Career Success: Take Charge of Your Career

People react very differently to the waves of change that suddenly flood the work and marketplace. Some, who feel confused or unsettled struggle to keep their heads above water gasping for air. By contrast, others, who may not even like or agree with the changes, nevertheless accept them, get on with their lives and swim forcefully to their new destination. The following three tactics will help you mobilize your resources to take charge of their careers.

Fuel the Fire In Your Heart.

Live your life and career with intention. The key to sustained peak performance is discovering who you are, what you want in life, and then confidently pursue it. Remember, if you don't have your own mission or purpose get one, or otherwise, all you can do is sign up for someone else's. Remember, if you don't know where you're going, how will you know that you've arrived?

Start by develop a career line. Prepare a graph that outlines your career highs and lows from your first job to the present. What kinds of activities were you involved in during your highs - during your lows? Continue this getting to know yourself process by locating your inner energy source. What really gets the juices flowing for you? Is it challenge? Helping other? Being creative? Having authority? Making an impact? Whatever motivates you, write it on a card and look at it every morning.

During times of change and uncertainty, you must realize that it's often your outlook or your attitudes--- what you bring to work, not what work brings to you---that determines your career success. Can you look at what's happening in the workplace and not take it personally? Can you accept the luck of the draw and move on? Can you bounce back on your own rather than allow yourself to wallow in negative emotions? You must learn to accommodate adversity. It can either break or build character. Which is it doing for you?

Forget Being the Lone Ranger.

Are you familiar with the saying: "It's not what you know, .but who you know." Well in today's changing work world, the new saying is: "It's not only what you know, it's not only who you know, but, as important, it's who knows you and your work."

First thing to do is to inventory your network. List all the key people in your career world. Are your contacts mostly within your area? Or are there linkages into different departments, divisions, subsidiaries? What about outside your company? What kinds of relationships do you have? Hi and Good by? Or Hi! What have you been doing? Develop relationships with a whole array of people. It's your ticket to career advancement and success.

Know and be known. Work groups or teams, not hierarchies, are now doing the real work in today's workplace. How are you going to find out about the latest hot project? How are key people going to know about you and your talents? An active network is the most effective tool fin this age of uncertainty. Realize that contacts are the bread of career life. In times of change, information and relationships are a source of power.

Don't Just Stand There, Do Something.

Recognize a successful career in not a spectator sport. Opportunities do not just get placed on your desk. Organizations will no longer provide you with clearly defined career paths. Don't be an absentee landlord and neglect your personal career management. Know what you want and actively seek it out. Take charge of your career. Remember, if you don't control your own destiny, no one else will.

Start by doing a career check up. Ask yourself: "Where am I? Where do I want to go? What are some paths to get me there? What are possible barriers? What are my supports? What resources am I going to need? How will I get these resources?" Failure to take charge of your career leaves you a victim of your own neglect and the changing workplace.

Always have several options in your back pocket. Focus on career contingency planning. Do you have a Plan A, a Plan B, and even a Plan C? What conditions could possibly change in your job; your company; or your industry? Do you have a clear idea where you could jump if unexpected roadblocks arise? Where else can you apply your skills and showcase your talents? A successful career is not fixed in stone, but is fluid and subject to change.

Remember, the Name of the Game Is Action.

Make sure your career goals are not stranded on a island called: "Someday I'll..........." If you want something, don't just think or talk about it. Figure out a way to make it happen. Set specific goals. Develop action plans. Have realistic timetables. Find the resources you need. Keep alive in today's rough seas and begin preparing for tomorrow's raging waters.

Marcia Zidle, a business and leadership development expert, works with entrepreneurial organizations who want to be a dominant player in competing for customers, clients, funding or community awareness.

In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy say, ?Toto, I have a feeling we?re not in Kansas anymore?. Well business, government and community leaders, Marcia says, ?It?s no longer business as usual anymore; its business that has to better than usual.?

Do you want to be better than usual? Then subscribe to Making Waves! a free monthly e-newsletter with quick lessons on better, faster, smarter ways to lead. Sign up now at http://www.LeadersAtAllLevels.com and get a 35 page bonus e-book: Make Bold Change! 101 Ways to Stomp Out Business As Usual. Or contact Marcia directly at 800-971-7619.

What Is Career Management? Your Long-Term Strategy for Career Success

Career management is a hot topic in business, but how many people really think about what it means, who's responsible for it, and how to go about it in an effective manner? If you ask your friends what they do to manage their career, how many can give you a coherent answer? What does career management mean to you, and what do you do to proactively manage your career?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to "manage" something means to handle or direct something with a degree of skill, to treat something with care, or to work upon or try to alter something for a purpose. Therefore, to effectively manage your career, you must skillfully direct your career with a purpose and with care.

A career that is successfully managed has a defined direction and objectives. Milestones and goals are set so that progress can be measured. Needs for growth and development are identified. Options and opportunities are assessed according to whether they are likely to move the career toward the vision.

On the other hand, a career that is not actively managed tends to meander. Direction may be changed and changed again, but without purpose or direction. Skills and abilities are not nurtured or cultivated. Opportunities may be missed, while others may be taken despite the fact that they do not bring meaning, enjoyment, or long-term progression.

Sometimes people think they do not have to manage their careers because their company will do it for them, but this is attitude can be self-defeating. You are your own best advocate. Do not relegate your advocacy, support, and best interest to anyone else. Take control, and make a commitment to yourself to be your own supporter and promoter.

Career management is not something you suddenly achieve, or a point where you say "I'm done!" It is part of the journey through life and work, something you do continually to ensure your career and life reflects and honors your strengths and who you are.

To effectively manage your career, you'll first need to do some basic career planning: clarifying your vision of your career into the future, and identifying what skill gaps or other obstacles may be standing in your way. You will want to set some goals and milestones so you can track your progress.

Next, consider your personal brand at work. Does how you're perceived in the office accurately reflect your strengths, value, and career aspirations? Take a look at what you're known for, your physical appearance, the projects you're working on, and when people ask for your advice and assistance. If these are in line with where you're going, great. If not, it's time for a personal brand make-over. These can take time, as you'll need to pay attention to how you act, what you say, what you work on, and how you look over a period of time, and adjust as needed.

Finally, constantly be on the lookout for opportunities to grow in line with your career vision. While this includes promotions and job openings, also consider volunteering for projects or teams where you can gain additional critical skill sets, become known as an expert in an area aligned with your vision and interests, or gain you exposure with people who can help you in your career. Find a mentor within (or even external to) your organization and solicit their advice and knowledge regularly. Consider taking courses or getting certified if these actions are applicable to your situation.

Remember that career management is an ongoing process, and should be regularly reviewed, measured, and adjusted. Make it a priority, and direct your career with skill, purpose and care.

If you liked this article, Lauren invites you to visit http://www.careerevolutiongroup.com for additional resources and advice to assist you in strategically managing your career and team. Sign up for the biweekly newsletter containing valuable articles and tips, and receive the special report "Top 10 Ways to Rock Your Role!" as her gift to you.

