Previously we touched on the concept of Future-Proofing your Career. Rather than suffering the whims of fate helplessly, you are in charge of designing your career.  By keeping abreast of change and using career planning principles, you can overcome career hiccoughs and career stagnation. You are the only one that can decide how your career will be managed and you can keep ahead of the trends that may have an impact on your career.

Industry trends

Will your job exist in 5, 10, 20 years from now? Will your current company survive? How about your current industry? It isn’t always easy to get to the truth, but you can figure out in general terms how things are at the moment. Are things quiet or busy at work? Are sales targets on track? Have other companies in your industry posted record profits or are they closing their doors?

The answers to these questions are easier when trends are discussed in the media, like the recent downturn in retail shopping and the closure of some well-known brands. Parts of the retail sector are in trouble, an industry that you can reasonably expect to not be a safe bet, bricks and mortar especially. Printing, physical books and newspapers are also a shaky proposition, but hanging around longer than many people thought.

You need to examine how your industry is faring, how your company stands and whether your job will last the distance. Ups and downs are normal, especially when the economy is in recession; however is your industry steadily moving downwards while the economy is in a growth period?

Job market trends

Investigate where the skills shortages and job vacancies are concentrated and where there are no shortages of skilled potential employees. These are the industries you should look at closely to move into as a possible next step. Of course, you need to be interested in working in these alternative industries; however the second or third highest growing industry may interest you and may be an option instead of remaining in your existing situation.

Outsourcing

Increasingly certain types of roles are being outsourced to overseas markets where the cost of labour is less and skill level is high. Is this happening at your workplace or in your industry? The trick is to gain skills that make you unique and desired in the workplace, whether at your company or in the job market.

Technology

Have you kept up with technology? If not, the consequences don’t look good, because you will fall behind. Computers have invaded every workplace and new software applications become the next new thing that every employer wants/needs. Investigate which new software skill would be best to pick up. If you need help identifying trends and figuring out which skills might be worthwhile investing in, contact the office on 1300 923 000 to organise Maria Cordi CIRCLE Recruitment & HR’s Career Coach to conduct a Career Coaching session to help you predict and prepare.

Important Note: These articles have been prepared for general circulation and are circulated for general informational purposes only; these articles should not be regarded as business or investment advice. The articles represent the views of the writers and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, while every care has been taken in the preparation of the articles no representation or warranty as to accuracy or completeness of any statement is given. An individual or organisation should, before any business or investment decision is made, consider the appropriateness of the information in this document, and seek professional advice, having regard to objectives, situation and needs. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.