With 2022 right around the corner, now is a great time to reflect on your professional growth in 2021 and start setting goals for the new year. Follow these steps to get a head start on staying accountable to your professional goals in 2022.
Figure Out Where You Are
The first step of making plans for your professional development in 2022 is determining where you are now.
Besides your current job title, consider the education and experience you have under your belt. Think critically about what you have achieved in your career and whether you have advanced more, less, or right in line with what you planned for.
Map a Realistic Career Path
Once you’ve assessed your current situation, you can start the process of mapping your ideal career path.
It’s vital to be realistic about your ambitions. If you’re a junior help desk technician who wants to become a cybersecurity consultant, you shouldn’t move forward with the assumption that you can transition to your dream career overnight.
Plan out the training, internships, and jobs you’ll need to have in order to get from Point A to Point Z.
Set Actionable Goals with Deadlines
Your ability to achieve goals is directly linked to the work you put into determining and setting them. The goals you set should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.
Instead of vague goals like “learn cybersecurity” or “go back to school,” set actionable goals with clear deadlines: “I will register for a CISSP prep course by March 1, with the goal of sitting for my CISSP exam by September 1.”
Create a Way to Track Your Progress
Evaluating Your Professional Growth & Setting goals is always easier than following through on them. When you’re setting goals, it’s also helpful to sketch out a system that allows you to easily check in with yourself and measure progress with your goals.
Want to Work in IT? Connect with ABBTECH!
Are you looking for a new job in IT? ABBTECH can help you discover a job that aligns with your current qualifications along with your career goals
ABBTECH finds job placements for IT professionals in businesses, organizations, and agencies of all sizes, from tech startups to Fortune 500 companies. Get in touch today to start your job search with ABBTECH.