Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 18 Planning Your Career Goals
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Analyze
For some people, their work goal is to find the right job. Once they
have found the right job, they are happy and productive. Their goal is to
stay in their jobs and be the best they can be.
Others have the ambition to move onward and upward. Ambitious
people want new challenges and responsibilities. Generally, the rewards
are higher status and higher pay. The challenges may include difficult
situations, harder work, and more stress. For some people, the rewards
are worth the challenges. For those who want to move up in their
companies, there are certain steps you can take to help you achieve your
goals.
Be Clear About Your Goal
When you are in a job and know you want to advance, identify the
specific job you want. Gabriella enjoyed her job as a video editor. As she
became more familiar with the company, she identified her long-term
goal: to become news director. Once she identified this specific goal, she
could start taking steps to reach it.
If you are having trouble determining your goal, talk with your
supervisor or human resources director. Many corporations provide
support for people who want to climb the corporate ladder.
Identify Realistic Steps
Gabriella identified the first step on her path to news director. She
needed to be promoted to supervisor in the video-editing department.
To put herself in a position for promotion, Gabriella needed to
demonstrate several things: her technical and creative skills, her
initiative, and her strong work ethic. She demonstrated her skills by
keeping up with the fast pace of her job. She worked hard to turn in
“flawless” work. She showed initiative by developing a way to organize
files that impressed the department head. Because Gabriella works hard
and works smart, she is given more-demanding jobs.
Gabriella also looked for a role model in the corporation. She has
heard about and observed Sharon. Sharon is a woman who has reached
her goals in the corporation. Gabriella learns about Sharon’s career path,
and determines to take the same steps.
In a corporation, it is also important to be friendly with everyone, but
avoid getting too close to anyone. She keeps her relationships positive
and business-like. She does not gossip or spend time socializing. She
focuses on work. She also learns the names of other department heads
and watches their shows. In this way, when she meets the department
heads, she can talk knowledgeably about their programs.
ambition. Desire for
rank, fame, or power.
.
role model. Person
whose behavior is a
good example and
worth following.