Giovanni Stasi – Modern career development is a journey that often involves various stages an individual needs to go through. These stages are the different steps that one has to take in order to progress in their professional life. They are not always linear, nor do they always follow a set pattern. However, understanding the basic structure of these stages can help individuals identify where they currently stand in their career and what they need to do to move forward. In this article, we will discuss the 6 stages of modern career development and what each stage entails.
The Traditional Career Development Model
Throughout history, one’s career path was relatively simple – you choose a profession, work for a company for an extended period of time, and retire with a gold watch. However, the traditional career development model became obsolete towards the end of the 20th century, as the market began to embrace technologies that were rapidly changing.
The traditional model consisted of six stages of career development that an individual must go through as they progressed in their profession. These stages were supposed to provide guidance and structure to an employee’s job progression. Here are the six stages of the traditional career development model:
1. Exploration
The exploration stage usually occurs in the early stages of an individual’s career. In this stage, individuals are commonly exploring which careers they want to pursue or what the ideal career path for them could be. At this stage, an individual will often lack focus and may not have a specific skill set. They will also likely have little to no professional work experience.
Exploration can take on several forms. One may obtain work experience through part-time jobs while trying out different careers or enrol in higher education or take additional classes to gain some needed skills. Networking and mentoring are also essential sources of information about possibilities and career paths available to explore.
2. Establishment
Once an individual has determined what career path they would like to take, the establishment stage is entered. In this stage, an individual will work on improving their skillset and gaining experience within their chosen field. Establishing a solid base foundation is crucial for the remaining stages.
During the establishment stage, a person may be looking for ways to get noticed by their supervisors or coworkers. They may also aim to increase productivity and build a solid reputation through exemplary work ethics. It is at this stage that an individual should focus on networking by engaging and establishing relationships with people outside of their department.
3. Advancement
In this stage, individuals build on an established foundation and begin to take on progressively higher positions at the organization. This might be in the form of taking on supervisory positions or taking on higher-level responsibilities within one’s department. Individuals at this stage also tend to spend more time working on special projects.
This stage is the culmination of all the hard work and contributions that the individual has done in the past stages in their careers. It is also an opportune moment for them to increase their network links both inside and outside the organization.
4. Maintenance
In the maintenance stage, an individual becomes an expert in their field, and hence companies value their contributions greatly. Therefore, instead of entirely focusing on advancing their careers, they are expected to mentor and guide others. It is also at this stage that the desire to pursue more work/life balance becomes prevalent.
An individual who has reached this level is essential in influencing the organization’s direction and is also an essential resource to the organization. This is the stage where the individual exercises the vast influence that they have gathered in their profession to coach and mentor others in their field
5. Decline
The decline stage represents a period when individuals decide to focus on other activities besides their current profession. It usually occurs because of various reasons such as illness, burnout, or retirement. When identifying that this period is likely to occur, an individual needs to plan for it to ensure that they transition smoothly out of the profession.
This stage is often the most challenging of the six stages as there is a feeling of loss of identity, established routines, and colleagues. One way to manage the possible negative effects of this stage is to explore new interests and pursue other activities that could provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment in life.
6. Redevelopment
This stage represents an opportunity for individuals to find passion in other activities outside of work. Structured properly, this stage could be a period of exploration and excitement as one embarks on a new phase of his life. Redevelopment could also be in the form of going back to school or starting a new business venture.
Overall, the six stages of the traditional career development model illustrates that there are several stages that employees must traverse to achieve their full potential in their professions. While the traditional model is outdated and has undergone modifications over the years, it still serves as a useful framework for navigating a successful career.
The Emergence of the Modern Career Development Model
Career development has come a long way from the traditional career trajectory where people stay in the same company for years, climb the corporate ladder, and retire with a gold watch. The 21st century brought with it new challenges, and the modern career development model emerged to address the shifting career landscape. The modern career development model recognizes that careers are not linear and can have different paths. In this article, we’ll explore the six stages of the modern career development model, and how they apply today.
