A Personal Blueprint for a Successful Career

Little information exists on the formula for a successful career thus frequently there are gaps

and questions, no matter how self -motivated or focused you are. Building a successful career involves an integrated and multi-layered approach, starting and ending with you and based on some critical elements, approaches and techniques which follow:

Self-work is the starting point. You are your own biggest career resource thus it figures that

before you start, you need to be physically, mentally and emotionally in the right space. In the process you will be following to ensure a fulfilling career, you will be marketing yourself and your brand needs to be a quality one. Think about your own identity – your values, what is important to you and your life goals. Often we have lost touch with this and by doing a re-

assessment we gain authenticity and self -focus which benefits career-focus.

A technical and objective self-assessment of where you are currently at in terms of

qualifications, skills, key behavioural attributes and experience (or lack of it) cannot

be skipped, for if you do not do this, you cannot assess what your career developmental areas or work options are. This starts with a written skills profile, then progresses to checking out what advertised positions in this field require so that you can assess gaps and plan accordingly. The next step is putting this into career documentation.

Ensure professional written documentation for without this you will not be noticed. The essence of a successful CV is a professionally written profile summarising your expertise and encapsulating your core skills, usually not picked up in other information. Writing a good covering letter is an art. Keep it concise and relevant. Ensure written references. Be organised.

Without a disciplined and structured approach to your career, you are heading nowhere.

This involves knowing what to do and doing it daily in a systematic way. Get a career journal in which you record goals, info and action taken, ideal jobs, career pathing ideas and milestones reached. Understand that nothing is achieved without effort and apply yourself accordingly.

Another vital element is self-belief. If you cannot believe in your ability to make a

difference how will a potential employee or client do this?

Build your networks. Referrals, contacts and networks are invaluable sources of exciting

opportunities, potential for career growth and good sources for references.

Have a Plan A and a Plan B. In a fast changing world, job security does not exist. Your only

security is your own back-up plan.

Flexibility is critical. At thestart of your career, gaining experience is vital and you should be

willing to compromise to obtain this. Entrepeneurial options abound and passions and hobbies can be grown into potential career options provided business planning is done.

Understand that continuous development is integral to career success. This is not only

academic learning. Identify your holistic developmental points and embark on an appropriate program of extension and growth. Seek quality not quantity and ensure that your learning is not scattered and disjointed – it should all fit together on the path you have identified. Finally, do not ever underestimate your own potential or the possibilities that exist. With the right attitude and application, anything is possible!