Career development is a continuous lifelong process of developmental experiences that focuses on seeking, obtaining and processing information about self, occupations, educational opportunities, lifestyles, and role in life. It is about exploring, finding and moving into a new career. To navigate successfully through career transitions, the individual needs the following;
1. Do not be complacent in your current position or work but be on the look out for what else is available in terms of emerging jobs and other alternative roles of the current job that you are doing. Technology and the advent of the virtual work as an option to the traditional physical space practices has introduced opportunities as individuals find new ways of fulfilling their careers.
2. Since career development involves a continuous process of self-awareness in terms of the attributes of interest, personality, values, aptitudes, etc. one needs to constantly check at one’s development and growth which means over time in a particular career you develop interests and other compatible attributes that may open up another career avenue for you. Growth and experience can spur you to other directions with enhancement to your career or related options.
3. Lifelong learning – we must not forget that knowledge is not static, but it grows with experience. According to the career development theories, an individual’s inherited personal qualities, life circumstances, learning through consequences and skills gained through work experiences and further education influence the careers best suited for them. Individuals need to understand the importance the importance of lifelong learning. Engaging in lifelong learning means upward articulation by improving your qualifications through advanced qualifications and degrees. When you have a higher qualification in a particular field in which you currently occupy a position, you get better chances of promotion or upward mobility providing you with new challenges and better chances of job satisfaction.
Lifelong learning on the other hand may imply just venturing into a new study field or learning area whilst you occupy a certain position. For example, an individual employed as a teacher, may choose to enrol for a part-time or distance education in a field of law. As soon as he or she completes the degree in law, serves articles and then moves into a completely new career as a lawyer. Someone may enrol for a course or programme in marketing part-time and then goes on to branch into the field of marketing from another field totally different from the original.
4. Networking is also an important aspect of navigating career transitions. When you meet with other people in the field of work, you are likely to learn and develop professionally in the work that you do, but you will also get exposure to other possible opportunities in your field whilst potential employers may be keen to attract the talent such as yours when you expose yourself to the job market by participating in career networking events.
See our contact details below:
Telephone: 086 999 0123
Please call me / sms: 072 204 5056
Fax: 012 323 1138
Email: careerhelp@dhet.gov.za
Website: www.careerhelp.org.za
National Career Advice Portal (NCAP): http://ncap.careerhelp.org.za/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/careerhelp
Compiled by Dr Matome Jack Mashiapata
Director: Counselling and Career Development
UNISA