part0027

Developing your skills takes time and it is a lifetime pursuit, but look for opportunities early to develop a range of skills. There are many types of “startup” jobs in industry, manufacturing, academia, or government. You may have a clear path, and if you do, pursue it. If not, experiment.

Of course, it matters what kind of job you land, but think of this more as an opportunity to test your career ambition. Think of your career in one- to two-year periods, and look for roles that will allow you to develop those skills you see important in a lifetime career. Be prepared for that neighbor or relative to ask, “So tell me what you are doing now?” Take away that awkward pause, and tell them what you are doing, and be excited in your response, “I am building my career, step-by-step.”

After graduating from college, my wife and I worked on an Indian reservation in South Dakota. Needless to say, family gatherings were interesting as we were always asked to explain what we did, and why we chose this work. Most of them had never heard of the reservation or where it was located. Moreover, not many were very interested in learning about the experience. Of course, people were friendly, but we could tell that they did not feel it was a wise “career move.” I imagine they were thinking, “After 16 years of school, you are doing what?”

You can imagine that we learned a lot about ourselves. This experience helped craft our interest and our lifetime careers. I learned skills that would follow me through my career, including public speaking, writing, and negotiating. I was a minority, one of two non-Native Americans working for the tribe. I was fired twice for no apparent reason other than being non-native. I could not communicate with my colleagues in their native language. This “startup” job was the best thing for me. I was able to develop my skills and begin to narrow my journey for my lifetime career.

As I evaluated my career ambition, it was clear that I would need to go back to school and further my education if I was going to move forward with a meaningful career. Additional education is not always the answer. Maybe your biggest challenge is gaining your independence and exploring what is important to you, and what you are passionate about. In other cases, it may be as simple as finding another job or another “startup” role with a new company. Maybe it is career oriented, or maybe it is not.

Remember, this a time to experiment with your career path. Find what you are most interested in, and what makes you feel meaningful.

Transitioning your personal passion to your career takes time. Of course, you will continue to fine-tune your career and your career ambition throughout your career, but take time now to begin understanding your personal passions and interests. Depending on your journey, you may spend several years developing your path forward, and that is OK.

Seek out roles that challenge you and allow you to learn new skills. Equally important to your job is finding an industry or company that aligns with your personal passions and interests. Understanding the key elements of your career, including your job, an industry, and a compatible organization, is important.

As I talk to my colleagues, friends, and younger career developers, I often hear that “I am stuck in my job—how do I get out?” Be persistent and keep focused on the future. Revisit your career ambition, and remember, again, that your career will last 40 years or so. You have time to find your path and have a successful career.

As you begin your work and feel that you are on your way, you can look at your career with a more realistic, and potentially more critical eye. Experience in the workplace will help you refine your career aspiration. Let yourself be available to numerous assignments and duties. The key in the Develop stage, is to assess how your passions can be translated to a successful career. Look at your earlier career aspiration and provide more insights on what type of career you desire.

» “I think I would like my own clinic. That would allow me to develop a reputable medical practice helping as many patients as possible.”

These are aspirational statements, and they are meant to be on the horizon—your destination after many years of hard work.

They may seem still too broad, but developing a career-aspiration statement like these can provide some tangible boundaries to your career and help direct you forward.

Last, assess your skills and knowledge. Are they enough to fulfill your aspiration? You could be met with some hard decisions during this time in your career, including, “Do I have the right experience or training?” Challenge yourself to go back to school or further your experiences before moving on.