Think As Inc

CAREER SPRING CLEANING

March 8, 2010 on 1:24 am | In career coaching, life coaching | No Comments

It’s spring, and time for those projects for home and garden.  Don’t forget to add some projects for your career spring cleaning:

Assess the first quarter.  How is your job different from last year?  Are you working on more challenges or taking on more responsibilities?  Is the work still interesting?  Are you happy with your progress to date?  This simple check-in can expose some issues you need to work on for the rest of the year.

Spring clean your database.  Input those address changes from your returned holiday cards in 2004.  Scan your phone list, and make a list of those people you’ve been meaning to call.  Make an appointment in your calendar to call one person a week till the list is done. 

Organize your work files.  Have you been clipping articles that you’ve meant to read?  If they’re older than three months, the news is outdated and should be purged.  Do you have old emails saved for just-in-case?  If you haven’t referred to them in the last month, you probably won’t need them.  But, save any electronic receipts you may need for tax purposes. 

Stock up on career supplies.  Update your resume.  Get a permanent email address outside of work (e.g., through your college), and check that it is properly forwarded if you already have one.  Have business cards packed in every bag you typically carry, so that you are prepared even for unexpected networking opportunities.

Find some inspiration.  Have lunch with a colleague from a different group or at a different level.  Scan your industry’s trade journals.  Take a general career development class, attend an industry conference, or learn a new skill. 

Spring is about growth and new beginnings.  Put some spring back into your career.