Planning Career Goals: Direction for Project Professionals

Okay, let's talk about something that often gets put on the back burner in the fast-paced world of professional services: your career. We're so busy delivering for clients that we forget to deliver for ourselves. But here's the thing: a proactive, intentional approach to career development beats the pants off simply reacting to whatever comes your way.

Think about it. How many times have you seen talented project professionals drift from project to project, skill to skill, without a clear sense of where they're going? They're often highly capable, but their careers lack direction, and they become prime candidates for resource underutilization. Let’s break down how to take control and chart a course that gets you where you want to be.

1. Ditch the "Whatever Happens, Happens" Mentality

The first step is recognizing that your career isn't something that just happens to you. It’s not a lottery. It's a project, just like the ones you manage for your clients. And like any project, it requires planning, execution, and monitoring.

So, what does that look like in practice? It starts with self-assessment. What are you good at? What do you enjoy? What skills do you want to develop? Don’t just think about your current role; think about the future. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? Do you want to be a partner? A subject matter expert? A leader? Write it down. Get specific.

Once you have a sense of your goals, you can start to identify the gaps between where you are now and where you want to be. This is where the "intentional" part comes in. Instead of passively waiting for opportunities to fall into your lap, you actively seek them out.

Maybe it's volunteering for projects that will stretch your skills. Perhaps it's taking a course or certification to deepen your knowledge in a specific area. It could even be seeking out a mentor who can provide guidance and support. The key is to be deliberate in your actions, making choices that align with your overall career goals.

Far too often, I see consultants and project managers wait for their company to guide them, but in today’s services economy, most firms are running lean. If you aren't steering your ship, then don't be surprised when it ends up somewhere you didn't want to be.

2. Skill Up Strategically (and Track Your Progress)

Continuing education is crucial, but make sure you aren’t just chasing shiny objects. Tie your professional development to your overall goals. This is especially important when you're looking at ways to become more billable or improve your realization rate.

For example, if you want to move into a more strategic role, look for opportunities to develop your business acumen. Take a course on financial management, learn about different business models, or read books on leadership and strategy. If you are aiming to be a sought-after SME then laser focus on the key subject matter and seek certifications and deep knowledge.

Track your progress. Keep a record of the courses you've taken, the projects you've worked on, and the skills you've developed. This will not only help you stay motivated, but it will also be invaluable when it comes time for performance reviews or promotion discussions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of saying "I improved my project management skills," say "I successfully managed a $500,000 project, delivering it on time and under budget, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction."

Think about your billable vs. productive utilization. Are you spending too much time on non-billable activities? Look for ways to automate tasks, delegate responsibilities, or improve your time management skills. The more efficient you are, the more valuable you become to your organization. By taking this deliberate approach to building your skills, you increase your chances of being allocated to the right projects – and that combats resource underutilization.

3. Network (Even When You Don't Need To)

Networking isn't just for job seekers. It's a crucial part of career development, regardless of your current situation. Building relationships with people in your industry can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and help you stay ahead of the curve.

Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Don't just collect contacts; nurture those relationships. Reach out to people you admire, ask for advice, and offer your help whenever possible.

Networking can also help you identify potential mentors or sponsors. A mentor can provide guidance and support, while a sponsor can advocate for you within your organization. These relationships can be invaluable as you navigate your career.

Also, remember that networking isn't just about what you can get from others. It's also about what you can give. Share your knowledge, offer your expertise, and be a valuable resource to your network. The more you give, the more you'll receive in return. Networking should be a constant, ongoing effort, not something you only do when you're actively looking for a new job. You never know when a connection will lead to an unexpected opportunity. It might land you the perfect project or put you in touch with a future client.

In the end, career development is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, twists and turns. But by taking a proactive, intentional approach, you can increase your chances of reaching your goals and building a fulfilling career.

So, what steps will you take today to start steering your career in the right direction?

About Continuum

Continuum PSA, developed by CrossConcept, is a Professional Services Automation solution that helps SMBs optimize project delivery and resource management. For service delivery leaders struggling with resource underutilization, Continuum provides the tools to efficiently allocate resources to the right projects at the right time, maximizing billable hours and minimizing wasted time on the bench. With features like real-time resource availability, skills matching, and project forecasting, Continuum ensures that your most valuable assets – your people – are being used effectively and strategically. Request a demo today to learn how Continuum can help you optimize resource utilization and boost your bottom line.