In the good old days – I’m talking to anyone who left school in the previous century here – it was drilled into you that the only way to get ahead in life was to have a career path. You needed a fully-researched plan to get yourself from A to B, and that’s how you’d navigate the working world. Fast forward to 2022, and the way that we work has changed beyond recognition. Whatever industry you’re working in, do you really need a career path anymore?
What is a career path?
A career path is a defined series of jobs that a candidate will move through as they gain skills and experience, with the objective of progressing up the career ladder of their chosen field.
Do career paths exist in 2022?
It’s a very tumultuous time for employers and employees. The global pandemic vigorously shook up the working world and we’re still waiting for the dust to settle. Roles that existed three years ago might now be obsolete, whereas new career options, particularly those surrounding remote and hybrid working environments, are rising in popularity. All this change has led to candidates making unexpected career moves to keep up.
If you’re currently seeking out a new role, here are some pointers to keep in mind.
Make yourself aware of the possibilities
A rapidly changing job market means that there are a lot of new career opportunities that you might not be aware of, especially if you’ve been in your current role for a long time. Take time out to explore vacancies in your field, connect with peers in the same field and explore emerging paths. Experts suggest considering your career journey as more of a lattice than a ladder, as there is no longer a single defined direction to take.
Focus your efforts on specific roles
It can be very tempting to apply for anything and everything, but this can be a waste of your time and resources. Filling out the same forms over and over again will drain your enthusiasm, as will a high volume of rejections for roles that you’re just not suitable for. Instead, focus on your ideal role and work from there. Look at your skill set and the roles/sectors that it best supports. What will make you happy, and help you to achieve your goals?
Set ambitious but realistic goals
If you’ve just graduated, you probably won’t walk into a corner office and a six-figure salary just yet so be realistic. Career progression takes time, so look for roles that are commensurate with your experience and knowledge.
Be willing to adapt to a changing market
If your career is not going to plan, it’s time to take stock and reevaluate. Are there skills that you need to advance that you can develop yourself, or an appropriate training course that you can take? Will taking a different role, either in your organisation or elsewhere, help you to get where you want to be?
Or have you decided to head in a slightly different direction, and need to rethink the destination? Today’s job market is more fluid than ever, and changing tactics could be your solution.
Determination can make a real difference
Don’t underestimate the importance of hard work. Lack of qualifications can be a stumbling block, but in many instances If you stay focused, take good advice and constantly build on your skill set, the sky is the limit!
Can we help you with your next move?
Here at Spotlight Recruitment, we’re committed to listening. We want to know the sort of marketing, digital and communications roles that excite you, so we can help you to find that perfect match. Whether you’re a new graduate just starting out or a veteran on the lookout for a new challenge, our team of experts can help. Our team enjoy creating long-lasting relationships by finding the right company for your career to flourish.
Let us focus the Spotlight on you.