Looking to climb up the corporate ladder? It’s time to examine your professional progress. Long-term benefits can result from being able to zoom out and assess where you are in your overall career trajectory.
Are you making the right career decisions? Do you currently (or in the future) have opportunities for growth? Are you in a setting that supports your professional objectives?
These are just some of the questions you should be asking. With this in mind, here are five strategies that can help you evaluate your career development.
1. Determine where you are in the organisational chart
An organisational chart helps you understand a company’s hierarchy, allowing you to define your current role and its importance. In a nutshell, the position above you represents the immediate next step of your profession, while the positions above THAT serve as long-term goals.
As such, this chart can help map out the subsequent stages of your career. Access to it may vary by company, but asking your manager or supervisor can signal your interest in career development.
2. Talk to your manager about your career path
Managers have significant influence over career progression, as they are the ones who assign tasks, evaluate performance, and provide guidance. They can potentially promote you to a higher position.
Before a promotion can be granted, however, it’s essential to discuss your desired next step. Both you and your superior should understand what is required to achieve your goals.
Informing your manager of your desire for career growth can improve organisational performance, as bosses appreciate motivated workers who utilise company resources to achieve their goals.
3. Assess your skills, strengths and weaknesses
Discuss upskilling plans with your manager. Identify the necessary abilities and knowledge needed for your next step; evaluate your strengths, areas for improvement, and passions.
Consider available training courses within or outside the organisation to accelerate your career progression. Evaluate the feasibility of training in your current work situation and how it affects your projects and deadlines.
Discuss this with your supervisor to ensure a suitable training schedule within your work week. This will help you stay on track with your goals.
4. Use measurable standards to evaluate progression
It’s essential to regularly check in with your manager to discuss your progress and identify areas for improvement. Key performance indicators (KPIs) can be used to evaluate your performance and determine your readiness for higher roles.
Clear, defined metrics provide a more objective and quantifiable view of your career development.
5. Accept more difficult tasks
Finally, put your skills to the test and take on challenges. Experience is the best teacher, so ask your supervisor for tougher tasks, and volunteer for bigger projects.
Your willingness to take on greater responsibilities and face challenges indicates a growth mindset. Realising your career path requires preparation, assessment, and courage; so always be guided by a clear sense of direction and passion, regardless of where you are on your professional journey.
This article was originally written by Hanis Izzatul for jobstore.com, an online job site that specialises in providing jobseekers with the latest job opportunities by matching talented individuals with reputable companies in Malaysia. Find your dream job with over 40,000 job vacancies in Malaysia.