I will be embarking on my fifth year at my current company, and fifth year in my field in October. I have mostly been satisfied with my employer, although there was a stretch where I heavily considered chancing a switch. As of now, I am happy with my salary and benefits, but I am having trouble seeing what's next for me regarding job title and ultimately my future. I currently do not have a ranking (Jr, Mid-level, Sr, etc...) nor is a ranking in my title what I desire. More so I am interested in having a goal, a vision for my future. Out of college I wanted an entry-level position, but since starting my career, I have lost direction on what I want next. I am asking for the MT's advice on advancing one's career and creating a vision.

Various questions that popped up in my head to help with coming up for answers:
What are some suggestions from the board regarding things I should be considering at this stage in my career? Should I be looking for a ranking, promotion or job switch? I know I am relatively young into my career with a lot more ahead, but how do I keep it from being stagnant? How long did it take you to make the next step? And was it something you were planning?

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Posted by wfallstiger

Wichita Falls, Texas

Member since Jun 2006

11977 posts

Posted on 8/16/15 at 7:34 pm to RickAstley

I'd suggest you begin by asking what lifestyle you desire to live, financially, security, willingness to relocate to pursue your dream. Then, is my current job moving me in that direction...if so, be still, if not, course correction.

You refer to title a few times so I infer you to be status oriented???? If so, you may need to hone people/political skills and decide how far you are willing to push and the likes.

Finally, expect to have to 're-invent yourself numerous times and that can take its toll.

One more thing, do what you love and get paid to do it.

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Posted by Chris Farley

Regulating

Member since Sep 2009

4182 posts

Posted on 8/17/15 at 6:02 am to RickAstley

Are there any more senior roles in your company that interest you? If so, I'd suggest trying to grab coffee or lunch with some those of those people so you can hear more about the position. Just be honest that you are trying to sort out the career path you'd like to hear their take on what they do(come prepared with a few questions so they don't think you're wasting their time).

Once you've settled on an attainable goal, start being very vocal about it with your direct report. They aren't going to promote someone who is content in their current position who's never asked for a promotion.

Lastly, it doesn't hurt to take a few interviews. At worst you are polishing up your skills in case you need them. I'd be terrified to walk into an interview for a job I really wanted if it was my first one in several years.

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Posted by AUtigerNOLA

New Orleans, LA

Member since Apr 2011

17113 posts

Posted on 8/17/15 at 2:54 pm to RickAstley

quote:
Should I be looking for a ranking, promotion or job switch? I know I am relatively young into my career with a lot more ahead, but how do I keep it from being stagnant? How long did it take you to make the next step?

To give you some perspective from my point of view:

I started at my current company as an analyst a little less than 4 years ago. I moved to team leader(officer title) in 2013 then a full manager in 2015(AVP title). With the latter coming with the biggest salary increase(25%). Titles dont really matter to me as long as the pay is good. But it does hold some weight in the Corporate setting as do Certifications in your field. If you haven't moved up in your 5th year with limited opportunities to do so, then its time to move.

This post was edited on 8/17/15 at 9:39 pm

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