ADVANCING YOUR CAREER
By Carol Stanton, CGS Career Counselor
 

     Whether you're working part-time and going to college or have a full time job, you may be at the point of burn out, where you need a boost in your career.  You may be thinking of a job transition, or feeling that your job is just not giving you the challenges that it once did.  Perhaps it's time to re-evaluate your situation. 

     Here are some questions for self-assessment that you might want to consider. Writing your thoughts in a journal or talking to a willing listener, be it a friend, your boss or a professional counselor, is also a good way to go through these questions.

    Are you doing what you love to do?  If you could be doing anything you want for a living, what would it be? This is a big question, so take your time with it.   Recall times when you've been inspired or felt motivated to pursue an interest or project.  What steps could you take now to either re-direct your career or find ways to enjoy your current work more?

    What is the bigger picture of your life?  We often get caught up in our day- to- day responsibilities and forget to step back and look at our larger vision.  What are your long- term goals?  What would you like to be doing in five or ten years?  Does your current job situation contribute to your long-term goals?

    What have you accomplished professionally in this past year?   Make a list.  Include projects you've worked on, people you've met, and skills you've learned.  Sometimes we don't realize all that we've accomplished until we see it in writing.  This list can also be used for updating your resume or asking for that raise.

     When was the last time you learned something new?  Most of us like the challenge of learning new things.  It keeps us from getting bored and losing interest in our work.  Are there opportunities to learn new skills on your job or could you arrange to take a course that would give you a new skill to bring to your job in this coming year?

     When was the last time you took a risk at work?  Whether it's speaking up at a meeting or suggesting a new idea to your boss, taking a thoughtful risk could result in a new project or direction that would rekindle your motivation.  Think of a goal, even if it's small, where you could stretch yourself by taking a risk.

     Do you take time to rest, relax and refresh yourself on the weekends?  If you stay busy constantly, and never take time to nurture your soul, it is much easier to burn out at work.  Taking time to play gives your life balance, so you can return to your job refreshed after the weekend.  What could you do on the weekends to help you regenerate?

      What are you doing to expand your professional networking circle?  Meeting with other professionals in your field either individually or through an organization, can be valuable for keeping in touch with the latest trends, as well as giving you the contacts you may need someday if you decide to change jobs.  Think about contacts that you can make to enlarge your network of people in your field or your future field.  Don't wait until you graduate to start networking..

     What new resources have you learned about in your field?  Is there a professional magazine that you could subscribe to or a website that you could explore? Learning more about your field through professional contacts and resources may give you new ideas and inspiration.  The Internet is a great vehicle for locating resources that will benefit you professionally.  Take some time to explore this aspect of it.

     When was the last time you updated your resume and sent it out?  Whether you're seriously looking for a new job or just curious about what else is out there, getting a feel for the current market makes you more aware of the climate in your profession, and you never know when you might receive a better offer.  Is your current resume one that you feel good about or do you need to update it?  There are excellent books and resources for having the most up to date professional resume.

     Following just one of these suggestions may set your career going in a whole different direction.  What are you waiting for?

     If you need further help with self-assessment, job searching, or any other aspect of career services, please contact Carol Stanton, the CGS Career Counselor, at (412) 624-1689 or email cstanton@pitt.edu .