Lauren's passion and talent for helping people connect the dots between their current job situations and their ideal outcomes led to her specialization in the field of strategic career coaching. She has dedicated the rest of her professional life to showing people how work can be enjoyable, meaningful, values-based and balanced. Careerevolution Group was formed to transform people's experiences of work so they can enjoy their success!

Effective Career Management is the Key to Finding Success

Considering the times we live in-what with a declining economy and job-related woes proliferating across the globe-these days the topic of career management could not be more important. Career management, of course, is not something only to be recurred to in times of crisis; it's a process (and a skill) which needs to be implemented throughout every stage of our adult lives, both when things are looking up and when they are looking down. At the moment, however, in the midst of the growing unemployment rates that are sweeping the developed and developing worlds, many people are looking with great hope and expectation to the potential benefits which effective career management may have for them.

Considering the widespread sensation of panic or nervousness that has come over the job market, it's important to come to have a clear vision of precisely what career management is, and how to carry it out effectively and comprehensively. Not only is it important to remember to keep career management in mind when the going's good, but furthermore it's important to remember all the pertinent areas of career management-not to overlook crucial aspects, during good times or bad. So, to start, let's take a look at the three fundamental aspects of career management:

Long-term goals and strategies. In career management, it is absolutely fundamental that you have a goal in mind for the long haul and that you have a notion of how you intend to get there. There's really not much to "manage" if these two elements are lacking, after all! As far as setting a long-term goal is concerned, you will need to first of all consider where you stand in the course of your career at the moment, on the one hand, and what the probabilities of your service/product still being marketable in the long-term look like, on the other hand. With regards to the former point, remember that the earlier on in your career the more difficult it will be to think for the long-term and to set goals for the long-term that feel realistic or achievable. With regards to the latter point, remember to try to factor in advances in technology and possible issues of redundancy when determining how marketable your particular service or product will be way down the line. This is a hard bet, and doubtlessly several unknown variables will come into the mix at one point or another; nonetheless, in pursuing a career, it's a bet that either has to be made, or the person in question needs to seriously consider switching to another line of work.
Networking. Managing a career is all about having personal and professional contacts-without (a lot of) them, you will not have the sources of support necessary to help you advance professionally. Working adults with a career in the works need to remember that it is wise to work on or elaborate absolutely every potential contact (if only to have the person on a list of names you'll never end up calling), and furthermore that burning bridges will never help you get anywhere. Many contacts may not yield anything all that significant in terms of your career advancement, yet every once in a while there is that one-and you need to be able to open a dialogue there at the right moment, which is why networking is so important in the first place. Within the realm of networking, there are three areas of interest that need to be pursues separately yet with equal energy: the place where you currently work (both among colleagues and superiors); the professional associations which represent your activity; and the major recruiters and/or companies where you hope to perhaps work in the future. Lavish these three areas with loads of networking, and you will do your career an enormous solid.
Résumé polishing and updating. How marketable can you possibly be when your résumé is representative of your professional standing from over a year ago?! Maintaining an updated résumé on at least a yearly basis shows people (recruiters in particular) that you take the process of career management seriously and that you're not just counting on luck and/or a good first impression. Remember that when you reach crucial turns in the road during your professional career, you may have to reinterpret the importance of previous work experiences and present them in a new light to justify your current direction. In this sense, remember to update your personal statement when appropriate to reflect any developments in terms of goals and principal strengths. Keep in mind that an updated résumé is a brilliant tool no matter what career path you are pursuing, as it enables you to seize opportunities as they arise without the need to stall (in order to bring your image up to speed). If you feel that your résumé is a little stale, you should think about enlisting the help of a career coach as this is just one of the specialist services that they offer.

These three branches or areas within career management combine-when properly fulfilled-to drastically improve the readiness of a working professional to take on bold new opportunities and to make the kinds of leaps forward that will afford them the stability they are looking for.

Finally, it is important for professionals to put together a contingency plan in case their original plan doesn't work out just the way they wanted to: after all, successful career management isn't so much about accomplishing exactly what you set out for yourself, but rather it's about making the best of the opportunities which present themselves and overcoming the setbacks that inevitably arise. As mentioned at the beginning, there are unknown variables that may surface and alter the marketability of a given product or service in the mid- or long-term. In such cases, working professionals need to know how to harness their experience, skills and network and apply them to a new path (whether a slight change in direction within the same field or a complete jumping of ships has taken place).

In the end, success in the long run cannot be had without all of these factors being brought together under one master plan, diligently implemented from the very beginning of a professional career.

Sam D Goddard writes articles on a variety of topics, including business, careers and credit control services, among others.

Career Change Success - Top Tips For Career Changers

Does career change success sometimes seem like an unobtainable goal? It is something you want to do and yet, you find yourself looking around for answers and somehow just not finding them. So what is going on that gets in the way of career change success?

There is a simple quotation, a favourite of mine, that goes like this...

Wherever you go, there you are.

Perhaps this sounds a bit philosophical for an article about career change? What has it got to do with getting me out of this job I hate, you may be asking?

Well, I think it states a fundamental truth that lies at the basis of any successful career change - that is that it begins and ends with you.

Whose problem is it?

Many people who are feeling stuck in a job they dislike find it very difficult to break out of the rut because they see 'the problem' as lying outside of themselves.

Why are they unhappy at work? Because they hate their boss (or their boss hates them!); because they don't get on with their colleagues; because the work is boring; because nobody is recognising what they are really capable of.... Do any of those refrains sound familiar to you?

What happens for people who think like this is that they may well succeed in changing jobs sometimes, and yet they still end up feeling unhappy and frustrated because they have not looked at the part they play in the whole situation.

So what's to be done?

The secret of career change success is to turn the spotlight inwards and take a long hard look at yourself. Let's face it, there is not a lot you can do to change others, but you can take charge of your own life - if you choose to.

When looking at yourself, it can help if you break the process down into three stages - past, present and future.

Look at your past

Take some time to reflect on the work you have done up to now. How did you end up in these jobs? What made you choose them? What has been good about any of the work you have done - go on, there must have been some good bits! What have you learned about yourself from doing these jobs? And what expectations of work lie behind these choices? What did your parents lead you to expect of work?

There's a lot to think about here, because there can be many influences from the past that are colouring the way you are managing your career now. What can you do to challenge the thinking that is holding you back?

Look at your present

What is going on for you in your current job? What has made it go stale for you? What could you do differently that might change the way your work day unfolds? What about looking at the skills that you are using - if you are feeling bored and underused you may be losing sight of what you are good at. Try asking friends and colleagues what they think your top three skills or qualities are. You may find that you are more skilled and more valued than you think.

Looking at what you have got to offer and what you can do to influence how each work day turns out can give you a great springboard for exploring new career ideas.

Look at your future

Take some time to look forward to what you would like to be doing. If there were no limitations on you, what career ideas would you pursue? What skills and interests would you like to be using in your work in the future? What do you think you were put here on this planet to contribute?

You might also find it useful to look backwards from the future. Try imagining you are retiring. What do you want to look back on with satisfaction in your working life. What would you be proud to have achieved? What do you want your colleagues to be saying about you?

If you want something, the clearer you are about what it is, the easier it will be to work towards it.

Don't blame others - do it yourself!

