Even if you are not currently looking for a job, there are
four things you should still do!
It is good if you are not looking out for a job change.
Reasons could be different - things are going on fine at work and you are happy
OR you have a contractual agreement OR you just recently joined. Day to day work
challenges take up all time and keep you busy. But remember things could change
any moment. Your boss could change, your company could relocate and close the
office you are working in, you may be laid off if you are the most junior
member of the team. In that case, are you prepared for the next move? There are
things you should still do even if you have no plans to change job: Plan –
Learn – Attempt – Network (P-L-A-N)
PLAN
Plan your career. What would you like to do 3 to 5 years
down the line? What are your next career move options? Remember – this is not
just about job title; it is about the role. It should not just be one option –
you should rather consider multiple job roles or options. Broaden your horizon
- consider options within your company, competing companies and even within
different industry verticals. You can also consider prioritizing your career
options – Plan A – Plan B – Plan C. Planning will give you an idea about the Knowledge,
Skills & Abilities (KSA) that you need to acquire for a progressive career
move.
LEARN
Once you are clear about your next plans, invest time in
learning and improving on the KSAs required for the next move. Formal education
or certification is good but learning need not necessarily be limited to formal
education. Learn as much as you can by participating in new initiatives /
projects or being part of knowledge sharing forums or interacting with people
who are handling your target roles etc.
ATTEMPT
Attempt to be what you want to be. For example, if you want
to be a team manager in future – then volunteer to mentor or train a new
colleague. Yes, I know - it is not your job to train him/her – but take the
initiative and do it. Do you want to move from telesales to sales – do it – start
accompanying the sales team. Take up any initiative which will give you
experience / exposure to your target role. These kind of initiatives combined
with learning will help you prepare for the next career move.
NETWORK
Network with the right people; those who are handling roles
similar to your target role with the aim of learning, knowing, and having more exposure
to the role, challenges, and requirements of your target role. The quality of
your network is what matters. The insight you get from interacting with those
who are successfully handling your target role is like an internship! So, keep
doing it.
P-L-A-N is not just to get promoted within your company or
to find a better job elsewhere. It is a way of work life – a way to prevent
career stagnation, a way to steer not just float, a way to experience job
satisfaction. What do you think? Let me
know!
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