CAREER PROGRESSION IN THE SECTOR
Choosing the right career path can be challenging, and setting clear career goals and objectives is essential for advancing one's career. Today's professionals often change job titles, moving between various companies, teams, and industries throughout their careers. However, choosing the right career path can be challenging. So, how do you set the appropriate career goals?
One should set goals that reflect their short and long-term career aspirations and objectives. Within the MICT sector, there are three forms of career progression, and they are explained in detail below:
This often begins with an entry-level role such as working in animation as a production assistant, or as a recent graduate before undertaking further training.
This career path suits people who prefer a varied career over moving into management roles. It also enables people who enjoy working for a particular organisation, field or industry to maintain their interest and keep learning. Sometimes this career takes people out of the ICT area altogether as they find other activities that ignite their passions.
A detailed example may include alternative career options for animation. Experts in this Field are not confined to a single career choice. Animators may branch out into a field related to computers and connected networks where they design and build data communications networks. Alternatively, they could become creators of realistic illusions as VFX artists, where they develop computer-assisted crowds, creatures, and stunt doubles.
Career paths can vary greatly across industries and between individuals. For some employees, a career path can be a linear upward trajectory. For others, it may involve lateral moves to gain skills or even an apparent step back to explore a different pathway. While every employee’s journey will be unique, these examples of career pathing demonstrate some types of the paths that are available. For example, rising through the ranks in a large organisation’s marketing function might include the Following steps over years or decades:
- Marketer joins the organisation at the entry level in a generalist role.
- Lateral moves to brand marketing and social media.
- Coursework in data analytics and brand strategy.
- Promotion to team lead.
Promotion to executive team. - A Career pivot to coding
Another example is an entry-level web-development role where an individual may progress by:
- Mentorship and training around the company’s preferred tools.
- Associate-level role focusing on a specific functionality or tool (for instance, WordPress development).
- Increased responsibility for client projects.
- Training and coursework on additional coding languages
- Promotion to Full-stack developer.
- Product manager moving into a leadership role.
An established product manager looking to move into a leadership role might work closely with their manager to gain the skills needed to work at a higher level in the organisation.
While paths can diverge wildly based on individuals’ needs, it’s essential that organisations work closely with their employees to develop career paths that align with the employees’ expressed desires, strengths, and weaknesses. Regular check-ins and access to a range of training and growth opportunities will set individuals up for success in their career progression.
Many animators seek careers in the motion picture and film industry, but fields such as advertising and software publishing also offer lucrative career options. Additionally, animators who work as freelancers and independent artists enjoy greater flexibility in terms of the projects and clients they work with. However, individuals should become aware of the changing labour markets, as such information may help them to stay abreast of careers that are saturated or no longer a prerequisite in their chosen industry.
A detailed example may include alternative career options for animation. Experts in this Field are not confined to a single career choice. Animators may branch out into a field related to computers and connected networks where they design and build data communications networks. Alternatively, they could become creators of realistic illusions as VFX artists, where they develop computer-assisted crowds, creatures, and stunt doubles.
Planning your Career
You should consider factors beyond personal preferences.
What is the current demand for this Field? If the demand is low or entry is difficult, are you comfortable with the risk? What qualifications are required to enter the field? Will it require additional education or training?
How will selecting this option affect you and others in your life? Gather advice from friends, colleagues, and family members.
Consider potential outcomes and barriers for each of your
final options.
Now that you've identified your career options, develop an action plan to implement this decision. Identify specific, time-bound goals and steps to accomplish your plan. Set short-term goals to be achieved in one year or less) and long-term goals (to be achieved in one to five years).
- Specific - Identify your goal clearly and specifically.
- Measurable - Include clear criteria to determine progress and accomplishment.
- Attainable - The goal should have a 50% or greater chance of success.
- Relevant - The goal should important and relevant to you.
- Time-bound - Commit to a specific time frame.
It's important to be realistic about expectations and timelines. Write down specific steps to take to achieve your goals and help yourself stay organised.
Check them off as you complete them, but feel free to amend your career action plan as needed. Your goals and priorities may change, and that's perfectly okay.