Introduction To Career Development
What
is Career Development?
Career
development is the series of activities in an on-going/lifelong process of
developing one’s career which includes defining new goals regularly and
acquiring skills to achieve them. Career development usually refers to managing
one’s career in an intra-organizational or inter-organizational scenario. It
involves training on new skills, moving to higher job responsibilities, making
a career change within the same organization, moving to a different
organization or starting one’s own business.
The organization plays an important role in supporting the
development of the professional growth of its employees by giving them
promotions or by giving them other duties to complete within the organization
itself. This support often includes coaching, mentoring, skills
development, networking and career pathing.
Career development is directly linked to an individual’s growth and satisfaction and hence should be managed by the individual and not left to the employer. Career development helps an individual grow not only professionally but also personally. Learning new skills like leadership, time management, good governance, communication management, team management etc. also help an employee develop and shape their career. (MBA.Skool Team, 2023)
5 Steps Of Career Development
The World Of Work Is Changing - Rapidly
There is constant demand to reduce expenses and maximize productivity. Disruptive technology, the complexity of geopolitics and international trade, changing risk and regulation, and the constant struggle to attract and retain the best individuals with the necessary skills have all contributed to the complexity of today's world. These factors are changing the workplace and posing fresh problems that affect your entire company.
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Watch the following advice given by Alex Gorsky, former Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson.
Both men and women
for example, will make different types of decisions based on the situational
factors that require balance. Women tend to make more choices to balance work
and non-work priorities such as child or elder care. This may also discourage
some women to pursue their career path, and focus on prioritizing assistance
for others. Men will make decisions based on not only having to balance work
and non-work priorities, but for advancement and added income. (
On a personal note,
I am a Senior Manager in a leading freight forwarding company for more than a decade. However I used to work in the Gem & Jewelry industry for around 15 years. I made a bold decision in my career by changing fields as I always felt that I had to be more productive and that I had more to give by moving out of my comfort zone. I felt the service industry is where I would thrive....Today I would say, yes my decision has paid off 😊😊
To you I would say go ahead, Explore, Dream and Discover your hidden talent!!!!!!!!!!
References.
CareerDevelopment,2023.en.wikipedia.org.Online]Availableat:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Career_development#cite_note-10[Accessed 04 August 2023].
Career development is crucial as it empowers employees with growth opportunities, enhancing their skills and knowledge. It fosters motivation, engagement, and job satisfaction, leading to higher productivity and reduced turnover. Offering advancement pathways demonstrates an organization's commitment to its workforce, attracting and retaining top talent. Ultimately, career development aligns individual aspirations with organizational success, driving innovation and long-term growth.
ReplyDeleteNice article and a good read.
It is important to have effective and practical long term career plans. Sometimes it is easy to become too focussed on the next step in our career and lose sight of our long term career goals.
DeleteCertainly! Career development refers to the ongoing process of managing and advancing anyone career over time. It involves setting goals, acquiring new skills, seeking opportunities for growth, and making strategic decisions to achieve your professional aspirations. Career development is a dynamic journey that can encompass various stages, from exploring different paths to reaching the pinnacle of success in any chosen field. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Career development is an ongoing journey,even the smallest effort to improve will help achieve in growth and development. Whether it is learning a new skill,upskilling following a course or even attending networking events ,all these will help you provide insight in to your work and keep you updated about the industry.
DeleteYour journey from the Gem & Jewelry industry to the service industry is truly inspiring. Your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and embrace change speaks volumes about your dedication to personal and professional growth. It's evident that your decision to pursue a new path has been incredibly rewarding, and your success is a testament to your hard work and determination. Gysbers (2016) states that Career development encompasses a continuous process of managing one's career trajectory, focusing on setting and achieving goals, acquiring new skills, and making informed decisions to shape one's professional journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you Divvigga.Its important to assess the opportunities available and see what are your values ,interests, personality and skills(VIPS).
DeleteNowadays, there are some tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator(MBTI) as well as O*NET Interest Profiler, for example which can be helpful in self-assessment, which can be utilized, when considering which career is most suitable for you
This article provides a concise yet insightful overview of career development. It emphasizes the evolving nature of career paths in today's dynamic world, where individuals take charge of their own growth and skill acquisition. Career Development is lifelong process of managing progression in learning and work. (Bluestein, D. (2003)). The distinction between managing careers within and between organizations is well-highlighted. Additionally, the inclusion of real-world challenges like disruptive technology and work-life balance showcases the article's relevance to contemporary professional landscapes. Overall, it's a well-structured piece that underscores the significance of proactive career development in an individual's journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you. As the world famous American entrepreneur Jim Rohn said," You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of".
DeleteThis article highlights the importance of individual agency in managing career development, emphasizing that employees should take an active role rather than relying solely on employers. It recognizes the profound impact of career growth on personal satisfaction and growth, suggesting that it extends beyond professional advancement. The mention of skills like leadership, time management, communication, and team management underscores the idea that learning these skills contributes to holistic career development.