Stage 1: Exploration and Self-Assessment
Career development is a process that is dynamic and requires an individual to move through various stages, from exploration to advancement. Exploration and Self-Assessment, being the first stage of career development is a vital determinant in the success of the entire career development process. In the exploration and self-assessment stage, individuals are required to identify their skills, interests, and values. This stage is critical as it helps them make informed career choices.
The exploration and self-assessment process begins with an individual looking inward in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Essentially, one has to know oneself before pursuing a career. This stage involves understanding oneself in great detail, including one’s values and goals. One way of going about self-assessment is through taking personality and career assessments. These assessments help individuals to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and skills. Through the results, individuals can then go ahead and explore careers that suit their personality, skills, and interests.
It is essential to note that exploring careers does not necessarily mean that an individual has to find an ideal job that matches all their interests and values. It is vital to identify realistic career options that would be fulfilling. With this approach, one is likely to find a career that fits their skill set, provides them with opportunities to advance in their jobs, and pays well. Engage in informational interviews and research various industries to see if it is something you would enjoy.
At this stage, one can consult with professional career coaches or mentors who can provide guidance through the process. These professionals help individuals identify their strengths and values, which can be used to guide them through decision-making during the career development process. It is essential to have a clear understanding of an individual’s skills and personality as it helps to align them with job opportunities that provide fulfillment. Effective self-assessment helps one understand their underlying abilities and experience, making it easier to explore various career options.
Ultimately, the exploration and self-assessment stage is a process that requires time and self-reflection. Professionals seeking career development must take time to consider their life goals and mission, which helps guide their career choices. For this reason, it is important to engage in self-reflection, journaling, and goal setting to ensure that they stay focused and motivated while exploring different career options. Through this process, individuals can develop a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, which helps them identify industries or professions in which they will be the most successful.
Exploration and Self-Assessment comprise the most important stage of career development. The stage lays the foundation for all the other stages that will follow in the career development process. It ensures that individuals have sufficient self-knowledge that will aid in making informed decisions about their careers. By taking time to explore various professions, understand their personality, and appreciate their strengths and weaknesses, individuals are in an excellent position to take advantage of opportunities that can contribute to success in their careers.
Stage 2: Clarification and Narrowing Options
After exploring various career options and conducting self-assessments, individuals reach stage 2 of modern career development, which is clarification and narrowing options. This stage is characterized by a more in-depth exploration and understanding of one’s likes, strengths, skills, and personality traits. Once individuals gain clarity about their goals and their interests, they can begin to narrow down their career options and focus on the ones that align with their aspirations.
The first step in clarification and narrowing options is to assess what individuals want in their careers. Some individuals might value job stability, while others might prefer a more dynamic work environment. Thus, it’s necessary to understand what options will fit their needs in the long term. The next step is to determine what kind of work the individual finds meaningful. They may ask themselves questions such as what industry they want to work in and what purpose or mission they want to serve. This will help to prioritize their options.
Additionally, individuals can utilize various sources of information to gain more insights and advice about specific careers. They can speak to professionals in their targeted industry, attend career expos and job fairs, and read up on industry research papers or magazines. Online tools can also help individuals find their career fit such as online surveys, career assessment tests, and webinars. These resources can provide information that highlights the pros and cons of different career options, including salary ranges, job outlooks, and required qualifications.
Another tool for clarification and narrowing down career options is to create a shortlist of preferred options. This list should ideally include at least three to five career options that an individual is most interested in pursuing. The list should be personalized to their strengths, skills, and aspirations. While creating a shortlist, individuals must critically evaluate each option by researching the corresponding job descriptions, skills required, and educational or experience requirements. This will help them to decide where to focus their efforts and which career path to pursue as they move forward.
Finally, individuals must assess their fit with their preferred career by performing a self-evaluation. They can ask themselves if they have the necessary skills, education, and experience to pursue their chosen career. This self-evaluation will help individuals determine whether their goals align with their intended career path. If there are gaps in their skills, knowledge, or experience, they can also seek further education, training, or mentorship opportunities that will get them closer to achieving their goals.
