| Look into that crystal ball and what do you see on | | | | That doesn't mean that once you create your course |
| your personal employment horizon? | | | | - your business plan - it'll remain static. Quite the |
| Of course, it's impossible to know for sure. But you | | | | contrary. You'll need to constantly review it and |
| should have a good idea where you intend to be five | | | | should count on the fact that you'll adjust it over |
| years from now. | | | | time. |
| What will your job look like? | | | | One of the most important aspects of laying the |
| Who will you be working for? | | | | groundwork for the future is the ability to adapt and |
| How are you going to get there? | | | | succeed in a fluid environment. |
| If you haven't given this any thought, or if your | | | | Know the latest trends. Know what's going on at |
| answer is that things will look pretty much the same | | | | your company...with your competitors...in your |
| as they do today - then I'd suggest you give this | | | | industry. Stay on top of what they're up to in |
| more consideration. | | | | Washington. Know how broader trends and |
| The job market is dynamic. Straight line career | | | | philosophies are shaping the overall business climate |
| trajectories are pretty much a thing of the past. | | | | and how that might impact your job and career. |
| Throw in inevitable economic fluctuations, worldwide | | | | Incorporate this intelligence with your own personal |
| competition, industry lifecycles and the like, and you | | | | goals. From there, you should be able to come up |
| can see how crucial it is that you actively manage | | | | with an educated prediction about how things will |
| your career. | | | | look a few years down the road - and your strategy |
| Step one is to chart your course. You don't set sail | | | | regarding how to put yourself in the best possible |
| with no idea where you're trying to go; your career | | | | position to capitalize and get to where you want to |
| is no different. Drifting in the water and hoping for | | | | be. |
| the best isn't going to get you to your destination. | | | | |