“Planning your career development from the beginning of the year”
Every new year offers a valuable opportunity for reflection and renewal, and there's no better time to plan your career development. By setting clear objectives from the outset, you can establish a clear path for progress throughout the year.
Assess your skills and ambitions:
Start by reviewing the past year and thinking about your successes and areas for improvement. Get into the habit of writing down all your achievements and accomplishments, so that you don't forget them and can use them as a basis for discussions about your professional development journey. Make a self-assessment of your professional skills and ambitions. This clarity will help you define realistic objectives in line with your career development trajectory.
Set SMART objectives:
Adopt a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-defined) approach to formulating your goals. For example, instead of saying "I want a promotion", specify "I would like to be team leader by June".
Set up an Action Plan:
Break down your objectives into achievable, time-bound steps. Identify the skills you require, the training you need, the targets or Key Performance Indicators you need to reach, and the networks you need to develop. Having a concrete action plan makes your goals more reachable.
Remember Career Promotion Periods:
Be aware of crucial promotion dates and corporate initiatives to promote talent. Often, promotion decisions are made at well-defined times of the year, typically in July and January. Adapt your strategy accordingly by communicating your ambitions for career development to your Manager. This will enable you to position yourself in the development program and increase your chances of being considered among potential employees for future promotions.
Stay Flexible:
While planning is essential, remain open to adjustments. The professional world is constantly changing, and your plan needs to adapt accordingly. Be ready to grab new opportunities and adjust your goals along the way.
By planning your career development from the start of the year, you're investing in your future success. It gives a clear direction to your efforts and motivates you to reach new professional heights.
