Ever wonder how you can gain the necessary experience to advance your career or stay relevant, especially when the training budget is limited or non-existent? The answer is simple: You have to take matters into your own hands.
It’s time to P.L.A.N or more precisely “Purposely Look and Act Now.”
The Planning
The following steps can be taken in any order, at any time or simultaneously. Start as soon as you know that you want to advance your career.
- Look at position descriptions for the position you’re interested in, making a list of skills that you possess and ones you want to achieve. These skills can potentially be “resume builders”, giving you the extra edge over other applicants.
- Take advantage of any FREE courses that you happen to know of or find via the internet. Try to find courses similar to those your agency would offer if funds were available.
- Interview those in the position you aspire to. Ask questions about their journey and seek suggestions from them as to how you might gain more experience/knowledge.
- Shadow, formally or informally, individuals currently performing the work.
- Without breaking the bank, sign up for webinars, seminars, etc. to attend on your own time and with your own funds.
The Opportunities
A great myth in many federal agencies is that there are no opportunities. here actually are but you have to put yourself “out there” and make it known that you are available. Unfortunately, there is a ‘catch-22’. If you don’t apply, after a while, those opportunities can dry up. It’s ok to be selective, but don’t be too selective waiting for the perfect opportunity to come. earn to make the most of the assignment and as you add to your resume, qualify and quantify your success.
- Update or draft your career plan and provide a copy to your immediate manager. ave that career discussion about next steps and possibilities. his also is your opportunity to ask for details, ad hoc assignments, or other resume building activities.
- Take advantage of opportunities in your personal life. For example, you might volunteer to be on your local school board, an officer in your homeowner’s association or PTA, or a scout leader. These activities allow you a different vantage point and are also resume builders.
- Communication is key so ensure that you are aware of short-term opportunities to lead a team or a project and that others are aware of your interest. ometimes you must submit a memorandum of interest so have a rough draft of a letter of interest prepared. hay way, you won’t have to rush putting one together.
The Bottom Line
Stay current with the work you are assigned but don’t get too comfortable. Be available when opportunities become available. Saying “no,” for whatever reason, is a non-starter. If necessary, change your mindset and be willing to grow. You don’t want to burn any bridges in the process of planning your opportunities.
After retiring from the Federal Government, Sandra Hill launched her business – New Horizen Coaching & Professional Growth Advancement. She has a passion for coaching (life, business, and career), helping those who seek to build their confidence while facilitating transitions in their personal or professional life. Sandra is a best-selling author, podcast host and writes career coaching articles for Forbes and other industry magazines.
Fulfilling her personal mantra, “Each one Reach one”, Sandra also volunteers with several non-profits and serves as a mentor and partner with local schools.
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