The Professional's Guide to Working Smarter

Success traditionally goes to those who set goals, make plans to achieve them, and carry out those plans. Individuals who have problems achieving usually plan or execute poorly. 1. Self-Evaluation will indicate where you are now, where you appear to be headed, and where you actually want to go. It involves detailing life goals and personal characteristics. 2. Select career options that are in harmony with life goals and personal characteristics. These options must be realistic, but not necessarily easy. 3. Know the requirements of your chosen career options. Reliable information sources are professional schools, colleges, and universities, professional counseling services, individuals currently employed in the field(s), and biographies of those who have achieved success. 4. Rank your options on the basis of the goals you can achieve given your personality, capabilities, and other available resources. Consider the health and stability of the industry or line of business you've chosen. 5. Establish your career plan: 6. Carrying out your plan entails (a) acquiring the first job you've identified, (b) knowing when and how to move onto the next job, and (c) understanding when your career has stalled and what to do about it. Additional influential factors: (a) having a mentor, (b) making yourself known in the workplace, and (c) networking.