What is Career Management?
Career self-management is controlled by the individual him / her self and includes making plans and drawing together information for future career decision-making and problem solving. It involves continuously improving existent conditions at your present work place and preparing yourself for a change. Career self-management and organizational career management are not restricted and can actually help to promote each other.
Common Misconceptions
Here are some of the common misconceptions about career management:
Most people think that the most skilled candidate is likely to be selected. However, this is not true. Candidates with limited qualifications succeed in a number of job opportunities because of how they prepare and present themselves. They self-market themselves in the required manner. Being skilled or qualified is not the only criteria. You must be able to convince a prospective employer that you are the most suitable candidate for the job.
Most people feel that as long as they already have a job, they don’t really need to work on their careers. Again, this not true. Whether or not you are employed currently, you should be prepared for change, in whatever form. To steer clear of any career-related disasters, you should implement the concept of “Perpetual Career Management” to enhance your career growth.
Professional education should not stop when you graduate. You should always explore ways to increase your knowledge. You should be constantly updating your skills via journals, seminars and pursuing certifications. These choices should be a part of your consistent career development effort.
Don’t be under the misconception that your job is secure if you work hard and do a good job. With current mergers, outsourcing, downsizing and an unstable economy, there is no job that is entirely secure. You must be fully responsible for the future prospects of your chosen career.