WHAT IS CAREER PATHING?
Career pathing refers to a long term plan or an ongoing process of setting and managing personal and professional goals to advance and shape one’s career overtime. It involves assessing your skills, interest, values and aspirations to make informed decisions about the direction you want your career to take. It can also be seen as a specific set of jobs that prepare you for upward growth in your industry.
They are of two categories; an organizational career path or a personal career path
An organizational career path (also known as a career ladder) is a career path that you create with your direct manager. The goal is to climb a career ladder within a company. A personal career path is one that you create for yourself. It’s based on a self-assessment of your skills, interests, hobbies, values, and passions. A personal career path can lay the foundation of your career without being restricted to one organization. With a personal career path, you have complete control of your career development.
Companies use career paths as a way to increase employee retention and engagement. Employees are more likely to stay with a company when a well-designed career path is in place. In a work environment like that, there’s always room for growth and employees are motivated to grow within a company. It gives them clear view of next steps to take to in their career including the skills and experience needed along the way.
BENEFITS/ADVANTAGES OF CAREER PATHING
- It increases employees productivity:
Planning a career path for employee allows them take charge of their careers which inspires them to work harder and smarter. Every task become more meaningful when it is working towards specific goals in their career path. It also helps employees avoid being stuck in a position with no possibility of progression.
- It gives employees sense of control:
More often times, working is beyond salaries and benefits. People seek professional or personal growth in every walk of their life which makes them want to learn new things and explore ideas. Career pathing allow employees drive the reins to success in their employment journey.
- It leads to Higher Employee Retention:
High turnover rates can impact an organization negatively. Offering employees opportunities for career growth such as a guide to determine next skills or experiences to qualify for new organizational positions contributes to better retention.
- Succession planning:
Transitions for senior managerial positions take a long time to be effective. With career pathing, eligible employees are set for success as they are being developed to replace outgoing executives.
Having career pathing procedures in place for its employees can help you prepare for the future by helping you identify which roles you may be suitable for at higher levels within the company. Identify what your potential path is with your current employer and align it with your personal goals, it is important to know exactly how you can achieve your goals with your organization.