How to Proactively Manage Your Career in an Economic Down Turn

An organization's success depends on its people. The stronger the knowledge and skills of the individuals the stronger the organization becomes. The United States economic downturn has caused some companies to downsize-which is creating a paradigm shift in the way people manage their careers and their jobs. Organizations are no longer as willing to provide the necessary funding to individuals for career and skills development.

This how-to-guide will help you to recognize the driving forces creating change in our economy to quickly adapt and create a career edge.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   To begin you must first look for drivers of change in the organizational landscape of your company. Then research and list all of these changes you see coming in career trends. My career path research found a recent article in Money Magazine-which listed Information Security as the 10th fastest growing profession in the United States with a projected growth of 27 percent between the year 2006 and 2016. I also located an article in Government Information Security News that outlines an effort by the office of personnel management (OPM) to retain and hire Information Security experts.
   In addition, Information technology is also one of the stronger careers with less unemployment rates than the national average. A recent quarterly report by Robert Half Technology IT hiring Index (http://www.roberthalftechnology.com) and Skills report states that 83% of companies plan to maintain their current IT staffing levels.

2. 
    
   Mindmapping.com

   The second step in the planning process is to use your creative energy to determine risks and develop new ideas, and career options. By determining the risks, you can start building a what-if flow chart of outcomes. Taking a calculated risk can advance your career; however, if you fear the unknown you can gain confidence by simply evaluating the evidence concerning future outcomes. If any of these outcomes look positive start testing some your ideas. These are all risk-taking strategies that will work but not without certain amount of strategic planning.
   Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.
   ~~George S Patton

3. 
    
   Linkedin

   Finally after you have chosen your new career path, continue to strengthen your position by professional networking (linkedin.com), and personal branding.

Tips & Warnings

• Taking the long view will allow you to proactively manage your career. Remember that your career must be re-evaluated based on driving forces and quickly evolve based on current and future career trends.
• To succeed you must be the one leading career change and not just getting caught up in it.

[sheavenangel38]

on 12/25/2009 Impressive Article--6 stars

Merry Christmas

[Diablo2]

on 12/24/2009 Very informative, thanks!