An age-old question that makes me think about when you should sell a stock. Some experts say to figure out when to sell before you buy. I think the time to start thinking about your career is before you make a move. Some people think you should wait until you are ready to change jobs, but I say that’s incorrect. Why should you have to change jobs before you can plan for your career? Furthermore, by the time you decide to make a move you will be greatly disappointed if you find out you don’t have the skills or experience required.
Take the time to think about the direction you would like to go in. What if you just want to work in a more challenging environment. Why not create your own challenging environment by raising the bar for yourself. Decide that you are going to find a way to increase the value you are providing your organization. Find more creative ways to deliver your message about how Risk Management can help make your organization more productive.
Here are some easy ways to start career planning:
- Take a personal skills inventory.
- Talk to your peers about what skills they think are important.
- Meet with your CFO to discuss how you can add more value and what skills he/she thinks you will need in the future.
- Find a mentor who is an excellent role model to counsel with.
- Look at job postings to see what skills and types of experience companies are looking for.
- Talk to recruiters to get their opinions about what skills you will need.
- Read the trade journals and periodicals to stay current on what is going on in the field.
- Write an action plan of how and when you would like to develop the skills you will need.
- Update your plan every 6 months or whenever your situation changes.
Risk Management is going through a period of transition right now and those who seize this opportunity will be rewarded with greater job security and increased satisfaction. Take the time now to create your own personal career plan, you won’t be disappointed.