Editor’s Note: This is the final installment in a three-part series on career mapping, a system of evaluating your strengths, weaknesses and desires as you seek a new career. This installment examines the process of career mapping and what it can do for you. Make sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the series, also.
After examining your goals, personality, skills, wants and more for your career map, it’s now time to follow that plan.
As shown in the downloadable career map from the outstanding book “Career Mapping,” plotting your functions, former roles and competencies gives you a view of what you are able to do and what you have done. This section can inspire you to really evaluate that next career step. In turn, it will help give you direction to what might be best for you.
This is evident on the second page of the map as you begin to plan for a new career either in the same industry you are in now or in one you have longed to explore. No more dreaming about it; now is the time to put pen to paper and chart your future!
Where do you want to go? Well, the third page of the map helps you determine what companies you want to target. Please research the companies well before listing them. Will your role thrive there? What is the culture of the company? What is the growth potential there? What is the company hierarchy? How does the 401K plan look? What are employees saying about working there?
These questions and more can be answered through your networking as indicated on the final map page. After your research of companies and job roles, this section of the map is how you learn to get the answers you cannot find on the Internet, in a book or company profile. Networking is vital to getting the real scoop on the companies you want to work with and the job roles you are seeking. Bottom line: networking is where you leverage information and contacts to help you achieve the career you have dreamed.
Granted, this map is not the end-all of plotting your career path, but it is a strong and sincere document that will help you evaluate your life, goals, profession and yes, even your education. Do you have a degree? Do you have a degree in the field you want to shift to or stay in? Won’t a master’s degree give you more knowledge, skills and a better salary?
If you are wondering, let CSU help you put those worries to rest. Our flexible degree programs can help you gain the understanding, competencies and educational background needed to succeed. Please examine our degree program offerings to see best fits your plan. If you have questions, contact us today so we can improve your route on your career map to success!
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