Taking Charge Of Your Career Growth When Your Company Isn’t Helping
We all want to feel like we’re progressing, developing new skills, and moving closer to our long-term goals. However, as highlighted in a recent study of 3,577 employees, many workers feel unsupported in their career development. Only 18% of employees are always excited about their career growth, and a mere 19% believe they see a clear path for advancement at their current employer.
If you’re among those who feel stuck or unsupported, the good news is that you don’t have to wait for your company to take action. You can take charge of your career growth by setting ambitious goals, seeking out learning opportunities, and proactively managing your development. And one powerful way to do this is by setting HARD Goals—goals that are Heartfelt, Animated, Required, and Difficult. Here’s how you can apply these principles and take control of your career growth, even when your company isn’t providing the help you need.
1. Set Clear and Ambitious Career Goals
The first step in taking control of your career is defining what success looks like for you. Without a clear vision of where you want to go, it’s easy to feel lost or directionless. Start by asking yourself some key questions:
- What are your long-term career aspirations?
- What skills or experiences do you need to achieve those goals?
- What kind of roles or responsibilities do you want to take on in the future?
However, instead of just setting SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound), consider setting HARD Goals. These goals are designed to push you out of your comfort zone and inspire you to achieve great things. For example, ask yourself:
- Animated: What does your ideal career look like in one year, three years, and five years? Visualize the details—what work are you doing, who are you working with, and what does a typical day look like?
- Heartfelt: Why do these goals matter to you? Identify at least three reasons that resonate deeply with you, whether they’re personal, intrinsic, or extrinsic.
- Difficult: What are the three to five most important skills you’ll need to develop to achieve these goals? How will you acquire them?
- Required: What milestones do you need to hit in the next six months, 90 days, and 30 days to stay on track? What’s one step you can take today?
By setting HARD Goals, you create a clear and compelling roadmap for your career, one that challenges and motivates you to reach new heights.
2. Seek Out Learning Opportunities
Even if your employer isn’t offering the training or development opportunities you need, there are plenty of ways to continue learning and growing on your own. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Online Courses and Certifications: There are a wide range of courses that can help you develop new skills and knowledge. Many of these courses are affordable, and some are even free.
- Books and Podcasts: There’s a wealth of knowledge available in books and podcasts that cover everything from technical skills to leadership and personal development. Identify the areas you want to improve and start consuming content that will help you grow.
- Professional Associations and Workshops: Joining industry-specific professional associations can provide you with access to workshops, seminars, and networking events. These are great opportunities to learn from experts in your field and connect with others who share your career interests.
- Mentorship: If your company doesn’t offer a formal mentorship program, consider finding a mentor outside your organization. Look for someone whose career path you admire and reach out to them for guidance and advice.
3. Network Intentionally
Building a strong professional network is crucial for career growth, especially if your company isn’t providing the support you need. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, provide you with valuable insights, and connect you with people who can help you advance your career.
- Attend Industry Events: Even if your company doesn’t sponsor your attendance at conferences or industry events, consider investing in yourself by attending on your own. These events are prime opportunities to meet influential people in your field.
- Join Online Communities: LinkedIn groups, forums, and other online communities can be great places to network with professionals in your industry. Engage in discussions, share your knowledge, and connect with others who can help you grow.
- Leverage Your Current Network: Don’t underestimate the value of your existing connections. Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, or acquaintances in your field. They may know of opportunities or be able to offer advice that can help you advance.
4. Take on New Challenges
One of the best ways to grow in your career is to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges. If your current role isn’t providing the opportunities you need to stretch your skills, look for ways to create those opportunities yourself.
- Volunteer for Projects: If your company has cross-functional projects or initiatives that you’re not currently involved in, volunteer to participate. This can give you exposure to different areas of the business and help you develop new skills.
- Propose New Ideas: If you see a gap or an area where your company could improve, don’t be afraid to propose a new project or initiative. Taking the lead on something new can demonstrate your initiative and help you build a track record of success.
- Side Projects: If your job isn’t giving you the chance to develop the skills you want, consider starting a side project outside of work. Whether it’s a freelance gig, a blog, or a small business, a side project can help you grow and diversify your experience.
5. Regularly Evaluate Your Progress
Taking charge of your career growth is an ongoing process. To ensure you’re on the right track, it’s important to regularly evaluate your progress. Set aside time each quarter to review your goals, assess what you’ve accomplished, and identify areas where you may need to adjust your approach.
Ask yourself:
- Are you learning the skills you need to achieve your long-term goals?
- Have you expanded your network and connected with key people in your industry?
- Are there new challenges you can take on to continue growing?
If you find that you’re not making the progress you’d like, don’t be afraid to pivot and try something new. The key is to stay proactive and take ownership of your career growth.
While it’s ideal to have an employer that actively supports your career development, the reality is that many companies fall short in this area. However, that doesn’t mean your career has to stall. By setting HARD Goals, seeking out learning opportunities, building your network, taking on new challenges, and regularly evaluating your progress, you can take control of your career growth and ensure that you’re always moving forward.
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