What is Career Management? 5 Ways to Manage Your Career Like a Business

Have you caught yourself sitting at your desk in the middle of the workday wishing you were doing something else or hoping you could snag the promotion that your boss mentioned?

Guess what? Your wishful thinking can become a reality simply by managing your career effectively.

Remember, we are our own boss to our reality, and we can change or improve our career if we take the actions to make it happen.

Taking control of your future and planning actionable steps to achieve your goals does not have to be complicated.

Yes, it may take hard work and patience to create a roadmap and follow through with your plan but once you manage your career, the rewards you’ll reap will be incredibly worth it in the long run.

What is Career Management?

Simply put, career management is organizing your life to achieve professional and personal goals. It is a process of planning with deliberate action to progress within a career path.

Whether you want to run a business or accelerate on the corporate ladder, taking control and creating a plan to make those dreams a reality is essential in career management.

What Skills Do You Need to Manage Your Career?

Managing your career might be daunting, but once you understand what skills you need to achieve your goals, your blueprint to success will become easier.

Some of the main key skills to manage your career consists of:

• Self-Awareness – What are your interests and goals?
• Your Strengths – What skills and talents can you bring to the table?
• Networking – Who do you know that can help you in your career journey?
• Exploring – What opportunities are out there to help with your career?

Being mindful of these skills is the first step in taking charge of your professional goals and creating the reality you desire.

How to Manage Your Career Like a Business

Like a business, you will face ups and downs in your career. Why not prepare and plan for these changes to keep up with the changing professional environment?

Here are five ways to manage your career like a business.

1. Create a Career Plan and Set Clear Goals

Just like a business, create a plan, and define your goals.

Make sure they can be broken down to objectives and actionable steps that you can refer to so you can stay on track.

Figure out what skills, experiences, and milestones you need to achieve along the way and write everything down.

When you put pen to paper, you are also more likely to achieve your goals.

For example, if you want to get promoted to a manager level in two years, jot down what professional skills you can develop in the next 6-12 months that will help you get the promotion.

2. Continuously Learn

We live in a world that is rapidly changing with new technology and trends.

Keeping up and expanding your knowledge about these trends will make you valuable in an increasingly competitive job market.

Attend workshops, conferences and any other trainings that will help you get better at your job.

This continuous learning will make you an expert in your field and bring opportunities that will set you apart from others.

3. Build Your Personal Brand

Just like a business promoting their products or services, it is vital that you build and promote your own personal brand.

Go ahead and create your online presence using platforms such as LinkedIn, a website, or a blog.

Make sure you emphasize your value, skills, and past achievements.

Increasing your visibility will build trust with potential employers and you will differentiate yourself from the crowd.

4. Network, Network, Network!

If a company wants to stay in business, they will have to network.

It is equally important for you to network as well in your career.

Build and nurture those professional relationships you have with your colleagues, mentors, and peers as they can provide valuable insight and opportunities for you.

Show your face at industry events, conferences or on online platforms to connect with others.

It’s your opportunity to exchange knowledge, seek advice, explore job opportunities, and gain visibility within your field.

5. Take Risks and Seize Opportunities

If you want the good things in life, sometimes you will need to take calculated risks.

Businesses take calculated risks to drive growth and innovation. Why not be open to taking risks as well in your career?

Step out of your comfort zone and explore new roles or industries that align with your goals.

Embrace any challenges and view potential setbacks as learning experiences.

Wrapping Up

We all have the power to control our own destiny.

On those days when you feel unmotivated, stressed, or unsure of your career path, remind yourself of these actions that can help manage your career effectively.

By applying these strategies, you can make intentional decisions, and actively pursue opportunities that lead to long-term success.

Make sure to also take advantage of our free Career Center. It includes several career guides and templates to help you level up your career.

Once you subscribe, you will get instant access to our free career resources!

Over to You

How have you managed your career? Head over to our social @netwerkmovement and let us know what professional goals you have in mind and what you plan to accomplish.

Share this with your friends and family who are also looking to level up in their careers!