So stop assuming that everyone and everything else is the cause of your problems at work. At the end of the day, you are the person with final responsibility for the way your career unfolds. If you don't like it, then ask yourself - what am I going to do about it?

Start by asking yourself the questions posed in this article. Then decide what you will do next to make some changes. What will you do differently in the way you approach your current job? Or what first steps to change your career will you take?

And if you are ready to take up the career change challenge, I invite you to take a look around the How To Change Careers website where you will find a host of career change ideas to get you moving. You can also download my free Career Change Blueprint http://www.how-to-change-careers.com/career-change-blueprint.html which explains the 5 essential steps to career change success as well as giving you 5 great bonuses too!

From Cherry Douglas - Your Career Change Guide

Future Success Starts with a Winning Career Plan!

A winning career plan for future success through effective written career planning.

"Committing your goals to paper increases the likelihood of your achieving them by 1000%." Brian Tracy

Jack had worked at Wal-Mart for over four years and was in his early 20's. In the past year he was promoted to department manger in his local store. His education ended at high school although he had gone to a junior college for one semester.

He had visions of someday being a store manager but had no idea how to advance his career to that level. What did he have to do to get his career on track to the store manager level? Working hard? A lot of very capable people work hard every day but never seem to get anywhere. No, the real effective focus lies elsewhere.

If you want to promote your career to two or three levels above your current position lets follow Jack as he builds a workable and efficient career plan. We already know he enjoys the job and the interaction between the employees and customers. He's not afraid to work hard and he works smart because that's the reason he got promoted to department manager.

First, as Brian Tracy stated, the goals have to be put on paper. Jack's goal is to be a store manager but there is an intervening step, that of assistant store manager. So let's work with Jack at putting his career plan together. Here's Jack's career plan:

1. In the next 30 days have a meeting with the store manager to determine what qualifications are needed to get promoted to assistant store manager?

2. Complete the department manger computer training modules within the next 60 days.

3. Read two books a month on motivation, retail finance and other areas of effective supervision and management.

4. Spend time every day becoming familiar with the sales and other data important to managing his department and the entire store.

5. In the next 45 days get to know at least four personal things about each employee that works for him and each store department manager.

Depending upon the outcome of number one above Jack will have to add whatever the store manager advises him to complete. If he finds he needs to complete certain activities in a set period of time to qualify to be an assistant manger that will be added to his career plan. He will then write them out and take number one off the list. As a matter of course he should plan on talking with his assistant manger and store manager about the progress of his career plan at least every month or two and bring them up to date on his progress.

At least every three months or maybe more often Jack will have a meeting with himself. He will gage his progress and make adjustment to his career plan as required. On thing he learned when he writes out his career goals is to put the goals on index cards and have one on the visor of his car, another in his check book and another in his pocket. He plans on reading his career goals at least five times each day.

With this career plan Jack is well on his way to moving to the next level at Wal-Mart. Further, he is building the foundation to qualify himself for a store manager's position. Developing your personal career plan is not difficult if you quantify each step, don't get too far in the future, and write out your career goals, step by step.

John Groth is a former HR executive and career coach. Find Career Planning Ideas, valuable articles and a free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date career and recruitment strategies at our Employment Guide all to assist you in planning and advancing your career.

Fundamentals of Career Change Success

Here are my top four tips for your career success:

1. Don't neglect your career!

The work you do has a huge impact on your happiness. It affects, if not determines, your self-esteem, income, lifestyle, health, friendships and even your love life. Yet most people spend more time researching a holiday trip than they do their career options!

My advice - put some time and effort into managing your career direction and developing your job search skills. If you don't know how to get help from a career counsellor or career coach.

2. Your boss won't do if for you - LEARN HOW TO MANAGE YOUR OWN CAREER.

No one else can take responsibility for your career. It is essential that you invest some time to learn two things: first, how to discover your ideal next career move and second, how to make it happen successfully.

Career coaches, career advisors, and career consultants have all developed a lot of knowledge in this area but unfortunately it is rarely taught at school or even at university. Seek out this expert knowledge and develop your career change and job search skills.

You will need to use these skills many times in the coming years. It is now predicted we will all experience career change between 5 to 7 times in our working lives. Yes... that is careers NOT jobs! Most of us will be changing jobs at least every 2 - 3 years!

3. Remember... being good at your job is NOT the same as being good at managing your career.

Many of the retrenched people I've been paid thousands of dollars to help in corporate outplacement programs have been the most loyal, hard-working employees. They made the mistake of thinking that if they just did what was asked of them they would be taken care of.

Don't just do what you're told. Learn how to be strategic with your career and create opportunities which match your real strengths with the changing world of work so that you continue to have a future.

4. My final tip - build your career on your strengths.

Don't worry so much about your weak areas. Successful people identify what their natural strengths are and look for careers which allow them to do what they love by using these strengths as much as possible. This means a career where you've cut out doing the things you don't like - you weren't very good at these things anyway.

Do you think high achievers like Nicole Kidman really don't have things they're not good at doing? They certainly do. However they've found their strengths and zeroed in on using them. It may sound simple but it's true - success flows when you have a laser FOCUS on finding and applying your strengths.

These are important fundamental points. If you were a life-long friend seeking advice I would want to share these 4 tips with you. But there is more I'd also want to share...

© 2008 Mitch Lawrie - Career Coach. For more tips and information concerning careers counselling, vocational guidance, career advisors, coaches & consultants, and career placement tests visit http://www.career-wise.com.au

Career Success - Tips On How To Keep Your Career Up-To-Date

Here we are early in 2008 and many are taking a long look at their career plans. Here are some ideas that should help you keep your career on track or help you in your career planning.

Take time to evaluate your present and future position. Set aside some time every three months or so to seriously evaluate where you are and where you want to be. Keep alert to what is going on around you. What is going on in your industry or market niche? Are there challenges your company is facing related to government actions? Are there new tools or techniques that will impact your career or job?

Remember the only job security you can count on is the transferability of your own skills. Do whatever it takes to keep your skills and qualifications fresh and marketable. Forgo that night in front of the TV and take a course at a local college or technical school. This will assure your skills are up to date.

Upgrade your networking skills. Regularly participate in professional organizations. Volunteer to represent your employer before outside groups. Keep in touch with those your meet and if asked provide whatever help you can. Nurture your contacts as you never know when their help might be needed in helping you advance your career or to help you find the right job.

Got a business idea in mind? Analyze and carefully plan out the career move. There are many advantages in running your own business, develop a comprehensive business plan. Take advantage of your networking contacts-they can provide you with valuable advice.

Perhaps starting the business part-time makes more sense. Start on a small scale and as you gain experience you can ramp it up to a full time business and career.

Always take the long view regarding your career. Don't force yourself to work in a career or job where you are miserable. How are you progressing in you career? If things need to be changed, moving in small steps can be more rewarding than one big leap.

If you have to change job or careers, or perhaps you position has been eliminated, part of your career plan should be to keep up to date on job hunting. Web skills you should master include using the internet, on-line resumes, scan able resumes, and social networking are just a few of the skills used today in finding a job. Don't overlook more traditional method of job hunting; finding jobs in the hidden job market, powerful resume cover letters and interviewing skills.

