Mastering Career Development: A Three-Phase Framework

Effective Career Development

Creating a development program almost always consists of three phases: the assessment phase, the direction phase, and the development phase. Although presented separately, in an actual program, the phases of development often blend together.

The Assessment Phase

The assessment phase of career development includes activities ranging from self-assessment to organizationally provided assessment. The goal of assessment, whether performed by employees themselves or by the organization, is to identify employees’ strengths and weaknesses. This kind of clarification helps employees:

• Choose a career that is realistically obtainable and a good fit.
• Determine the weaknesses they need to overcome to achieve their career goals.

Self-assessment is increasingly important for companies that want to empower their employees to take control of their careers. The major tools used for self-assessment are workbooks and workshops. In addition to the exercises included in a generic career workbook, tailored workbooks might contain a statement of the organization’s policies and procedures regarding career issues, as well as descriptions of the career paths and options available in the organization.

The Direction Phase

The direction phase of career development involves determining the type of career that employees want and the steps they must take to realize their career goals. Appropriate direction requires an accurate understanding of one’s current position. Unless the direction phase is based on a thorough assessment of the current situation, the goals and steps identified may be inappropriate.

The Development Phase

Meeting the requirements necessary to move up in an organization can require a great deal of growth and self-improvement. The development phase, which involves taking actions to create and increase skills to prepare for future job opportunities, is meant to foster this growth and self-improvement. The most common development programs offered by organizations are:

• Mentoring
• Coaching
• Job rotation
• Tuition assistance