In today’s dynamic job market, where nearly half of employees change jobs by age 24 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, taking control of your career path is more important than ever. Traditionally, career mapping was a tool used by employers to outline potential advancement opportunities for their employees. However, career mapping remains a valuable strategy for both employers and employees to not only chart internal promotion paths, but also to identify opportunities for skill development and increased employee engagement.
As the pace of digital innovation accelerates and the demand for highly skilled talent builds, gaps are becoming common – a report by the World Economic Forum estimates up to 50% of employees will need reskilling by 2025. That’s why Journeys Map is excited to soon launch their skills gap analysis tool to assist both employers and employees. This feature helps identify any discrepancies between an employee’s current skill set and the requirements of their desired future role. For organizations, Journeys Map will offer capabilities to create customized maps specific to their company structure. This allows employees to see how their skills and strengths profiles align with other positions within the company, potentially increasing retention rates and allowing for employees to explore new spaces.
What is Career Mapping and Why is it Important?
Career mapping, also known as career pathing, is the process of visualizing your professional journey. It involves identifying your current position, defining your long-term goals, and outlining the steps necessary to bridge the gap between the two. This roadmap provides a clear picture of your desired career trajectory, allowing you to avoid the pitfalls of:
- Career Complacency: Without a clear direction, it’s easy to fall into a routine and stagnate in your current role. Career mapping forces you to proactively seek out growth opportunities, keeping your skills sharp and your career on an upward trajectory. A study by LinkedIn found that 76% of professionals with career maps reported feeling more confident about their career direction.
- Missed Opportunities: The dynamic job market offers a wealth of potential opportunities, but they can be easy to miss if you’re not actively looking. Career mapping helps you identify skills that are in demand and positions that align with your goals, making you more likely to seize the right opportunities when they arise.
- Skill Gaps: The skills required for success are constantly evolving. Career mapping exposes any gaps between your current skill set and your desired future role, allowing you to take targeted action to bridge those gaps through training, education, or on-the-job experiences.
Crafting Your Personal Career Map: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to take charge of your career? Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your personal career map:
Bridge the Gap Between Your Starting Point and Your Destination:
- Specific Job Titles: Journeys Map empowers you to search by specific job title. This search delivers an in-depth understanding of the chosen career path. You’ll gain valuable insights into the: Skills and Qualifications Needed: Journeys Map equips you with a clear picture of the essential and desirable skills and qualifications for your target job title. This allows you to identify areas where you excel and any skill gaps you need to address.
- Training Programs and Educational Pursuits: Journeys Map recognizes the importance of continuous learning. The platform offers details about institutions and programs that align with your specific career goals. Whether you’re considering a formal degree program or a certificate course, Journeys Map helps you find the educational resources to bridge your skill gaps and enhance your qualifications.
Detail the Requirements: Don’t just list desired job titles; research the specific skills and experience required for each position using the information provided by Journeys Map. This will help you identify any skill gaps you need to address.
By taking the time to create your personal career map, you’ll gain clarity, purpose, and direction in your professional journey. Remember, your career is yours to own, so take charge and map your course to success with Journeys here to support you every step of the way.
To begin charting your course visit Journeys Map today!