Where Do I Go From Here?

There are many factors important to job seekers. Among them are money, flexibility, location, and benefits. An overlooked area is career path. Once you accept an opportunity there should be a clear path of promotion allowing you to determine where you might end up depending on how long you choose to remain with the company.

Career pathing prevents you from becoming stagnant in your profession. It also prevents your skillsets from becoming dull. Career pathing gives you motivation and optimism regarding your future as well has helping your plan your personal and professional goals. Larger companies have more opportunities for advancement. They usually have regional or international office locations. They offer multi-level management tiers and often provide training to help prepare employees to apply for promotions.

Companies that do not offer career paths usually look for people to fill voids and expect those employees to remain content while doing that job. The only way to be promoted in such companies is to wait for someone to resign or retire, hope a restructuring creates a position, or you may have to go out to go up. This is usually the case in companies with limited management opportunities.

Career pathing should be part of the interview discussion. After this discussion you should have a clear idea of, or if there is an opportunity for you to advance within the company. If moving up the corporate ladder is your goal, make sure the company you work for can make that part of your compensation package. If opportunities do exist, plan to apply for promotion every three years. This keeps you sharp. In fact, progressive companies will insist that you make this strategy part of your career strategy. They do not find value in people who are content to do the same job every day for years.

Be proactive in your career search and be sure to discuss where you go from here, wherever here is.