Career paths: definition and examples
You’re thinking about your career goals and how fulfilled you’d feel if you had your dream job. Think about success and how you’ll feel on your first day at your ideal job. Creating and following a career path is an excellent way to prepare yourself for your dream job. You can prepare for upward growth in your industry by following a specific set of jobs.
When you think about applying for that job, what qualifications will you need? What types of companies need that position? Look out for countries or areas that have a skills shortage, like jobs in South Africa.
To qualify for your dream job, you may need to meet certain requirements. These requirements may include a college degree, a special certification, or on-the-job training.
The purpose of this article is to discuss the definition of a career path, along with examples and the skills necessary to create your own.
How does a career path work?
There are two types of career paths: organizational career paths and personal career paths. Career paths include steps that help you advance to a desired occupation or role.
A career path within an organization
The organizational career path (also known as a career ladder or vertical career plan) is a career path that you design with your direct manager. The goal is to climb a career ladder within the company.
Several career paths are available to those who do not aspire to management positions.
It is already common for organizations to develop career paths for their employees. Here’s what the process may look like: You and your manager create a career path. Together, you will set career goals for you to achieve. Among these goals are:
- Assisting with special projects
- Enrolling in an online course
- Certifications
- Providing mentorship to colleagues
- Observing a colleague for a day
To stay focused on your career path, you should review your milestones and goals often. You should also discuss your career path with your direct manager at least quarterly.
A Personal Pathway for your Career
A personal career path can build the foundation of your career without being restricted to one organization. It’s based on an assessment of your skills, interests, hobbies, values, and passions.
Start by listing the skills you’re good at, followed by your interests and hobbies. Write down the things that matter most to you.
Think about the industries that could benefit from your talent based on everything on your list. Consider a career in education if you are great with children. It is also possible to become a pediatric nurse or doctor if you prefer healthcare over teaching.
For more information about the best careers for you, you can also take a free career path quiz or a personality assessment (links below).
You have complete control over your career development if you choose to follow a personal career path. While a personal career path may take more effort, it can be very rewarding as well. It is up to you to find resources that will help you develop your career.
What makes a career path so important?
Employee retention and engagement are increased by companies using career paths. Employees are more likely to stay with a company if they have a well-defined career path. A well-understood career path also motivates employees to grow within a company, which, in turn, helps the company achieve its short and long-term goals with a lower turnover rate.
Having a lack of career growth leads to employee turnover. Employees who fail to receive a pay raise or a change in title after a few years tend to leave. The debate or shift to remote work has made companies that offer career growth more attractive to employees.
In addition to employee turnover, recruiting, hiring, training, and onboarding can cost up to 21% of an employee’s annual salary to replace. According to a study, companies can save a lot of time and resources by investing in career development programs.
By having a career path, you won’t have to wonder what your next promotion will be. This includes the skills and experience you’ll need along the way.
- You become more productive and motivated.
- There are clear next steps when you follow a career path.
If you have a career path in place, you’re more likely to be motivated, more productive, and more focused than someone who doesn’t.
It is possible to determine if your current employer supports your career goals.
Check with your current employer to see if those opportunities are available after you develop your career path.
If the next step in your career requires you to move to another city or country, ask your leadership team if you’ll need to move there.
Try to find out if your current company can create a position in your career path if it doesn’t already exist. If they can’t, you could be limited in your career growth.
When you create a career path, it will be easy to see if career growth with your current employer is possible as well as what you need to do to reach your long-term career goals.
Sources:
http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/notices/1512-critical-skills-list-checklist
https://www.123test.com/career-test/
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/personality-tests
https://www.peoplekeep.com/blog/why-your-organization-needs-to-invest-in-employee-development
