Employee career development is a set of actions that an individual can take to set and achieve career goals while also increasing his or her productivity at work. A person typically collaborates with supervisors and human resources (HR) managers to map out a feasible career path within a company or industry. Exploring continuing education options, productivity training, establishing a network of professional connections, and actively seeking advancement and promotions are all examples of employee career development strategies.
An employee in need of career advice can speak with his or her company’s HR director. Most HR employees are eager to assist employees in determining their options and making future plans. Employee career development resources can also be found in self-help books and websites that provide detailed information on how to achieve professional objectives. Furthermore, many psychologists and career counselors specialize in assisting individuals in identifying their skills and establishing occupational goals.
Identifying what a worker aspires to be is usually the first step in employee career development. An individual must first identify his or her strengths and goals in order to create a career plan. Online career assessments and personality tests can assist an employee in determining the best type of work for him. After the worker has established his or her assets and objectives, he or she can start looking into different ways to achieve success. To improve his or her chances of finding meaningful work, he or she may decide to pursue a college degree or obtain certification in a specific field.
Building a strong resume and a strong list of professional references who can attest to a worker’s abilities are also important first steps in employee career development. The applicant’s work history and references are usually given a lot of weight potential employers. An individual’s personal strengths, skills, accomplishments, and objectives should be highlighted and related to the job he or she is applying for.
Individuals can meet with supervisors after obtaining positions and gaining sufficient experience within a company to help them assess their strengths and identify areas where they can improve. Supervisors can assist employees in preparing for advancement opportunities providing expert training and keeping them up to date on available positions. Employees must maintain a positive relationship with their supervisors and company executives in order to be among the first people considered for promotions. Employee career development strategies help proactive, motivated workers achieve their goals while maintaining a high quality of life.