One note: more and more employers and conducting job interviews using the web cam rather than the traditional telephone interview. Brush up on you video broadcasting skills.

With all this going on maybe taking a look at you career and your career planning should be more that a once every three month event. Keep alert daily what is going on around you. With this strategy you'll be better able to quickly adjust to the ever changing employment scene and put your career on the track to success.

John Groth is a Career Coach and former HR executive. On his site find Career Development Ideas, valuable articles and a Free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date career and recruitment strategies at our Employment Success Tips all to assist you in developing and managing your career.

Career success factors: 5 simple ways to Boost career

It is always difficult to give advice on career success factors, because there isn't really a set formula you can follow that can ensure a successful career. A combination of various factors in the right context and with the right character will give your career a Boost.

For senior executives, these success factors of 5 career probably works more as a reminder. For newbies, especially if you are in your first year of work-these factors will be your guide to a career Boost. Like all career advice you give, don't expect immediate results. Often practiced and you will see the results.

1. NOW!

Doing things now! Do not procrastinate. Nothing irks a manager more than a beginner at work that is already showing signs of lazing or take shortcuts. Attack your job immediately. Have a plan of attack for the work that is assigned to you.

Without procrastination can finish the job long before. This allows you to assign more work. Increase trust with your supervisor, he/she will assign you, his most important work. Make a decision now to put in place a plan for this career success factor.

2. next steps

Never leave a meeting without clear next steps that are required to complete. A date of when the job is scheduled to be completed by you as part of this next step. This also applies to the discussion with the supervisor. Always try to clarify what is required from your end before leaving the discussion.

If you're lucky enough to be chairing meetings or a project leader, remember that lists the set of next steps or action plan is your responsibility. When you clear next steps; Who and when the task should be completed, become productive. Get a career Boost when you're productive. It is one of the factors of success career easier to practice.

3. notice

No, it does not mean that intimate. Notice here means being a keen observer of the things and people around you. Now, does not mean to be nosey and start gossiping. Every Office has its dynamic. Not be pulled into policies that can damage your career at an early stage. Notice here means to observe and take note of things. When you notice things you become more observant. It becomes even better to know how things work in the Office. Blend in better. Note and discover what are the industry standards, ethics and legality. Notice the corporate culture and who is in charge. Sometimes who is really in power are those who can influence the bosses.

4. Nice

Among all factors of successful career, this is probably what is the easiest to do. Being nice doesn't mean they go around volunteering to make coffee for your colleagues. It can mean very simple and sincere wishes for "Good Morning". It can also be a pleasant smile.

You should be aware to do this in order to transfer your colleagues. Ever noticed some people smile and healthy for the sake of it? Really can't hear that mean? All else being equal, it's really nice and sincere can give a Boost to his career.

One point sub that I would like to add to this needs to be cleaned. This means being organized, clean and orderly condition. As a freshie with these behaviors, it becomes easy to work with, as you are productive.

5. Network

Sure, there are new to the industry. There are very few people who know. But you should not stop to discover where people hang out and when. Start first with your colleagues. Where to go to lunch?

Networking at a smaller scale is to get her face. Then you can work on how to get your name known. There is a caveat to this, while the network is one of the major success factors that provide career-make up the good work. Networking cannot give a Boost to career if you don't deliver the good work.

These success factors of career work well for beginners and career can give a Boost to his career. But remember to try and do a great job first before thinking about how you can enhance your career.

Long Yun Siang or long, as it is popularly known-has undergone a period of disillusionment many moons ago. "Slap and a kick from a good hearted cousin then woke him. He graduate and have a good career. In his spare time, he runs http://www.career-success-for-newbies.com with his wife Dora as their way to pay it forward. Download these free eBooks-career success recipe for newbies and SHINE At Work: your guide to 30 minutes on the site now.

Don't Let Common Career Myths Hinder Your Success in Finding a Great Career

Many people have ideas of finding a career that can be very destructive. Often these preconceptions are little more than career myths. By analyzing some of these, you may learn how to avoid falling for the myths that can stand in the way of your successful career choices.

1. Career Testing Will Point Me to the Perfect Career

Career testing can help you narrow your interests and learn more about your personality; however, it is important to recognize the results as only helpful information. While it is important to take advantage of all types of resources to help you discover what your aptitude might be, you shouldn't expect these tests to lead you in the perfect direction. The test may reveal some helpful career aspirations; but there is still more research for you to do to find the best career choice for yourself.

2. Most People Know Their Career Path Before College

Wrong! How many people do you know who changed majors a handful of times before finally graduating? While some people enter college with a decided path and stick to it, the average college student changes majors three to five times. Limiting your career aspirations to a single decision can be devastating. Keep your options open and remember that it's never too late to change your mind if you are going in a direction that you realize won't be fulfilling in the future.

3. I Will Only Have One Career In My Lifetime

In truth, deciding upon a career is an ongoing, ever-changing process. More important than sticking with your first career choice is finding a career that inspires you - one about which you are passionate. The average person will switch career paths several times before they retire. Quite often where you begin just helps you get to the next step. It's important to get started and remain open and flexible to new possibilities.

How to Avoid Career Myths That Prevent Success

Be mindful that you may be confronted with career myths along your way. You should try to stay focused and not be swayed by the opinions of others. The path you choose can be rewarding and fulfilling only if it is truly the right choice for you. Sometimes you may not recognize that your choice won't turn out as you planned. Realizing the importance of remaining open minded, flexible, and focused will prove to be very helpful to you.

Online Opportunities for Exploring the Right Career

If you're ready to start a new career or enhance your knowledge in a different field, explore the possibilities. There are hundreds of degrees available online as well as articles and helpful information that can help you make the best choice. Why not take a look today?

Nancy Lambert is an executive for Accredited-Online-Colleges.com Accredited-Online-Colleges.com provides information to help you find a career through online learning and degree programs from accredited colleges and universities. From online certificates to Associates, Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees, Accredited-Online-Colleges.com helps students and adults discover the advantages of earning their degree online.

Career Success Tip: The Zen Way

Many young executives like to ask for career success tips. I usually start by saying career success does not come in a day. Yet, day-in day-out I see young people entering the working life pushing themselves as if they will make CEO in a year. They have a tendency to compare their progress with their contemporaries. You should not and must not compare your career success to your contemporaries.

If you ask me, what is career success? Frankly, I don't have the answer. But, I can give you a career success tip that works for me. However, ultimately only you can answer "what is career success?" because only you can seek. No one can do it for you. It is to be defined by your own values and principles in life. You would have to define what is career success for yourself. It means different things for different people. And it is your career goals.

The first step is to ask yourself "What is career success?". It is not a question you should mull over daily. You will have to spend time thinking about this. The answer will not come easy. Ask yourself that question, and then let it float in your mind for however long it takes - never force the answer.

Remind yourself this - if your career is a marathon, then it includes the preparation for the race - the warm ups, the stretches, the strength exercises, the stamina building, the constant practice runs. Constant effort is what will eventually get a positive response. And that response is success.

