Developing Your Career

Once you have worked through identifying your work values, interests and skills, you may have realised that in order to achieve your career goal, you will need to undergo some development of your skills.

This development may be achieved through opportunities at work, (such as on-the-job coaching, training courses or a job move or project that will give you the necessary experience) or through an educational course (full-time or part-time).

Career Development at Work

Employers are becoming more and more aware of developing their employees, as 'investors in people', committing to a culture of lifelong improvement, with the goal of improving the performance of their organisation.

There are a wide range of processes that can help you develop your career at work. These include:

• Development schemes or programmes
• Fast tracks for 'high potential' employees
• Project assignments and secondments
• Formal or informal coaching
• Off-the-job training
• Career workshops, aimed at helping career planning
• Development centres, which combine assessment with development planning
• Learning resource centres, which contain career and training information
• Mentoring, which puts employees in touch with someone more senior who can help them develop their career

Understanding and using these processes can be essential for you to achieve your career goals.

Educational Courses

Whilst educational qualifications cannot guarantee you the job you want, the right qualification will improve your chances of success. Our culture is growing increasingly towards the idea of 'lifelong learning' and it is easier than ever before to get back into education. There are hundreds of part-time courses, and 'distance-learning' courses are also available, so that you can study at home. The range of colleges and courses is expanding, and the internet gives access to a huge amount of detailed information on education.

However, competition for places on some courses is intense and the costs of education can be high.

Before you decide on a course, you will need to identify what level of qualification is appropriate. Whilst people may initially consider the traditional academic qualifications (GCSE, A level, degree, professional qualification), there are also many vocational qualifications, such as NVQs and GNVQs. Colleges and employers can advise you on the appropriate level of course to aim for, or the educational path to take through several courses.

If you are considering embarking on an educational course, think about the following points:

• What entry qualifications are required?
• What is the precise qualification that will be awarded?
• Is the course recognised by the relevant professional body or employers?
• Is the course full-time or is there a part-time option?
• How long is the course?
• When are the terms? What hours will you need to attend?
• Where is the college located? Are there any distance learning options?
• What are the fees? Are there any grants or sponsorship available?
• Will you be able to change course if you need?
• What subjects will you study? Will you have any options?
• Are there any key skills taught as part of the course (e.g. IT)?
• Will you have any opportunities to gain work experience, e.g. placements, block releases?
• What are the teaching methods?
• What are the methods of assessment (exam, coursework)?
• What are the staff/student ratios?