Career Choice
So, the big question is… Did you choose your career, or did it choose YOU.
A little thought can give us the answer to that question. If we all chose our careers, we’d be a nation of ballerinas and train drivers’ right?
Seemingly ‘falling’ into our jobs is a common suggestion that many executive careerists will agree with
The Executive Update: in Adrift Employment Limbo: Finding Your Career Compass
But there are two very distinct trains of thought here. We can (and will) look at the options available to those just starting out on that executive career path. But isn’t it naive to think that even with the best will and planning in the world, life and economics get in the way of even the best laid career paths?
All kinds of circumstances prevail to keep us with the same company for many years, stepping our way up the ladder through loyalty and contentment, or indeed swapping one firm for another on a more regular basis. New businesses open, some close. People get married; have children, financial obligations for other family members or unseen events. All of these influence our working lives far more than a well thought out ‘career plan’ written at 21.
Career planning is a lifelong process, which includes choosing an occupation, getting a job, growing in our job, possibly changing careers, and eventually retiring. If those childhood dreams didn’t stop with one firm goal in mind, then there is a process one must go through in selecting an occupation. This may happen once in our lifetimes, but it is more likely to happen several times as we first define and then redefine ourselves and our goals.
A good place to start, whatever your age or experience, would be to take a long hard look inwards. If you are well into your working life and have made a brave decision to take a step back and enter a whole new sphere, you want to get it right second time. Gather information about yourself.)
Interests, Values, Roles, Skills/Aptitudes, Preferred Environments, Developmental Needs, Your realities.
Explore the occupations in which you would like to work, research the industries and assess the labour market. Gain a more specific insight by considering the following; Job shadowing , part time work, internships, or volunteer opportunities, written materials and informational interviews.
With all of this information to hand, you should then be able to identify possible occupations. You can then evaluate these occupations, explore alternatives and choose both a short term and a long term option.
Then it’s down to business; Investigating sources of additional training and education, if needed. Developing a job search strategy, writing your resume, gathering company information, composing cover letters and preparing for job interviews .
There is no better time than recession to take stock of our own life and career choices. Everyone deserves a second chance!
Burj Executives is an easy to use career tool that matches executives looking for their next job in Dubai and the Middle East.
