Do you want to expand your skill set? Do you want to get that promotion? You are ultimately responsible for your own career development. Normally in this blog we talk about the employees in your organization, but today, we’re talking about YOU! When you work in Human Resources, it can be very easy to put all of your focus and energy towards developing others; however you also need to be mindful of your own career to be successful and grow. (If it’s been too long since you thought about your career, here is refresher. Career development is when employees take time to think about and plan their career objectives, assess their current skill set, experience, and expertise. The aim is for the employee to implement a plan to reach their goals in the workplace and career.)
You may first want to outline a few key areas when considering what direction you want to grow in HR.
- Do you have any existing long or short term goals?
- Are there any specific skills you will need to achieve those goals? What training, credentials or certifications may you need?
- Where can you find a mentor, advice, resources during your career journey?
There are many areas of HR, but many attributes to being successful, are consistent. Consider developing your strategic thinking, planning, leadership, interpersonal and communication skills. Other important “foundation skills” may be organizational planning, change management, national and global know-how.
Get going! Spend some time with your manager to assess your current skill set, discuss your goals and make an action plan. Maybe you have the opportunity to shadow someone at your workplace or to raise your hand for special projects to experience new things? Find a mentor or someone you can ask advice. They will be helpful when navigating challenges in your career development. Or, will a degree or certification be helpful in achieving your goals? Consider the type of degree and classes that will help you in your job, your business, and further your career.
So, be good to yourself and nurture your career, accomplishments, and goals. You are worth it!
