Four Steps to Career and Job Advancement

Client Christopher Asks: I’ve been at my job for about three years now. I thought I’d just be happy in this position. I mean, I like my job and all.  But I’m finding it’s getting a pretty boring. I realize I’d like a more of a challenge. But I have no idea how to figure out this career advancement process. What does it take to get a more fulfilling job?  How do I even start?

Coach Joel Answers: Good question, Christopher. To help you get started on your search for career and job advancement, you need to make some decisions. These choices will help you find your direction and open the path to a better job.

1. What is your career goal?

I know that might be hard to answer, as you thought you had it solved. But now, take a moment and look at what gives you satisfaction.

• Which parts of your job to you enjoy most?
• As you look around you, which jobs to other people have that you think you would enjoy doing?
• Are there salary goals you have?
• Are there certain kinds of responsibilities and actions you enjoy doing?

All of these are clues to what your career goal might be.

2. What skills will you need?

After you choose a career goal, Christopher, you need to understand the skills, education, and training necessary to advance to that job. The bureau of Labor Statistics offers an Occupational Outlook Handbook that lists thousands of jobs and the criteria for them.

One additional benefit is that it predicts whether the need for that specialty will be increasing or decreasing in the coming years. As you think about your career goal and the training necessary to help you advance, this can be a good source for you.

3. Where can you find the training?

Once you’ve chosen the career you want, and you know the skills you need, where will you get them? Consider looking for them exactly where you are.

• Your company may offer the training you need.  It might be through mentoring or other traditional or non-structured learning at work. Especially if you’re looking to advance in your company, this is a best first choice. You’ll learn the skills most desired by your organization.
• College classes or degrees may be preferred if you are looking to move a great deal higher in your company.
• Coaching is a valuable option to hone in on skills – analytical thinking, problem solving, decision making, team building, and other skills essential for success.

4. How can you promote your job advancement?

Once you know where you want to go with your career and job advancement, you need to take steps to make it happen. Assess how much help you might get from your current employer.  Ask for feedback on your current job, and let them know what your goals are.  They may help you work into that job.  If not, hone your skills, develop your talents, and search for a job in another market.

Christopher, many people want to move ahead in their career and just aren’t sure how to get started. If you follow this plan, you can soon feel comfortable that your career and job advancement is on track to success.

For more information about how to advance your career with personalized and individualized coaching, contact Joel.