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I am often amazed at the number of people that I coach who do not have a clear career plan, some feel that they are not in charge of the development of their careers that they are at the mercy of their company; others just let things happen and become dissatisfied. I always advocate that each person should have a strategy where their career is concerned and be proactive in making it happen. This doesn’t mean planning ten years in advance but it does mean giving some thought to the elements involved in a successful career.

Those of us who are engaged in satisfying, challenging careers that fit with our goals, ambitions and personalities lead productive, fulfilling lives. A study carried out in the USA at the top three universities found that only 3% of students had written down their career goals and had determined specific dates when they would like to achieve these and in most cases how they were going to go about it. The same individuals were interviewed again ten years later and it was found that the 3% of students who had a career plan were in fact earning more income than the remaining 97% of students put together who had just let their careers take their course. The 3% also had a better lifestyle and more disposable time.

The way organisations work these days means that career planning needs careful thought and strategies and these need to be undertaken by the individual. Careers are shorter and more uncertain than ever and there is very little job security. Many people expect to hold a series of jobs or participate in a succession of contracts or project work during their career lifetime. Many individuals are looking to spread their risk and are creating a portfolio of income generating activities and full time employment with a single employer is only one of many options; others include contractual, consultative and interim arrangements not to mention part-time, flexi-time and job sharing options.

With the flattening out of management hierarchies and fewer jobs in companies’ major changes have occurred in the traditional career models within organisations. Traditionally the career path model was one of upward mobility and employees had the certainty of a structured path for advancement. Today employees are finding that promotional opportunities are fewer and that they have to stay in positions longer before being promoted. In the current workplace there is more emphasis on job rotation, multi-skilling and lateral promotions.

10 TOP TIPS FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT

1. Be passionate and energetic.

 Strive for something you want. Career advancement takes energy and there's nothing better for depleting motivation than working for something that you don't particularly enjoy. Successful careers are based on challenge and to move forward we must push into these new zones. Working towards a role you really want will increase the chance of success.

2. Are you the solution to the problem?

You must be seen as a solution to problems if you are to advance your career. Make it your business to know about the problems in your workplace. What are the causes? How are problems resolved and is this done effectively? What could you do to better solve these issues? A proactive approach in the workplace is crucial for career advancement.

3. Create a strategy and set some goals

Form a plan. You know where you want to go but how are you going to get there? It's unlikely you'll move forward purely on intention; you have to move forward with action. Talk to people who have moved into the job you would like. How did they move up? Create a plan of strategic steps to reach the same place. Then put it into action.

4. Spread the word

Don't hide your ambition and drive from colleagues and friends. Stating your career intentions will alter their perceptions of you and will probably gain you valuable support. If you don't say what you want then how will people know? And how are they going to help you get there? Within your existing company identify someone who could be your mentor and work with them to hone your skills and experience further.

5. Ask for new challenges and responsibility

Accepting and seeking new challenges is a technique that keeps your interest and energy high whilst telling your employers that you don't want to settle for always the same. Extra projects allow you to show off your skills as well as giving you additional experience t add to your skills portfolio.

6. Create powerful networks and winning partnerships

Relationships with others can be crucial in advancing careers and forging partnerships is the one thing we are all capable of doing. Who do you know that has the authority to find out what opportunities are out there? Who are the people making decisions about personnel and how can they hear about you and what you have done? Networking is a powerful and effective tool. If you want to move on, you must let people know about it.

7. Step outside the comfort zone

It is tempting to stay in our comfort zone. Maybe opportunity for advancement is limited. Perhaps we have to wait for the next promotion board for a chance to move up. Don't stagnate whilst waiting. Use the time effectively to build your case for advancement. Volunteer for boards, meetings or social groups. Maintain your presence to help build your future.

8. Keep your skills fresh

Will further training give you the edge? Will your department fund education? Qualifications are not the only route to career success. A clear and confident understanding of workplace policy, legislation or guidelines can be equally effective in offering solutions that can secure advancement. Keep your skills and experience current and portable, this will enable you to be flexible and attractive to employers within your field.

9. Promote effective leadership.

Advancement may or may not lead to people management but any upward move will require a demonstration of leadership. The higher you move, the more you will be required to communicate with a wider circle of colleagues. Don't wait to show your abilities. Effective guidance, advice and decision-making are all qualities of leadership.

10. Always take criticism constructively.
 
Persistence and resilience are highly rated by leaders in the public and private sector. Rejection or setbacks must be analysed and overcome to successfully advance a career. You must view these situations in a professional manner and learn what you can from them to try to move forward again.

So if you are looking for career advancement remember you must take a proactive approach and make it happen. Create a plan and execute the strategy you need to achieve it, don’t wait for it to happen by itself – you could be waiting a very long time!

Kerry Gibson

Bounce Career Coach

www.lifebounce.co.uk