9 Ways to Future Proof Your Career (part 2), Career Near Me

9 Ways to Future Proof Your Career (part 2), Career Near Me

6. Build Your Professional Network.
Develop relationships or build new connections with people within and outside of your organization.

These people can be an invaluable support  as the landscape of work changes, bringing you with them as they weather the changes, and providing opportunities when your position looks uncertain. You'll have the bonus of learning new skills, technologies and strategies that will help you to move your career in the direction you want.

Ways to build your network  include joining an employee resource group , and contacting former bosses and colleagues through social media.


Also, join online forums and professional networking associations such as YEC, Ryze and WEBS, and participate in a range of industry events and activities. Remember to develop relationships beyond your current career or industry, too.

7. Scan the Environment.
Follow changes and trends in your profession, your industry, and the wider economy. Keep yourself informed, and aim to work in industries and for employers that have a positive outlook and long-term sustainability.

Consuming quality news and your industry press will keep you up to date with business trends. Completing a PEST  analysis for your industry (and for any others that you're interested in) will help you to get a grip on the political, economic, social, and technological changes shaping its environment.

You could also analyze your organization's attractiveness using Porter's Five Forces  and USP Analysis , and back your hunches and analysis with action. For example, if your analysis suggests that your company is not in a strong position to withstand potential changes, think about what you can do to help to make it more resilient.

Overall, it's wise to avoid industries and organizations that are on a downward slide, because you'll eventually have to leave. It is better to prepare now.

8. Keep a Clear and Open Career Path.
Review your options for career progression and be proactive about responding to a lack of opportunities, even if it means changing your job, or your career.

You may be fortunate enough to work for an organization where there's a clear and attractive career path ahead of you but, for many people, this will not be the case.

This may not be a problem if you're in a fast-growth industry, where opportunities appear frequently. But, if you're in a slow-growth or declining industry, there may be no onward career path and your development may be blocked, however hard you work. This can lead to frustration, boredom and failure to achieve your potential, and you may choose to try an alternative path.

You can find tips about keeping open a clear career path in our article, Managing Your Career .

Remember, it's important to deliver on your existing job description, but don't be limited by it. Our article, Job Crafting , explores how you can change aspects of your current role to suit you better, and to the benefit of your team or organization.

9. Develop Resilience.
Cultivate your ability to weather disappointment and turbulence. The future is uncertain and you'll likely encounter setbacks no matter how much you prepare and plan.

The most successful people have resilience. They work with purpose , bounce back from setbacks, and look at mistakes as learning experiences.

To develop your own resilience, start by finding out how resilient you are  now. Strengthen your personal support base , and concentrate on improving your health and well-being.

From there, evaluate and affirm your strengths regularly. Work on your ability to cope with change – whether self-initiated  or imposed  – and to remain flexible and positive as it unfolds.

To learn more about resiliency, listen to our Expert Interview  with Cal Crow.

Note.
Pick and choose from these strategies as circumstances change, but refer to them often. Each time, take an inventory of what you could be doing differently from, or in addition to, what you're doing now.

These strategies can be useful throughout your working life. They'll help you to keep your skills current and your opportunities open. All have elements of risk management and career planning, and you need to become skilled at both to future proof your career.

Finally, bear in mind that the future is just as likely to bring opportunites and positive developments, as it is to bring disruption and uncertainty. By taking steps today to future proof your career, you can look to the horizon with optimism and excitement!

Key Points.
While your job description may not be relevant in the future, you can ensure the skills that you bring to the table are. With forethought and planning, you can take control of your future career today.

Strategies for future proofing your career include.

Joining an "academy" organization.
Staying tech-savvy.
Developing your skills, competencies and experience.
Being a "global" worker.
Keeping a "success journal."
Developing a professional network.
Following profession, industry and economy trends.
Reviewing your options for career progression.
Building your resilience.