Why Is Career Development Important?

Career development is a term used for the methods an individual uses to advance in a job or career. Included in career development are one's educational qualifications, skill sets acquired, self-actualization or personal fulfillment, and recognitions and acknowledgments gained over a period of time. A career-development path or plan is no longer the structured, fairly sequential, 20- to 30-year road map that prevailed in earlier generations. However, career development is as important today as it has ever been.

Setting Goals

Goal setting centered on career objectives and milestones is an important part of career development. However, goal setting as a part of career development tends to be on a more short- and medium-term basis than in the past---mainly because people tend to shift jobs and careers more frequently than they used to do. By using goal setting as part of your career-development plan, you are more likely to end up with the career or jobs you desire.

Designing Your Own Development

Career development today is shaped more by an individual's choice and focus as opposed to being under the direction of a human resources department or a boss who wants employees to have a particular set of skills. When you have more control over your own career development, you can tailor your progress toward your own goals, rather than the goals of a boss or a particular company.

Keeping Flexible

A career-development plan has to be flexible to account for emergency scenarios, mid-career switches, resignations, relocation possibilities and family commitments. Such flexibility in your career development can work to your advantage, by increasing the possibilities for your potential worklife.

Staying Competitive

Career development in a highly competitive era calls for sharp-edged focus and dedication. The new skills you gain and the additional certifications and diplomas you earn will help you to be competitive in today's workplace.

Demonstrating Professionalism and Desire

Being involved in an active career-development plan shows that you are interested in advancing your own knowledge, skill set and capabilities. A demonstrated desire for improvement and education makes you more attractive to potential employers.