One of the most popular interview questions that is often asked of candidates is, “where do you see your career in five or even ten years from now?” This can be a tough one because no one has a crystal ball and can see that far into the future. The changing economy and technology can often influence the direction that careers go in too. But, every working person should have at least some idea of where he or she would like to be in a decade.
Here are some ways to gain control over your career planning and become the master of your own destiny.
Always Focus Your Career On Your Foundational Talents And Interests
It has been said by many wise souls that, “if you love the work you do, you never feel like you are working.” A career path should feel like this. It doesn’t have to be all drudgery of long hours of meaningless work. If you find a career direction that first honors your unique talents and second your interests, you will be well on your way to a long-lasting career that you can love. Take personality and career assessments to determine the best fit for you.
Try A Few New Jobs Before You Commit
Perhaps no better way to identify and develop a career path is to take on a few temporary assignments to try before you commit to any one type of job. Coordinate your career goals with your temporary staffing agency and be open to new types of tasks, industries, and skills. You may find that you have an interest or talent in one particular area that you never before dreamed about. This experience can give you a bigger picture of where your career can be in ten years.
Make Learning A Lifelong Goal Of Your Career
A job is just a paycheck; a career is an opportunity to learn. Grow your career path around your need to learn all you can and on a continual basis. Make learning the center of all the work you perform, and seek out new learning experiences. Go back to school or earn an industry certification if it will help you achieve more in your career. Learning is a journey, so you know in ten years you can expect to be learning more.