Choosing a career is a difficult decision. Your decision and the path it sets for you will affect you for many years to come.
How Do You Ensure You’re Making The Right Decision?
First, know that once you've made a decision, it's not set in concrete. You can always make another. In other words, you are not necessarily stuck doing the same thing for the rest of your life. You have the right to change your mind and your course of action at any time.
Regardless of if you do decide to chance careers at some point, or stick with your original decision for your entire working life, it’s important to keep your job and career interesting and challenging. This is where Career Enhancement comes in. Indeed, Career Enhancement is something that should be included in any career plan.
What Is Career Enhancement?
Career development or enhancement is the process of deciding on a career path, working to improve your existing skills, and making forward progress along that path.
Most professions require ongoing skill development, or continuing education. Others require incumbents to keep certifications current by completing re-certification courses on a regular basis. ACLS PALS renewal for example is mandatory for those in health care and emergency services who hold an ACLS and/or PALS certificate.
Develop Your Own Career Enhancement Program
Professional organizations generally offer career enhancement advice and information. Some even offer applicable courses as well. If you’re not a member of one of these associations, set up your own career advancement program. It can be as simple as a once-a-year class or as extensive as a multi-week program. If your employer does not cover the cost of career development programs, it is still worth paying for them yourself.
Whatever you decide, research your options and make sound decisions about the courses you’ll take. You do not want to spend time and money doing various courses that are not relevant or focused on taking you where you want to go in your career.
Once you’ve determined the components of your career advancement program, do it. Take at least one class per year. Stay abreast of current events and developments in your field. Network with other professionals in your line of work. Setting goals, planning a path to those goals, and achieving them are all important. You can advance in your career even if you are on your own path.
Keep Your Resume Up To Date
Keep your resume and profile current after finishing your courses. Keep track of your classes, instructors, and locations. The true worth of this will become clear as you prepare for your annual review, ask for a raise or promotion, or look for a new job.
Do Something Regularly To Enhance Your Career.
Even if you are unsure, take the first step toward your career advancement goals. Once you get started, you’ll find that every action opens up a world of previously unseen possibilities. Set your sights high, aim for your objectives, and take action to propel your career forward.
