With 5, 10, or 15 years of experience under your belt, your goals and career aspirations have likely evolved. At this point, it’s important for you to think about the kind of work that motivates and inspires you today (not three years ago, not when you were fresh out of school). Think about what projects most energize you or when you feel most satisfied at work. Are there trends you can identify when you feel most (or least?) engaged in your role? Do you love strategizing creative solutions or being the person who brings those ideas to life? Do you want to manage a team or excel as an individual contributor? What are your career goals at this stage?
Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, you can start to develop a plan to achieve them. Maybe you need to develop new skills, expand and engage your professional community, or explore new career options. All of those are valid options but you’ll need clarity on your career goals in order to move forward productively.
Once you know what you want to achieve, it's important to understand what competencies and skills you’ll need at the next level and assess where you have gaps. You may find that you’re well prepared in some areas but you need to level-up in others. This is good news! It gives you a place to focus your efforts and take action.
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your manager, colleagues, and community. Find a mentor if you don’t already have one ask for their advice and support as you navigate this transition. It can be helpful to connect with next-level peers in roles similar to the one you aspire to and understand what they wish they knew before they stepped into their role.
Once you know your strengths, weaknesses, and goals, you can develop a plan to close your competency gaps. Whether you choose to take courses (in person, online, hybrid, or otherwise), attend conferences, or volunteer to take on new projects at work, be sure that your plan is actionable, measurable, and sustainable.
Be realistic about how long it will take to achieve your goals and make sure that the realistic timeline aligns with your expectations. It may take several months or even years to develop the skills and experience you need to move forward. If you're committed to your goals and you're willing to put in the work, you can achieve them.
Beyond Barriers is designed specifically to help ambitious mid-career professionals move further, faster.
Overcoming a career plateau can be challenging, but it's not impossible. By identifying your goals, assessing your skills, and developing a plan to bridge the gap, you can achieve the career you want. The Beyond Barriers Core Accelerator can help you get the boost you need to reach your full potential today.