My biggest fear looking at many young first job executives is that a lot of them embark on this marathon and end up hurting themselves. They hurt themselves because instead of warming up and stretching, they sprint. Eventually they end up injured, taking months and years to recuperate.

This is an important career success tip. Your career like many things in life cannot be rushed. You succeed by not rushing nor lazing off. Your career success comes to you when you do not rush yourself through it. But this also means you do not laze off. When you rush you start to be careless. You forget the basic important steps in the race for your career success. If you sprint through at this early phase, you risk overdoing it. On the other hand, if you laze off - you won't put in the appropriate effort needed for success. For success to happen, you need to be moderate in your pursuit. That would be career success tip for you. There is a saying:

Hurrying makes things too tight,

Slacking off lets things get too loose,

By not hurrying and not slacking off,

We can succeed at what we do.

In this race, you are your own competitor. To end this career success tip, I leave you with this thought from Dao De Ching:

He who knows other men is discerning, he who knows himself is intelligent.

He who overcomes other is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty.

He who is satisfied with his lot is rich.

He who goes on acting with energy has a firm will.

He who does not fail in the requirements of his position, continues long.

He who dies and yet does not perish, has longevity.

Long Yun Siang or Long, as he is popularly known runs http://career-success-for-newbies.com with his wife Dorena as their way of paying it forward. Their website ? based on their real life experiences - provides tips, tools and advise for newbies pursuing career success. Download a FREE copy of their mini eBook titled ?Career Success Recipe for Newbies? at the website now.

Carriera di successo di cambiamento in 10 semplici passi

They decided that this year is really going to change career? Fantastic! There are exciting to embark on a journey, but it is one that will be worth the time and effort you invest in it. I really owe it to yourself to finally get out of that job of junk that was frustrating. All you need is a genuine commitment to see this through a simple process and 10 stages to follow. Believe me, it really is possible to make changes!

What is the secret of success?

There is no magic answer that just may happen overnight, but if you follow the 10 steps outline below, I guarantee you will be well on your way to making the change to a career that will enjoy.

Get your mind right

Many attempts to change career fail because the underlying attitude impedes the success. It is important that work from the beginning to have a positive approach. Treat your career change as an exciting project and any challenges that you run against will be things that make the journey interesting.

As done so far?

Look back on your career so far and consider how you got to this point in your career. What made you choose your current line of work? What were the bad and good points about your career so far? What are the lessons that you can take from the past?

What I'm selling?

A successful career change always involves a careful review of skills, interests and values so that you know what you are ' selling ' to prospective employers. If you want to be happy in your work, you should take advantage of your natural talent and ability and what to do should fit in with your values more deeply had.

What is my personality?

Understand the type of person you are is a very important part of the process of career change and career changers many forget to consider it. If you are thinking about a new career that does not match with your personality, you run the risk of ending up in a job that is frustrating and unrewarding.

Do your research

View out there in the world of work as well as looking at yourself. There are many jobs that do not appear in the lists of careers. Adopt a proactive, looking for new opportunities, taking into account the work could initially are out of reach, ask others about their jobs to expand your thinking.

Display the results of all your searches

Put the outcome of your review and your exploration of the world of work in a file and go to it regularly. Ask yourself what ideas feel right for you career. Think about what you would do if you knew you couldn't fail-what a dream career would pursue?

Challenge questions

Yes, we all have our doubts, we all hesitate when faced with making a big career change. But these apologies are often just that-apologies. Back to their habit. Just imagine what it would be like if you just did? I challenge you-for once in your life, take a courageous step forward!

Take a creative approach to your job search

After choosing a new career direction, not just waiting for the perfect job advertisement to appear. Go look at it. Take advantage of all people know, speak with your contacts, network, let people know what you are looking for at all. Are much more likely to find something, if you take a proactive and creative approach.

Update your CV or resume

It is not enough to dust off the old resume and modify it a bit. Will need a complete overhaul so that you really focus on skills that will take you to the new line of work you are aiming for. Avoid simply saying their basic facts-show the recruiter to meet their needs and be ready to promote yourself positively!

Do thorough preparation for interviews that you get

Make sure you have the last step right. When you get invited to interview that almost there are! Make sure you have the skill and quality tests on the tip of the tongue, so you can prove that you have what your new employer is looking for. Since we really believe in yourself. If you don't-expect?

Never forget that you are the only person that will make this happen. All you need to do is to write the first step take-then go ahead and do it!

And if you still need more ideas and inspiration to help with career change, then I invite you to take a look at How to change careers where you will find a myriad of career change ideas to get moving. You can also download my free Blueprint career change http://www.how-to-change-careers.com/career-change-blueprint.html that takes you through a simple process of 5 stages of successful career change. Also features a large bundle of bonuses, so don't miss out!

By Douglas cherry-your career change guide

3 Proven Career Makeover Strategies to Achieve Greater Success and Satisfaction

Ever daydreamed about transforming your career into something new, better, and more rewarding? Yet the process of actually making a career change can seem overwhelming, and as a result, most people never succeed with their career change goals.

In my role as a career counselor, helping thousands of talented, motivated professionals realize their career dreams, I've seen the following three powerful strategies produce successful, lasting career-change results.

-- Career Reinvention Strategy #1: Experiment before going "live". Many people fantasize about what a new career specialty would be like, yet the reality is almost always different. Increase your chances for true career-reinvention success (as well as the likelihood of your long-term satisfaction) by taking a class, shadowing an expert, and executing practice projects that expose you to your new specialty. Bonus: the experience you gain builds credibility and skills in your new line of work.

-- Career Reinvention Strategy #2: View career reinvention as a process, rather than as a prest-o, change-o switchover. It took years for you to create a success in your current career. Create a transition plan with reasonable timelines to research your new plan, gain needed skills, and land a position. Six months to two years is typical. If this timeline seems too long or frustrating to you, keep in mind that as soon as you begin your career-change process, you'll be making progress...and that not only feels great, but you'll realize that every step you take is getting you closer to your goal.

-- Career Reinvention Strategy #3: Be open to the unexpected. The saying, "Life is what happens when you're making other plans" is especially true when it comes to career reinvention. As you begin to move forward, new ideas and opportunities will present themselves...and they may be an even better solution than the career makeover idea you'd first imagined.

- Katy Piotrowski, M.Ed. is a career counselor with Career Solutions Group and author of, "The Career Coward's Guide to Changing Careers", "The Career Coward's Guide to Resumes", "The Career Coward's Guide to Job Searching", "The Career Coward's Guide to Interviewing", and "The Career Coward's Guide to Career Advancement". She has been recognized nationally for her outstanding career counseling achievements.

Personal Career Development Plan - Essential For Success

A personal career development plan enables you to keep track of progress in your own career. It is a reliable way to analyze your motivations, aspirations, and achievements. Several career-oriented individuals create a career development plan not just to accomplish certain goals, such as a promotion or raise in the job, but also for further career advancement. Hence, it should be given much focus.

Essentials In a Career Development Plan

Creating your career development plan must be done continuously, instead of focusing on specific work objectives. That way, you can easily keep track of whatever improvements you have or where there is need for one. It is not just confined to career-related documents but may also include materials that you have collected over time that reflect your motivation and aspirations when it comes to your career.

