Career Planning: what type of career/job best suits your inspiration?

Liz Burke La Trobe University l.burke@latrobe.edu.au

What inspires me?

in each of us rests the power to shape our future and it will be shaped by our action or inaction What inspired you to enter the profession? What inspired you to attend this Symposium? If you want a career in this profession, you need to plan, and work towards that plan

Did the difference matter?, InCite, vol. 23, no. 10, October 2002, p.41.

What inspires me? contd

Career planning is not necessarily about a steadily upward progression Career planning must be flexible Some type of planning must be undertaken People with diverse interests and aspirations find a place in libraries

What inspires me? contd

Library work environments and the way we conduct our business, has changed radically for the first time in history, the worlds wealthiest person is a knowledge worker

Milne, P. (2000) Information professionals and the knowledge-aware, intelligent organization: skills for the future,Australian Library Journal, May, pp.139-150.

Values in our Working Lives

related to the attitudes and opinions one develops in relation to ones job and work environment

Pay, hours of work, superannuation, and relationships with colleagues, supervisors and clients

It is possible to work for an organization and with colleagues who demonstrate the types of values you hold personally

Elizur, D. and Kosowsky, M. (2001) Values and organizational commitment, International journal of manpower, vol. 22, no.7, pp.593-599.

Positioning Ourselves

self-marketing has become crucial Choose an area of interest, and develop some expertise Build on existing skills and abilities Publish in the professional literature Participate in professional associations Examine other relevant associations Participate in electronic discussion lists

Professional Opportunities
manage your own career, or let change manage it for you Opportunities exist for new career paths for information professionals Develop a network of professional contacts, including mentors Become a member of professional committees

Casey, V. (2000) Career: do you have a plan?, Feliciter, vol. 46, no. 4, p.167.

Taking Risks

Initiate career changes Career development is not necessarily about a steadily upward trend Think outside the realm of traditional positions In todays job market, there is more movement between jobs Portfolio careers successive, frequent changes

Responsibility for ones own career

Be clear about what you want out of life Spend time on self-analysis and selfreflection Know your skills, abilities, values, aspirations, wants, needs, dreams and personal style

Bridges, W. (1997) Creating You & Co. : learn to think like the CEO of your own career Nicholas Brealey, London.

Responsibility for ones own career contd

Career management competencies: Ability to optimise a given career situation Ability to engage in personal development Ability to use career planning skills Ability to balance work and nonwork

Ball, B. (1998) Career management competencies the individual perspective, Librarian Career Development, vol6, no.7, pp.3-11.

Responsibility for ones own career contd

Consult a professional career counsellor or guide An individual may change career direction up to three or four times during their life

Continuing Education & Professional Development

Professional development can meet a number of needs: It may lead to a new career opportunity An injection of motivation and enthusiasm The pace at which mid-career stagnation takes place is accelerating An employee can reach a career plateau in as little as two years

Continuing Education & Professional Development contd

Academic learning does not provide the sole evidence of continuing professional development Potential employers seek evidence of experience Highlight skills and knowledge gained

In Conclusion
Take the time to reflect Review the changing information landscape Think about possible directions to take Be creative, bold and visionary Grasp the opportunities presented