ReplyDeleteOverall, this article emphasizes the collaborative effort between individuals and employers in shaping a fulfilling and well-rounded career journey.
Thanks. Career development is a collaborative effort of both employee and employer, yet the major responsibility is with the employee. He /she should have an awareness and knowledge of his/her skills, strengths and even weaknesses to achieve their future goals. When employees learn new skills or even improve and expand on what they possess it helps them grow personally as well as helping their career advance.
DeleteIndeed, you have proven that career development interest should first originate within yourself and truly inspire your bold decision, which is a strength. Furthermore, development can encompass a wide range of activities, including coaching and more formal educational commitments and experiences, and is generally used to encompass a wider scope than ‘learning’ or training, which may, in fact, be included in the concept of development (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, CIPD, 2007).
ReplyDeleteThanks Nuwan.Some people believe the employer is responsible for the employees' career development. I personally believe that it is an individual responsibility. Employees should be honest with themselves when assessing their strengths and weaknesses and work on it. There are always areas to improve as career growth is a constant learning curve. Understanding your weakness and learning from mistakes is also very important to achieve success.
DeleteYour comprehensive explanation of career development is enlightening. It's great to see how career development involves continuous growth, setting new goals, and acquiring skills. Your emphasis on personal responsibility in managing one's career resonates strongly – a proactive approach to growth indeed leads to both professional and personal satisfaction. The evolving world of work brings challenges and opportunities, and your insightful insights underline the importance of adaptation. The quote from Alex Gorsky adds a valuable perspective, highlighting the nuanced decisions individuals make in achieving work-life balance. Your comment is a wealth of wisdom about career development's multifaceted journey.
ReplyDeleteIt is important for employees to take charge of managing their career. It gives greater confidence and a sense of empowerment. Employees should keep their skills and competencies up-to-date, allowing them to be more strategic when planning their career.
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ReplyDeleteGood article and a great subject to discuss. Career development refers to the ongoing process of managing and progressing in your career, which includes acquiring new skills, experiences, and knowledge to enhance your professional growth and advancement.
ReplyDeleteAnother research shows, Given that HRM has a favorable effect on organizational performance, the authors of this research choose to examine a frequently discussed HRM activity, human resource development (HRD), which is related to learning and gaining new experiences. According to Swanson (1995), HRD refers to the process of enhancing individual competence through organizational growth and staff training. Employment, job switching, positions, levels of responsibility, and obstacles are all included in the term "career." One's position within an organization, their ability to move around within it, or their personal traits can all be considered aspects of a career. Different occupations, positions, and experiences are part of any career. The best way to describe a career is as "unlimited," which could entail switching between a variety of vocations or occupations (Lekovi & Unjar, 2010). If an international setting is involved, HRD becomes even more fascinating given the difficulties posed by the cultural, economic, and social disparities that exist between organizations from various nations. (Berber & Slavic, 2014)
Thank you Niru.
DeleteCareer development is a lifelong work in progress. It is a commitment to learning and decision making that shapes the career of an individual.According to the Missouri State University, "career development process also involves learning about different roles and industries to find a match to ones abilities, seeking out opportunities to advance, and maybe even change careers altogether if they find a more suitable one".
Yes, you have brought up some very important points regarding the importance of individual ownership in career development and how it supports both professional and personal progress.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wasantha.
ReplyDeleteYes ,definitely each person is responsible for their professional and personal growth. One has to take the responsibility to develop their career in the most suitable manner. Each individual must be aware of their skills and strengths and do what is necessary within their means to develop their career.
I agree. Career development entails understanding the fundamental principles of shaping one's professional journey. It involves a proactive approach towards skill enhancement, goal setting, and continuous growth to achieve personal and professional aspirations. By aligning individual strengths, interests, and values with career paths, individuals can make informed decisions that lead to fulfillment and success. Career development encompasses strategies such as acquiring new skills, seeking learning opportunities, networking, and adapting to changing industry trends. It's a lifelong process that requires self-awareness, planning, and adaptability to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of work and achieve meaningful career progression.
ReplyDeleteThanks Hisshanthi. In order to successfully develop ones' career, an individual should assess their strengths and weaknesses and also make use of learning opportunities ,so that when the time comes or is necessary, they're prepared to make informed decisions which will help in their career development.
DeleteThe process of managing and enhancing someone's career through time is referred to as career development. To realize your professional ambitions, it entails defining goals, learning new skills, looking for possibilities for progress, and making calculated judgments. The process of developing a career can take many different forms, from investigating potential career options to achieving the highest level of accomplishment in a particular profession. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you Madawa.As you have correctly pointed out "to realise your professional ambitions you must make calculated judgements." You have to assess your talents,skills ,strengths and also be aware of your weaknesses. When you know what you're capable of doing ,you can make informed and better decisions regarding your career and professional development.
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