Below are few things you can do to back up your career development plan:

Update your resume. - Your resume is a crucial reflection of your career path. Therefore, if you have new or existing skills, achievements in previous employment, or personal achievements, make sure to include it in your CV.

List all your job descriptions. - This is essential to your career planning. By evaluating and analyzing your performance from previous jobs, you will be able to detect whether there are improvements or recognize which areas you need improve on. If you can, gather evidence of any achievements you have for they might come handy during job interviews.

Gather job advertisements. - This tip is helpful even to those employed individuals. This will enable you to identify whether there are any other existing jobs that are more suitable for your qualifications and that offer self-fulfillment.

Create A Personal Vision

Some people constantly change careers not because of compensation or competition, but more often because they are not personally satisfied with their careers. Therefore, when devising your own career plan, you have to create your own personal vision.

Your career plan or objectives can be either long or short term. Hence, before you move on with your career planning, you have to determine yours first. There are a lot to consider when planning your career path, however personal considerations should be on top of the list.

What are the personal barriers that impede your progress? Are you doing this for personal satisfaction and achievement, or is this what my family desires for me? As long as you have considered factors that not only involve the people around you but also yourself, then you can remain motivated in achieving the goals you have set for yourself.

Personal Career Planning Steps

1. If you are contemplating on multiple careers, try narrowing them down so you can focus on the career most suitable for you.

2. Research about your prospect career. When you have more information and knowledge about your chosen career, you will also recognize the skills needed in order to succeed in that career.

3. If you are looking to make a transition from one career to another, identify the necessary qualifications.

4. Once you have determined the qualifications needed for your new career, compare it with your current career profile. Evaluate what skills or knowledge you need to acquire in order to match the job search. If it requires a lot of work, then you might need to reconsider whether changing careers should be an option. If you are close to the qualification, then you can move on.

For long-term career planning, you need to be more precise and specific with your guidelines. After all, you will have to be the one dealing with the consequence of your choices. When creating your personal development plan, you must consider not only career opportunities in the market but also your own skills and abilities.

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Career Development - Learn the Best Way to Assure Career Success!

You just graduated from college or technical school and you're happy your schooling is behind you. Think again, as building and developing a successful career not only begins with education, but is a continuing project.

That was the recent results of a survey of over 425 Human Resource Managers and Business Executives. Acquiring new skills, expanding abilities and learning new information along with updating current abilities, they concluded, was the best approach to career development. With this type of proactive career development the result will be career progress and overall career success.

As you continue your education your first attempt should be to build marketable talents to match career opportunities. As you acquire more experience and you overall talents cover all aspects of your current career your next focus should be on learning and acquiring new skills.

These new skills should prepare you to move to the next level or to qualify you for other career opportunities. Since many workers today will change careers several times, either voluntarily, or through changing technology you must be alert to the changing landscape.

Coming in a close second as the best way to advance your career is to build a career network. Having a career network is one thing but to really make it work you have to continually update it. Keep in touch with former teachers and co-workers. Provide them with information about the progress of your career and offer to help them in their career planning and progress.

Building an effective career network takes work and attention. It's much more than exchanging Christmas cards. An occasional lunch, asking career related questions and celebrating a promotion of someone in your network will go a long way to keeping your network involved in your career development.

Taking on challenging and high-profile assignments comes in third in the survey. The group also added that career advancement will come from taking on more mundane assignments like outside civic and charitable efforts.

A surprising fourth in the survey identified the importance of discussing and communicating your career goals with your supervisor. Not once a year but much more frequently, surly every time you master a new skill or complete a course or a program of self-study. If you can't progress farther in your current department, it always pays to have a supervisor looking for opportunities for you in other areas of the company.

In the overall survey of career development and overall career success, acquiring new and updating our skills, abilities and knowledge through ongoing education beat performing the job in an exemplary manner by over 3 to 1. This does not mean that you should overlook doing you job to the best of your ability but rather not to ignore the importance of ongoing education.

So the conclusion is clear, to move ahead in your career, continuing education and learning is the key to career development and career progress.

John Groth is a Career Coach and former HR executive. On his site find Career Building Ideas, valuable articles and a Free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date career and recruitment strategies at his Career Development Tips; all to assist you in developing and managing your career.

Career Change - 4 Steps to Career Change Success

Losing a job may just be the opportunity you need to make the career change you have always dreamed of. Plenty of people spend hours at a job that just isn't an ideal fit for their needs. They stay for financial reasons, or because the routine seems easier than looking for a new job, or because they know they want something different, but they just don't know what that something different could be.

When you lose your job, however, you're forced to face all of those career issues head on, which can make this phase an ideal career change opportunity. Having only one career throughout a lifetime is a thing of the past for a lot of people. Depending on who you speak with, experts will tell you that the average person will have anywhere from four to seven different careers in a lifetime. So changing careers is a pretty normal fact of working life.

1. Develop a realistic plan.

Do your research and understand exactly what skills and experience are required for success in your new career. Be realistic about whether you have the skills to land a job in your new career or whether you'll need to develop some new skills and experience. Know the typical day to day tasks in your new line of work, whether local employers are hiring in your chosen field and how much you can expect to make.

Often you see the public side of a job, but there are a lot of behind the scenes responsibilities that may not be obvious to someone outside of the industry. Find ways to get inside information into your new career: talk to people in your new industry, job shadow someone, or even volunteer in your new profession. Do your research so you're certain that your new career is a good fit for your needs.

2. Move toward something you want, don't run away from something you don't like.

Often people can say what they did not like about their last job, or what they don't want in a new job. However, people typically struggle to say what they do want in a new job. Make a concerted effort to think through exactly what you want in your next job. Consider your personal priorities and values and ensure they are met in your next job.

It's far more powerful, positive and motivating to move toward something as opposed to moving away from something. For example, you may have hated your last job because you had a micromanaging boss who never allowed you to have any autonomy. You could think, "I never want to work for a micromanaging boss again." Or, you could turn it around. Instead, focus on that fact that you are a self motivated individual who works well independently and that you would be a great fit in that type of organization. It's a simple shift in perspective, but it's amazing how far it can go in helping you to reach your career goals.

3. Try to shut out all of the outside noise.

You know the people I'm talking about here. There will always be people who will not support your goals. It could be you neighbor who says, "Are you having a mid-life crisis?" or your mother who tells you, "You have unrealistic expectations; work is not supposed to be enjoyable." Of course there are always the people who won't come right out and say anything, but you know from the look in their eyes and sound of their voices when they say "That's interesting." They are really thinking, "Has she lost her mind?"

These people are not helpful in any way. Stay away from them as much as you can, or at least avoid the topic of your career change with people who are not supportive. They will only serve to undermine your efforts.

4. Do, absolutely, find mentors and people who will tell you the truth in a supportive way.

Unlike the neighborhood naysayers, mentors, can tell you the truth about your efforts to make a career change. Supportive people who have experience in your new field, and professional career counselors can objectively help you to assess a career change and determine whether you are heading down a realistic and fruitful path.

Do you have people in your life who cheer you on when you're making great strides, who kindly but honestly tell you when they think you're heading in the wrong direction, and who have only your best interests at heart? Everyone needs a few friends like this. These are the people who need to hear about your career change plans; they'll support you in surprising ways through your transition.

