How to Build Your Own Career Path Within an Organisation
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | 16 Sept 2019
A Guide to Forging Your Own Way
In the “traditional organisation” over the last century, many professionals enjoyed a 30-year career path, all under the same roof. Having this type of stability within one place allowed people to clearly plot their career trajectory, and recognise what was required to move up the ladder. “In many respects, careers advanced like a conveyor belt, with expected progress to the next interval, so long as performance remained high,” says Dorie Clark, Marketing Strategy Consultant.
Today, only 19 percent of organisations continue to adopt the traditional models of career pathing. With the rise of both highly paid and low-wage tasks being outsourced, the gig economy, automation and technology, job hopping has become the norm, and the quest for a traditional career path has left many scratching their heads.
So how can modern professionals, searching for some semblance of career stability and upwards mobility arm themselves for this new reality? To start creating your own career path, consider the following perspectives.
Ignore What Was & Focus on What Is
Forget about the past vision. While some organisations might still have defined graduate training rotations, leadership cohorts and development programmes, they do not ever guarantee permanency. Rather than getting tripped out and feeling undercut by stability that is no longer available to you, deal with the reality of today. If you want to be successful today, you’ll need to step up and take the responsibility, says Clark.
Open your eyes to the idea that opportunity and creativity are everywhere, and if you’re willing to do the work and take initiative, you’ll find opportunity in abundance.
Take Advantage of Resources Available
Oftentimes, employees will complain that their organisation does not offer a learning path to guide them towards success. What they fail to realise is that opportunities for development do exist, if they take initiative to seek them out. Human Resources and organisations in general are often very happy to facilitate opportunities for employees who raise their hands and show initiative. However, “many people don’t know that they ought to be doing that, and rather, are sitting back and waiting, assuming that the old rules apply,” says Clark.
Instead of sitting around waiting for an opportunity to learn something new, mingle with your company’s HR team and learn about what development opportunities might exist. Research any local conferences that appeal to your vision, or even sign up for some online courses!
Here are a few ways to tap into available resources:
- Network, both internally and externally
- Enroll in online courses to learn the most in-demand skills in your industry
- Seek out a mentor, either inside or outside of work
- Consider a career coach or executive leadership training
- Have a candid conversation with your manager about career development opportunities
- Raise your hand for a stretch assignment
Network to Gain Visibility
When building your career path within an organisation, an important first step is to gain visibility into what people do. Learn about the different units that exist and understand the company workings. This way, you can start to build out your own directional path into areas that interest you, says Clark. Learn more about what you both like and dislike by networking with different departments, attending town halls, signing up for talks and workshops, seeking out informational interviews or simply eating lunch in the common area with new colleagues instead of your desk!
Once you have a sense of what piques your interest, give yourself a range of options and opportunities to explore. If you think you might be interested in a certain kind of role, get to know the team, volunteer for a committee or raise your hand for a stretch assignment. Begin to try and do projects that enable you to collaborate more, says Clark.
Make Your Opportunity
In order to create opportunities for yourself within an organisation, you’ll need to understand how your skill set can either solve for any gaps you notice within the company or set yourself apart by raising your hand to do the work that others might not want to take on. Look inwards and gain deeper self-awareness, and then look at the organisation strategically to understand how you can add value in different areas.
Create new opportunities for yourself by always ensuring you’re re-training and re-educating. Not only in just your technical skills, but soft skills as well. The value of strong communication and interpersonal skills are gaining more and more weight in today’s modern workplace.
Ditch the tunnel vision linear career path, and embrace the new and unexpected opportunities that come your way. Don’t wait for HR to come to your desk and deliver your next opportunity. Rather, go out and create something you love every day! And who knows? Your next big break could be just around the corner.
Learn More!
Eager to kick start your career progression? Here are some additional resources to help you to the top:
How to Create a Great Personal Development Plan
4 Ways to Be More Assertive at Work
8 Networking Strategies You Haven’t Thought of Yet
How To Deal With Challenging Colleagues
Glassdoor Team
Our team of savvy experts are here to help you, whether you’re navigating your career or working to make your company culture shine. Glassdoor has the unique insights and guidance you need to experience your best worklife. Stick around to learn how to prepare for an interview, negotiate your salary, develop DEI programs, engage your employees, understand the state of the job market, and more. Check out our community to share and learn from professionals just like you too.