Here’s a confession; I’ve never had a career plan. I have, however, been fortunate that I found my natural ‘home’ in careers work early on by following my instincts and pursuing work that (for me) has meaning and impact.
This has been due in part to the help and support of a number of key individuals. People who have encouraged or challenged me to develop and grow and who have believed in me. I have found their help to be hugely helpful.
These career champions have all played different roles. Here are some of the things different people have advised or said to me:
- Following my underwhelming ‘A’ level results, talking to a Careers Adviser who found me a job in retail while I re-sat ‘A’ level French at evening class and who helped me to apply to Uni a year later.
- Early on in my career, my line manager saying, of a promotional post: ‘you know you could apply for this role don’t you?‘ I had assumed I was too inexperienced -but the nudge worked. I applied and got the job.
- When I was contemplating a move into HE Careers work, I employed a career coach who challenged my limiting self-beliefs so that each imagined obstacle to success was removed, leaving me no option but to accept that my goal was achievable.
- Sometimes the things people say or do may be designed to dismiss your ideas and plans or diminish you. These comments can have the opposite effect and make you all the more determined to succeed. I remember a (male) staff member once saying to me disparagingly: “How come you’re in a management role?” I responded by saying “It’s because I’m good.” I was so incensed, that there was no way I was going to give him the satisfaction of undermining my confidence.
- Flattery has led me to take on additional or new responsibilities. A smart move on the part of one such person who said; “Anne, you’re such a natural and would make an excellent trainer!” From a cynical perspective, this person needed additional tutors to deliver skills sessions to students. However, I discovered I absolutely loved training- which in itself has since opened a number of doors, enabling me to design and deliver a range of training courses.
- Making friends with a trainer on a leadership and management course, bonding over a beer and shared interests led me to an invitation to contribute to that same course as a trainer a year later.
I’ve been fortunate that the right people have come along, often unbidden but somehow there at the right time and in the right place. In turn I have seized the opportunities presented.
Who are your career champions?
Organisational support
You may have formal structures in place at work which enable you to seek support through mentors, workplace coaching or sponsors. Make the most of this support if it is available- it can be hugely helpful.
Informal networks
These are the people in your corner; friends and family or those you simply get on well with at work. They are not directly connected to you or your department but who are nonetheless encouraging and who want you to do well. Make the most of these connections.
External support
Who do you know outside your organisation that may be in a position to tip you off about opportunities that arise? Often it’s not our immediate connections but those who are one step removed who may be better-placed to share insider information.
Professional support
Consider investing in the services of either a professionally qualified career consultant or career coach. The very fact that you are taking your professional development seriously enough to invest in it will help to ensure you make the most of the the expertise and skills at your disposal. You may be able to access coaching through your workplace. However if you’re not afforded this luxury then do consider it, especially if you are a a career crossroads. A career consultant or coach will help you identify your career goal and will provide an impartial perspective; something not always afforded by family and friends, however supportive.
Who are your career champions?
Ask yourself:
- What positive impact have others had on your career?
- What conversations have provided you with fresh perspectives?
- What challenges have helped you to overcome internal resistance?
- Who could help you take the next steps in your professional development?
When the student is ready the teacher will appear.
Tao Te Chin
