"A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
If you’re anything like the average working person in IT, you can expect to change careers five to seven times in your life. That’s a lot of change - the best way to be prepared for it is to make a plan for your career.
/Why is career planning important?
At the very least, it’ll help you to answer career goal questions at your next interview. Think about what you want out of a job and help to make your next career move the right one for you. By assessing your current situation, you’ll be able to determine and fill any gaps in your knowledge or experience that might be holding you back from your dream job. Career planning is a great way to ensure your career is going in the right direction. Not only does it help you realise your passion, but it also facilitates your career goals with tangible actions and aims.
/Knowing yourself
First things first, satisfaction is key. Many people feel pulled to a job that's familiar, popular or profitable. Although this is not always the best option. In the long run, people are generally happier and more successful if they choose a role that matches their interests and strengths. Take the time to develop your interests and then look for a career that will satisfy and fulfil you. IT organisations around the UK are always looking to attract new talent, with this comes some fantastic benefits: flexible working, mentor training, staff discounts, childcare schemes etc. Have a clear list of what you want to gain from your next role and have that in mind from the outset.
/Exploring your options
Remember to assess your options and think ahead. You need to figure out what career is right for you. Prioritise your choice based on your interests and strengths, and consider the importance of factors like salary, company culture, working hours, and commute time.
Change is sometimes enviable. While a certain career in IT may seem like a good fit for you now, think about how different you may be in five, ten or twenty years. As you get older, have more experiences and learn new things, your feelings about what you want to do may change.
If you don’t know what else is out there, ask an expert. Here at Ada Meher, our expert teams have an abundance of recourses and sector information to help you make an informed decision. Research is key to a great plan.
/Making decisions
After you have researched available opportunities and have made up your mind, all that’s left is to put your plan into action. Think about how you are going to move forward and try to get any support available that will help you enact your career plan. For example, what should you do to get the training your job offers? Is there someone you could talk to? What are the final steps that will help you develop your plan? These are all questions which you need to constantly ask yourself to ensure you are on the right track.
So you’ve created the perfect career plan, but now what? Although forming a plan is the first step – it won’t work without continuous effort. There is no such thing as the ‘perfect moment’ for positive changes in your life, let alone in your career.
/Moving on
Change happens for a reason, it is never easy, but then nothing worthwhile in life is easy! It’s far too easy for employers to promise the world in a last-ditch attempt to make you want to stay. Often with a financial incentive attached. Always consider the cost to your personal growth. Change can be uncomfortable sometimes, but nothing in life is as painful as staying stuck where you don’t belong.
/Career planning cycle
Whatever the reason for moving on, at Ada Meher we are confident that you will not need to search any further. Our consultants have a wealth of knowledge and contacts in the sector that can open doors others can’t. Alongside preferred supplier list agreements with some of the leading names in the industry. We also work proactively with candidates to explore hidden opportunities that don’t always make it to the open market.