The clarification and narrowing options stage is vital in modern career development as it requires individuals to get in touch with their inner self and determine what they truly want from their careers. The process involved in this stage may take time, but the resulting clarity and focus will make it easier to create a roadmap for achieving career aspirations. By following this stage, individuals can focus on specific career paths that are aligned with their goals and aspirations, which leads to fulfilling and meaningful careers.
Stage 3: Choice and Commitment
In the previous stages, individuals gain awareness regarding their skills, strengths, and interests. Now, they are in a position to make choices regarding their career paths. Stage 3 of modern career development deals with the decision-making process and the commitment that comes with it.
During this stage, individuals explore the opportunities available to them and decide which ones align with their strengths and interests. At this point, it is common for people to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options out there. The decision-making process can be stressful, but it is a critical phase that can define the trajectory of an individual’s career.
The first step towards making a choice is to research various career options in detail. This involves gathering information about the responsibilities, skills required, work environment, salary, job market trends, and other relevant factors. This information can be obtained through online research, informational interviews, job shadowing, attending career fairs, or seeking guidance from a career counselor.
Once individuals have a clear understanding of their options, they need to evaluate them based on their personal preferences and goals. They must weigh the pros and cons of each option, considering factors such as interest, skills, values, location, work-life balance, and long-term career growth. This evaluation process requires individuals to prioritize their goals and be realistic about the opportunities available to them.
After careful evaluation, individuals can make an informed choice and commit to a career path. This requires setting specific career goals and creating a plan to achieve them. In today’s rapidly changing job market, it is essential to continuously learn and upskill in order to adapt to new job requirements and stay relevant in the industry. Individuals must take ownership of their own professional development and seek out opportunities to learn and grow.
Committing to a career path requires perseverance and resilience, as obstacles and challenges are inevitable. It is important for individuals to stay motivated, seek support from colleagues and mentors, and remain open to constructive feedback. Building a strong professional network can also be helpful in navigating challenges and advancing one’s career.
Individuals should keep in mind that their careers are not set in stone. As their interests and goals evolve, they can reassess their career choices and make adjustments accordingly. Additionally, opportunities may arise that they did not anticipate, and it is important to stay open to these possibilities.
Stage 3 of modern career development involves making informed choices and committing to a career path. Individuals must take charge of their own professional development, continuously learn and upskill, and stay motivated and resilient in the face of challenges. By setting clear career goals, creating a plan to achieve them, and staying open to new opportunities, individuals can build successful and fulfilling careers.
Stages 4: Growth
Stage 4 of modern career development is the growth stage, where individuals start to excel in their careers. At this point, employees have gained sufficient experience and knowledge, and they are confident about what they do. They start to seek new opportunities to test their skills and acquire new challenges that would keep them engaged and excited about their work. During this stage, employees have learned to embrace change and adapt easily to new environments and roles. They are self-driven, have a good work-life balance, and have developed relationships with colleagues and management.
Stages 5: Maintenance Phase.
Stage 5 of career development is the maintenance phase. Individuals in this stage have established themselves in their careers and have a dependable routine. They know what they want, and they are motivated to maintain it. At this point, employees have developed strong relationships with their colleagues and managers, and they enjoy their work environment. They have mastered their skills, which makes them more efficient in their work. During this stage, individuals generally prioritize stability over growth and are less willing to take risks or accept new challenges. They value job security, and they tend to resist change that could disrupt their routine.
Stages 6: Decline
Stage 6 is the final stage of career development – decline. Here we see individuals winding down their careers and preparing for their retirement. Employees in this stage are less involved in their work, and they tend to prioritize other activities such as family, hobbies, and travel. They have lost some of their passion for their work, and they may avoid new challenges or pushing themselves outside their comfort zone. The decline stage is an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their achievements and contributions to the industry and society. Some employees may choose to work part-time or shift to a less demanding role, while others may decide to retire completely and enjoy their retirement in their own way.
In conclusion, modern career development can be categorized into six stages, each with its unique characteristics and challenges. The initial three stages are exploration, establishment, and mid-career, where individuals seek to establish themselves in their careers, grow their skills and explore new opportunities. The last three stages are growth, maintenance, and decline, where employees have established their careers and are preparing for their retirement. Managing these stages effectively is critical for individuals to have a successful and fulfilling career.
