Aligning your career
This past week I had two conversations with two of my mentees. One mentee, Chaz, is in his Develop career life cycle stage and starting a new job. The other mentee, Jerry, in his Produce career life cycle stage and is looking for a new role. Surprisingly, my advice to both was very similar!
There are three attributes of your career which need to be aligned in order for you to achieve your career aspirations. First, you must believe the industry you are in will grow and that the markets you serve will be resilient. Second, you must be comfortable with the company you join as one that will give you development opportunities and has a culture where you can thrive. Third, your role must be fulfilling and one that you value.
The Industry – Are you in a rapidly growing industry, or one that is slow to grow and running out of market potential? Over the life of your forty-five-year career, you need to assure yourself that the industry you are serving will continue to grow with you and support your career development. Markets are driven by demographics, technology and consumer needs. Pick an industry that will outlive your career!
The Company – The company you select can be the catalyst you need to advance your career. Like picking the right teammate, pick the right company to help you win. A company should be a place where you can learn, advance and develop the skills & knowledge you need to have a successful career. It is critical that the company culture is supportive and that opportunities exist for your career growth.
The Role – Depending where you are in your career life cycle, consider your role as only a starting point. If you are in the right industry with the right company, you will have opportunities to develop your role into other roles and opportunities. Realistically, your role will change many times throughout your career, much more often than your chosen industry or company.
So, back to Chaz and Jerry, what was my advice? The role you choose is less important to the industry and the company.
Chaz is in the rapidly growing technology industry and is joining a stable multi-national manufacturing firm. Chaz is re-entering the workforce after completing an advanced degree in programing. His role is in his area of expertise and he is on a team of companywide developers. Great industry, strong company and a role from where he can further develop his career.
Jerry, a senior manager and engineer in the consulting engineering industry has been offered a role to lead a startup business for a national engineering firm. He is reluctant to take a startup role after leading large stable businesses in a global engineering firm. The industry is stable, the company is successful, but the role is underwhelming.
Roles, titles and compensation are important. But be sure you have picked the right industry and company to support your career growth!
See more career advice in “Own Your Career-No One Else Will”, by Paul R. Goudreault. Available on Amazon and at your local book store.