We are not talking about the next step of your current project at work. We are talking about your career. When was the last time you took a step back to assess the trajectory of your career?
If the economy turned south, or a sweet new gig turned up tomorrow, would you have the skills needed to survive or to make the leap to something bigger?
Sometimes people stay in a job just for the money or because it is easier than going out and looking for something else. Sometimes people stay at a job simply because they assume that there is nothing better or because they don’t know where to start looking.
Here’s the deal, in the corporate world of suits and ties it is expected that when you enter the workforce, you will move up the ladder. The employees expect it. The employers expect it. It is part of everyday conversations and company culture. Employees are encouraged to get mentors and pursue ongoing training to pick up the valuable skills they will need in the next chapter of their career.
However, this expectation does not appear to transfer to the construction industry. It is not necessarily a given that your coworkers or supervisors will encourage you to climb the construction ladder to better gigs or to starting your own business. Just because building what is next is not the norm, doesn’t mean we have to accept it. Let’s face it – one day you are going to get old.
When you took your current job, it might have been because it was what was available, or because the pay was good. When was the last time you shopped around? Nationwide shortages in talent have forced companies to offer better benefits, better technology and equipment, and training for in-demand skills. You can learn more about a company’s reputation by visiting your local chamber or by searching online.
LinkedIn provides a monthly report showing regional hiring trends and skills gaps. If you are sincere in your interest in moving up and out of the field, it is worth your time to learn skills like estimating, project management, or business management. If you can’t learn these skills on the job it is likely that your local community college has evening or weekend classes available.
If you are still in the beginning stages of your career, finding a seasoned mentor is invaluable to gain a 360-degree view of your trade or to learn the skills you are interested in acquiring. If you are in the middle or later stages of your career, being a mentor can give you a surprising spring in your step. It will provide you with the opportunity to look at your industry and job with a fresh perspective, and perhaps pick up some new techniques from younger workers. Additionally, mentoring someone could be the springboard to a leadership position within your company.
It is important to jot your goals down at least on an annual basis. When you look at your goals have you made any progress toward the career of your dreams? It’s good to look back every 90 days and see what you have accomplished. Otherwise, you are never going to get anywhere.
The career of your dreams starts with you. But we are here to help! We believe in making connections between workers and great companies who believe in investing in the future of our workforce.
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