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As the New Year rolls in, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your personal goals and professional journey. Much like an annual physical health check, assessing your career health ensures you’re on track and ready to thrive in the year ahead. Whether you’re eyeing a promotion, planning a career switch, aiming for steady growth, or simply hoping to futureproof your current career, these five steps will help you evaluate and enhance your career health.
1. Reflect on the past year
Begin by taking stock of the year that’s just ended. Reflecting on your achievements, challenges, and growth areas is a vital first step in checking your career health. Ask yourself:
- What were my most significant accomplishments?
- What setbacks did I face, and how did I overcome them?
- Am I satisfied with my current role, work-life balance, and career trajectory?
Celebrate your wins—big or small—as they show your progress. At the same time, be honest about areas where you may have struggled or felt unfulfilled. This reflection will provide clarity and direction for the year ahead.
2. Assess your skills gap
The world of work is constantly evolving, and staying relevant is key. Take a closer look at your skills and how they align with current industry demands. Are there new technologies, certifications, or tools you need to master? Tools like the Skills Tagging feature on MyCareersFuture can help identify skills in demand.
Consider upskilling or reskilling through online courses, workshops, or mentorship programs. Staying ahead of trends in your field will boost your confidence and employability.
3. Revisit your career goals
Goals give direction to your career. However, they can become outdated as priorities shift and industries evolve. Revisit your short-term and long-term goals to ensure they align with your current aspirations. Use the SMART framework to refine your goals:
- Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
- Measurable: Set milestones to track your progress.
- Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic and within reach.
- Relevant: Align them with your values and broader life goals.
- Time-bound: Set a timeline to stay focused.
For example, instead of saying, “I want a better job,” aim for, “I want to secure a project management role within six months by completing a certification and expanding my network.”
4. Build and leverage your network
Networking remains a cornerstone of career health. It’s about who you know and about fostering genuine, meaningful connections. Strong networks can lead to mentorship opportunities, industry insights, and even new job offers.
Attend industry events, join online communities, or contact colleagues for informal coffee chats. Make it a point to nurture existing relationships by offering help or sharing relevant resources.
5. Prioritise career development
Career health is closely tied to ongoing development. Dedicate time to enhancing your skills through formal education or hands-on learning. The new year is a great time to explore opportunities like attending seminars, taking on stretch assignments at work, or exploring new tools and platforms.
For example, the MyCareersFuture Course Recommender can suggest upskilling options tailored to your career goals. By committing to lifelong learning, you stay adaptable and ready for what the future of work demands.
A fresh start for your career
Checking your career health isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process that ensures you remain aligned with your goals and adaptable to changes. As you enter the New Year, take these five steps to ensure your career is in excellent shape. With the right mindset and tools, you’ll be ready to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve meaningful growth.
Your career health matters — start the year strong by investing in yourself!
