What’s Your Career Vision?
Every organisation has an overarching vision.
The vision for any organisation is what it hopes to deliver for the clients or customers it serves, or help clients or customers achieve.
Every business, even those in a similar industry will have its own unique take on what it want to achieve.
A vision is usually something that is achieved over the medium to longer term, however that is defined.
When you think about you and your career, you are essentially bringing to an organisation a range of skills, experience, knowledge and attributes to support the organisation in achieving its vision.
Of course just offering your expertise in return for a salary is only going to be motivating up to a point.
So have you ever really thought about your career vision?
I’ve come across some who really know what they want from their career from the outset.
Yet in my experience the vast majority just go with the flow.
Yes they make job changes and move forward but not necessarily with purpose.
So why is it good to take some time to consider what’s your career vision?
You take more time to plan. While there are no guarantees, you are more likely to get closer to what you want if you have a plan. A plan is essentially a set of actions that you take or moves that you make.
Decisions are easier to take. Imagine there is a potential role that might be of interest to you. If you have a clear vision for your career you can simply ask yourself whether pursuing the opportunity will take you closer to what you want.
You are in the driving seat. Basically you are taking control and responsibility for your success. You are driving your career success personally rather than allowing others to significantly influence your career.
Keeps you motivated. Even if you are upbeat there are going to be times when you really struggle. Knowing where you are heading and why keeps you motivated and focused through those times of struggle.
So what are some of the key questions to ask yourself in developing your career vision?
1. In the ideal world, what will I have achieved by the end of my career?
2. How big a part will my career play in my life?
3. What type of contribution will I have made during my career?
4. What kind of impact will I have made?
5. What difference will I have made?
6. What will I be remembered for?
7. What will have given me the most satisfaction during my career?
While career success in any profession does not come with a guarantee, there is plenty that you can do to increase your chances of achieving what you want.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.