Career Development Takes Work
Do you currently have the career of your dreams? If so, congratulations on all your hard work, because I'm quite sure that your success and accomplishment didn't happen overnight. If you do not have the career you have always dreamed of, do not worry, you can get there. Career development isn't easy, but it is definitely worth it.
Career development can mean a lot of things. Here, for my purposes, I simply mean doing the things you have to do to get the career you really want. The first step in the process of career development is to figure out - really figure out - the career you want to have. This may be harder than it seems. You need to know yourself, know what you're good at, and understand what excites you.
Not many people last long in a career that they hate. Career development begins with taking a close look at yourself. See a career counselor for even more help or take tests to help you determine your personality and jobs that will fit it well.
Once you have determined a career or two that seems to fit you and your dreams, continue with your career development by discovering what needs to happen to be qualified for the career you want. Career development does not occur instantly or even in a year. It may take years of hard work to get to where you want to be.
It is essential to be realistic about your goals and the process. Does more education need to take place for your career development? Or perhaps you just need some special training courses in your field, but you do not need another degree? Find these things out and then begin pursuing them.
Career development is essential because I am convinced that it is vital that people spend their lives on things they care about and feel like they can do well at. There is nothing worse than spending years of your life in an unsatisfying career. Fortunately, you do not have to let that be your life story. Take proactive steps that put you in control of your career development.