Too many people get comfortable and settle for second best. If you're thinking about making a career change, take the first step today. Search out information about your new career online, talk to someone supportive who can help you find the information you need, or pick up a book to help you get started. Remember, "You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water." (Rabindranath Tagore).

Lisa McGrimmon is a career counselor, author and entrepreneur who has helped over two thousand clients achieve their career goals. If you'd like to learn exactly how to manage your career and gain enormous control over your future, visit Career Choice Guide. To get more tips on making a career change, drop by Lisa's site.

Career planning or career Change-four actions critical to the success of the overall career!

You worked for an employer for some years. But things don't seem right only. Maybe it's a new boss, or a new CEO, but things aren't what they used to be. Your career seems to be going nowhere. For whatever reason, your task doesn't get you going in the morning, if in fact, some morning dread going to work.

But what now? You know that you could do more. How to jump start your career and keep it sharp and cool and your high-interest? If you're trying to do a job well planned, change or just want to light a fire under your career path you study uninspiring, the following action change toolkit.

To make a change effectiveness in your career or get back on the fast track you must study the following four ideas to action.

1. what is your purpose career? What should I do? Do the analysis and find out once and for all what should be done. Each possesses a call or a single purpose. Each one is unique and this uniqueness it shows in a career that we intended to do. Connect the dots from living your career goal. Start with thinking about how and why you are in your current career. Everything is currently valid? If not, find out why.

2. have you ever written your career mission? If you maybe it's time to take a careful review of the Declaration of intent. Rewrite if necessary. If you haven't written mission statement career now would be a productive time to get it done. You can add a sense of purpose, direction and focus in te decisions regarding your career or career change.

3. you have your writing career goals? If it is now time to think about them and write them down. It is essential to set your short, intermediate and long-term career goals. Do you want to be able to view and monitor progress. For example, if you career goal is to read 120 books in the next five years, scrambling and track to two per month. If you don't track the goal within the month, will do you no good trying to catch up in the last month and try to read 60 books.

4. Motivating Actions begin with small steps. Destructive habits do not occur overnight. Lack of physical fitness of a person, for example, not a day goes by fit to walk two miles. Rather it is the accumulation of daily, weekly, and perhaps years of lack of physical activity.

The same can be said for your career. You have the skills to make daily changes to small but significant in your purpose, determination and commitment. Over time, some just twenty-one days, attitude and self-confidence will grow as these build small improvements and grow. This results in accelerating your motivation to make your career goals a reality.

Use these four ideas from your career building toolkit and will succeed if you are looking to change careers or just want to get the emotion in your current job. Studying, planning, definition of objectives and actions you'll be well on its way to eager to go to work every morning.

John Groth is a former Executive coach and career HR. Find Career changing ideas, precious items and a free seven-day career planning guide. Discover up-to-date career strategies and recruitment at our Guide to employment planning all to assist you in advancing and manage your career.

Career success-adaptation

In the last 30-40 years of career counselors and career coaches published books, conducted seminars and driven people in plotting career paths. Everyone was looking for the quickest way to the corner office and career advisors earned a good living mapping of career plans for young professionals.

Secure jobs and the opportunity to work their whole lives for an employer has given the guru of career path a real purpose to provide a guide to expose the plans and career paths. The concept of career planning and career paths defined must be re-examined. The story of work most likely of those starting in the last ten years, change jobs or careers several times throughout his life. In addition, most typically changes of job or career you point blank.

Many times we define what we do, what our career is and what we do for a living. During our work we try many jobs. Fast food restaurant, or the local Wal-Mart or summer job during College, try many jobs with different boss in various industrial sectors. Hopefully, we find something that we are avid about. If found early enough we can spend our working life mastering career and skills that go with it.

In today's changing economy and the workplace is becoming increasingly difficult to hit career home run at the start of their working life. It is more natural for many different travel routes, before finding a vocation that really fits you wishes and interests.

Looking for new challenges seem to be the norm, when many reach their early 40 's. Career changes, at any age are normal and natural. As we build on our achievements and what is significant here is prepared for the changes and adjustments of future career.

There are still some professions where there is a relentless path that leads to career mastery. Physicians and lawyers come to mind, but there are some similar career paths in the corporate world.

For example, IT professionals must reinvent themselves every year or two. The skills and knowledge base change so quickly in the field of technology if you're not constantly updating your skills you will find your career ending with the advancement of technology.

The overall message is to be open to changes and learn to be flexible. Be looking for master new skills, so you can make your career more valuable. Another advantage of being flexible and learning new concepts and skills will likely lead to the career and work that will be more satisfied, and who knows even passionate. Good luck on your journey.

John Groth is a former Executive coach and career HR. Find career development Information, valuable articles and a free career planning guide for seven days. Discover up-to-date career strategies and recruitment to our blog idea career all to assist you in advancing and manage your career.

Career transitions: preliminary tips 4 you will lead to success on the career path

Not happy in your current job? Thinking of making a career change? Dynamic lifestyles and an uncertain economy are just two of many reasons to consider a new employment, or even a completely different from what you are now. Trust me; as a career consultant who has helped many people reinvent themselves professionally, I can assure you that you are not alone!

Perhaps you've seen some layoffs at your company and "fear factor" you are looking for alternative options and they want more satisfaction out of your work. Maybe you need a more flexible work situation, which optimizes the balance between home and career more effectively. Whatever the circumstance, one thing is for sure: you're unhappy or unstable in your current job and you want to do something about it.

When you start getting the itch, it's time to make an assessment and begin to set up the first goal. You might ask, are you really ready for a career transition? How can I best prepare myself for a change? But even before you explore the components of a satisfying career, it helps immensely to cultivate a healthy and positive mental Outlook. People who have managed to make a change are those that are willing to overcome their fears, doubts and insecurities to make it happen. You, too, can be one of these people ...

Keep these tips in mind before preliminary forging ahead on your journey toward a more fulfilling and rewarding career!

1. undertake to make a change.

Something that is incredibly important for any changes in your life is your level of commitment. You need to be committed. Engaged as you are looking for a career that fits, on a scale of 1-10? If there is a 10, what you must do to move it up the ladder? Now is the time to ask key questions. Do your research, so you know what questions to keep in mind. Contact a career expert who can help you become Misano with your goals and dreams. Explore career websites. Take the personality test. You will find that the more time you invest in career prospects and self-discovery, more committed to the cause will become.

2. learn to overcome obstacles.

To succeed in changing career paths, you must learn to overcome the obstacles encountered along the way. The obstacles that I see from time to time for people who want to make a career change are: not knowing what to look for in a job (so take one that is "good enough" that really don't enjoy) and negative beliefs-disbelieving that can make the change. With practice, can retrain your mind to see the past perceived limitations, which are only a figment of your imagination anyway! With enough self-exploration, you'll be able to locate the exact quality of the ideal career for you ... and also the features that you do not want in a career.

