Action Steps To Reaching Career Goals & Objectives

If you're feeling stuck and disengaged in your job, you're not alone. In a 2009 Conference Board report, only 45 percent of Americans were satisfied with their jobs. Employers aren't the only ones to blame, however. As Linda Barrington, managing director of human capital at the Conference Board, explained, employees also have to find ways to become more engaged in their jobs.

Assess Skills

Write down the types of skills you'd love to use on a daily basis in your job. Being more aware of your skills creates a compass to point you in the direction of your ideal career. Note any skills you think you have to improve or that you would like to acquire. However, keep in mind that you can make a dramatic career change without retraining, explains Richard Nelson Bolles, author of "What Color Is Your Parachute?"

Identify Ideal Job

Describe your ideal job in detail. Include daily responsibilities and the types of colleagues you would like to have. Outline the sort of company you want to work for, including features beyond the job, such as commute distance, onsite day care, flexible work arrangements, and the company's charitable or recreational interests. Keep this list pasted to your refrigerator or bulletin board in your home. See how well your company matches up to your list.

Continue Education

If you need to upgrade your skills or education, speak to your supervisor, a guidance counselor or someone in your chosen field to figure out the best courses to take. Review your company's career development offerings and sign up for the ones you need. Otherwise, research local college or university programs. Find out if your company will subsidize any of the costs.

Get Mentor

Whether you're trying to move up within your own company or searching for a company that meets the criteria on your ideal job list, a mentor can be invaluable. According to career coach Cecile Peterkin, a career mentor is very knowledgeable, can provide you with advice, and can introduce you to key people and professional organizations. Look for people in your chosen field whom you admireat your company or at another organization. You can also choose more than one mentor. List the main benefits you want to gain from the mentor and schedule a brief meeting to introduce yourself and discuss the relationship. Allow your prospective mentor time to mull over your proposal, advises Peterkin. Follow up a few days later.

Achieving your career goals requires dedication, persistence, hard work and time, but Bolles reassures that it is possible.