Essential steps to reach professional aspirations

"The term career no longer refers to entering a single trade or business and climbing the corporate ladder therein. It now refers to changes laterally and vertically, as well as across different industries to reach a preferred goal," explains Kay Vitee, CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions. "Due to all these different options available, strategising your career development becomes essential."

Self-assessment

Vittee suggests to start by assessing yourself. Look at both current and past roles that you have fulfilled, as well as the skills and knowledge you have gained. Pinpoint what you excel in and identify which tasks you really enjoy or where your interests lie. Don't just look at your job-related tasks, but take note of your hobbies and personal activities - one of these passions could be career-related.

You spend much of your time at work so it makes sense to have a career that you're passionate about. Define your personal values to ensure that these do not clash with your job description and recognise your preferred working environment. Include your experiences, both personal and professional, and list your personal characteristics.

If you don't know where you are going, you won't know how to get there, thus defining a goal is an essential part of your career pathing, while the self-assessment will help you to establish a career goal that matches your personality. Once your end-ambition has been ascertained, you can focus on the strategies needed in order to achieve this. Knowing that the steps you are taking will lead you to where you ultimately want to be, will motivate you to succeed. However, it is important to check your aspirations against your realities and responsibilities and compensate for these.

Research preferred occupations

Research the industry or occupations you would like to work in. Look at the different job positions and their prerequisites. Take note of the skills and experience needed for them and make a plan to acquire these in your current position by expanding your responsibility or attending courses. If you are able, job shadow or do an internship, otherwise look for volunteer opportunities where you can learn a new skill set and use it for good. If you need more qualifications, study further either via correspondence or part-time. Another option could be a learnership programme, which a number of recruitment companies offer.

Career pathing is not just for those starting out and includes any professional who wants to journey from where they are to the job they are best-suited for. Career pathing involves incorporating the skills you already have with what you really want to do.

"Career pathing is essential as it is a means to ensure that you take the correct steps in the right direction to not only reach your dream job, but so that you will lead a meaningful and fulfilling professional life," concludes Vittee.