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When is the best time to start developing my career?

Home » Careers » Career Development Overview » When is the best time to start developing my career?
Posted by Your Guide on September 21, 2005 12:23 AM

It's never too early, so start now. The truth is that some people never progress in their career development because they simply don't start. Procrastination is a killer of many great things. Yes, it can seem overwhelming at the beginning, so take the time to divide and conquer. Break the process down into bite-sized goals. A good place to begin is by seeking training and joining your professional organization. Even if your professional organization doesn't meet locally, you can get on their mailing list to receive important information pertinent to your discipline.

Be prepared: career development can sometimes seem like a long and lonely road. Successful career development doesn't happen overnight. You don't go from entry level to senior executive in only a year's time. It takes many years of successful development to reach one's full potential and goal. By not starting now, you're only delaying your own success.

Even with the help of a mentor, in the end you are responsible for meeting your own goals. Start by scheduling time on your calendar for career development. It may be as simple as a couple hours for research at the library or an uninterrupted hour of reading through industry publications. It might also mean scheduling those monthly business luncheons within your professional organization. Earmark your time and be purposeful about making career development a priority in your life. In today's office, time seems to be a luxury long forgotten. Endless emails and voicemails and accumulating invoices beckon your constant attention. Only by specifically scheduling career development time now will you be well on your way to a long and successful career.

Next Page: What are some of the benefits of Career Development?

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