In today’s fast-paced, competitive corporate environment, the responsibility for your career development no longer rests on the shoulders of your employer. While some companies do offer training programs and development opportunities, fewer companies are investing in these resources, and instead, the responsibility falls on the employee themselves to take charge of their career growth and advancement. In an article on Forbes they write, “For decades, career development and progression were largely a corporate responsibility. Once you completed your studies and got hired, your employer provided a clear pathway for advancement, sent you invites to training programs, offered opportunities for new roles, and provided long-term stability as long as you performed and stayed loyal. But long-term job stability is disappearing. AI and automation are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, making skills obsolete faster than ever. As companies race to reskill their workforce, they will prioritize business needs—not your long-term career. Your real job security no longer comes from your employer; it depends on your ability to stay relevant in the job market. The responsibility for career development has decisively shifted from the company to the individual.” Here is why and how you should take ownership of your career development…
Be Your Own Advocate
Your employer might not always see your full potential or know your career desires, so it’s up to you to advocate for yourself. You can do this through setting personal goals, asking for feedback, or having a discussion with your manager about your career goals. In an article on Executive Support Magazine they write, “It’s remarkable what knowledge you have, what you can do that you’ve never done before, and how you can change perceptions of yourself, when you deliberately act, or get involved, in ways, that your colleagues don’t expect you to. The world is full of expectations, certainly around office professionals. So, each day at the back of my mind was ‘How can I push the boundaries of this role?’ and ‘How can I show others that I may be called ‘the EA’, but I have a huge contribution to make?’ Again, if you are waiting for others to give you permission to be more managerial, or be a project leader, or take charge of reception, for example, then you will wait a long time. Inform and discuss with your boss the things you want to do, and you may find your boss is more supportive than you think.” Your manager may be very supportive and offer support and resources you may not even be aware exist, but it’s up to you to begin those discussions and take the lead.
Take Back Your Power
Unfortunately, job security these days is not guaranteed. Even if you feel you are hitting all the metrics and demands of your job, layoffs can be inevitable. In a Harvard article, they write, “Adding additional skills or certification from a professional development program to your resume is one way to boost your confidence in your skills and show your credibility to employers. Professional development opportunities can expose both new and experienced professionals to new ideas and expertise. Seeking out these opportunities shows ambition and the space to practice those new competencies.” By taking ownership of your career development, you take back your power and can be adaptable and proactive, no matter what life throws your way. This will not only help your job security but should anything happen with your current role, you’re better equipped to quickly and easily land your next job.