The term career management isn't often used by industry professionals because for most of us it means nothing in specific. In the minds of the majority of people, it is just a term describing how you choose and influence your own career. While that is true, there is so much more to it than just choosing and influencing. Career management is a complex process and if utilized wisely can significantly help one achieve long-term success. But before we go into details of career management let us first define this important process...
About Career Management
Before defining career management, we should define what management is and then apply this meaning to the career field. Management can be defined as coordinated efforts to achieve specific goals efficiently using resources. It also includes planning, leading, controlling the process of the aforementioned efforts. When you add the word career to this definition it becomes clear that career management is nothing else but planned actions to achieve specific career goals efficiently using professional experience, skills, and qualifications... It is no surprise that in order to achieve success one must invest some effort into it. Without any career management plan, you will find yourself floating along what seems the easiest way. So it is either you managing your career or your jobs dictate you the way. Both job seekers and those currently employed should understanding that career management is in no way a one-time event. It is a lifelong process that requires diligent efforts and time.
Most people don't think it is important until they realize they are in trouble. It is much more effective if you start thinking about managing your career before you actually start working for a company. It is always easier to prevent problems than to fix them at a later stage. Another thing one has to keep in mind that it is an active process. Active engagement starts with making some decisions about what your career should look like and how you can achieve it. We recommend starting with establishing specific career goals. Without understanding where you are going, you will never be able to know whether you came to the point where you wanted to be.
The next step would be to identify the means of achieving those goals and to monitor the progress. It gives a focus on what is really important helping you to be engaged in things that can help you achieve success. Sometimes it takes course correction because the expectations might grow as well as the goals might change. So one may also be in the business of adjusting goals to the environment and circumstances, which can also open new opportunities and destinations.
