Always be ready to learn

During this course, you’ve created a strategy that includes your career vision and goals, your value proposition and your approach to developing your career.

Now that you have a strategic plan for yourself, it’s time to evaluate its impact.

The will to evaluate

Take some time away from thinking about your strategy. Focus on reaching the targets and time markers you’ve set for yourself, then come back to your strategy when you feel more settled into a routine.

Think about the following six questions when you start to evaluate your strategy:

1. Has my strategy connected with my career vision so far?
2. Do the goals and targets I’ve set for myself support my vision?
3. Is my strategy realistic? Have I set myself too many targets in too little time?
4. Is my strategy balanced and integrated?
5. Is my strategy clear? Is this something I understand and will be able to follow?
6. Is my strategy complete?

Reflecting on your approach after some time away means you are in a better position to evaluate what has been working, what is currently working, and where there are areas for improvement.

There are many elements in our day-to-day lives that can bring about changes over time, so you need to make sure that your strategy is in line with these changes.

This doesn’t mean you need to make a new strategy, or that you should lose sight of your career vision. The evaluation should be a process which helps to enhance your strategy and its impact, and to keep it in line with your end goals.

One of the biggest things you will notice in the evaluation process is the importance of being constantly willing to learn. Being open to developing your skills further, gaining experience where needed, and building up your network, will all assist you in growing your career and achieving your goals.

The will to learn

In addition to being open to learning through your strategy, you should also be open to learning throughout your career. Whether the experiences are good or bad, there is always an opportunity for growth.

Developing a career is an exciting process, but there can be daunting moments and it is easy to be affected by rejection. One of the best things you can do for yourself when it comes to your career is developing resilience.

If you are applying for a job, internship or promotion and you get turned down, don’t be disheartened. Approach these moments constructively and as an opportunity for self-growth. Ask to receive feedback which you can evaluate and use to grow further.

Shift your perspective on the career process and use these difficult situations as learning opportunities for growth.

You can learn more about developing resilience in the Wellbeing and Resilience at Work course.

Over to you:

Take this opportunity to revisit question six above: is my strategy complete?

• How are you feeling about your strategy at this point?
• Are there any elements that you need to revise?

Remember, if you create a strategy which you are willing to amend and learn from on the way, you will be able to reach your goals and achieve your vision. That willingness to learn is a key attribute that will help you to develop and grow your career.

Share your reflections and any actions you’re going to take with other learners in the Comments section.