As a professional, it is extremely important to manage and plan your career development for your growth and success.

Career development can be characterised by the following:

Seeking more meaning from work.

Equating 'career success' with personal satisfaction, over pay cheque or status.

Increased use of technology.

Change in the way management and leadership are conducted (lower level employees are being given more power and autonomy).

Lifelong 'trying on' of various roles, jobs and industries.

Changing careers several times throughout one's life.

Driven by change

Traditionally, career development meant that after completing college/university, the next step would be finding a job that may or may not be related to what was pursued in school. He/she would then remain in that job until retirement.

Today, career development is symbolised by one word: change. Gone are the days of sticking to one of few career specialities (doctor, lawyer, nurse, teacher, etc).

Today, we have careers that never existed 20 years ago. As a result of this, career changes have been more frequent.

Relevance

We are currently in the midst of a global economic crisis which has plunged the economies of some of the world's richest nations into recession, leaving thousands unemployed.

The latest figures from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) show Jamaica's unemployment rate at 11.9 per cent as at the end of April 2008, which is an increase from the 10.2 per cent that was recorded at the start of the year.

Many financial analysts have forecast that the crisis will last well into 2009.

Navigate turbulent times

Engaging in career development will allow individuals to successfully navigate these turbulent times of change and career uncertainty.

By developing resilience, exercising pro-activity, promoting you and your skills, and engaging in lifelong learning, you are more likely to at least survive this current crisis.

Develop Resilience - Having the right attitude about career change is imperative to your ability to bounce back from setbacks, sudden changes, and twists and turns along your career path.

Take a proactive approach to your career development - You must constantly be on the lookout for new ways to apply your gifts and talents in the new economy. This approach requires thinking creatively, actively promoting yourself/business, and being actively involved in how your career progresses. Staying involved in professional associations and continuous networking are excellent ways to connect with other like-minded professionals.

Promote your skills

Ensure that you keep your résumé current. You may want to share it with someone or pass it along at the least expected time. If you are in business for yourself, develop a classy letterhead and business card with all your contact information.

Utilise the power of the Internet by developing an interactive website, or posting advertisements on the very popular website, YouTube.

Engage in lifelong learning - A key aspect of career development is lifelong learning.

You must recognise the need to participate in lifelong learning and the need for the continuous upgrading of your skills in order to stay sharp and keep yourself marketable.

If possible, get certification for the skills that you are interested in. Do not wait until you lose your job or want to look for another position to gain new skills or training.

Keep in mind the top skills needed for career success include positive attitude, communication, computer-knowledge, creativity, customer care and employability skills.

Finally, make sure to pursue all your interests, including those outside the workplace, as doing so will result in a feeling of fulfilment in all areas of your life.

Kareen Cox, coordinator, Career Resources Career Development Services Department (CDSD) HEART Trust/NTA. email: Kareen_Cox@heart-nta.org.