It can be hard to map your career path, especially if you aren’t even sure what you want to do. Leaving college with a degree or diploma is an excellent start, but there are tons of roles within a specific industry you can choose from, and it can get overwhelming. However, targeting a sector can be an advantage when you research the roles available and gain experience.
Begin with a Goal Self Assessment
Every new path begins with a single step, and a goal of self-assessment is regarded as the most powerful for a career. In fact, you are much more likely to land the job you want when you list goals, as you have something to refer to. Begin with your interests in relation to your strengths for engineering jobs, data-driven roles or software, for example. You can also benefit from SMART goals, and make sure you audit your hard and soft skills for the job you want.
Research the Roles and Skills Needed
There are many available roles within any given sector, and identifying the ones that excite you the most will help get you started on the path to career success. One popular method is to browse online job descriptions, as this can give you an idea of what an employer is looking for. Then you can compare your current skills with the requirements so you can develop them further, but it also helps to keep up to date with the current trends within your chosen industry.
Map Your Career Path with a Targeted Learning Plan
A learning plan is essential for targeting the job you want, as over 50% of UK adults surveyed are currently in a role they didn’t plan for. Of course, this needs to relate to the role you are interested in, so hard skills are a must. However, don’t overlook the power of an employability skills plan that includes soft skills such as communication, collaboration and logical thinking. Use online platforms like Udemy to develop in-demand skills and master fundamentals.
Build an Experience-Based Portfolio
Employers love to see a demonstration that you are fit for the role, and a portfolio is a common method of accomplishing this. However, a blog, CV and YouTube videos can only go so far. What employers really love to see is experience-based portfolios, where they can see you have practical and hands-on experience within a sector. Building projects in your spare time, freelancing and volunteering for similar roles and attending niche events are a great start.
Network to Showcase Yourself
Networking is one of the most overlooked methods of inserting yourself into the industry of your dreams. As they say, it’s not what you know, but who can help you in your career. With that in mind, you can use industry-specific networking to your advantage by meeting the right people and making the right connections. Before too long, you could come into contact with someone looking for the skills, competency and attitude you have, with success a mere phone call away.
Summary
Creating goals and a plan for your dream job is the first step to mapping your career path and developing your skills and experience. You can also develop a learning plan to bridge any skill gaps, and it never hurts to attend networking events to meet the right people for the role.
Featured image: Christina Morillo
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