Time for a Career Inventory

by Dice Staff Feb 3, 2010 2 min read

Many techies were forced to set aside their career aspirations during 2009. They're getting satisfaction from a little job security and a regular paycheck. But now that the economy is stabilizing, it may be time to revisit your dreams, set new career goals and analyze your current situation to see if it's possible to reach new heights with your current employer.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmYQiC5T-2s&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Watch the video

The great recession dramatically altered the business landscape in many industries, and in some cases the changes are permanent. During the downturn, your fortunes may have changed for better or worse, so take a career inventory by asking yourself these questions.

Has my situation changed? Staff reductions may have provided you with emerging promotional opportunities by thinning the number of employees vying for higher level jobs. But if only the top performers were retained, it may have created dog-eat-dog competition for available fewer management jobs. Evaluate your current situation to see if you're still able to achieve your goals, or if you'll need to change employers to earn a promotion.
Has my company's situation changed? Fewer competitors may be a boon to your company's bottom line. On the other hand, industry consolidation may have left it dangling on the edge of failure. If your employer can't get the financing it needs to grow or invest in new technologies, or if it has become a takeover target, a goal for 2010 might be to move to a stable company that offers the potential for professional growth.
Are my goals still realistic? While a recession is no reason to forgo your dreams, perhaps reaching the CIO's chair within two years is no longer realistic. Review your education, professional certifications and work experience to see if you can still compete for the job you're seeking. Set a plan to improve your marketability and career situation in 2010, and you could be on your way to achieving your goals by 2011.

-- Leslie Stevens-Huffman

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmYQiC5T-2s&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Watch the video

Has my situation changed? Staff reductions may have provided you with emerging promotional opportunities by thinning the number of employees vying for higher level jobs. But if only the top performers were retained, it may have created dog-eat-dog competition for available fewer management jobs. Evaluate your current situation to see if you're still able to achieve your goals, or if you'll need to change employers to earn a promotion.
Has my company's situation changed? Fewer competitors may be a boon to your company's bottom line. On the other hand, industry consolidation may have left it dangling on the edge of failure. If your employer can't get the financing it needs to grow or invest in new technologies, or if it has become a takeover target, a goal for 2010 might be to move to a stable company that offers the potential for professional growth.
Are my goals still realistic? While a recession is no reason to forgo your dreams, perhaps reaching the CIO's chair within two years is no longer realistic. Review your education, professional certifications and work experience to see if you can still compete for the job you're seeking. Set a plan to improve your marketability and career situation in 2010, and you could be on your way to achieving your goals by 2011.

-- Leslie Stevens-Huffman