what you like and don’t like about your current workplace – and discover your work preferences.

Some of this sounds very similar to the career coaching I received at the end of my previous job.  It will be refreshing to have a similar discussion while employed, an eye-opener to taking the reins of our career.