Careering Ahead

Most suveys into what employers want in their staff would result in a similar list. Employers are looking for people who are good at:

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Self-motivation

• Planning and organising

• Problem solving

• Decision making

• Time management and prioritising

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Willingness to learn

• Interpersonal and negotiating skills

Many people think the key to shaping a career is in developing skills that others value. This is important but it’s only part of the story. You should always remember that your career is just that, yours. This e-book will help you to think differently about what it takes to develop a successful career. It’s a collection of helpful hints, practical ideas, and insightful thought-provokers. Take some time to think differently about what work means to you, both now and in the future. Then think about how to get your career careering ahead!

1. Preface
2. Introduction
3. Getting by, getting on and getting ahead
   1. Three career paths: getting by, getting on and getting ahead
   2. Social Capital
   3. Careers in stages
   4. Personal Investment? You’re Worth It
4. Making a success of your career
   1. Defining success differently
   2. Enduring success
   3. Enthusiasm
5. Career builders: building your own education
   1. Compelling insights: think about it!
   2. Significant conversations: talk about it!
   3. Putting learning to work: try it!
6. How do you define your work?
   1. Crafting a calling
   2. How do you see your work?
   3. Can you make your work more like a calling?
   4. Leaving a legacy
7. Do what you love
   1. The happy work-cycle
   2. Do what you love
   3. Do more of what you love
   4. Learn to love what you do
   5. Learn to live with what you do
   6. Leave what you do
8. Career change advice: make your interview questions count!
9. Dealing with job loss
   1. Plan A – dealing with job loss
10. Begin with the end in mind
    1. The idle fisherman – a pleasant life
    2. Defining success more broadly
    3. Remember who you work for
11. What next?
12. Further reading