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Remember when you wore your toga, marched to the stage and probably
in the end of the ceremony, tossed your hat into the air? Every
professional must have own memories of his graduation day—the time
when we were full of dreams and enthusiasm to pursue our goals. It
is the time when we were taught that graduation is not the end, but
the beginning of a more challenging role outside the academe.
The newness of the business environment may
bring about anxiety to a fresh graduate. Nevertheless, above that is
the excitement towards getting a job and being able to utilize his
talent and skills, not to mention the compensation that he will
receive in return. Looking back, perhaps then, as a fresh graduate,
you were sure of the path you would want to take and knew in
yourself the type of job you wanted to get into. Until, after
working in the industry and for the company you chose, you felt you
wanted something better or possibly, different. Then the urge to
contemplate about either quitting your current work for another or
trying another field turned up.
To some, it may happen early on in their career
lives. But often, the itch to ponder about your career usually comes
years after graduation when you see that work does not satisfy you
anymore whether personally, emotionally or financially. It must
be time to review your career goals, and revamp your personal career
plan.
Career planning involves one’s career choice
and the process from getting the job to growing in the job or maybe
shifting career direction. How do you make a career plan? Make a
reassessment of yourself. Five, 10, or more years after college
graduation, your dreams might remain the same but your priorities,
needs and motivations could have changed. Gather as much information
from yourself. Discern factors from your present and previous jobs
such as aspects of the work that you like or dislike and skills that
you have developed through experience. Include the personal time and
commitment that you are willing to devote for career advancement.
Explore the possibilities. Even when you don’t
intend to leave your present employer or line of business, it
doesn’t hurt to do a little research on the labor market. Knowing
more about your industry will provide ideas for advancement while
gaining information on the industry you are interested in will
present career alternatives. One way is to talk to individuals
working in the field you are attracted to as they can give you more
realistic information. Ask the person to give you an honest
assessment of the job—the perks and the drawbacks, and then weigh
them.
Develop your plan of action. Think of how you
are going to attain your renewed objectives. If you have decided on
quitting from your present job, you can come up with a job search
strategy that will allow you to gather valuable information about
the company you are eyeing. Prepare for job interviews in such a way
that you will learn to throw not only the appropriate answers but
also the right questions to your interviewer. You wouldn’t want to
leave your present job and transfer to another company only to quit
again after a few months of stay. Consider your priorities. For
instance, if the distance of the company’s office from your
residence is a non-issue when you were still single, it could be a
factor now that you are married with children.
Acquiring additional learning is another option
you can take. Investigate on sources of training and adult
education. Same thing, examine how much money and time you are
required and willing to invest in pursuing additional learning.
Doing career reflections will aid you in coming
up with a better decision as you move on in your professional life.
The information you gathered about yourself will be your tool in
exploring opportunities while the plan that you developed will guide
you into the directions you want to go to.
However, keep in mind that the success of your
plan will depend on how committed you are in pursuing it. Expect
that there will be bumps along the way. Prepare to make little
sacrifices. Learn to be flexible. Every so often, review your career
plan and if once again, you feel the need to reassess it, do so. As
long as there is work, there is hope.
Jayjay Viray is the country manager of JobsDB
Phils, Inc. Log on to www.jobsdb.com.ph for job opportunities. For
feedback, e-mail feedback@jobsdb.com.ph.
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