Are you ready for the next step in your career?
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EmailIt’s never a bad thing to consider what your next moves might be professionally. Have you thought about it lately?
Have you considered what you would like to do next in your career? Is it an advancement within your current organization, moving on to a new professional adventure, or simply to become more proficient in the role you are in? The great thing about this is that there are no wrong answers.
Now, if you are looking to leave your current employer, it’s not recommended that you advertise that too broadly. It’s ok to consider other opportunities. After all, the only one in control of your career is you. If you are satisfied where you are at, but have no room or opportunity for growth but want to grow, then looking outside your current organization may be your only option.
Have you discussed opportunities for growth with your supervisor?
Perhaps having a discussion with your supervisor about your intentions could open up opportunities you may not even be aware of. However, use caution here. You know your supervisor and how best to have this discussion, so be strategic how you make this approach. Remember, this is to benefit you, not put your supervisor on the defense, so asking for their help might be a great first approach.
Are there professional development opportunities you are interested in?
Most organizations value employees willing to become more proficient in their work and typically provide resources for employees to attend certain trainings and workshops. Even if you employer might not be willing to pay for your attendance, consider asking if you can have paid time off to attend or if there are scholarships or tuition reimbursement resources available through the organization. Consider this an opportunity for you to grow and make yourself more marketable, both to your current employer but also to potential future employers. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself.
Keep your resume up to date.
It’s often considered taboo to keep your resume up to date, but it shouldn’t be. Just because you spend a little time once or twice a year to add new achievements or skills and to update your references doesn’t mean you are planning to seek a new job. Rather, it’s just a good way to capture your most relevant job related history while it is somewhat fresh in your mind. Also, if the unfortunate loss of your job does occur, you are ready to hit the ground running with you search instead of trying to pull the info together from years of service. It never hurts to be prepared.
Remember, you are in control of your career, and thinking about the future is always a worthwhile activity.
“Michigan State University Extension has had a unique relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. As a result, the NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension as it provides leadership to state-wide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.”
