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Where do you see your career in 2018?

Kate Allen, Executive Chair and Marketing Director, Allen Associates

As adults, there's such a stigma attached regarding our chosen careers.  We’re expected to know what we want to do, how to do accomplish it, and how long it'll take to achieve our professional dreams.

People tend to assume by the time they hit 30 they'll be settled in their career and will have already achieved a top professional goal. However, this isn't always the case. In today's economy 30-year-olds are more business focused than ever, and are still building their careers several years later, even putting vocation before family and houses!

After school, college or university, people become the masters of their own destiny, and let's face it, it's scary. It's great to have a long-term plan in place for career goals, and everyone should be looking at where they see their selves in the next five to 10 years, but we also need to think short-term and work towards our 2018 career goals.

If you're not sure what you want to do in terms of a career - don't panic. Research jobs you think you will enjoy and jobs that genuinely interest you. You may not discover what you want to do until your mid to late 20s or even in your 30s, but persistence is key and determination is vital.

Researching your chosen career path is always a great idea, giving you an insight into goals you need to strive for. It's also a good idea to see if there are any professional exams you could undertake that will invariably help to both improve your skills and enhance your CV, if there are any events, lectures, or key speaking conferences that would be beneficial for you, and even what reading you should brush up on. Similarly, if you have your sights already set on your next step up in your career, identify the skills required for each level and work towards them.

These are what we refer to as ‘marginal career gains’ – a series of small yet career enhancing actions that add up to a more impressive CV that grabs the attention of potential future Employers.

There may be more specific skills or qualifications needed for progression in your role going into 2018, or looking further ahead still. Arrange a meeting with your manager and talk about your future career progression within the company. Setting career goals for the next 6-12 months, where you can identify key objectives and goals, and even discuss further ahead into your career is extremely beneficial. This is valuable for both the Employer and employee, as the company can invest their time and possibly money into your role progression.

If your current job role can't or won't offer you the career prospects you’re looking for in the year ahead, then this is a good time to look for other roles in your chosen sector that can deliver. It's important not to side-step into the same situation with a different company, again

with no prospects, but to progress into a more senior position with a new firm where you can flourish in your career.

If you are planning your next career move in the next few months get in touch with the team today. We’ll take the time to really understand what you want from your next career move and match you with the right roles for you. We’re here to help.