Do you really know? So, today for my premier column on Vegas Community Online I’m going to talk about how we plan, manage and develop our careers. All things considered, our career is at the very core of our lives. It defines our standard of living, our relationships and the “style” of our retirement. I recall as an undergraduate at UNLV, hearing Kenny Rogers and the First Edition perform at the original Golden Nugget, “I Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).” When was the last time, if ever you dropped in to see what condition your career condition was in? How much time, energy and resources do we invest in hopes of reaping the rewards of a successful career? Relevantly good question!

 

 

The reality of today’s challenging world of work is that organizations/entrepreneurships are stressed to compete in a global market, along with rising energy, material and health care costs. Much of this stress is passed on to the front line employees, along with middle management. Some ways to help manage this stress and strengthen our career is to proactively create more value for the organization and our own career path.

 

Some examples:

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

 

Become bilingual, preferably Spanish or Mandarin.  Study a second language, part-time, online or while driving to work. Ask your employer to cover the cost or research if you can take it as an income tax deduction. Then, you can begin your resume summary with, “Bilingual Human Resources Manager….” Impressive!

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

Learn new computer software programs. Most employers will cover the costs, if the program is related to your job or field. If they don’t, invest in yourself and put the new skills on your resume.

 

LOGISTICS

 

Be open for relocation. Sometimes, the right “next step” in our career is not where we currently reside. Organizations often times value those who are willing to relocate for new, challenging opportunities. In the end, we must be realistic with the answer to, “Where could this new job lead to?” If you like the answer, pack your bags!

 

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Many refer to this as continuing education, but I like professional development. Basically, there are many components to professional development, education being just one of them. Will an advanced degree help you create more value for you and your organization? If you seek another degree or certification, you’ll have a multitude of options, with various costs. Look around for the one that is right for you and your goals.

 

 

RESEARCH

 

Almost every career field is experiencing intensive research and development to take the field into the future. Proactively study the R&D in your field or profession. Open your mind to the possibilities and follow the trends. Study reports, research and papers. Every field is challenged today with problems or critical issues. Will you be on the cutting-edge of solutions or searching the web for another job?

 

 

SUCCESSES

 

I’m amazed to hear how many people do not update their resumes regularly. When you create a positive experience for your career, record it on your resume IMMEDIATELY!

Examples: awards, a promotion, achievements, trainings, innovations, contributions and association activities. Then, your resume will always be ready to present-upon-request.

 

 

We workout, eat right, take supplements, socialize, pray, rest our bodies and our minds. Let’s consider an ongoing fitness program for our career path. If you need a “trainer” there are experts for each career topic, near and far. Your career is uniquely yours. You visualize it, create it and make it your reality. Consequently, you reap the rewards of its success, or lack there of.

 

Remember, if you are not managing and developing your career path, who is?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul’s first career book, Now, Launch Your Career is a compilation of advice letters from many top names in the fields of real estate, entertainment, science, education, retail, fashion, hospitality and many more. Look for more editions!