When applying for a job, it is important to consider not only the financial prospects but also the career development opportunities that a company can offer. Career development has been among the major thrusts of organizations, as indicated by several human resource surveys. Over the years, employees have given much attention to obtaining a promising career path. The challenge is to identify what specific career development activities employees interested in, and to determine how to maximize these activities to fully boost a worker’s skill.

Career development is not only a corporate responsibility, but also a duty of every employee. While companies have programs dedicated to developing the skills of their workers, employees are equally expected to initiate efforts towards improving their proficiency. The question is: how can ordinary workers maximize career development opportunities? Consider the following steps:

Step 1: Self Assessment

The first step towards career development is to reasonably assess your knowledge, skills, interest, experience, and capability. By having a thorough and level-headed evaluation of your professional qualifications, it will be easier for you to identify what you need and want for your career.

Step 2: Goal Setting

The next step entails setting your career development goals. There are various career development programs that target the improvement of your technical, communication, and managerial skills. Identify what skill you need or want to work on first. Also determine what skills, interests, and experiences you would want to have. Set specific short-term and long-term goals.

When setting a personal goal, it also helps if you evaluate your goals relative to the goals of the company. If you are planning on staying with your current employer for more years, align your goals with the mission and vision of the company. As you contribute to the company’s growth, you also increase your chances of getting promoted to a more challenging position with better financial, professional, and personal rewards.

Step 3: Career Development Planning

After setting your short term and long term goals, craft a specific career development plan. Identify your learning objectives. These objectives should help in determining what type of training and exposure you need. Consult the results of your self assessment. Ask recommendations from your supervisors regarding skills and career development programs for you to focus on. Study different models of career development programs. This will help you choose the best program for your needs. There are programs focused on the development of management and leadership skills, corporate social responsibility initiatives, or personal management skills. Remember that you are drafting a plan, thus you must leave room for later modifications.

Step 4: Plan Implementation

Finally, implement your career development plan upon the approval of the company. Consider budget and manpower availability. The successful planning and implementation of your chosen career development program should ensure continuous opportunities for growth.