Career Conversations: what’s MOST Important?

Written by Nike Sr Technical Recruiter, Grace Mosqueda

What comes to mind whenever you think of “My Career”? Have you plotted out career goals year by year, or taken on new opportunities as they’ve come, with an overarching career “goal” in mind? Whether you prefer following a more detailed plan for your career trajectory (and haven’t we all experienced how best-laid plans can change minute by minute!), or taking it as it comes, here are some pointers to help you stay the course:

• No matter your current job status, it is always okay to have an ongoing career conversation with yourself. Even if you’re in a role that you absolutely love and are thriving in, there’s always going to be a “next chapter,” so remind yourself that you can re-visit your Career Goals as often as you would like. This can look like a “one year from now,” “five years from now,” or even “next month” goal. And guess what? Those goals are dynamic, not static, so change them up whenever necessary!
• Before any next career move you make, question what is motivating you to proceed. Will your decision keep you on your overall “career goals” path, or will it derail you? And if it derails you, are you okay pursuing a different path? Ask yourself, “Why should I make this choice?” before, not after, you have made the choice.
• Don’t hem yourself in. Have you ever pictured yourself working for a particular company you admire, or moving to a different city just to try it out, or pivoting your path to a new vocation, but then you stop and tell yourself “that could never happen, because such and such”? Keep your options open, continue exploring and being curious, and know that any sort of change will always be a bit scary and uncomfortable at the beginning. This of course doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try — give yourself the freedom to potentially be up for a change, because possibilities really are endless.

• Verbalize your career goals and dreams. Over the course of my life, I’ve had friends and family provide vital support and advice during periods where I ask myself Big Career Questions, and this has always proven to be much-needed. Seek out mentors, best friends, advisors/counselors — people you can trust to think out loud with, bounce ideas off of, and receive feedback from. I’ve never known a good friend or mentor to turn away a listening ear and give me advice when I most needed it. In turn, you can provide someone a listening ear and key advice when they most need it!
• Research can be your best friend. Whether you’re hoping for a promotion at work, interviewing with a new company, thinking of a vocation change or want to pursue further education, keep that search engine ready to fire up! The more informed you are while thinking of the “next step,” the better you’ll be equipped to make those important decisions.

Above all, remember to give yourself the freedom to dream and explore. I try and remind myself to think back to when I was in high school or in my early college years — what was it that I wanted to do? I may know more about “the real world” at this point in my life, but when I was just starting out, my dreams matched up with my natural abilities and strengths. When you think back on some of your original career goals, you may be surprised at what you discover!