Are You Taking Time for Your Career Development?
It's easy to get so absorbed in our day-to-day
activities that we forget to focus on our own professional growth and
development. But this is such an important part of creating a satisfying
career! After all, there's nothing worse than feeling stagnant or stuck in your job or work role. Professional development means learning
new things and exploring new career and development paths. It takes thoughtful planning which requires your time and effort. You
have to keep your eyes open for opportunities and take advantage of them when they
arise. You have to be willing to take risks and be open to learn new
things. No one else will manage your career development, it is up to you!
So, how committed are you to your own professional development?
Take
this quiz and find out!
Instructions: Respond to each statement by asking yourself if
you feel this way:
Most of the Time = Give yourself 3 points
Sometimes = Give yourself 2 points
Never = Give yourself 1 point
- I actively look for opportunities to learn new skills on the job.
- I volunteer to take on new job responsibilities.
- I participate in classes, seminars and workshops outside of
working hours in order to expand my knowledge base.
- I participate in professional groups online and in person in order
to network and meet others with similar career goals.
- I read books and publications concerning topics that are relevant
to my career and the industry in which I work.
- I express my desire to develop my professional skills to my manager.
- I inquire about opportunities for promotion and/or expanded job
duties or roles.
- I graciously accept advice, coaching and mentoring from colleagues.
- I take my career seriously and consider it a work in progress - it
needs to be cared for and maintained.
- I believe my long term career success depends on my own efforts.
Count up your points.
If you have 25 to 30 points:
Congratulations! There's no doubt about it: you are committed to your
own professional development. You go over and beyond the call of duty
to make sure you are doing the appropriate things to grow your skills
and career. You are willing to step out of your comfort zone to learn
new things, meet new people and explore new opportunities.
If you have 20 to 24:
You've definitely started taking the necessary steps towards
committing to your professional development, but you might not be
entirely there yet. Perhaps you don't truly know what you want out of
your career. It's hard to focus on professional development without
clear goals in mind. Take some time to figure out what you want to
achieve professionally.
If you have 10 to 19:
From the looks of it, you are not taking time for your professional
development. Maybe you expect your career to take shape on its own.
Or maybe you just don't know what to do. If you value your career
and want to see it grow and develop with time, you need to commit to
your own professional development. Don't wait for
others to help boost you up in your career - find opportunities to do it
for yourself. Seek new challenges, learn new skills. Put some effort
into it!
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