It is amazing to me that people will pay upwards of $100,000 for a college education, expect to land a $100,000 job but grimaceat paying 1% of that for ongoing career development and/or coaching. Obtaining a college degree is the first step in career planning, not the final step. Like anything you want to grow and flourish , careers require ongoing development and planning. Professional development can take many forms including increasing knowledge through course work, expanding your network by participating in professional associations, or improving your effectiveness through 1:1 coaching.
To be the best at what you do, to keep your skills current and to keep your options open requires a plan. There is more at stake than a potential six figure salary. It is success and fulfillment in the work you do and alignment with your overall life goals. Life and work can be complicated. This planning process should be entrusted to a professional skilled in working with people and knowledgeable about career options in organizations and in the labor market. This is not the work of well intended volunteers, someone who was in transition “once”, or someone who dabbles in resume writing. Career planning and management professionals have advanced training in working with people as well as have hands on business experience.
Investing in your career should be an ongoing commitment. To get the most out of your investment make sure you have an ongoing career development and management plan and a proven professional to partner with to reach your goals.
