Career management is no longer just about climbing the corporate ladder. Traditional career paths have given way to a more dynamic and self-directed approach. While managers and organisations play a role in supporting career growth, the ultimate responsibility lies with you, the employee. As I wrote in Confident Career Conversations, “Career development starts with the employee. Employees need to be empowered to take ownership of their careers.” But what does that really mean? How can you take charge of your career and create the opportunities you desire?

The Myth of Predictable Career Paths

For decades, employees expected structured career paths, where progression was largely determined by seniority and internal promotions. However, today’s world of work is different. Organisations are flatter, jobs evolve rapidly, and employees are expected to drive their own development. The idea that managers and organisations can develop employees’ careers is only practical in static organisations with predictable career paths. Today’s organisations aren’t static. This means that if you want to advance, you must be proactive in shaping your career.

Why Career Ownership Matters

Taking ownership of your career means being intentional about your professional growth. It involves:

• Understanding where you are now: Assess your current skills, experiences, and interests.
• Clarifying your career ambitions: Define what success looks like for you, beyond just job titles.
• Seeking out opportunities: Look for ways to develop your skills, take on new challenges, and expand your network.
• Building resilience and adaptability: Careers are not linear, so the ability to pivot and embrace change is crucial.

As Confident Career Conversations explains, employees who actively manage their careers are more engaged and satisfied in their roles. They also become more valuable to their organisations, as they align their development with business needs.

Practical Steps to Take Ownership of Your Career

1. Reflect on Your Career So Far

Start by looking back at your career journey. What have been your biggest achievements? What work has given you the most satisfaction? The Your Journey So Far tool in the Career Conversation Toolkit suggests asking:

• What are you most proud of?
• What skills have you developed?
• When were you happiest at work?

This self-awareness helps you understand what motivates you and where your strengths lie.

2. Define What Success Looks Like for You

Many employees struggle with defining their career goals because they focus too narrowly on job titles. Instead, use the Future Success tool in the toolkit to paint a broader picture:

• What kind of work do you want to be doing?
• What type of environment do you thrive in?
• What impact do you want to make?

By visualising your ideal career, you can explore multiple pathways to reach it, rather than waiting for a predefined promotion.

3. Identify and Build Your Career Kitbag

Once you have clarity on where you want to go, assess the resources you already have and those you need to acquire. The Career Kitbag tool encourages employees to identify:

• Existing skills and experiences
• Knowledge and qualifications needed
• Key relationships and mentors who can support you

This proactive approach helps you focus on areas for growth and leverage your strengths.

4. Take Action and Set Short-Term Goals

Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity, focus on small, achievable steps towards taking charge of your career. The Short-Term Milestones tool suggests setting realistic goals that bring you closer to your vision. These might include:

• Volunteering for a project outside your usual responsibilities
• Seeking mentorship from a senior colleague
• Attending industry events to expand your network
• Taking an online course to develop a key skill

5. Review and Adapt

Career development is an ongoing process. Regularly review your progress, celebrate your wins, and adjust your approach based on what you learn. Even if you don’t take the exact actions you planned, you may still have made progress because an opportunity presented itself. Flexibility and adaptability will ensure you stay on track even when unexpected challenges arise.

Career management is a shared responsibility, but the most important driver of your success is you. By taking ownership of your career, reflecting on your journey, defining what success looks like, and actively pursuing opportunities, you can create a fulfilling and sustainable career path. As you take charge of your career, remember that career conversations with your manager, mentors, and peers can provide valuable support and guidance along the way.

What is one small step you can take today to move forward in your career? Share your thoughts in the comments or start a conversation with a mentor or manager!

Unlock the Power of 3: Elevate Career Conversations in Your Organisation

Empower your managers, engage your employees, and drive organisational success with our Career Conversations: The Power of 3 Approach. By equipping leaders and teams at all levels with the tools to have meaningful career conversations, you foster a culture of development, retention, and growth.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your workforce?

Let’s start the conversation today. Discover how our Career Conversations programmes, tools and resources can transform your organisation.