3. Get support.

I was able to do with great success on my coaching career step largely because of my coach. She helped me create my plan, remain positive, go ahead, identify what I wanted to do and learn how to overcome obstacles. I'm being honest when I say: it really helps to have the support of a group or a coach to remind you to stay positive and focused. Contact details are below, if you would like more information from me.

4. Claim your life.

My final thought for you ... is to claim your life. There is never a perfect time to make a drastic career change, and you can always come up with reasons and excuses not to do so. You must take some kind of risk and perhaps a step out of your comfort zone. The key is to minimize the risk and be smart about it. Get support from a career coach like me or someone else who can provide solid guidance and resources, it is necessary to move forward with your plans.

If you have questions about how to make a career change, find out what kind of career best suits your skills, or determine the key components of a career that fits, explore my site details below and then get in touch! I'd love to hear from you.

All the best for a rewarding and fulfilling career doing what you love!

Copyright 2006 Hallie Crawford. All rights reserved.

Want free tips, tools and expert advice on how to find a career you re enthusiast? Visit Career Coach certificates Hallie www.halliecrawford.comto Crawford. Bookmark career tips blog www.halliecrawford.com/blog Hallie to regular updates, fun and informative online career tests, career resources and more.

Career Development Planning: Keys to Career Success

Career Development Planning: keys to finding and qualifying for the right job for overall career success.

Career development planning is the key to advancement and is a measure of tracking the progress of your career. Also, it is a dependable method to study your overall personal goals and the steps taken as your accomplishments move you toward the right career.

Keys to a well thought out career development plan: The plan is a work in progress. As you move up one step there is another in front of you. You build in flexibility, one door may close but with continued career related research another soon opens. Your career development plan is not focused exclusively on your work but on your career, its direction and your interests and passion.

As you career plan evolves so does your resume. Keep it up dated through a file in which you keep a record of achievements, training, projects completed, new skills, promotions, performance reviews and positive letters and memos.

Begin keeping a file on job announcements in your career and any career in which you have an interest. Even if employed this is a good tip as you can identify where new qualifications are required allowing you to get the additional training and experience.

In the course of writing out your career development plan spend some time on exactly what your overall job objectives are. Both short and long-term and what you see yourself doing. Are there any obstacles you have to overcome? How is your development plan going to help you qualify for your next career or update your current position?

To make your career development plan work for you there are several personal planning steps that it would be productive to consider:

1. Research the proposed career. Use informational interviews to talk to those already working in the career. Attend workshops and seminars and area conferences. Build your network of like minded people. Work to determine what skills, education and experience are required to qualify for the position.

2. If your career direction is not firmly fixed, pick the top two or three and keep researching until a number one comes into focus. Don't worry if you reject a career that at first seemed so promising, this is progress and it's just as important to find out what you don't want as what you look at favorably.

3. If you are planning a career change analyze closely what qualifications are required. Identify your transferable skills, and build a step by step plan to become qualified. In-line learning, self-study and mentoring can go a long way to become qualified in many required skills.

4. Add financial planning to your career development plan. If changing careers requires a reduced level of income, take that into consideration in your overall planning. Reduce overall debt to increase your options and reduce stress.

In any career development plan you have a series of long-term objectives, for example: reading books appropriate to your career, leadership, team building and project management are just a few subjects to consider. If you want to move to another area, you may want to vacation there first.

If you are looking at a career in another industry, research and study of the industry is in order. What are the overall prospects to the industry and the proposed career?

In summary, career development planning is a work in progress, and a valuable partner to growing your career based skills and qualifications. All of which should allow you to discover opportunities that match you career objectives.

For more detailed information about career planning and career development go to career planning and development. You'll also find ideas about changing careers and the stories of individuals just like you who successfully made midlife career changes.

New Career After 50 - Plan Your Way to Success!

New career after 50-plan your way to success in your new career.

A new career after 50 is well within your reach. With possible changes in the Social Security retirement age and the financial gyrations to the economy, you may be working until your late 60's and beyond. So it's vital that you do your career change planning now so you end up in the right career.

In planning for your new career after 50 you have a whole host of positive things going for you. Many of your job related skills are readily transferable to another career. You have a history of achievements in a variety of difficult situations. Your leadership and team building skills are easily transferable to another career.

Many employers have benefited by hiring the experienced over 50 candidate. They have learned the over 50 new hire is reliable, is easily trained in additional tasks and duties and has the experience not to bail out when the going gets tough.

In any career change planning exercise you first need to analyze your skills and interests. Some like to act more independently, some like to work for smaller employers, some like structure others like to design things based on circumstances, some like to travel and meet and interact with others, some are happy working in a closet, you get the idea.

Write out all the things you want in your dream career as they relate to your interests, possible prospective employers and even where you want to work.

Also, write out a list of your achievements, no matter how minor. Which ones did you derive the most satisfaction? Why? How about what you didn't like about specific careers? Again, why? You now should start developing an outline of where you want to go in your suggested planned new career after 50.

For example, if you have a burning desire to work independently with a laptop under a palm tree in Tahiti, with a bit of research there will be a career for you. It may not match your financial requirements but if you are determined enough you can make it happen.

Now comes the interesting part of your planning for a new career after 50, the research and gathering of information on the possible careers that fit your basic skills and interests.

What qualifications and experience are necessary to qualify for a job in the planned career? What skills and other qualifications are transferable to the new career? Are there any gaps in your technical skills? How about other educational or certification requirements? Where are the jobs located? Will you need to move? What are the salary ranges? What is the career path? What industries? What employers? Is the career growing? What are the latest developments in the career? How will you find and talk to a number of people now working in the career?

With the internet today you can amass a great deal of information on a variety of careers, reject some and with those you want to focus on start specifically planning to make the career change.

With each new planned career there will usually be skills that you will have to update. This can be accomplished with self-study, seminars and workshops, on-line learning and perhaps formal study at a local college.

Acquiring of required skills and experience may take some time so be patient, as you complete each step add the knowledge to your resume.

Focus your after 50 career change resume on accomplishments with special emphasis on the specific employer's needs, keep them brief and quantifiable. Likewise, re-draft your job objectives to match each position applied for. Study and practice the skills necessary to write an excellent resume cover letter with the letter tailored to the specific job. Practice and refine your telephone and face-to-face interview skills. Write a memorable thank-you letter after each interview.

Use and build your network of contacts to assist you in finding the right job in your new career. All of these actions will be added to your overall career plan. Stay flexible, you may find a career that seemed so promising, has a number of negatives so you reject it. Keep up your research, usually when one door closes another opens.

Stay positive, build on your attitude and motivation by reading appropriate books, and listen to motivational CD's on your commute.

Remember in any after 50 career change you have a great deal to offer the prospective employer, you worked hard to qualify for the new career. You are a lifelong learner, have a steep learning curve, are up-to-date on the latest requirements in the career, you are dependable, you work hard and smart, have a varied background and a long list of strengths and skills and are just what the employer is looking for.

Stay positive, keep building and working your career change plan and success in finding your new career after 50 is just around the corner.

For more about how career change planning and working your career plan can help you find your dream job in a career that you'll love, discover up to date ideas and tips at http://careersafter50.com. You'll find informative articles on career planning and job hunting along with stories of individuals just like you who successfully made after 50 career changes.