Career Development
Finesha Colton-Lee, MBA, CPSM
Emory University
What is Career Development?
Career development is a journey,
which can and should extend over time
as you explore, exercise your curiosity,
grow and develop, learn more about
the external world, and develop
increasing understanding of yourself.
Why should you develop your career?
Motivations for career development
go beyond hopes of career progression
and include maintaining or improving
professional competency, ensuring
compliance with regulations, keeping
up with new practices and technology,
or simply fulfilling a passion for
lifelong learning.
Source: UT Dallas Career Center
1. Assessing Self
Needs
Values
Personal
Interests
Skills
Personality
Ambitions
Professional
The Birkman Method
The Birkman Method is a powerful tool that
identifies a person’s passions, behaviors, motivations,
and interests.
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Usual Behavior
Underlying Needs
Stress Behavior
Interests
Occupational
Management Styles
Work Environment
Source: UT Dallas Career Center
2. Exploring Options
Industries
Higher education, Government, or Corporate Procurement
Occupations
Sourcing, Contracts, System Administration, Accounts Payable,
Training, Customer Service, Communications, Card Services
Location
Central or Departmental
You may be exactly where you want to be…
Or you may want to explore something new.
The Joy of Work: What’s your Guiding Compass?
2. Exploring Options
Develop a Career Action Plan
Recommended methods:
• Envision your career backwards from your retirement
• Attempt to mirror the career path of another
• Create a Career-Life Timeline
The ultimate goal is for you to be happy
with your career!
Career-Life Timeline
Step One: Create Your Timeline
Source: http://maviscompany.com/envisioning-your-career-life-timeline/
Career-Life Timeline
Step Two: Extend Your Timeline
Source: http://maviscompany.com/envisioning-your-career-life-timeline/
Source: UT Dallas Career Center
3. Developing Skills
NAEP Resources
http://web2.naepnet.org/downloads/naep/NAEP%20Competency%20Model.pdf
Professional Development on Your Schedule
Written by: Finesha Colton-Lee, Emory University
Purchasing Link, June 2013 (Issue 121)
http://www.naepnet.org/plink/June2013/
NAEP Competency Model
3. Developing Skills
• Professional associations offer
conferences, training, and webinars
• Procurement-related classes, degrees
and certifications
• Read online journals and leadership
development books
Source: UT Dallas Career Center
4. Marketing Yourself
Preparation
• Value
• Network
• Goals
• Message
• Attitude
Packaging
• Maintain
• Serve
• Network
• Genuine
• Read
Presentation
• Communication
• Practice
• Proactive
• Strategic
• Positive
• Confidence
“Brand yourself for the career you want,
not the job you have.” - Dan Schawbel
Source: UT Dallas Career Center
5. Performing
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Be the best you can be
Develop quality relationships
Take initiative
Project confidence
Be patient and determined
Manage stress appropriately
Source: http://www.thinkadvisor.com/2012/08/21/stressed-for-success-pt-2-helping-employees-to-per
Source: UT Dallas Career Center