Defining Your Goals

Several of the people we have worked with over the past six years have described their goals as "finish my degree, join a large, stable company and remain with this company until I retire." Unfortunately, this career path has become nearly extinct.

According to current employment statistics, the average employee will hold seven to ten different jobs during their professional career. The average time that a professional will spend in a specific job (either at the same company or with a new employer) is between three and five years. Since employment security does not exist (most positions are defined as "at will"), it is thus important to remember these statistics as you plan and manage your career.

The Random House Dictionary of the English Language defines career as "1. progress or general course of action of a person through life, or through some phase of life, as in some profession or undertaking, some moral or intellectual action, etc. 2. an occupation or profession, esp. one requiring special training, followed as one's life-work." This definition highlights two related parts of a career; training (or skills) and jobs (the application of those skills). Effective career management thus requires that a portion of every job be dedicated to strengthening and broadening your skills.

Given the fluid nature of both the industry and the general job market, the key factor in career development for both employer and employee is flexibility. Corporations are continually in need of highly skilled people, however, corporate goals are rapidly evolving in response to a changing business market. Thus, corporations need employees who have depth in their particular discipline and the breadth to work outside of their areas of specialization. Since employment rates dictate that this is a "employers" market, it is wise to keep these factors in mind during all phases of one's career development.

There are also two caveats to the job search. On occasion, an individual will find that they have made a poor choice of positions. If this is the case, spend the time in the job learning as much as you can while you objectively search for a new position that will advance your career. Leaving only to escape an unpleasant working environment will probably lead to another mistake.

Before you begin looking at new opportunities, be sure that you include your partner in any discussions about relocation. We have worked with several individuals who have interviewed, become excited about the opportunity, received an offer, and returned to look for housing only to learn that their partner was opposed to the move. We have even heard of cases where an individual has accepted a position only to find that their partner would not move. Needless to say, the company does not appreciate the time and expense that it has incurred in these situations. Companies also have long memories once they have encountered problem candidates.





   



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