The Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw once said, “The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.” That certainly holds true when you are planning your career and its development. Here are four steps you can take for planning the upcoming months, so you can develop and realize your career goals!

Step 1: Decide what motivates you.

When thinking about work, think about how your personal values can align with a career. The effort, commitment and motivation you’ll bring to a job is usually in direct proportion to the values you see in it. What are you seeking in a job? Here are some common values, also known as motivators:

  • Independence. The ability to work alone, make your own decisions, plan your own work.
  • Helping. Helping, advising or caring for others.
  • Risk-Taking, or a sense of excitement, adventure and challenge.
  • Variety, or change and diversity in your assignments, contacts or location.
  • Prestige. The status, recognition and importance of a job.
  • Leadership. 
  • Team Membership. 
  • Advancement. Promotion, career progression and upward mobility.
  • Financial Benefits. The material rewards that ensure a comfortable lifestyle.
  • Security. Stability of employment and income.
  • Artistic Creativity.

Step 2: Analyze your strengths and weaknesses.

Be honest with yourself. Look at your current job or your job history and figure out where you excel. What skills have allowed you to shine in previous jobs? What tasks or responsibilities do you find most difficult?

Step 3: Know what you bring to the table.

Once you’ve analyzed your values, your motivators and your strengths and weaknesses, you can recognize your comparative advantage—something that you do very well, compared with the people around you, or a quality unique to you that will add value to an organization. If you’re finding this step difficult, think back to previous performance reviews. What skills, traits or successes have you been praised for?

Step 4: Identify possibilities.

Are there opportunities for growth and advancement in your current organization? In your current industry? Where can you go to make the most of your career? Your organization may offer training or development courses, tuition reimbursement, or the ability to attend trade shows or conferences that might help you identify opportunities.

Still not sure of your next step? Call Staffers! We’re ready and willing to help you start planning in order to find the next great opportunity along your career path.

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